Marriage

The Lin Family's rear courtyard was generally considered an important area of the family, so ordinary people were not permitted to enter.

Inside one of the Great Halls in the rear courtyard, several figures sat in their seats. At the head was naturally Lin Zhentian, whose face still carried a trace of anger. Below him sat Lin Ken, Lin Xiao, Lin Mang, and other direct descendants of the Lin Family.

However, there was one additional person today: Lin Yan of the branch family. No one present had any objection to his arrival, because anyone with eyes could see that, after the Clan Competition, the potential displayed by the Lin Family Double Heroes was boundless.

Lin Yan, Lin Dong, and Qingtan sat beside Lin Xiao. Seeing that the atmosphere was less than pleasant, they all kept their mouths tightly shut.

"Lin Mang, you've certainly made a name for yourself today. As an elder, you actually attacked a junior. Are you trying to make our Lin Family unable to hold our heads up in Qingyang Town?" Lin Zhentian's gaze swept across everyone's faces before he slammed his palm heavily onto the table and shouted sternly.

"Father, I acted impulsively."

Lin Mang drew a deep breath and spoke in a low voice. First, Lin Hong's defeat at Lin Dong's hands had been difficult for him to accept. Then, the flame displayed by Lin Yan had stirred the greed in his heart. Blinded by rage and greed, he had committed such a foolish act.

"Father, Second Brother was indeed somewhat impulsive. There's no need for you to be overly angry," Lin Ken sighed. As the eldest brother, he had no choice but to speak up.

"Third Brother's injuries have healed, and his strength has returned to the Heavenly Origin Realm. This is a joyous occasion for our Lin Family. We should not lose our tempers."

Upon hearing this, Lin Zhentian's expression eased considerably. He looked at Lin Xiao, then suddenly snorted in dissatisfaction. "Your injuries could have healed long ago, but you were stubborn to the death."

Lin Xiao gave a bitter smile and nodded.

"But no matter what, it's good that you've pulled yourself together. Our Lin Family has quite a few businesses now, and we happen to be short on manpower. From now on, help manage them more. Don't just idle around all day," Lin Zhentian said.

"Yes." Lin Xiao hesitated for a moment before finally nodding. Now that his strength had recovered, it was indeed time for him to do something for the Lin Family.

Seeing that Lin Xiao did not refuse, Lin Zhentian nodded in satisfaction. After pondering for a moment, he said, "Flame Manor has been quite busy recently. You will oversee it more from now on. Lin Ken will assist you with the specific affairs."

The moment Lin Zhentian finished speaking, Lin Mang's face could not help twitching. The Lin Family had several businesses in and around Qingyang Town, but Flame Manor was the most important of them all. Its annual profits accounted for nearly half or even sixty percent of the entire Lin Family's income. Moreover, Flame Manor had always been under his management...

Though he was extremely displeased, Lin Mang did not dare oppose Lin Zhentian's decision. After all, he had only just angered Lin Zhentian.

Hearing that he was to take charge of Flame Manor, Lin Xiao was also stunned. He clearly knew how important this estate was to the Lin Family. After a brief hesitation, he nodded.

Having finished these arrangements, Lin Zhentian turned a kindly gaze toward Lin Yan and Lin Dong. Finally, he spoke to Lin Yan with a trace of apology. "Lin Mang was in the wrong today. I have already severely reprimanded him. Rest assured, Yan'er. Since you and Dong'er have become the Lin Family Double Heroes, nothing like this will ever happen in the family again.

"From today onward, all your treatment will be the same as that of the direct line. The family will also fully support the growth of you and Dong'er. The future hope of the family lies in the hands of you juniors."

At those words, Lin Yan immediately rose and replied respectfully, "Thank you for your concern, Grandfather. Please rest assured, I have not taken what happened earlier to heart. I will never forget the kindness the family has shown in raising me."

Although the Lin Family had not bestowed much kindness upon him—in fact, they had not even cared when the previous owner of this body died of illness—Lin Yan also understood that survival of the fittest was the law of this world. Thus, he did not resent the family too deeply. Furthermore, Lin Dong's family had given him a measure of familial warmth, which was why Lin Yan said those words.

Only then did Lin Zhentian smile and nod. He had originally been worried that, as someone from a branch family, Lin Yan would feel little sense of belonging toward the family. But seeing the humble and well-mannered youth before him, he felt greatly relieved.

"Yan'er and Dong'er both performed exceptionally well in this Clan Competition. You even gave me enormous surprises. Of course, no matter what secrets you carry, the family will not interfere too much. We only hope that you will grow stronger quickly.

"Since you two share first place in the Clan Competition, I will have the rewards for this competition delivered to you shortly. You may also browse through the family's Martial Arts Hall as you please. If there is anything you need, feel free to tell Grandfather. Strive to make another breakthrough before the Qingyang Town hunt, so that our Lin Family may bolster its prestige in Qingyang Town."

Hearing that Lin Zhentian would not inquire into their secrets, both Lin Yan and Lin Dong let out a sigh of relief. Lin Yan no longer had to worry about explaining the origin of his strange flame, while Lin Dong did not want to expose the existence of the Stone Talisman.

Then, upon hearing that they could freely browse the family's Martial Arts Hall, Lin Yan remained fairly calm. Lin Dong, who had been sitting quietly beside him, had his eyes light up almost instantly...

Not long after the Clan Competition ended, the small hill where Lin Dong's family lived became much livelier. From afternoon until now, quite a few people had come one after another to offer their congratulations. Everyone understood that, with the rise of the Lin Family Double Heroes and Lin Xiao's close relationship with Lin Yan, the third branch would surely become one of the Lin Family's core branches once more. Their status would be far from low.

Lin Xiao had Liu Yan properly receive those who came to congratulate them before seeing them off.

Inside the room, the family of four, along with Lin Yan—the half-outsider—gathered once more for dinner. The smile on Liu Yan's face had not faded since earlier. She did not truly care about wealth and status. What she cared about was her husband and two children living happily and peacefully.

Now, Lin Xiao and Lin Dong had regained their footing in the family, and little Qingtan had someone to whom she could entrust her life. For a mother, there was nothing more joyful than this.

"Dong'er, Body Tempering Level Seven, the Ninth Resonance Tongbei Fist at a mastery not the least bit inferior to Lin Hong's Eight Desolations Palm, and even the unheard-of Tenth Resonance of Tongbei Fist... That kind of progress is truly terrifying.

"And Yan'er, your progress is no less remarkable than Dong'er's. As for that mysterious flame of yours, I've never heard of anything like it either. You two brats really don't take me seriously, do you? You've hidden so much from me..." While eating, Lin Xiao suddenly set down his bowl and chopsticks. Even now, he was still filled with immense shock and doubt. Now that he had the leisure, he asked with a half-smile.

At Lin Xiao's words, Lin Yan, who had just enjoyed a hearty meal, froze. Beside him, one of Lin Dong's hands beneath the table could not help trembling. So it had finally come.

Seeing this, Lin Yan and Lin Dong exchanged glances, each discovering the same bitterness in the other's eyes.

At that moment, Qingtan, who had been quietly eating, noticed the strange atmosphere. She suddenly interrupted with a giggle, "All right, Father. Brother Lin Yan and Brother Lin Dong finally both took first place. It's a good thing, so why make it so serious?

"Even Grandfather said he would not ask about it. Why do you insist on digging deeper, Father? Isn't it a good thing that my two brothers possess such abilities?"

Lin Xiao was first taken aback, then affectionately rubbed the girl's head and laughed. "You clever little rascal, you already know how to make excuses for your brothers.

"But since Father has spoken, I will not ask any further. You have your own secrets, and while that is likely a good thing, remember not to lose yourselves. Only a warrior's heart of true strength can climb the supreme peak of martial arts."

Hearing Lin Xiao's instruction, Lin Yan and Lin Dong both nodded solemnly. They naturally understood that a powerful martial heart was the most important thing. Otherwise, no number of fortuitous encounters would amount to anything.

They quietly sighed in relief as well. It was good that Lin Xiao had not pressed further; otherwise, it would truly have been difficult to explain.

Seeing her two brothers relax, Qingtan smiled, revealing a tiny dimple. Liu Yan, seated nearby, suddenly placed some food into Lin Yan's bowl. Then she looked at him kindly and smiled. "Yan'er, what do you think of my Qingtan?"

Lin Yan froze at once. He then realized something, and his expression became somewhat unnatural. After living two lives, this was the first time he had encountered such a situation.

Steadying himself, Lin Yan turned to look at Qingtan's blushing little face and smiled. "Qingtan is naturally wonderful. I doubt there is another girl in all of Qingyang Town like her."

Hearing Lin Yan praise her so openly, how could the still-innocent Qingtan bear it? Her little face flushed even redder, and she lowered her head further. Yet it was faintly apparent that the girl was exceedingly happy.

Seeing this scene, Lin Xiao and his wife, along with Lin Dong beside them, smiled knowingly. Since both sides were willing, nothing could be better. Though they were somewhat reluctant, a girl would eventually have to marry. And from what they had observed, Lin Yan was undoubtedly the most suitable choice.

At this moment, Liu Yan looked toward Lin Xiao. When it came to a matter as important as marriage, it was still more appropriate for the head of the household to speak.

Seeing Liu Yan's look, Lin Xiao naturally understood her meaning after all these years as husband and wife. After pondering for a moment, his expression turned serious as he solemnly spoke to the Black-Clothed Youth seated not far before him.

"Yan'er, although little Qingtan is not the biological daughter of my wife and me, she was raised alongside Dong'er from childhood. She may not be our flesh and blood, but she is no different from our own daughter. I have always treated her as such.

"Qingtan is fourteen now. Though we are extremely reluctant, a girl must eventually marry and become a wife. Today, my wife and I entrust her to you. We hope that you will treat her well in the future and never disappoint the hopes that I and your Aunt Liu Yan have for you. Yan'er, are you willing?"

At these words, Qingtan, who had been bashfully shy just moments ago, immediately grew sorrowful. She threw herself into Liu Yan's arms, her eyes reddening.

Though they were her adoptive parents, Qingtan had always regarded Lin Xiao and Liu Yan as her own flesh and blood. A marriage arranged by one's parents and matchmakers was only natural. She was not particularly opposed to Lin Xiao and Liu Yan betrothing her to Lin Yan. Compared to Lin Hong, Lin Yan was ten thousand times better. Yet the thought of leaving her parents from then on still filled her with deep reluctance.

But unexpectedly, Lin Yan gently shook his head.

At once, the girl's face turned deathly pale. There was no doubt that she had feelings for the boy as well. With her parents betrothing her to him, that fondness had already begun to transform into love. But Lin Yan's shake of the head sent Qingtan into panic and fear, the terror of having been abandoned as a child once again flooding her heart.

Seeing the change in Qingtan's expression, Lin Dong's face immediately darkened. He had always treasured Qingtan like the apple of his eye. Even if the world were about to be destroyed, he would rather she be the one to survive than himself.

Yet now, when his sister had finally found a good match, Lin Yan had mercilessly rejected her to her face. The fury within Lin Dong erupted like a volcano, no longer capable of being restrained. Even though he held Lin Yan in high regard, even though they were both among the Lin Family Double Heroes, Lin Dong was prepared to fight him to the death!

For a moment, the warm and sweet atmosphere became tense as drawn swords...

Just as Lin Xiao and Liu Yan were confused, the girl stood pale and helpless, and Lin Dong glared coldly at Lin Yan, ready to make a move, Lin Yan's next words abruptly reversed the tense atmosphere.

"Uncle, since you are willing to entrust Qingtan to me, I am naturally more than willing. Little Qingtan is beautiful and adorable. To marry her as my wife would be a blessing I cultivated in my previous life.

"But how can a true man accept Uncle and Auntie's trust empty-handed? Besides, Little Qingtan's suffering from her cold energy outbreaks has yet to be resolved. As a man, how can I simply turn a blind eye to it?

"When I resolve Little Qingtan's suffering from those cold energy outbreaks in the future, I will personally come to Uncle to ask for her hand!"

Lin Yan was an exceptionally principled person. In his previous life, even getting married required a car, a house, and an enormous bride price. To accept Lin Xiao and Liu Yan's trust empty-handed like this made him feel that he was letting Qingtan down. Since she was his woman, he had to use everything he had to cherish her.

Thus, Lin Yan did not intend to simply accept Lin Xiao and Liu Yan's arrangement so easily. Instead, he planned to wait until he obtained the Extreme Fiend Yin Dragon Saliva and helped Qingtan solve the problem of her Fiend Devil Body before personally coming to ask for her hand in marriage.

Hearing Lin Yan's words, Qingtan let out a startled cry. Then an overwhelming surge of emotion rose in her heart. For more than ten years, she had endured the agony of cold energy outbreaks. Lin Yan's words undoubtedly gave her hope. Looking at the determination in the boy's eyes, a trace of sweetness also slowly flowed through her heart, and her earlier panic vanished completely.

Upon hearing this, Lin Dong's anger also disappeared. At the same time, he felt happy for Qingtan. Lin Yan truly had not disappointed him.

Lin Xiao burst into laughter. "Good! As expected of the son-in-law I, Lin Xiao, have taken a liking to. You truly have not disappointed me.

"Since you possess such determination, then I agree. When you have resolved Qingtan's suffering from her cold energy outbreaks, I will personally entrust Qingtan to you!"