The Xu Family Wants to Mend Relations

Lin Xiuran's life continued to follow the same three-point routine: Wu Zhangkong's lessons, meditating in the dormitory or undergoing Gu Yuena's special training, and the Forging Room.

Other than those three places and necessary meals, he rarely went anywhere else. He had barely even visited the Spirit Pagoda.

After becoming familiar with the usual affairs, there was no need for him, as a student, to remain at the Spirit Pagoda so often.

Forging, this secondary profession, was also something he had chosen himself. Originally, he would not have chosen it. But with Gu Yuena's subtle assistance, he was practically guaranteed to become a powerful Soul Master in the future, and that made the importance of Battle Armor stand out.

Four-Word Battle Armor could only be produced by Godsmiths. There might be Tang Wulin in the future as well. That alone showed just how rare they were, but they were also immensely powerful.

Moreover, Gu Yuena had been the one to suggest that he learn it. At level twenty, what Lin Xiuran could control was not merely the Fire Element. The Phoenix Bloodline had also granted him Phoenix Truefire. Yet with his current bloodline, it was difficult to use it for attacks. Using some of it for forging, however, was entirely possible.

Although Lin Xiuran's current forging level was not particularly high and he did not possess such great strength, the purification effect of Phoenix Truefire still allowed his forging to remain flawless.

More importantly, as long as he infused Phoenix Truefire during the forging process, strikes that should have only been at the Hundred Refinements level could raise the metal to the Thousand Refinements level—and make it even stronger than ordinary Thousand Refinements metal.

Furthermore, the items he forged were somewhat more special than those made by others. Whether in hardness or elemental resistance, they were superior.

Though his forging level was not especially high yet, Phoenix Truefire gave him an inevitable advantage on the path of a forger. Perhaps he might even have a chance to challenge the rank of Godsmith in the future.

Of course, that was all for later. He was still far from that level.

Another day passed after special training with Wu Zhangkong. Lin Xiuran had originally planned to return to the dormitory as usual. It was already quite late, and he still needed to meditate or undergo training from Gu Yuena.

"Xiuran, let's go eat together." Xie Xie was the first to invite him, his enthusiasm obvious.

He had always been like this. Over the past few days, Lin Xiuran's strength had been plain for all to see, and Xie Xie was sincerely convinced.

The others were also standing nearby, but when Xu Xiaoyan saw Lin Xiuran look over, she visibly lowered her head with a guilty expression.

Lin Xiuran fell silent for a moment before nodding. "Let's go."

Seeing that Lin Xiuran had agreed, Xie Xie secretly nodded at Xu Xiaoyan behind him and made an OK gesture.

They did not go far. Eastsea Academy itself was located in a prosperous area in the city center, with restaurants and food streets everywhere nearby.

They did not go to the food street. Xie Xie led them into a lavishly decorated restaurant and even booked a private room.

For a wealthy young master like Xie Xie, such expenses naturally amounted to nothing.

Lin Xiuran said nothing. Once they entered, they simply ordered food, had it served, and began eating.

"I-I need to use the restroom." Xie Xie suddenly clutched his stomach and ran out in an exaggerated fashion.

Tang Wulin also stood. "I'll go to the milk tea shop next door and buy a few cups."

As though afraid Lin Xiuran would not believe him, he added, "Theirs tastes better than the restaurant's. The flavor is really unique."

Guyue spoke at the same time. "I'll go too."

With the others leaving, only Lin Xiuran and Xu Xiaoyan remained in the room.

Lin Xiuran was not surprised in the slightest. From the very beginning, he had known that Xu Xiaoyan had arranged for the others to cooperate in this setup.

"Second Brother..."

Xu Xiaoyan's timid voice sounded pitiful and delicate.

But Lin Xiuran did not fall for it. He merely nodded faintly and continued eating without replying.

"I'm sorry, Second Brother," Xu Xiaoyan continued apologetically, as if she wanted to say something more.

Lin Xiuran raised a hand to stop her. Looking up at her, he let out a deep sigh. "The conflict between me and the Xu Family cannot be repaired. It's the same for anyone."

"And you're still young. There are many things you don't understand, and perhaps I can choose not to blame you. But some matters cannot be resolved so easily."

A chill stirred in his eyes. He had never intended to let Xu Junwen go. Though he had never met his mother, their bond of blood still existed. If he did not avenge her, how could he call himself human?

He was not like Huo Yuhao.

Lin Xiuran finally rose and headed outside. Yet when he reached the door, Xu Xiaoyan's small hand gently caught his sleeve.

"Let go. As long as you don't regard me as a member of the Xu Family anymore, perhaps we can still be classmates." Lin Xiuran left resolutely without looking back.

Yet Xu Xiaoyan seemed to understand something. A faint smile appeared on her face as she softly called out, "Can I call you Brother Xiuran?"

Although Lin Xiuran did not respond, Xu Xiaoyan truly felt a little better.

After Lin Xiuran left, the others indeed emerged as well and gathered around Xu Xiaoyan.

Xie Xie was impatient by nature and asked directly, "How did it go?"

Xu Xiaoyan nodded. "It had some effect, at least."

After the members of Zero Class learned that Xu Xiaoyan and Lin Xiuran had once been siblings but now had a terrible relationship, they had wanted to mend things between them. Xu Xiaoyan's account was what had led them to arrange this setup.

After all, they saw each other every day as classmates. They could not possibly keep going on like this forever.

But in truth, they did not understand many things very clearly—not even Xu Xiaoyan. She did not know that the father who had always loved her and seemed so gentle in her eyes had revealed a bloody butcher's blade to Lin Xiuran. She merely thought that they had some conflicts because they were not biological siblings. That was all.

Naturally, since the others in Zero Class had only heard Xu Xiaoyan's side, they did not know the truth either. Otherwise, they would never have helped her arrange this.

Lin Xiuran had thought today's matter was over. He had no desire whatsoever to mention the Xu Family. Every time he did, his mood grew heavy.

Whenever he thought of how his biological mother had been pursued and killed by people led by his adoptive father, his heart could not settle.

Then he thought of everything he had suffered over the years, and how he had once craved so-called love from the very family that had harmed his mother. It made him feel utterly pathetic.

Lost in these thoughts, he failed to notice the people along the road until a familiar voice rang by his ear.

"It's been a long time, Second Brother."

Xu Xiaoyu was not provocative. His voice was calm, seemingly carrying a trace of heaviness.

"I am not your second brother." Lin Xiuran replied coldly, showing him no courtesy.

Xu Xiaoyu nodded and sighed. "Lin Xiuran, I don't think there's any need for us to be like this now."

Lin Xiuran raised his eyes and glanced at him. "What? I no longer threaten your position, so you've come to curry favor with me?"