Family's Cold Glances, Crisis of Expulsion

The night wind grew cooler, rustling through the weeds in the dilapidated courtyard, making a sibilant sound like whispered secrets.

Wang Teng and Su Qingyao departed with their own complex emotions, and the peeping eyes around them also dispersed. The small courtyard returned to its usual silent stillness. Yet, beneath this quietude, currents were surging. The brief but intense conflict just moments ago, and Lin Chen's earth-shattering declaration of "divorce," were destined to stir considerable ripples within the Lin Family.

Lin Chen stood still in the courtyard. The moonlight stretched his slender figure long, casting a shadow on his slightly pale but now exceptionally calm face.

He didn't immediately return to his cultivation state.

He had clashed head-on with Wang Teng just now. Although he had forced the other party back, he himself had also absorbed a significant impact. The gulf between the second and fifth layers of the Body Tempering Realm was not something that could be fully bridged by a momentary burst of power. At this moment, his right arm still ached faintly, and the qi and blood within his body felt somewhat turbulent and unstable.

More importantly, his state of mind, after experiencing such dramatic highs and lows, needed time to settle.

The shackles of the broken engagement had been severed by his own hands. While it was a release, it also meant he was completely severed from his past. From this day forward, within the Lin Family, and even throughout Qingyang Town, he would be an even more isolated and helpless existence. The goodwill from the Su Family had vanished, and he had made a mortal enemy of the Wang Family.

And what about within the Lin Family itself?

Recalling the arrogance and high-handedness of Lin Bao and others during the day, recalling the "tacit understanding" that allowed Su Qingyao and Wang Teng to barge in late at night without anyone stopping them, and then recalling the schadenfreude and contemptuous glances from the surrounding Lin Family members… Lin Chen's heart turned to ice.

This place that had given him birth and raised him no longer had a place for him.

So-called family, so-called kinship, appeared so pale and powerless in the face of absolute interest and cruel reality.

"Expel the crisis…" Lin Chen softly chewed on these four words, his eyes sharp as a falcon's. "Seven days! Only seven days left!"

The family test seven days later was not just a simple matter of deciding his fate; it was a test of life and death!

Given the killing intent Wang Teng had displayed today, and his influence within the Lin Family (with the Wang Family behind him openly colluding with the Great Elder of the Lin Family), if he performed poorly in the test, or even if he barely passed but was still seen as a "threat," he feared what awaited him would be far more than just being expelled from the family!

Wang Teng's words, "reduce to ashes," were by no means empty threats!

Strength!

In the final analysis, it was still strength!

In this world where the strong reigned supreme, without power, one could only be slaughtered like a lamb, without even the right to control their own destiny!

Lin Chen slowly clenched his fists, feeling the true qi flowing within him, though still weak, it was real. He felt the mysterious and powerful "Myriad Dao Furnace" in his dantian's sea of qi, and an unprecedented firm will filled his heart.

He was no longer the genius who could only endure silently three years ago, nor was he the waste who could only struggle in despair for the past three years!

He was now Lin Chen, who possessed the Myriad Dao Furnace!

He would use these seven days to improve himself madly! He would not only pass the family test but also rise powerfully in a way that would make everyone gasp in astonishment! He would make those who had once looked down on him and trampled him pay the price!

The thoughts in his mind were like a prairie fire, instantly dispelling the fatigue and turbulent qi and blood from the conflict just now. Lin Chen's eyes became fiery again, and he turned his gaze back to the pile of inconspicuous medicinal dregs in the corner.

That was his only hope for rapidly increasing his strength at the moment!

Without the slightest hesitation, Lin Chen sat down cross-legged again, cast aside all distracting thoughts, and sank his consciousness into his dantian, communicating with the Myriad Dao Furnace.

He reached out and grabbed a handful of medicinal dregs. This time, instead of trying them piece by piece, he scooped up a handful!

Buzz!

As if sensing its master's determination, the Myriad Dao Furnace flashed with a faint black light, and a suction force, stronger than before, instantly enveloped the handful of medicinal dregs in Lin Chen's hand!

Chichichi—

Visibly, the handful of scorched, dry, and hard medicinal dregs quickly turned grayish-white and powdered. The impurities and useless components within were refined and stripped away by the furnace at an even faster rate, leaving behind streams of pure medicinal energy, slightly more concentrated than before, which continuously flowed into Lin Chen's meridians!

A warm current spread throughout his body again!

Lin Chen clearly felt that the bottleneck of his Body Tempering Realm second layer cultivation was being constantly impacted and loosened by this pure medicinal energy! The vortex of qi in his dantian spun faster and faster, and its color seemed to become more solidified!

Effective! And more efficient!

Lin Chen's heart settled, and he immediately devoted himself wholeheartedly to the refining endeavor.

Handful after handful of medicinal dregs were grabbed by him, only to quickly turn into flying ash.

In the small courtyard, apart from the mournful cry of the night wind, there was only the barely audible "chichi" sound of the medicinal dregs being refined, and Lin Chen's breathing, which gradually became longer and more powerful.

Time flowed by quietly in this monotonous yet hopeful refining process.

After an unknown amount of time, when Lin Chen had refined nearly a hundred jin of medicinal dregs and felt that the true qi within him had reached a critical point, the barrier of the Body Tempering Realm Double Layer Middle Stage was about to be broken—

A clearer, more urgent sound of footsteps, accompanied by a sharp, distinctly displeased voice, once again shattered the courtyard's tranquility.

"Hmph! How unlucky! Having to come to this godforsaken place in the middle of the night!"

"The Family Head too, is it worth wasting breath on a good-for-nothing? In my opinion, just beat him out with sticks seven days from now!"

The footsteps stopped at the courtyard entrance.

Lin Chen frowned slightly and withdrew from his cultivation state. He sensed that the people who had arrived this time had a more stable aura than Lin Bao and Wang Teng before them; their status seemed higher.

He looked up and saw a middle-aged man standing at the courtyard entrance, wearing a gray silk long gown and a small cap. The man was of medium build with an ordinary face, but his triangular eyes darted around, exuding shrewdness and snobbery. His chin was slightly raised, and as he looked at the courtyard environment, he didn't hide the disdain and contempt in his eyes.

Lin Chen recognized this person: the Lin Family's head steward, Liu Fu.

Liu Fu held a not-low position in the Lin Family, managing many of the family's internal affairs, especially responsible for the allocation of resources in various courtyards and the dispatch of servants. He was the most obsequious and opportunistic person, bowing and scraping to those of the Great Elder's faction. For collateral descendants like Lin Chen who had fallen out of favor, he was always cold and distant.

Behind Liu Fu followed two burly, arrogant-looking household guards, clearly there to bolster his presence.

"Lin Chen!" Liu Fu called out in a high-pitched, business-like, cold tone, as if he were calling an object, not a person. "The Family Head has ordered you to go see him immediately!"

The Family Head?

Lin Chen's heart stirred slightly.

Lin Xiaotian, the Patriarch of the Lin Family, was a renowned expert in Qingyang Town, rumored to have reached the Foundation Establishment Realm. He usually kept to himself, dedicating his time to cultivation, and left most family affairs to the elders. When Lin Chen had his accident three years ago, Lin Xiaotian had paid attention, but ultimately could only shake his head in helplessness and did not intervene further.

At this moment, the Patriarch suddenly wanted to see him? Was it because of Miss Su's annulment of the engagement? Or because of his conflict with Wang Teng?

Lin Chen stood up, brushed the dust off his clothes, and looked calmly at Liu Fu. "Steward Liu, do you know why the Patriarch has summoned me?"

Liu Fu rolled his triangular eyes and said with a fake smile, "How could we servants possibly fathom the Patriarch's thoughts? Lin Chen, you should hurry and come with me. Don't keep the Patriarch waiting!"

Although his tone was polite, the contempt and impatience in his eyes were unmistakable. It was as if Lin Chen asking another question was wasting his precious time.

Lin Chen didn't ask further. He knew he wouldn't get any useful information from a snobbish person like Liu Fu. Moreover, he had no reason to refuse the Patriarch's summons.

"Alright, I'll go with you," Lin Chen nodded calmly.

Seeing Lin Chen so "cooperative," a flicker of surprise flashed in Liu Fu's eyes. He quickly regained his arrogance, snorted, and turned to leave, as if staying another second would taint his status.

Lin Chen followed leisurely. The two house guards "escorted" him, one on each side. It was less of an escort and more of a surveillance, their eyes filled with vigilance and disdain.

After passing through several quiet corridors and winding around several rock gardens, Lin Chen was brought to the outside of a brightly lit hall in the core area of the Lin Family.

This was the Lin Family's council hall, a place only high-ranking family members were qualified to enter.

At this moment, the hall was brilliantly lit, and the sound of people talking could be faintly heard from within.

Liu Fu stopped and said to Lin Chen, "Wait here. I'll go in and announce you first." After that, he tidied his clothes, put on a fawning smile, and carefully pushed open the door to enter.

Lin Chen stood outside the door, the night wind blowing his clothes, bringing a hint of coolness. He could feel several powerful auras within the hall. One of them was the most profound and heavy, likely belonging to Patriarch Lin Xiaotian.

The other auras carried varying degrees of pressure and scrutiny. One of them was cold and sharp, making Lin Chen instinctively uncomfortable—that was the aura of the Great Elder, Lin Zhenhong!

Lin Bao's grandfather, and also the hardliner who had always advocated for expelling him from the family!

It seemed this so-called "summons" tonight was not as simple as it appeared.

Lin Chen sneered inwardly, but his expression remained as calm as still water. He would deal with whatever came his way. He wanted to see what tricks these people were planning.

Not long after, Liu Fu emerged from the hall. The fawning smile on his face had vanished, replaced by solemnity and indifference.

"Lin Chen, you can go in. Remember, be cautious and prudent in front of the Patriarch and the elders. Don't lose your composure!" he said in a warning tone, as if Lin Chen were an ignorant child.

Lin Chen ignored him, took a deep breath, adjusted his breathing, pushed open the heavy wooden door, and stepped into the council hall.

The interior of the hall was extremely spacious, decorated in an ancient and imposing style. Seated in the main position at the very front was a stern-looking middle-aged man exuding an aura of authority. He wore a purple brocade robe, and his eyes flashed with sharp light as they opened and closed. This was the Lin Family Patriarch, Lin Xiaotian.

On either side of Lin Xiaotian sat three elders, all with steady auras, clearly high-ranking elders of the Lin Family.

Among them, seated first on the left, was an old man with white hair and beard, a sinister expression, a hooked nose, and eyes as sharp as knives, occasionally flashing with a cold glint. This was the Great Elder of the Lin Family, Lin Zhenhong. He was also Lin Bao's paternal grandfather, holding immense power in the Lin Family, almost rivaling the Patriarch.

Upon seeing Lin Chen enter, a clear look of disgust and disdain flashed in Lin Zhenhong's eyes.

The other two elders, the Second Elder Lin Zhenshan and the Third Elder Lin Zhenyue, had different expressions. The Second Elder appeared calm, seemingly unconcerned with the current events, while the Third Elder frowned slightly, looking at Lin Chen with a mixture of scrutiny and doubt.

Several people were standing in the center of the hall. Among them was Lin Bao, who had been taught a lesson by Lin Chen earlier that day! He stood behind the Great Elder Lin Zhenhong with a wronged and furious expression, his gaze towards Lin Chen filled with malice.

Beside Lin Bao stood a young man dressed in luxurious clothes with an arrogant demeanor. This was the Young Master Wang of the Wang Family, Wang Teng, who had just left!

Why was he here?!

Lin Chen's pupils contracted slightly, and he instantly understood.

This was not a summons from the Patriarch at all, but a… trial targeting him! Or rather, a banquet orchestrated by the Great Elder and the Wang Family, an attempt to push him into the abyss!

"Lin Chen, do you know your crime?!"

As soon as Lin Chen stood still, before he could even bow, a stern, thunderous shout erupted in the hall!

The one who questioned him was none other than the Patriarch Lin Xiaotian, seated in the main position!

His gaze was like lightning, locked onto Lin Chen, his face filled with undisguised anger and disappointment.

Lin Chen's heart tightened, but he remained neither servile nor overbearing. He bowed slightly. "Lin Chen greets the Patriarch and all the elders. May I know what crime I have committed?"

"Hmph! Still trying to quibble!" Before Lin Xiaotian could speak, the Great Elder Lin Zhenhong slammed the table and reprimanded sharply, "Lin Chen! As a disciple of the Lin Family, you are a disgrace for your lack of progress and wasted cultivation! Today, you have become utterly audacious. First, you wantonly beat fellow disciple Lin Bao, causing him injury! Then, at night, you openly defied and insulted Miss Su of the Su Family, who came to break off the engagement, and even fought with the virtuous nephew Wang, who came to mediate! Each and every one of these acts corrupts our Lin Family's reputation and damages our Lin Family's honor! What else do you have to say?!"

Lin Zhenhong's voice was loud and righteous, as if Lin Chen had committed the most heinous crimes.

Lin Bao behind him immediately cooperated by putting on a pained expression, pointing at Lin Chen and accusing, "Patriarch, Great Elder! Lin Chen was jealous of my higher cultivation and deliberately provoked trouble, attacking ruthlessly and nearly crippling my leg! I ask the Patriarch and elders to deliver justice for me!"

Wang Teng also stepped forward, cupped his hands towards Lin Xiaotian and the elders, adopting the posture of a victim. "Patriarch Lin, esteemed elders, this junior meant well. Seeing Miss Su come to break off the engagement, I feared my virtuous junior Lin Chen might act rashly, so I accompanied her to persuade him. Who knew Lin Chen would not only refuse my good intentions but also speak harshly, insulting Miss Su, and even verbally abuse me, and then attack me! If this junior were not fortunate enough to possess some skill, I might have also fallen victim to his wicked hands! Such a heartless and vicious individual is truly a scourge upon Qingyang Town!"

The two of them sang in harmony, distorting the truth and shifting all the blame onto Lin Chen, portraying themselves as innocent victims.

The atmosphere in the hall instantly became incredibly oppressive.

The elders' gazes were all focused on Lin Chen, filled with scrutiny, suspicion, and even undisguised disgust.

Lin Xiaotian's face was ashen, clearly displeased with Lin Chen's performance. He had harbored a sliver of pity and hope for this once-promising descendant, but upon hearing Wang Teng and Lin Bao's "testimony," especially concerning the damage to the family's reputation and the conflict with the Wang Family, his anger was ignited.

"Lin Chen!" Lin Xiaotian's voice was icy. "Are their words true?"

Lin Chen met everyone's gaze, his back straight, his face devoid of any panic. He simply spoke calmly, "Reporting to the Patriarch. Lin Bao provoked me first. I acted in self-defense and stopped at an appropriate point, not injuring his bones. As for Miss Su…"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Wang Teng's hypocritical face, a mocking smile forming on his lips. "She met with Young Master Wang privately in my courtyard late at night, spoke harshly, and acted arrogantly, coming to break off the engagement. Although I, Lin Chen, am considered a cripple, I still have some backbone and do not wish to endure such humiliation. Therefore, I voluntarily proposed to dissolve the engagement. Where is the fault in that? As for Young Master Wang…"

Lin Chen looked directly at Wang Teng, his eyes sharp as swords. "He sought to defend his beloved and attacked me with lethal intent. I fought back in self-preservation! If it weren't for my consideration of the Lin Family's reputation, would he still be standing here speaking so calmly right now?"

His tone was calm, yet it carried an undeniable assertiveness!

He did not elaborate on the details but simply stated the core facts, attributing all his actions to "self-defense" and upholding his "backbone"!

These words landed with a resounding impact, causing not only Lin Bao and Wang Teng to change their expressions, but also eliciting a flicker of surprise in the eyes of several elders and the family head, Lin Xiaotian.

They hadn't expected that facing such a formidable situation, this young man, whom they had dismissed as trash, could remain so composed and articulate, even exuding a hint of… pride?

"Utter nonsense!" Lin Zhenhong slammed the table again, his voice filled with anger. "You dare to be defiant even when facing death! Self-defense? Backbone? You, a mere waste who can't even reach the first layer of Body Tempering, what do you have to defend yourself with? What makes you talk about backbone?! I believe you're simply harboring resentment and seeking revenge!"

He turned to Lin Xiaotian, cupping his hands. "Family Head! This child is incorrigible and malicious. Keeping him in the family will surely bring disaster sooner or later! Moreover, he has now offended the Su and Wang families, severely damaging the Lin family's interests! According to clan rules, anyone who corrupts family honor and harms family interests should have their cultivation abolished and be expelled from the family! This serves as a warning to others!"

"Abolish cultivation? Expel from the family?" Lin Chen scoffed inwardly upon hearing this.

So, this was their ultimate goal!

What excuse is needed to condemn someone?

A glint of satisfaction flashed in Wang Teng's eyes. This was the outcome he desired! Once Lin Chen was expelled from the Lin family and lost the family's protection, wouldn't he be able to twist him around his finger as he pleased?

Lin Xiaotian's brow furrowed, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest as if weighing the pros and cons.

Abolishing cultivation and expelling from the family was the most severe punishment for any family disciple, practically a death sentence. Lin Chen was, after all, of Lin family blood, and once a highly anticipated genius…

However, as the Great Elder had said, he had now offended the Su and Wang families, especially the Wang family, with whom the Lin family had deep-rooted connections. If they were to fall out with them because of this, it would indeed be detrimental to the Lin family. Furthermore, a waste who couldn't cultivate was indeed just a burden, even a disgrace, to the family…

Just as the atmosphere in the hall grew heavy and Lin Xiaotian was about to make a decision, the Third Elder, Lin Zhenyue, who had been silent, suddenly spoke.

"Family Head, Great Elder, perhaps this matter… is still open for discussion?" Lin Zhenyue said slowly. "While Lin Chen has made mistakes, he is young and spirited. Moreover, the family test is only seven days away, and according to clan rules, he will be judged then. Is it not… too hasty to impose such a severe punishment now?"

The Third Elder, Lin Zhenyue, was in charge of punishments within the family and was known for his fairness. He had always been at odds with the Great Elder. Although he was also disappointed in Lin Chen, he did not agree with such a harsh immediate action.

Lin Zhenhong snorted, "Third Elder, your words are mistaken! Clan rules are clan rules, but his actions today have severely crossed the line! If he is not severely punished, how can we command respect? How can we account to the Wang family?"

He deliberately mentioned the Wang family, applying pressure on Lin Xiaotian.

Wang Teng also chimed in at the opportune moment. "Family Head Lin, this junior does not intend to force your hand. However, Lin Chen's actions have indeed caused great distress to Miss Su and have also chilled this junior. If the Lin family cannot provide a fair resolution, this junior… will find it difficult to explain to my father."

Threats! Naked threats!

Lin Xiaotian's expression grew even more grim.

He glanced at the expressionless Lin Chen, then at the aggressive Lin Zhenhong and Wang Teng, feeling utterly vexed.

Just then, Lin Chen suddenly chuckled.

His laughter wasn't loud, but in the stifling hall, it sounded exceptionally clear, even a bit jarring.

"What are you laughing at?!" Lin Zhenhong glared at Lin Chen. "Facing death, and you can still laugh?!"

Lin Chen stopped laughing, his gaze calmly sweeping over everyone present, and he slowly spoke, "I'm laughing… because you all seem a bit too eager."

"The Great Elder repeatedly claims I've corrupted family honor and harmed family interests, demanding my cultivation be abolished and I be expelled from the family."

"Young Master Wang is also eager for me to pay the price."

"The Family Head seems to be weighing whether to preserve the dignity of a 'waste' or to maintain 'interests' with the Wang family."

His voice wasn't loud, but each word was distinct, like an invisible blade slicing through the hypocritical veil of everyone's hearts.

"But," Lin Chen's tone shifted, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes, "on what grounds do you assume that seven days from now, I, Lin Chen, will definitely fail the family test? On what grounds do you assume that I, Lin Chen, am the 'waste' who can be sacrificed at will?!"

"Is it because I haven't been able to cultivate for the past three years?"

"Or is it because of your… deeply ingrained prejudice against me?!"

By the end, his voice rose sharply, carrying three years of suppressed unwillingness and anger!

These words sent a shockwave through everyone in the hall!

Lin Xiaotian suddenly looked up, a flicker of astonishment in his eyes.

Lin Zhenhong's expression changed, and he sternly rebuked, "Lin Chen! Stop your nonsense! Your meridians being blocked is a well-known fact! Do you still delusionally expect a miracle within seven days? You're simply dreaming!"

"Whether it's a dream or not, it will be clear seven days from now!" Lin Chen stood tall and proud, his gaze burning as he looked directly at Lin Xiaotian. "Family Head! Lin Chen implores you to give me seven days! At the family test seven days later, if I, Lin Chen, cannot reach the third layer of Body Tempering, you won't need the elders to act; I will abolish my own cultivation and leave the Lin family!"

"But! If I can pass the test…" Lin Chen's voice was sonorous and powerful, echoing through the hall, "I hope that today's matter can be put to rest! From now on, we shall mind our own business!"

He wasn't asking for fairness; he just wanted a chance to prove himself! A chance to escape the current crisis!

These words were filled with confidence, even with a hint of… defiance!

Everyone was stunned by Lin Chen's sudden "bold declaration"!

A universally acknowledged 'waste' dared to make such a pledge? On what grounds? Where did he get such confidence?

Lin Zhenhong was taken aback at first, then burst into laughter, his laughter filled with mockery. "Good! Good! Good! What a bold claim! Body Tempering Realm Triple Layer? Lin Chen, you must be dreaming! Since you're seeking your own demise, I shall oblige you!"

He turned to Lin Xiaotian. "Family Head! Since he has made his own pledge, why shouldn't we grant him his wish? That way, no one can say our Lin family didn't give him a chance!"

A mocking glint also flashed in Wang Teng's eyes. Body Tempering Realm Triple Layer? Seven days? It was simply a fantasy! He couldn't wait for Lin Chen to make such a sure-to-lose bet! Then, let's see what face he has left to stay in the Lin family!

The Third Elder, Lin Zhenyue, frowned, as if wanting to say something, but ultimately remained silent.

Lin Xiaotian looked deeply at Lin Chen, trying to discern something from his calm face. But all he saw was a profound and resolute expression, and in the depths of those dark eyes, a fleeting sharpness that made him feel a pang of unease.

After a moment of silence, Lin Xiaotian slowly spoke, his voice low and authoritative, "Very well! Lin Chen, I shall grant you this opportunity!"

"Seven days! The family test seven days from now!"

"If you can reach the third layer of Body Tempering, today's matter will be put aside for now!"

"But if you…" a cold glint flashed in Lin Xiaotian's eyes, "fail to do so! Then do not blame me for enforcing clan rules and abolishing your cultivation, expelling you from the Lin family! At that time, even the King of Heaven himself could not save you!"

A word spoken is a promise made!

The crisis was, for the moment, postponed by seven days through Lin Chen's almost frenzied actions!

But these seven days would become a Sword of Damocles hanging over his head!

He would either soar to the heavens!

Or fall into the abyss!

"Thank you, Patriarch, for your understanding!" Lin Chen bowed, his expression unreadable.

"Hmph!" Lin Zhenhong snorted, no longer looking at Lin Chen. In his eyes, Lin Chen was already a dead man.

Wang Teng's lips curled into a cruel smile, and he whispered in a voice only they could hear, "Lin Chen, enjoy your last seven days as a 'Lin Family disciple'! After the test, I'll show you what it means to be worse than death!"

Lin Chen shot him a cold glance, offering no reply.

He was just a clown, why bother paying attention?

All he needed to do now was to use these precious seven days to unleash the full potential of the Myriad Dao Furnace!

"Alright, you are dismissed!" Lin Xiaotian waved his hand, looking somewhat weary.

Lin Chen bowed again and turned to leave the council hall.

Stepping outside, the night wind brushed against his face, and he let out a long sigh.

Tonight had been perilous, but the crisis had at least been averted for now.

Furthermore, he had seen the true faces of some within the Lin Family, severing the last shred of unrealistic fantasy in his heart.

From this day forward, he would live only for himself!

His gaze became firm and burning once more.

"Body Tempering Realm Triple Layer? Heh heh..."

Lin Chen muttered to himself, a confident curve on his lips.

Without the Myriad Dao Furnace, this would indeed have been a fool's dream.

But now...

Seven days would be enough for him to create a miracle that would leave everyone stunned!

He quickened his pace, heading towards his dilapidated courtyard.

There, a "treasure mountain" awaited him to be "refined"!