Wedding

Since Lin Zhentian had advanced to the Lesser Yuan Dan Stage, the Lin Family was no longer content to simply hold their ground. Some spies were secretly sent back to Qingyang Town to gather intelligence on the Lei and Xie Families.

Not only that, but the Lin Family had also contacted the Mad Saber Martial Hall to discuss a potential partnership. The relationship between the two sides was fairly decent due to their shared friction with the Lei and Xie Families, so the Mad Saber Martial Hall didn't outright refuse—they were just hesitant, since a real fight would come with no small losses.

However, that hesitation vanished the moment they learned that Lin Zhentian had stepped into the Lesser Yuan Dan Stage and that Xie Qian had long since been killed by Lin Changqiang.

But just after the two sides finished negotiating their cooperation, an invitation from the Lei and Xie Families was unexpectedly delivered to Ironwood Manor...

In a hall within Ironwood Manor, a red invitation lay quietly on the table.

"Why would the Lei and Xie Families suddenly send an invitation, and of all things, a wedding invitation for Lei Li and Xie Yingying?" Lin Xiao frowned. The two sides were at each other's throats right now—they'd probably come to blows the moment they met. So why invite them?

"Who cares? It's definitely a scheme to harm our Lin Family." Lin Changqiang chuckled lightly. The Lei Family's confidence was nothing more than Lei Bao, who had just broken through to the Lesser Yuan Dan Stage, and a Talisman Master. "We were just about to throw a punch, and they go and offer up their faces. Talk about a pillow arriving just as you're getting sleepy."

"The Lei and Xie Families are going all out this time. They didn't just send invitations to us, but to every notable force within a hundred miles of Qingyang Town." Lin Zhentian picked up his teacup, took a sip, and sneered. "They're probably trying to fully unite and use their momentum to pressure others into siding with them."

"Father, should we go or not?"

"Go. Of course we'll go!" Lin Zhentian said decisively. "One Yuan Dan Stage, five Heavenly Origin Stage fighters, plus the Mad Saber Martial Hall's four Heavenly Origin Stage—what can the Lei and Xie Families do even if they join forces?"

Hearing this, everyone in the hall wore confident smiles.

"Spread the word. Gather our men. In two days, we'll head to the Lei Family for the banquet!"

Two days later.

The Lei Family courtyard was buzzing with noise, drums and gongs blaring. Forces came and went in an endless stream, and laughter and congratulations rang out without pause.

As the two most deeply entrenched families in Qingyang Town, the Lei and Xie Families' wedding banquet was quite the spectacle.

"The Lin Family has arrived!"

A servant called out loudly, and the lively courtyard fell silent. Countless gazes turned toward the entrance, where hundreds of horses thundered in with a deafening clatter of hooves, coming to a neat stop outside the Lei Family's main gate. A dense black mass blocked most of the road—an imposing sight.

"It's the Lin Family! How dare they come?"

"The Lin Family is already at daggers drawn with the Lei and Xie Families. Looks like there's going to be a show today."

"If the Lei Family dares to invite, the Lin Family dares to come. Seems both sides have some backing."

The crowd's eyes darted between the Lin Family and the Lei Family as they whispered among themselves. Some forces that had once been on good terms with the Lin Family hesitated, afraid to approach and provoke the Lei and Xie Families' displeasure.

The Lin Family didn't care much about these fair-weather types. If they were willing to switch sides to the Lei Family today, they'd do the same for them tomorrow.

"Old Master Lin, you're still as vigorous as ever!" A figure strode out from the Lei Family courtyard, surrounded by a crowd. He glanced at the Lin Family's large contingent and said with a smile, "The Lin Family doing us the honor of attending our Lei and Xie Families' wedding banquet—Lei Pi thanks you in advance."

"Spare me the pleasantries. I know you'd love to see me dead." Lin Zhentian shot him a glance and waved a hand dismissively, not bothering to save face.

Even though the other party had attacked Lin Dong two-on-one and lost one of their own, the old man held a grudge.

Lei Pi's eye twitched, and his smile vanished. "Old Master Lin, there's not much room left in the courtyard. These men will have to stay outside."

"What, the mighty Lei Family is too broke to buy a few tables?" Lin Changqiang raised an eyebrow, casually pulling out an object and tossing it to Lei Pi. "Here, take this Yang Yuan Stone and buy yourself some decent tables. Keep the change as a tip from yours truly~"

"Exactly. It's not like you're afraid we'll cause trouble, right?" Lin Dong chimed in with a grin, then looked at Lei Pi with feigned concern. "Did your injuries from last time heal? No lingering effects?"

At their words, Lei Pi's face darkened. He clenched the Yang Yuan Stone tightly, glaring at the two like a starving wolf ready to pounce.

Lin Zhentian suddenly stepped forward, planting himself in front of Lei Pi. Without a word, he made Lei Pi's breath catch in his throat, forcing him to stumble back two steps.

Having cowed Lei Pi, Lin Zhentian shot him a glance, then waved his hand. The hundred or so figures behind him scattered and melted into the shadows. Though they had to stay outside, at a single signal, they could charge into the Lei Family at full speed.

"Please!"

Seeing Lin Zhentian dismiss the men, Lei Pi finally relaxed and quickly moved aside from the gate.

Lin Zhentian nodded to the others and strode into the Lei Family first, with Lin Changqiang and the rest following close behind.

Inside the Lei Family courtyard was a hall as spacious as a plaza. It was packed with people, lively and filled with laughter and chatter.

Under the astonished gazes of many, the Lin Family found a spot and sat down calmly.

Almost everyone in the hall noticed the Lin Family, but most pretended not to see them, afraid to greet them.

With the Lei and Xie Families riding high, anyone who showed friendliness to the Lin Family would offend both. So they either thought it wasn't worth it or simply didn't dare.

As a result, a conspicuous empty space formed around the Lin Family in the otherwise packed hall. Lin Changqiang and the others couldn't care less.

Before long, another commotion arose outside the hall. A group of people walked straight up to the Lin Family, to the guests' surprise.

"Old Master Lin, long time no see." Luo Cheng smiled and cupped his hands toward Lin Zhentian, but his heart stirred. From the old man's presence, he could sense a faint pressure—it seemed he really had broken through to the Lesser Yuan Dan Stage.

Lin Zhentian naturally didn't put on airs. He smiled and chatted with Luo Cheng, while the Mad Saber Martial Hall members took seats nearby.

A few minutes later, a ruckus came from the entrance. Lei Bao, dressed in black robes, led the Lei and Xie Families' people in with a smile on his face.

"Ding! Congratulations, host. Side Quest triggered—Top Dog of Qingyang Town: The Lei and Xie Families are plotting treachery, aiming to wipe out the Lin Family and the Mad Saber Martial Hall at this opportunity. Host must eliminate these villains!

Quest reward: five Lottery Draw Opportunities. Quest failure: deduct three Lottery Draw Opportunities."