Anti-Lin Alliance

The next day, a bombshell piece of news leaked out through spies planted in the Lin Family by other forces, then spread at lightning speed among those in the know.

The gravely injured Lin Family Ancestor had finally passed away.

A veteran king of the Xia Clan had reached the end of his life.

It was something many had expected, yet they could not help but sigh at it.

Though the Lin Family promptly refuted the rumors, repeatedly insisting they were false, they also declared that their Old Ancestor would celebrate his two hundred and eleventh birthday in a hundred days. They would hold a grand celebration, and the Lin Family Ancestor would personally appear then to shatter the rumors.

Yet even as they said this, the Lin Family hastened to draw in its forces. Clan members outside either went into hiding or returned to Lin City.

Such behavior only made them seem exceedingly guilty, convincing people all the more that the Lin Family Ancestor truly was gone.

In an instant, dark clouds loomed over all of Lin City, and a storm was brewing.

Even ordinary people who knew nothing of the situation could sense that the atmosphere in Lin City had become subtle and oppressive.

Some well-informed people had already packed up their families and prepared to leave Lin City for a time, this dangerous place that was about to become a vortex.

Ten days later.

Three hundred li from Lin City, in a vast camp that had been carved out, cavalry columns arrived one after another.

Most of their forces were assigned to camp in different areas, while all the leaders were warmly received and led toward the central command tent.

The place buzzed with voices. Some exchanged pleasantries and chatted merrily with old friends.

Others cursed loudly when they encountered old enemies, even drawing their blades.

They came from different parts of Lin Commandery.

Yet they had gathered for one shared goal.

The Anti-Lin Alliance.

All the families and factions that bore grudges against the Lin Family had been united by the Incense Sect.

Their purpose was to topple the weakened Lin Family, bite off a chunk of flesh from its enormous body, eat and drink their fill, and settle old scores while they were at it.

"Ha ha, who would have thought the lofty Lin Family would have a day like this? What a delight..."

A burly man carrying a broadsword threw back his head and laughed, visibly thrilled.

"Hmph! The Lin Family—back then, my third brother met a woman he fancied while traveling outside. It was love at first sight, and he had intended to bring her home so they could tie the knot. But one of those undying old bastards from the Lin Family saw them, grew jealous of my third brother's dashing good looks, and killed him with a single palm strike. It was utterly hateful! I have remembered this grudge for twenty whole years. Now, I can finally avenge him, and my third brother's spirit in heaven can rest in peace!"

Another old man wiped down the spear in his hand. Though he spoke of a blood feud, his face was filled with excitement and greed.

To him, revenge was secondary. The most important thing was following along to drink the soup and eat the meat.

If the Incense Sect had not invited him, he would have nearly forgotten about avenging his third brother.

And even if he remembered, without the Incense Sect taking the lead, he would not have dared entertain any thoughts about even a weakened Lin Family.

But things were different now. Someone was leading the charge. All he had to do was follow behind and shout a few stirring slogans, and he could still eat until his mouth dripped with grease.

"Enough, everyone. Save the reminiscing for another day, and set aside your grudges for now. Once the Lin Family has been destroyed, you may continue."

Seated at the head of the tent, a man wearing a silver mask pressed his hand down and spoke in a deep voice.

"Now that nearly everyone has arrived, we should discuss the matter of attacking Lin City."

After everyone quieted down, he continued.

"If you ask me, Emissary, there's nothing to discuss. Few of us here come from military backgrounds—we're all brothers of the martial world. We don't go in for all that troop deployment and battle formation nonsense. Just give the order, and we'll charge straight into Lin City with our blades!"

The burly man carrying the broadsword said carelessly.

"Indeed."

"Excellent."

Many people nodded in agreement, finding his words reasonable.

The Incense Sect emissary in the silver mask swept his gaze around. He found that nearly everyone agreed with the burly man, while those who did not had no intention of speaking.

The corner of his mouth twitched beneath the mask.

A rabble.

"Still, if you ask me, the Lin Family is nothing much. Without that undying old bastard, we can wipe them out in minutes. We've already reached the outskirts of Lin City, and before long the Lin Family will be destroyed. But it seems we have yet to discuss how the Lin Family's ill-gotten wealth, accumulated over all these years, should be dealt with after we destroy them."

Just then, someone spoke from the crowd.

The moment those words were spoken, everyone in the tent perked up. Their eyes gleamed as they stared intensely at the emissary.

Now this was a topic that truly fired them up!

Why had they answered the Incense Sect's call and eagerly rushed here from far and wide?

Revenge?

That was one reason, and the one they shouted about the loudest!

But everyone knew in their hearts that it was not the main reason.

Perhaps a few among them regarded that as their foremost goal, but there were very few such people.

Most of them merely wanted to take advantage of the Lin Family's weakness and the fact that someone was taking the lead, to trail behind and snatch a couple bites of meat.

Dividing the spoils was what interested them most!

"Rest assured. Our sect has long considered this matter for all of you. Once the Lin Family is destroyed, all gains will belong to whoever is capable enough to seize them. Whoever takes it owns it!"

"But let me make this clear first: before the Lin Family has been completely destroyed, no one may attack another over treasure. Whoever violates this rule will be attacked by all!"

The Silver-Masked Emissary snorted coldly and spoke in a deep voice.

"Good!"

"Agreed!"

Everyone below nodded in agreement, rubbing their fists and itching to get started.

"Then set out!"