The Banquet

In the northern region of Yan City, a grand manor covering a vast area stood imposingly. This was the territory of the Lin Family, one of the four newly emerging major powers in Yan City.

Just three to four months prior, the Lin Family wasn't even considered a significant force in Yan City; a casual inquiry would reveal several families with the same name.

However, things began to change more than two months ago.

Over two months ago, a young man named Lin Dong, almost single-handedly, annihilated the Blood Robe Sect, a notorious force in Yan City.

From then on, the Lin Family of Qingyang Town, a previously obscure minor force, suddenly caught the attention of many powerful factions in Yan City.

Yet, what truly caused a massive shift in the Lin Family's standing and the entire power structure of Yan City was the life-and-death battle that occurred just over half a month ago.

Initially, everyone assumed it was merely a clash between an established family and a rising one, where the victor takes all.

But who could have imagined that this life-and-death battle not only completely wiped the Song Family, an old power in Yan City, off the map but also ushered in a new reshuffle of Yan City's powers.

Lin Dong personally killed Song Cheng, enraging the Blood Wolf Gang. Yue Shan's direct intervention was met with him being crushed effortlessly, utterly defenseless.

Since then, the Blood Wolf Gang, one of Yan City's four major powers, was also eradicated overnight.

Following this life-and-death battle, the names of the Lin Family and Lin Dong became renowned throughout Yan City. Although they were the weakest among the four major powers, they became the most feared and untouchable.

Everyone knew that behind the Lin Family and Lin Dong stood a mysterious, powerful expert whom the entire Yan City looked up to.

Now, more than half a month had passed since that life-and-death battle, and the heated discussions about the Lin Family in Yan City had somewhat subsided.

But today, the Lin Family was unusually lively. Even though night had fallen, the entire Lin Family Manor was abuzz with activity.

In just over half a month, the Lin Family had completely taken over all the territories of the Blood Wolf Gang and successfully established themselves in Yan City, soaring to become one of the four major powers.

And today, several days after the handover was completed, Lin Zhentian hosted a banquet for all the powers in Yan City, signifying the Lin Family's formal integration into the city.

On a rooftop, Cang Wu, who was gazing at the moon, saw Lin Dong below and chuckled before calling out.

"Kid, come up here and have a couple of drinks with me."

Lin Dong looked up at the sound, then leaped up to Cang Wu's side, smiling and scratching his head.

"Senior, why aren't you in the main hall?"

The Lin Family's banquet naturally wouldn't exclude Cang Wu, who was staying at the manor.

Cang Wu didn't reply. He simply looked up at the bright moon, took a long drink, then turned to Lin Dong and smiled.

"Kid, your Lin Family doesn't need your constant worry anymore. You should focus more on your cultivation. This time, I'll let you pass because you woke me up. But if you show no progress next time..."

Cang Wu smiled gently at Lin Dong, the unspoken words hanging in the air.

The second great battle between heaven and earth would commence soon. While Cang Wu was confident, he wouldn't let his guard down or be careless.

One could belittle the enemy strategically, but tactically, one must treat them with the utmost respect!

Especially those demon brats, each one tougher than the last. Who knew if they would resort to desperate measures if they realized they were losing, thus preventing the war from ending completely?

After all, that was the Demon Emperor, a peerless devil who had once forced even his teacher, Ancestor Fu, to burn Reincarnation. Even with his confidence, Cang Wu wouldn't be so arrogant as to believe he could easily eliminate him.

Therefore, having a backup plan was necessary.

In a sense, Lin Dong obtaining the Ancestral Stone was a choice made by his teacher, Ancestor Fu. If he could officially become the controller of the Ancestral Stone, he would become the ninth member of the Eight Ancient Lords, his junior disciple.

This was also why Cang Wu had been so enraged that he directly crushed Yue Shan.

His soon-to-be junior disciple had been beaten and struck. As long as he wasn't killed, Cang Wu wouldn't care much. Who in this world hadn't failed a few times? Who hadn't stumbled?

Moreover, those who never stumbled at the beginning often fell the hardest later on.

Lin Dong was initially stunned, not quite grasping Cang Wu's sudden shift in topic.

But as soon as he realized what Cang Wu was talking about, Lin Dong's face lit up with joy.

"Senior, don't worry, I will definitely work hard! I won't disgrace you!"

Lin Dong even patted his chest forcefully, like a student making a promise to his teacher.

Clearly, Lin Dong had misunderstood something. He thought Cang Wu's mentions of "this time" and "next time" referred to a test of his worthiness to become his disciple.

As for being on par with the Eight Ancient Lords, Lin Dong didn't even dare to think about it.

"Kid, keep up the good work. My standards are much higher than theirs."

Cang Wu gently patted Lin Dong's shoulder and smiled. Then, his tone shifted, and with a carefree air, he asked, "By the way, today is your Lin Family's banquet, and you're practically the main character. Why aren't you mingling with the young ladies?"

"Ah? This, that... Hehe, I still prefer some peace and quiet."

Lin Dong chuckled awkwardly and scratched his head, giving a dry laugh. He simply couldn't handle the enthusiasm of the young ladies and had ended up hiding out.

Cang Wu burst into laughter at this, shaking his head. Then, as if struck by a thought, he spoke softly.

"Right, that little girl named Qing Tan from last time, she isn't your biological sister, is she?"

"Huh? Senior, why do you ask? Could it be that there's a way for Qing Tan's constitution?"

Lin Dong blinked, as if a thought had occurred to him, and quickly pressed on. Cang Wu couldn't help but roll his eyes.

"What do you take me for? Do you really think I'm omnipotent? If I were at my peak, any problem in this world that could stump me would basically be unsolvable by anyone else."

"Unfortunately, my current strength is less than one in ten million of my peak."

As he spoke, Cang Wu couldn't help but sigh. In his prime, in terms of methods, not only were there no experts on the Heavenly Profound Continent who could match him, but even among the Demon Race, no one could compare.

The title of the number one genius of the Heavenly Profound Continent wasn't just for show.

But now, he was like a dragon trapped in shallow waters, a tiger fallen into a plain!