Old Master Lin

Biodata

Background / History

Following the death of his eldest son, Old Master Lin allowed the deceased man's martial-arts-school favor, saved medicines, and other resources to be directed toward the Second Branch and Lin Lin. When Wang He returned with Lin Yin to claim these assets, he framed the decision as necessary for the Lin Family's greater future. He believed Lin Lin's potential entry into a major sect could elevate the family beyond Langshi Town. 10 11

Although he acknowledged that the First Branch had been wronged, he remained unwilling to divert resources from Lin Lin. He ultimately settled the dispute by granting Wang He and Lin Yin a shop, viewing the concession as acceptable so long as Lin Lin's martial path remained secure. 12 13

His confidence in Lin Lin suffered repeated setbacks. He was enraged when Lin Lin converted a family shop into a butcher shop and squandered its existing stock and furnishings, and later became alarmed when the Hungry Wolf Gang's activities threatened the family. 46 63 After Lin De returned from captivity, Old Master Lin immediately arranged for the household's security and ordered the family not to reveal anything about the mysterious martial artist who had destroyed Li Heizi's group. 61 63

Concerned for the Lin Family's safety, Old Master Lin later attempted to approach Wang He for help through Lin Yin's connection to Lingyun Martial Arts School. His pride and inability to speak plainly caused the attempt to fail. 68 69

He publicly celebrated what he believed was Lin Lin's breakthrough to Ming Jin, only to learn that the achievement and escort-agency recruitment belonged to Lin Yin instead. Lin Lin's failed breakthrough left Old Master Lin visibly dispirited and exposed the consequences of his long-standing favoritism. 93 95 When Lin Lin later truly broke through to Bright Strength and received an invitation to the Tiger Head Mountain expedition, Old Master Lin regained hope that the family could still rise through Lin Lin's future. 125

Appearance

Old Master Lin is an elderly man with a long beard, aged features, and eyes that retain a sharp, penetrating light. 9

• Wore an old coat embroidered with a landscape pattern during Lin Yin and Wang He's return to the Lin residence. 9
• Later appeared increasingly gaunt and hunched, relying on a cane. 68 69
• His formerly vigorous demeanor visibly declined after Lin Lin's failed Ming Jin breakthrough. 95

Personality

Old Master Lin is deeply invested in the Lin Family's survival, standing, and future. He repeatedly treats Lin Lin's martial potential as the family's best chance to escape Langshi Town and improve its social position, even at the expense of Lin Yin and Wang He. 10 12 13

His favoritism does not make him entirely callous. He enforces familial hierarchy when Lin Lin disrespectfully calls Lin Yin by name, shows unease over the First Branch's treatment, and privately asks Lin De about Wang He and Lin Yin's circumstances. 11 47 However, remorse rarely outweighs his belief that the clan's future depends on supporting Lin Lin.

He is proud, cautious, and highly sensitive to danger. He reacts decisively to threats from the Hungry Wolf Gang, but his pride prevents him from directly asking Wang He and Lin Yin for assistance when the family is vulnerable. 63 68 69

Relationships

• Lin Yin — Grandson. Old Master Lin initially sacrifices Lin Yin's inheritance and opportunities for Lin Lin's cultivation, but later expresses concern over Lin Yin's progress and circumstances. 10 11 47
• Wang He / Madam Wang — Eldest daughter-in-law. Their relationship deteriorates during the inheritance dispute; she later rejects his implied request for help. 10 11 68
• Lin Lin — Younger grandson and Old Master Lin's favored prospect. He invests the family's resources and hopes in Lin Lin's martial future, and is devastated by Lin Lin's failed breakthrough. 10 13 95 125
• Lin Hai — Second son. Old Master Lin relies on him for family information and security arrangements, but rebukes him over the mismanaged butcher-shop conversion. 46 63 69
• Lin De — Third son. He allows Lin De to maintain contact with Wang He and Lin Yin, and entrusts him with discretion after Li Heizi's group is eliminated. 47 63
• Lin Ai — Granddaughter. Her departure from the Lin household with her mother follows growing dissatisfaction with Old Master Lin's favoritism toward Lin Lin and the Second Branch. 95

Trivia

• Old Master Lin once hoped the Lin Family could produce both a scholar and a martial artist, with Lin Yin and Lin Lin respectively filling those roles. 10
• He distributed money to multiple people who came to congratulate the family over the mistaken belief that Lin Lin had become a Ming Jin Martial Artist. 93
• His hopes for the family repeatedly rise and fall alongside Lin Lin's cultivation progress. 10 95 125