Lin Yan

Biodata

Power Progression

Background / History

Lin Yan was the son of Lin Chong'an and Madam Zhang, and the elder brother of Lin Jingshu. He and his sister had known Chen Feng since childhood; after Lin Jingshu became engaged to Chen Feng, Lin Yan introduced Li Shuxian into the situation that led to the Chen family's destruction. 3 10

After abandoning his studies, Lin Yan entered Dragon Walk Martial Arts School's Gun Yuan under its most expensive tuition package, receiving lodging, meals, medicinal soup, and medicinal baths. His family and peers regarded his Upper Grade Root Bone as a foundation for a promising martial future. 3 6

Upon discovering that Chen Feng had survived and become Zhou Bingzhong's registered disciple, Lin Yan informed his father. He admitted having previously hired two thugs to kill Chen Feng, then joined his parents in deciding that Chen Feng had to be eliminated before he could gain further standing in the martial arts school. 9

Personality

Lin Yan was arrogant, spiteful, and openly contemptuous of those he considered beneath him. During his confrontation with Chen Feng, he called him worthless, mocked the deaths of his parents, and threatened to have him crippled or expelled before he could become a personal disciple. 8

He was also careless despite his talent. He regularly spent his time drinking and visiting places of entertainment, neglected practical combat training, and underestimated Chen Feng as a helpless former acquaintance. 9

Abilities & Skills

Martial Aptitude

Lin Yan possessed an Upper Grade Root Bone, allowing him to cultivate faster than his wealthy fellow trainees. 3 6

• Trained in Dragon Walk Martial Arts School's Gun Yuan. 3 6
• Had achieved at least one martial-arts breakthrough before his death, though his exact realm is not stated. 6
• Was recognized as a martial artist, but Chen Feng judged that his indulgent lifestyle had left him without meaningful practical combat ability. 9

Relationships

• Chen Feng — Former prospective brother-in-law and mortal enemy. Lin Yan participated in the schemes against Chen Feng and later threatened him at the martial arts school; Chen Feng assassinated him in retaliation. 3 8 10
• Lin Jingshu — Younger sister. Her broken engagement to Chen Feng and relationship with Li Shuxian were central to the Lin and Chen families' conflict. 3 10
• Lin Chong'an — Father and Lin Family master. Lin Yan reported Chen Feng's survival to him and discussed plans to eliminate Chen Feng. 9
• Madam Zhang — Mother. She fiercely demanded vengeance after Lin Yan's death and blamed Chen Feng without proof. 14
• Song Linzhou — Fellow Gun Yuan disciple who initially sought to recruit Chen Feng. Lin Yan's disclosure of Chen Feng's root bone caused Song to withdraw the offer. 7 8
• Meng Zhaowu — Opposed Lin Yan when he threatened Chen Feng; Lin Yan dismissed him as unable to represent the Fuxing Merchant Association. 8

Story Role / Major Arcs

Conflict at Dragon Walk Martial Arts School

Lin Yan visited the Fist Academy with Song Linzhou's group to meet the newly accepted registered disciple, only to discover that the disciple was Chen Feng. His hostility became explicit when he derided Chen Feng's aptitude, insulted his deceased parents, and threatened him with crippling harm within half a year. 7 8

Assassination

After the confrontation, Chen Feng monitored Lin Yan's habits and waited along his route home from Fusheng Restaurant. Lin Yan, drunk and mistaking Chen Feng's disguise for a beggar, kicked him before walking past. Chen Feng followed, covered his mouth, and stabbed him through the throat. 9 10

Chen Feng searched the body, took Lin Yan's money and pills, then inflicted additional wounds to make the murder resemble a robbery. The Lin Family later found no traces of the Five Elements Fist on the corpse, leaving them without evidence against Chen Feng. 10 14

Aftermath

Madam Zhang demanded revenge against Chen Feng, Meng Zhaowu, and even Lin Yan's drinking companions, while Lin Chong'an hired the Black Tiger Gang to pursue Chen Feng. Their continued attempts on Chen Feng's life ultimately led him to assassinate both of Lin Yan's parents. 14 18 29 47

Notable Quotes

“If something happens to you within half a year, for example, you're suddenly crippled, or suddenly become disabled, do you think the Hall Master will want you?” 8

“If you're expelled from the martial arts school... Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot your parents are already dead!” 8

Trivia

• Lin Yan carried several Blood Condensing Pills at the time of his death; Chen Feng later identified the bottle with Yao Xingzhi's help. 12 13
• Although his Upper Grade Root Bone made him a favored prospect among his peers, his death was caused not by a martial-arts duel but by Chen Feng's concealed dagger attack. 6 10