Fragments of the Dark Gold Ape's Bones, Putting Some Pressure on the Lin Clan!

The lamplight in the secret chamber flickered, now bright, now dim.

Sun Bo'an stared at the black bone fragment on the table, a trace of recollection flashing in his eyes. "It's only natural that you haven't seen this before."

"During the Qingshan Operation, True Person Zhao Qing of the White Cloud Temple fought to the death to slay a variant Demon Beast called the Dark Gold Ape."

"The Dark Gold Ape?"

Sun Mao was taken aback. He had naturally heard of that brutal battle, but most of the details had been passed down by word of mouth among the elders.

"That's right."

Sun Bo'an reached out, his fingertip hovering an inch above the fragment. "That Dark Gold Ape was no ordinary creature. It possessed the bloodline of a High Antiquity variant, and its flesh was incomparably powerful."

"This fragment is a piece of its remains."

"Back then, Zhao Qing self-destructed, blasting the Dark Gold Ape to pieces. Quite a few of its remains were scattered through the mountain forests. I suppose that Lin Household brat, or some lucky Rogue Cultivator, stumbled across it."

Realization dawned on Sun Mao. "No wonder Little Black reacted so strongly to it. Wouldn't that make this fragment worth a fortune?"

"If it had been properly preserved, it would indeed be priceless."

At that, Sun Bo'an shook his head, a note of regret in his voice. "Unfortunately, this fragment was exposed to wind and sun for years, and it was never properly sealed and stored."

"Most of its spiritual essence has long since been lost. The little trace that remains is of no use to a Foundation Establishment Realm Demon Beast."

Hearing that, a trace of disappointment flashed in Sun Mao's eyes. He had paid two thousand Spirit Stones for a piece of junk; he had clearly come out on the losing end of that deal...

"Still, there's no need to worry."

Sun Bo'an suddenly changed tack. "Though it's useless for Foundation Establishment, it might have a remarkable effect on a Level 1 Demon Beast."

"If a Level 1 Demon Beast that is still growing were to swallow and refine the trace of variant bloodline power it contains, there's a very good chance it would prompt a mutation in its bloodline."

Sun Mao's eyes lit up at those words.

He immediately thought of the bear cubs on the back mountain, personally raised by the ancestor.

Among them was a black bear named Shi Mo, who was exceptionally gifted spiritually but had an ordinary bloodline. If he could refine this bone fragment...

With that thought, Sun Mao came up with an idea. Since the ancestor cared so much for the clan's descendants, it wouldn't be a loss to use this chance to curry favor!

"Clan leader, I'd like to save this bone fragment for Shi Mo."

"You certainly know how to do someone a favor. Shi Mo is one of the promising youngsters the ancestor values most. Give him this, and the ancestor will surely credit you for it."

"Put it away safely. Don't damage it."

Sun Bo'an tapped twice in the air, a mischievous grin on his face...

Sun Mao carefully took out a specially made jade box, sealed the bone fragment inside, affixed a restriction talisman, and put it in his Storage Bag.

"The matter of the bone fragment is settled, but we still need to tie up the loose ends with the Lin Household."

Sun Bo'an stood and straightened his sleeves. "You crippled that Lin Household brat's hand today. That old ghost of the Lin Household surely won't sit still."

"I'll go meet him. You stay at the base and reassure our people."

"Yes, I understand."

Half an hour later.

The Lin Household's grand residence in Feng'an City.

The atmosphere in the main hall was oppressive. The Lin Household ancestor sat in the seat of honor, his face livid.

Below him, the Lin Household young master whose hand Sun Mao had broken knelt on the floor. Cold sweat covered his forehead from the pain, but he gritted his teeth and didn't dare make a sound.

"Fool!"

The Lin Household ancestor slammed his hand down on the table. Cracks spread instantly across the fine huanghuali wood as he pointed at the good-for-nothing and cursed:

"How did my Lin Household produce a blind fool like you?!"

"What is the Sun Clan's standing now? Two Foundation Establishment cultivators in one clan, with an unfathomable great Demon Beast protecting them from behind!"

"Use that pig brain of yours! You tried to swindle them with a broken bone?"

"As I see it, red beans grow in the southern land-you've got lovesickness!"

"Ancestor, I... I just wanted to get under their skin. Who knew Sun Mao would be so ruthless and attack me outright..."

The Lin Household young master offered an aggrieved defense.

"You wretch, shut your mouth!"

The Lin Household ancestor roared. Just as he was about to cripple the little bastard with a slap, a calm voice came from outside the hall:

"Brother Lin, what a temper you have."

Before the words had faded, Sun Bo'an's figure appeared in the doorway of the main hall.

No announcement, no one stopping him-the Lin Household guards outside hadn't even noticed how he had gotten in!

The Lin Household ancestor's pupils shrank. Forcing down the wariness in his heart, he put on a smile and went to greet him. "Brother Sun, what wind blew you here?"

"Please, have a seat. Someone, bring out the good tea!"

Sun Bo'an did not sit. He merely looked at the Lin Household young master on the floor with a faint smile.

"I came to apologize on behalf of that disappointing junior of mine."

"He's young and hot-blooded, and he doesn't know his own strength. He injured one of your clansmen, Brother Lin, and I hope you can forgive him."

The words sounded like an apology, but his tone held not a shred of remorse. Instead, it carried a condescending warning.

The Lin Household ancestor was a shrewd man. How could he fail to hear the meaning between the lines?

He turned to look at the Lin Household young master on the floor. A flash of ruthlessness and a trace of disgust passed through his eyes. It truly was the household's misfortune!

"Brother Sun, what are you saying?"

"I've already looked into the matter. This wretch was blind enough to break the trade alliance's rules first, and he deserves to be punished!"

The Lin Household ancestor snorted coldly and waved a hand, sending a fierce gust sweeping across the hall.

"Crack!"

The sound of breaking bone rang out again as the Lin Household young master's other hand was forcibly snapped.

"Aah!" His scream echoed through the hall.

"Someone, drag this wretch away, cripple his cultivation, and lock him in Cold Wind Cave to face the wall for three years! Without my orders, no one is to let him out!"

The Lin Household ancestor barked the order, and several guards hurried forward and dragged the Lin Household young master, who had passed out from the pain, away...

Once it was done, the Lin Household ancestor turned to Sun Bo'an, a smile once more plastered across his face. "Brother Sun, are you satisfied with how I handled this?"

Sun Bo'an gave him a long look and cupped his hands.

"Brother Lin, you put righteousness above family. I admire you."

"The trade alliance's rules can endure only if we all abide by them. Since the misunderstanding has been cleared up, I won't trouble you any longer, Brother Lin."

"The caravan still has to set out tomorrow. Farewell."

"Take care on your way, Brother Sun."

As he watched Sun Bo'an leave, the smile gradually faded from the Lin Household ancestor's face, replaced by a deep sense of helplessness.

When one's strength fell short, one could only bow one's head.

The Sun Clan, that colossal force, had already established itself firmly. From now on, peaceful coexistence would be the best possible outcome...