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Chapter 222 Glory (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
"The Huang family has arrived!"
"The Li family has arrived!"
The Lin family member at the front, responsible for announcing the arrival, shouted with increasing excitement, forgetting that he was foaming at the mouth.
There were too many martial arts families arriving; even if they weren't the dominant families of a prefecture, they were still among the top ones.
Lin Shouzhen, the highest-ranking member of the Lin family responsible for welcoming guests at the gate, was somewhat bewildered. The Lin family hadn't sent out that many invitations.
Especially since some of the families were quite far from Qingzhou, and it would take them three days to arrive, and at that time, the Lin family hadn't yet revealed Lin Yan's whereabouts.
"I am Lin Shouzhen
of the Lin family. Welcome, brothers." Composing himself, Lin Shouzhen cupped his hands in greeting to the martial arts families who had arrived together.
"Brother Lin, we received a letter from Chengyi Sword Academy and came uninvited to ask for a cup of celebratory wine."
The middle-aged man from the Huang family spoke with a smile, his words clearing up Lin Shouzhen's confusion.
But these words, heard by the three Zhou families standing nearby, stirred up even more turbulent emotions within them.
Cheng Yi Sword Academy specifically sent messages to these families, with a simple purpose: to get them to come to Qingzhou and create momentum for Lin Yan.
What exactly did Lin Yan do for Cheng Yi Sword Academy to make them so attentive?
"He's here!"
A commotion suddenly arose in the crowd, and everyone's eyes turned to the Lin residence.
A young man, accompanied by Lin Shouchun and Lin Shouyuan, was slowly walking towards the archway.
All eyes fell on the young man at the front.
"It's him."
Zhou Yuan looked at Lin Yan, whom he had met a few times during the Four Clans Competition, his eyes gleaming. Two years ago, he had only considered Lin Yan a potential rival.
Unexpectedly, in just two years, the other had become someone he couldn't reach.
The composure in his steps and the pressure from his gaze filled Zhou Yuan with despair.
"This must be Lin Yan, the chief disciple of Chengyi Sword Academy and the unicorn of the Lin family."
The other high-ranking members of martial arts families from the prefecture city who were present also looked at Lin Yan with a look of inquiry in their eyes, but they all smiled and greeted him.
Over the years, many disciples from Shandong have joined the Chengyi Sword Academy, a few per class, totaling dozens over the years. But this is the first time someone has had their family awarded a plaque by the academy.
"This junior greets all the seniors and thanks you for coming to witness the ceremony."
Although Lin Yan wasn't particularly fond of socializing, he knew that such an occasion would require some courtesy. He didn't need this publicity, but the Lin family did.
A group of people had gathered several dozen feet away from the archway.
These were all affiliated families of the Lin family. Given their status, they had no opportunity to approach the archway today and could only watch from afar.
Even so, not one of them showed any displeasure.
These families were dependent on the Lin family; the stronger the Lin family became, the more benefits they could gain.
They would be willing to stand several hundred feet away, let alone several dozen feet.
"Brother Bai, why are you so agitated?" "
Of course Brother Bai is agitated. If I remember correctly, two years ago, when Young Master Lin first arrived at the Lin family, the Bai family invested quite a bit in him."
Two years have passed, but many things haven't been forgotten. Someone spoke up quietly, and upon hearing this, the expressions of the martial artists from these affiliated families all turned strange.
It was no secret that the Bai family had bet everything on Lin Yan.
When Lin Yan won first place in the Lin family's competition, they envied the Bai family for their incredible luck.
But as news of Lin Yan's disappearance spread, many people present secretly gloated. They had finally bet everything and succeeded, only to have their prize slip away.
The Bai family just didn't have that kind of luck.
Bai Jingxing ignored the discussions of the people around him. He finally understood why Ruo'er had been going to Dengzhou for the past two years. It turned out that Ruo'er had known all along that Lin Yan was still alive.
As for why Ruo'er kept it from him, Bai Jingxing could understand. It must have been an order from the Lin family's higher-ups not to spread the word; this matter was a secret within the Lin family.
"Actually, given Young Master Lin's current status, I'm afraid he might not even remember these trivial matters,"
someone in the crowd said slowly. His words immediately drew curious glances from the others.
"Think about it, everyone. At Young Master Lin's level, the consumption of martial arts resources is terrifying. The resources the Bai family has provided in the past probably wouldn't even be enough for Young Master Lin's monthly cultivation needs. Perhaps Young Master Lin has already forgotten about it. On the contrary, if Young Master Lin were still in the Lin family, before reaching his current level, he would be even more grateful for the Bai family's favor."
"Brother He's words do make some sense."
"Haha, but Brother Bai, there's no need to worry. Just based on the Bai family's sponsorship of Young Master Lin two years ago, the Bai family's future is secure."
"Worry my ass."
Bai Jingxing ignored these envious fellows. He had already given away his most precious daughter; why should he worry about this?
Just then, a member of the Lin family walked over from the archway. Upon seeing who it was, the martial artists from these affiliated families all smiled.
Eighth Uncle Lin, a powerful figure in the Lin family.
"Eighth Master!"
"Greetings, Eighth Master!"
Lin Shouting nodded slightly, but his gaze fell on Bai Jingxing, and a smile appeared on his face: "Brother Bai, it's because the clansmen didn't arrange the seating properly. Your viewing seat isn't here. Please come with me."
As soon as these words were spoken, the scene fell silent.
Bai Jingxing was completely stunned. Arranged seating?
Who arranged seating for them?
These members of the affiliated families had come and stood here quite consciously; no one had arranged anything for them.
And, Eighth Master actually called him "Brother Bai"?
In the past, members of the Lin family of the "Shou" generation would only address him as "Patriarch Bai" out of courtesy. When had they become so intimate?
"Brother Bai, hurry up,"
a middle-aged man who was on good terms with Bai Jingxing said, noticing Bai Jingxing's flushed face and dazed expression. Those involved are often blinded, while
bystanders see clearly.
It wasn't that the Lin family hadn't arranged the seating properly; if he wasn't mistaken, it was likely that the young master Lin had noticed them, spotted Brother Bai, and probably specifically mentioned him, which led to this Eighth Master's arrival.
... Chen
Shi (7-9 AM), exactly.
At the end of the long street, several figures appeared.
Seeing the leader, Lin Yan was taken aback: "Uncle-Master Lu?"
Lin Yan hadn't expected that it was Uncle-Master Lu leading a team with another deacon from the Sword Academy to deliver the plaque.
He had assumed, based on Uncle-Master Lu's instructions, that someone else was delivering the plaque.
"What are you all standing there for? Come with me to greet him."
Lin Shouyuan, standing beside Lin Yan, murmured, but after taking a few steps, he transmitted his voice to Lin Yan, "Which one of you is Junior Brother Lu? When I left the Sword Academy, Junior Brother Lu had just entered the sect, so I can't quite remember him."
Lin Yan's lips twitched, and he transmitted his voice, "The one on the left is Martial Uncle Lu."
Seeing Lin Yan's surprised expression, Lu Changfeng smiled. He had deliberately kept it from Lin Yan to give him a surprise. When he saw the middle-aged man who was greeting Lin Yan, he guessed the man's identity, which was very likely Senior Brother Lin.
But to prevent any accidents, Lu Changfeng, still five zhang away from Lin Yan, transmitted his voice, "Lin Yan, is that Senior Brother Lin next to you? I haven't seen Senior Brother Lin for many years, so I'm not sure."
Lin Yan: ...
You two can just transmit your voices to each other.
Having received Lin Yan's confirmation, Lu Changfeng stopped and clasped his hands in a fist salute to Lin Shouyuan: "Junior brother Lu Changfeng greets Senior brother Lin. It's been many years, and you still look as dashing as ever."
"Haha, I can't compare to Junior brother Lu. So many years have passed, yet you haven't changed at all, unlike me, who has aged."
The two brothers chatted warmly upon meeting, and the onlookers were all moved, marveling at the deep bond between them.
"Ahem."
After the two had exchanged a few words, Lin Yan coughed. If they continued, they would give themselves away.
"Uncle-Master, you and Master can catch up later. We're here..."
"Haha, I was so excited to see Senior brother Lin that I couldn't control my emotions. Let's take care of business first, and have a long talk with Senior brother Lin later."
Lu Changfeng laughed heartily, and Lin Shouyuan nodded with a smile.
Lu Changfeng's expression became more solemn than before. He turned around, his right hand resting on the edge of the red silk covering the plaque held by the person behind him. His gaze swept over everyone present, and his voice was steady and clear, carried by his true energy, clearly audible within a radius of several hundred feet:
"Lin Yan, a disciple of Chengyi Sword Academy, has diligently cultivated for two years since entering the academy, making great progress in swordsmanship. In the competition among the twelve sword academies, he led Chengyi Sword Academy to first place, bringing glory to our academy. His talent and achievements are a source of honor for our academy."
After speaking, Lu Changfeng paused, his gaze shifting from the crowd to Lin Yan, then to the Lin family members behind him: "Chengyi Sword Academy, moved by his merits and appreciating his talent, hereby bestows this plaque upon the Lin family to express the academy's recognition and protection. From this day forward, all members of the Lin family will be entitled to this favor. Whenever the Lin family faces danger, the academy will not stand idly by. The safety of the Lin family in Shandong is of concern to Chengyi Sword Academy."
With that, Lu Changfeng pulled his right hand downwards.
The red silk slipped down, revealing a black wooden plaque. Four large characters, "Eternal Sword Qi," appeared in the sunlight, the brushstrokes steady, with a subtle, sharp edge at the end. In the lower left corner of the plaque was a line of smaller characters: "Bestowed by the Yi Sword Academy."
"Eternal Sword Qi!"
Upon seeing these four characters, the room fell silent.
But a brief moment later, a commotion arose.
"My blood and qi are in disarray."
"Me too."
Hearing the panicked voices of the younger clansmen, Lin Shouyuan said in a deep voice, "Clansmen below the True Qi
realm, do not look directly at the characters on this plaque." With Lin Shouyuan's reminder, those below the True Qi realm quickly shifted their gaze, suppressing the chaotic blood and qi within their bodies.
The various families present, looking at the four characters "Eternal Sword Qi," and recalling Lu Changfeng's words, had complex expressions, their eyes filled with deep envy as they looked at the Lin family members.
The Lin family members all received this favor.
This meant that Cheng Yi Sword Academy would open a back door for the Lin family, making it much easier for Lin family members to enter the academy compared to outsiders.
But what they envied even more was the following statement: if the Lin family were in danger, the academy would not stand idly by.
With this promise from Cheng Yi Sword Academy, and with this plaque in place, any force that dared to touch the Lin family would have to consider facing the wrath of Cheng Yi Sword Academy.
The most unsightly were the Zhou family and the other two.
From now on, the four great families of Qingzhou would likely become one superpower and three strong.
The four families, who had been unable to distinguish their superiority for many years, finally had a ranking, and the Lin family... would become the head of the four great families.
...
After the plaque presentation ceremony, a large group of people entered the Lin residence.
But for Lin Yan, the ceremony was not over yet.
In front of the Lin family ancestral hall square, all Lin family members present had gathered.
As for the outsiders who came to watch the ceremony, they were temporarily arranged to watch the ceremony in a nearby area.
Drums were sounded, bells were rung.
Under the watchful eyes of all Lin family members, including those observing from afar, the five elders of the Lin family personally pushed open the main gate of the ancestral hall, which was only opened on major holidays.
Then, Lin Yan stepped in alone, enjoying this honor exclusively.
Entering the ancestral hall, they paid homage to their ancestors.
"Please bring the family genealogy!"
A familiar figure entered from a side hall, carrying a thick family genealogy.
"Elder Qinghe."
"You didn't expect it to be me, did you?"
Lin Qinghe looked at Lin Yan, his face filled with emotion. When he first met Lin Yan in the Hidden Skill Pavilion, he was astonished that Lin Yan, from a branch family, dared to choose the Thunder Sound Technique for cultivation.
Later, when Lin Yan chose the Eight Desolate Dragon Elephant Technique and the Four Phases Condensing Qi Sword, he was convinced that this young man was extraordinary.
But he never imagined that in just a few years, the boy who once needed the clan's protection had grown to such a height.
A single page in the family genealogy!
For so many years, the Lin family had not bestowed this honor upon its members.
"I didn't expect that."
Lin Yan smiled slightly, while Lin Qinghe opened the family genealogy and turned to the latest page.
"Let's see if I've missed anything."
Lin Yan's gaze fell on the latest page, which recorded:
[Lin Yan: Descendant of the Lin Clan of Qingzhou... xx generation... Returned to the clan in xx year, first place in the branch competition, first place in the clan's new talent competition, first place in the clan's competition...]
The long, detailed record of his achievements, including his accomplishments at Chengyi Sword Academy and his exploits at Shennong Mountain, were all documented.
Lin Yan wasn't surprised by any of this, but what surprised him was that the clan hadn't added the character "Ming" to his name.
"Nothing is missing."
"That's good."
Lin Qinghe's expression turned serious as he looked at Lin Yan: "Lin Yan, do you know what it means to have a separate entry in the family genealogy?"
"It's the clan's deep affection for me."
"Wrong."
Lin Qinghe shook his head: "Having your name in the genealogy means you are a member of the Lin family, protected by the Lin family, and proud to be a member of the Lin family. And having a separate entry in the genealogy, starting with your name, means the clan is proud of you."
It's here!
The education on loving the clan may be late, but it has arrived.
Hearing Elder Qinghe's words, Lin Yan sighed inwardly, but it did sound very inspiring.
Sometimes, the motivation for martial arts cultivation is just that simple: to return home in glory and bring honor to one's ancestors.
"Go out and receive the cheers of your clansmen."
Lin Qinghe patted Lin Yan on the shoulder. Lin Yan was a little confused. When he stepped to the entrance of the ancestral hall, all the young members of the Lin family in the square looked at him and shouted in unison, "Thirteenth Uncle!"
Lin Yan: ...
His gaze swept across the scene. When he saw Hai Ge and the others, as well as Lin Mingye and other familiar faces, also shouting, Lin Yan's feelings were complicated.
He had become an uncle!
Not far away, Lu Changfeng watched this scene and nodded repeatedly. He said to the person beside him, "Shandong Dao values clans the most, and that's well-deserved. Junior Brother Qi, I think our Sword Academy can also follow suit and have a ceremony like this for each year's chief disciple."
"Senior Brother Lu, most of our Sword Academy disciples only stay for three to six years. We can't compare to the clans." "
That's true. In this respect, the Sword Academy can't compare to the clans. The blood ties that unite people's hearts are something the Sword Academy can't match."
...
...
Even the grandest ceremony eventually comes to an end.
But the aftershocks of this ceremony had only just begun to spread throughout Qingzhou Prefecture.
Two days later.
Lin Yan saw off Uncle Lu and the others. As for whether Uncle Lu and his master's late-night talk had taken place, he wasn't sure.
"Master, I plan to go back to Dengzhou."
This time, the ancestral hall was being opened with a separate page for the family genealogy. The clan originally planned to invite Lin Yan's uncle and aunt, and even a few people from the Lin family in Dengzhou, but Lin Yan refused.
Such a grand occasion would only put pressure on them if his uncle and aunt came.
"Alright."
Lin Shouyuan wasn't surprised, but asked, "Will you come back to the clan after you go to Dengzhou?"
"No, I won't come back. I'll stay in Dengzhou for the New Year this year, and then go straight back to Chengyi Sword Academy after the New Year."
"You just opened a separate page for the family genealogy, and you're not coming back to worship your ancestors this New Year?"
"Hehe, it's precisely because I've already worshipped them in advance that I won't come back to join the fun. I don't really like this kind of scene of showing off. If I came back for the New Year, I'm afraid I'd be showing off again."
Lin Yan chuckled. One show of off was enough.
"You..."
Lin Shouyuan shook his head, but he wasn't angry. He knew Lin Yan's personality. If it weren't for the clan's needs, he probably would have chosen to hold the clan genealogy opening ceremony in a low-key manner, given Lin Yan's nature.
"Master, where is Sister Mingxi? I haven't seen her."
"Not long after you left, Mingxi went to the Southern Guangdong Path and became a disciple of an elder in Tianyin Valley. This elder is also a master swordsman. With Mingxi's talent, if she had gone to the Northern Sea Path, she would only have been an ordinary disciple. But that elder took Mingxi as his personal disciple and will cultivate her carefully. It's no worse than going to the Northern Sea Path."
"The Southern Guangdong Path, that's so far away. Master, you were willing to let Sister Mingxi go?"
Lin Shouyuan fell silent, clearly touched by something that had hurt him.
"Get lost if you have nothing to do."
"Master, I'm leaving now, take care."
"I'm not seventy or eighty years old, my energy hasn't declined yet, hurry up and get lost."
Lin Shouyuan looked impatient, and only after Lin Yan stepped across the threshold did he speak again: "Don't put too much pressure on yourself."
Only he knows how much hardship his disciple has endured to achieve such success in just two years.
Lin Shouyuan was afraid that the glory bestowed upon Lin Yan by Cheng Yi Sword Academy and the Lin family would put pressure on Lin Yan's martial arts cultivation.
Hearing his master's words, Lin Yan paused, but didn't turn around. A smile appeared on his lips: "Master, don't worry, I won't feel pressured. I won't compare myself to others, just to Brother Hai and the others. Brother Hai hasn't broken through to the True Qi realm for so long and he doesn't feel pressured, so I certainly won't."
Lin Shouyuan: ...
That day, Lin Yan, Brother Hai, Brother Cheng, Lin Mingye, and others had a big drinking party in the clan, and distributed most of the remaining pills, except those given to the clan, to the others.
...
The next day.
Lin Yan declined everyone's offer to see him off and quietly left Qingzhou on a flying bird.
It wasn't entirely silent; at least, many martial artists noticed when the bird took off.
And now, all the martial artists in the city knew who was on that bird.
...
Dengzhou.
As the bird approached Dengzhou Prefecture, Lin Yan saw a mountain range occupying most of the city, with numerous palaces and buildings within it.
The Xuantian Sect, the sole overlord of Dengzhou Prefecture, was a sect with a Dharma Aspect Realm expert at its helm.
By now, Lin Yan had a better understanding of the martial arts forces in the various prefectures of Shandong Province. For a prefecture to be controlled by a single force, that force must have a Dharma Aspect Realm expert at its helm.
Otherwise, it would require a coalition of several forces, like the four great families of Qingzhou, otherwise it would inevitably attract the covetous eyes of other forces, or even invasion from forces outside the prefecture.
Simply put, with a Dharma Aspect Realm expert ruling a prefecture, everyone would accept and submit.
Without a Dharma Aspect Realm expert, trying to rule a prefecture and seize most of its resources would not gain the approval of other forces.
"I wonder if Junior Brother Zhao is at the Xuantian Sect right now?"
Thinking of Junior Brother Zhao having an implanted bone, Lin Yan's expression turned cold. This was a ticking time bomb, always hanging over Junior Brother Zhao.
Now that he was in Dengzhou Prefecture, Lin Yan decided to take this opportunity to visit the Xuantian Sect. Even if he didn't intend to investigate, he could at least find out about Junior Brother Zhao's master.
Leaving his flying beast at the official post station, Lin Yan headed towards the Xuantian Sect. At
the Xuantian Sect's mountain gate, the disciples guarding the gate exchanged glances as Lin Yan approached, their attitudes polite.
Of course, this was also because they recognized Lin Yan's extraordinary bearing.
"Halt, sir! This is the Xuantian Sect's mountain gate. What brings you here?"
"I've come to visit a friend, also a disciple of your sect."
"Which senior brother do you wish to visit?"
"Zhao Linyuan."
Hearing Lin Yan say "Zhao Linyuan," the two disciples became solemn.
"Senior Brother Zhao just left the mountain gate with Elder Yan."
Elder Yan.
Lin Yan's eyes narrowed. This Elder Yan was very likely Zhao's master.
"May I ask where the two went?"
The two disciples guarding the mountain remained silent. Lin Yan realized he had asked in vain.
The disciples guarding the mountain were likely outer disciples of the Xuan Tian Sect and couldn't possibly know Zhao's whereabouts.
"Since Brother Zhao isn't here, is Zhou Wei in the sect?"
"You know Senior Sister Zhou Wei?"
"Yes."
"Wait a moment, we'll inform her."
One of the disciples guarding the mountain was about to turn and enter the sect when he turned back: "May I ask your name?"
"Lin Yan."
Standing at the mountain gate, Lin Yan waited for a quarter of an hour before seeing Zhou Wei's figure rushing towards him, her face showing anxiety.
PS: I'm giving away a guaranteed monthly ticket today. Considering the three chapters, I'm giving Jiu Deng a monthly ticket. There's also a monthly ticket lottery in the book review section. You can comment first and then vote. The system will randomly draw winners for Qidian coins.
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