Chapter 13: 13. A new one arrives, prey or predator?
Several days passed after the incident.
As usual, Lin Xuan went to visit Lin Zhaoyue.
After learning that she still hadn’t emerged from seclusion, he left and headed toward the clan hall instead.
He had originally wanted to bring her along today because the occasion was somewhat special.
Rumors had been circulating throughout the city that an elder from the Mystic Sky Sect would be arriving.
If his daughter could somehow catch the eye of such an esteemed senior, her future would be secured.
At least, that was what most people would think.
After all, becoming a disciple of one of the great sects was an honor countless cultivators could only dream of.
Of course, Lin Xuan didn’t believe his daughter would ever attract the attention of such a figure.
Her martial spirit was only Grade One Mortal Rank.
...Or was it?
The thought suddenly surfaced in his mind.
He recalled that Lin Zhaoyue had already reached the Qi Refinement Realm despite supposedly possessing a Grade One Mortal Rank Martial Spirit.
If it hadn’t been for the awakening ceremony, he would have believed her even if she claimed to possess a Legendary Rank Martial Spirit.
With a deep sigh, Lin Xuan stepped into the clan hall.
The elders had already begun gathering.
In one corner, he spotted Lin Zhenghai sitting rather comfortably.
Judging by the expression on the Supreme Elder’s face, he had likely received some good news recently.
Lin Xuan merely glanced at him before making his way toward the Patriarch’s seat.
A few moments later, the meeting officially began.
The elders were all present, ranging from the Sixth Layer of Qi Refinement to the Tenth Layer. They represented the strongest cultivators within the entire Lin Clan.
Although Lin Xuan himself was a Golden Core cultivator, that didn’t mean he could simply suppress everyone through force.
A clan was not governed through strength alone.
If he wanted things to function smoothly, he needed the support of at least half the elders.
Tyranny was never a long-term solution.
After everyone had settled into their seats, Lin Xuan formally began the meeting.
Almost immediately, the discussion turned toward the mysterious elder from the Mystic Sky Sect.
"The information has already been confirmed."
An elder seated near the front was the first to speak.
"The elder from the Mystic Sky Sect entered Blue River City this morning. According to our sources, he is currently staying at the City Lord’s Manor."
The moment those words were spoken, several elders became visibly interested.
The Mystic Sky Sect was not an existence the Lin Clan could normally come into contact with.
Even a single elder from such a sect possessed a status far above theirs.
"If we’re able to establish a connection with him, it would greatly benefit the clan."
Another elder nodded in agreement.
"Even a few words of guidance could be worth years of cultivation."
"More importantly," a third elder added, "if one of our younger generation catches his eye, the future of the Lin Clan could change entirely."
Many elders nodded.
Such opportunities were exceedingly rare.
A disciple from a great sect represented far more than personal success.
It meant access to resources, cultivation techniques, and connections that ordinary clans could never obtain. freeωebnovēl.c૦m
At that moment, Lin Zhenghai stroked his beard and smiled.
"Fortunately, our Lin Clan possesses exactly such a talent."
Several elders immediately understood his meaning. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com
Lin Zhaowen.
The only Grade Six Mortal Rank Martial Spirit among the younger generation.
The old man’s smile deepened as he continued.
"Although entering the eyes of a Mystic Sky Sect elder is difficult, Zhaowen’s talent should at least allow him to be noticed."
A number of elders nodded in agreement.
Among everyone in the younger generation, Lin Zhaowen undoubtedly possessed the highest chance.
Lin Xuan listened quietly without interrupting.
The Supreme Elder glanced toward him before continuing.
"In fact, I have already arranged for Zhaowen to participate in the welcoming banquet hosted by the City Lord tonight."
Several elders looked surprised.
"You’ve already arranged it?"
Lin Zhenghai nodded.
"The City Lord and I have exchanged correspondence for years."
His expression carried a trace of pride.
"Obtaining a seat for Zhaowen wasn’t difficult."
A few elders immediately offered compliments.
"As expected of the Supreme Elder."
"Excellent foresight."
"If Zhaowen can enter the Mystic Sky Sect, our Lin Clan’s future will be secure."
The atmosphere gradually became more enthusiastic.
Lin Zhenghai stroked his beard, unable to conceal the satisfaction in his expression.
"As I have said before, everything I do is for the clan."
His gaze swept across the hall.
"The younger generation represents the future of the Lin Family. If there is even the slightest chance for one of them to enter the Mystic Sky Sect, we must seize it."
Several elders nodded in agreement.
Nobody could deny the logic.
The Mystic Sky Sect stood far above a small clan like theirs.
Even becoming an outer disciple would be a tremendous opportunity.
"If Zhaowen succeeds," Lin Zhenghai continued, "the benefits will not belong to him alone. They will belong to the entire clan."
"Exactly."
One elder immediately agreed.
"A single disciple from a major sect could elevate our clan’s standing for decades."
Another elder added, "With his talent, Zhaowen may genuinely have a chance."
Among all the disciples in the clan, he was undeniably the most promising candidate.
Lin Xuan listened quietly from the Patriarch’s seat.
This time, he had no intention of arguing.
Objectively speaking, Lin Zhenghai wasn’t wrong.
If a disciple of the Lin Clan managed to enter the Mystic Sky Sect, the entire family would benefit.
That was simply reality.
More importantly, Lin Xuan understood something the others didn’t.
The Supreme Elder needed this opportunity.
After the humiliation he had suffered during the previous meeting, Lin Zhenghai desperately needed a victory.
And if Lin Zhaowen caught the attention of the Mystic Sky Sect elder, much of the prestige he had lost would return overnight.
The old man’s supporters clearly understood this as well.
For the first time in several days, their expressions looked noticeably brighter.
Lin Zhenghai naturally noticed the change in mood.
The smile on his face widened slightly.
"Regardless of personal grievances," he said, looking around the hall, "everyone here should understand the importance of this opportunity."
His gaze briefly passed over Lin Xuan before returning to the elders.
"The future of the clan must always come first."
This time, nobody argued with him.
Not because they agreed with everything he had done, but because the matter before them was genuinely important.
Seeing that the discussion was proceeding smoothly, Lin Xuan finally spoke.
"In that case, let’s focus on preparations."
The elders immediately turned their attention toward him.
Whatever their opinions might be, he was still the Patriarch.