Chapter 72: Intimidation — Departure for the Ancient Tomb!
On the way to the main hall, Lin Xia asked Lin Fan, "Did you teach those guys from the main clan a lesson?"
Lin Fan chuckled. "What, did they go crying to Grandpa?"
Lin Xia giggled. "They didn't exactly complain, but it looked like they went to get reinforcements."
"This time, quite a few came from the main Lin Clan, mostly younger generation. I heard two of them are particularly strong."
"Oh? Who are they?" Lin Fan asked casually, not really concerned.
Lin Xia's expression turned serious. "One man and one woman—Lin Chen and Lin Ke'er. According to my father, both are top-tier among the main clan's younger generation."
"Got it." Lin Fan nodded with a light smile, unsurprised by the news.
As they spoke, the two soon arrived at the Lin family's main hall.
When Lin Fan entered, laughter and chatter filled the room.
Aside from Lin Zhentian and Lin Xiao, several unfamiliar faces were present—members of the Lin Clan's main branch.
The four young men from before—Lin Feng and the others—were among them.
Lin Zhentian warmly introduced everyone to Lin Fan, and the faces matched those in his memory.
After some brief small talk, an elderly man referred to as Old Tao turned to Lin Zhentian and asked with a smile,
"Old friend, did you want me to bring Lin Fan along with us to the ancient tomb?"
Before Lin Zhentian could respond, Lin Fan replied calmly,
"Thank you for the offer, Elder Tao, but I have other plans and won't be joining you."
Lin Zhentian was slightly stunned—Lin Fan hadn't mentioned this before.
But with guests present, he chose not to question him further.
He simply said, "Fan'er, traveling with Elder Tao would be safer. Are you sure you can't adjust your plans?"
"I'd prefer to go separately, Grandpa," Lin Fan replied firmly.
He had no intention of joining this group.
If he went with them, it would only bring trouble—especially if Lin Langtian was among them.
With Lin Langtian's influence, even Elder Tao might have to defer to him. The trip would only end in conflict or restriction.
"Hmph, ungrateful brat! What, think we're begging you to come along?"
Before Lin Zhentian or Elder Tao could respond, Lin Chen sneered, his voice full of hostility.
Lin Zhentian quickly apologized to Elder Tao, "Sorry, my friend, Fan'er didn't mean it like that."
"I understand." Elder Tao smiled gently, then looked at Lin Chen. "That's enough, Lin Chen. No need to make a scene over something so small."
Lin Chen nodded, though begrudgingly. "Fine, I'll let it go. But I've heard Lin Fan thinks quite highly of himself—doesn't even regard our main clan's younger generation."
"I, Lin Chen, am far from the best, but I'd like to see for myself just how strong he really is!"
Elder Tao frowned slightly. "Lin Chen, don't overstep."
Lin Chen smiled lightly. "No harm, Elder Tao. Just a friendly spar. Even within the main clan, we often test ourselves against one another."
He turned to Lin Fan. "So? Do you dare accept my challenge?"
Lin Fan replied coolly, "Why wouldn't I?"
"Fan'er," Lin Zhentian called out, sending Lin Fan a subtle glance.
Lin Fan gave a barely perceptible nod, then turned and walked outside the hall.
Lin Chen grinned and followed him.
Though Lin Chen was at the Small Perfection Yuan Dan Realm and considered elite among the younger generation—
His opponent was cheat-code Lin Fan.
After only a dozen moves, Lin Chen was decisively defeated!
Lin Fan, heeding Lin Zhentian's signal, refrained from using lethal force.
But even so, the outcome left the entire group from the main clan completely dumbfounded.
They had never imagined Lin Fan would be so powerful, easily defeating someone like Lin Chen!
Even Lin Ke'er, her beautiful eyes watching closely, couldn't hide the flash of admiration that passed through them.
Even Elder Tao paused, visibly stunned.
After a moment, he turned to Lin Zhentian and said, "A hero, even in youth! Congratulations, old friend. Looks like your dream of returning to the main clan may really come true in two years."
Lin Zhentian smiled humbly, waving it off—though his heart was clearly elated.
"Hmph, no wonder you were so arrogant," Lin Chen said, his expression shifting. "You really do have some skill. This time, I'll admit defeat."
Lin Fan smiled faintly but said nothing more.
After a few polite exchanges, the gathering dispersed.
After the others had left, Lin Zhentian stopped Lin Fan with a curious look.
"Fan'er, why didn't you want to go with the others? Elder Tao is a trusted friend. With him, you'd be much safer."
Lin Fan's eyes flickered. "I heard Lin Langtian will also be at the Nirvana expert's tomb."
Lin Langtian.
At that name, Lin Zhentian's expression darkened.
If not for Lin Langtian, his dream of returning to the main clan would have already been fulfilled through Lin Xiao.
But instead, his hopes were shattered, and Lin Xiao was gravely injured and fell into years of despair.
Of course he remembered that name vividly.
Lin Fan continued, "Lin Langtian holds great authority within the clan. Even Elder Tao would have to follow his lead."
"If I go with them, and Lin Langtian decides to act against me, I'd be putting myself in a dangerous situation."
Lin Zhentian sighed. "You're right. I didn't consider that. Still… be very careful out there."
"I won't be alone," Lin Fan replied. "Lin Dong is coming too. And we'll have Huo'er and Xiao Yan with us."
"Three at Yuan Dan Great Perfection, one at Small Perfection. That should be enough to defend ourselves."
Lin Zhentian's eyes widened. "You've reached Great Perfection already?"
Last time Lin Fan fought Yue Shan, he used mostly Symbol Master techniques. His Yuan Power had only been at Small Perfection.
"Just broke through recently," Lin Fan said with a smile.
"Haha! Excellent!"
Lin Zhentian laughed heartily, all his worries gone.
After chatting for a while longer, Lin Fan excused himself and left.
Time flowed quickly. Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
During that time, the main clan members continued staying at the Lin estate.
After their earlier humiliation, they behaved themselves and stopped provoking the Lin juniors.
On the morning of the third day, Elder Tao and the main clan members bid farewell to Lin Zhentian and departed for the Nirvana Tomb.
The next day, after saying goodbye to Lin Xiao, Qingtan, and the others—
Lin Fan rode Huo'er, and Lin Dong mounted Xiao Yan.
Two people, two beasts—departing together, heading for the Nirvana expert's tomb.
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