At the same time Lin Hao was speaking with the embroideress, in the Lin family’s Patriarchal Residence.

Lin Tianhao was slouched lazily upon the large, luxurious main seat, showing none of the bearing of a Patriarch. Yet, his gaze was blazing.

"Zheng’Er, you just said that little bastard Lin Hao’s Cultivation Technique and Body Technique are both strange. Tell me what’s going on."

The mention of Lin Hao reminded Lin Zheng of the humiliation he had just suffered at his hands.

He, a mighty expert at the Eighth Layer of Blood Coagulation Realm, had been captured by Lin Hao, a good-for-nothing at the Third Layer, before he could even use his Bloodline Power. A disgrace! An utter and complete humiliation!

Although his own carelessness was partly to blame, he still felt a lingering fear when he recalled Lin Hao’s Body Technique, martial skills, and strange Cultivation Technique.

"Father, that little bastard must have just acquired that Body Technique. Today might have even been the first time he’s used it. At first, it seemed like there were patterns to follow, but Lin Cheng couldn’t do a thing to him. Then, it became like a phantom’s, impossibly fast. All I could see were afterimages filling the sky," Lin Zheng said.

"What?!" Lin Tianhao’s body suddenly shot ramrod straight, a strange light appearing in his eyes. He said, "Our Lin family only possesses a single Body Technique manual, and it’s merely a Middle Grade Yellow Level one. Based on your description, his Body Technique is definitely far more than just Middle Grade Yellow Level!"

"A Body Technique that surpasses Middle Grade Yellow Level..." Lin Tianhao murmured, his eyes burning with greed.

Among the major families of War Dragon City, all martial skills were Yellow-level Martial Skills. Body Techniques were a special type of martial skill and even rarer than a phoenix feather. It would be strange if Lin Tianhao wasn’t covetous now that Lin Hao actually possessed a Body Technique that surpassed the Yellow Level.

"Father, as incredible as his Body Technique is, that little bastard’s Cultivation Technique is even more bizarre and terrifying! I’m afraid that even the main Lin family in the Imperial City doesn’t possess a technique of its caliber!"

"How is that possible?!" Lin Tianhao cried out in shock, leaping to his feet.

He might be stuck in War Dragon City, but Lin Wu had returned a year ago after entering the Imperial City, and he had seen Lin Wu channel his Cultivation Technique back then.

At the time, he and Lin Wu were both at the Ninth Layer of Blood Coagulation Realm, yet he couldn’t withstand a single blow from Lin Wu.

He remembered how Lin Wu had proudly declared that the Cultivation Technique he practiced was among the best in the entire Celestial Yang Continent.

But now, Lin Zheng was telling him that Lin Hao’s Cultivation Technique was even more profound than the one from the main family in the Imperial City. How could he not be aghast?

"Zheng’Er, are you sure you’re not mistaken?" Lin Tianhao shook his head in disbelief.

"No, Father, I’m absolutely certain! I remember you told me that when you fought Big Brother Lin Wu, his Cultivation Technique seemed to suppress yours. I had the same feeling when I fought Lin Hao."

"The Cultivation Technique was one reason, but it was mainly because his Bloodline Power is too strong!" Thinking of Lin Wu, Lin Tianhao’s expression became complicated.

"Father, his bloodline may be strong, but mine isn’t weak! According to what you said, when I fight a good-for-nothing with no bloodline, I should be the one suppressing him, but the result was the exact opposite. This just goes to show how terrifying that little bastard’s Cultivation Technique is."

Lin Tianhao’s expression changed. Finally moved, he said urgently, "Tell me the details!"

"His power is extremely strange. When I clashed fists with him, I had the illusion that the scorching sun had fallen from the sky, a boundless, searing heat. But in the next moment, it was as if the bright moon had descended, making me feel like I’d been plunged into an ice cavern! Finally, the two forces merged, a perfect union of hard and soft. I couldn’t break free."

Recalling the sensation, Lin Zheng’s face paled as well.

"After that, I used Bone Strengthening to try and break his wrist, but something even more terrifying happened! A powerful rebound force shot out from his wrist. The feeling was very much like the legendary ’Body of Hardened Qi’! I was in a state of utter shock, and that’s when he captured me."

"His Cultivation Technique can actually create a Body of Hardened Qi!" Lin Tianhao was utterly horrified. His eyes widened like copper bells, nearly popping out of their sockets.

In the immense shock, only the sound of two people’s heavy breathing filled the Patriarchal Residence.

After a long while, Lin Tianhao finally came to his senses. His voice trembling with excitement, he said, "Treat him well for now and figure out his secrets. If he truly possesses a peerless Cultivation Technique, we must obtain it, no matter the cost!"

"And another thing, no matter what, a third person cannot know about this! If you can obtain this Cultivation Technique, there will be a place for you in the Imperial City’s Lin family!" Lin Tianhao instructed.

"Father, I understand!" Lin Zheng’s eyes flickered as he responded in a low voice.

...

The information Lin Hao got from the embroideress was disappointing.

After composing himself, the three of them were just about to head to Yi Mingcheng’s residence when Lin Tianhao unexpectedly appeared...

Standing in a courtyard, the embroideress stared wide-eyed, unable to believe what she was seeing.

The courtyard was vast, filled with pavilions, terraces, waterside gazebos, and a sea of flowers... There were also bustling servants, all of which demonstrated the residence’s extraordinary grandeur.

"Young Master, this courtyard was originally your parents’ residence," Yi Mingcheng whispered softly in Lin Hao’s ear.

Lin Hao’s body trembled. ’Parents.’ He hadn’t heard those words in a very long time.

’It seems Yi Mingcheng knows a lot more.’

Lin Hao wanted to ask, but he swept his gaze around the area and sneered inwardly.

Lin Tianhao had not only arranged a courtyard for him but had also sent over many servants. ’Does he take me for a fool?’ These so-called servants walked with steady steps and had deep, even breathing; they were clearly Martial Artists with considerable cultivation.

The intention behind this arrangement was self-evident.

’He’s really willing to spare no expense for his own sake!’

’Right now, with the Pavilion Master of the Treasure Hunting Pavilion deterring him, Lin Tianhao is holding back for fear of breaking the vase while aiming for the rat. He won’t dare to do anything to me for the time being. Sending all these servants over actually makes it more convenient for me to look for Yan’Er!’

’Since all their eyes are on me now, I can have Yi Mingcheng focus on his Cultivation Technique while secretly helping me gather information about those uncles!’

’Every move I make in the Lin family is under surveillance, making it nearly impossible to create my own bloodline. For now, the only plan is to wait until I enter the Heaven-Stepping Sect and become a Sect Disciple. Then I’ll come back and settle the score with them!’

His mind raced, and Lin Hao had already formulated a plan.

Having made up his mind, Lin Hao took the lead and strode into the courtyard...

Not long after Lin Hao entered the courtyard, back in the Patriarchal Residence, Lin Tianhao received a secret letter from the Imperial City.

"Father, what does it say?" Lin Zheng couldn’t help but ask curiously when he saw a strange brilliance suddenly light up Lin Tianhao’s face.

Lin Tianhao handed the secret letter over.

On the letter were a few lines of large characters: If Lin Hao has recovered, reply immediately. The matter of the annulment will be announced to the world.

"Excellent! Let’s see how that little bastard Lin Hao can hold his head up high now!" After reading it, Lin Zheng slapped his thigh, his face a picture of schadenfreude.

"Zheng’Er, you need to learn more from your Big Brother Lin Wu! He’s far away in the Imperial City, yet he can think things through so meticulously. And look at you, getting captured by that little bastard!" After laughing, Lin Tianhao’s face showed his deep disappointment.

Lin Zheng lowered his head, hatred surging in his eyes, but he immediately looked up again and respectfully agreed.

"I’m going to write a reply. You’re dismissed. I have a task for you! By the end of today, I want everyone in War Dragon City to know that the Lu family has broken off their engagement with Lin Hao!" Lin Tianhao’s eyes were filled with a chilling coldness.

Lin Zheng now hated Lin Hao to the bone. Hearing this, his eyes filled with excitement...

Just as Lin Zheng set out, Lin Hao, who had just moved into his new residence, received his first guest.

The visitor wore a Daoist robe, appeared to be over fifty, and had a thin face, narrow eyes, and a goatee.

"Young Master, this old servant is Shi Bai. Hearing that you moved today, I have prepared a humble gift and come uninvited."

Facing Lin Hao, Shi Bai was unusually respectful.

’He’s fast,’ Lin Hao sneered inwardly.

This Shi Bai’s reason for coming to the Lin family was naturally for medicinal pills.

He had just returned, and Shi Bai had already gotten the news. Furthermore, for an Alchemy Master to adopt such an attitude towards him raised Lin Hao’s appraisal of the man to a new level.

’This is definitely a dangerous man!’

"Who are you? This young master doesn’t know you! Get out!" A corner of Lin Hao’s mouth lifted before he feigned a furious outburst.

Shi Bai’s body stiffened, but he immediately forced a smile. "This old servant was muddle-headed. I was originally an unsuccessful Alchemy Master. A few days ago, I happened to meet the head of the Celestial Secret Sect, and with his guidance, I learned that my enlightened master was in the Lin family of War Dragon City. So, I came here specifically to pledge my allegiance."

The Celestial Secret Sect was, according to legend, an anomaly on the Celestial Yang Continent. The entire sect had only one member, a man whose word was law, who could determine life and death, and who could see through a Martial Artist’s past and future.

"You’re looking for the wrong person. I’m not the Young Master of the Lin family! You’re clearly trying to sow discord in our family! Get out!" Lin Hao remained unmoved.

"Young Master, if you won’t take me in, then what’s the point of me staying in the Lin family?" Shi Bai suddenly dropped to his knees, grabbed Lin Hao’s thigh, and started wailing his eyes out.

Lin Hao was taken aback for a moment, then a strange smile appeared on his face.

He finally understood the purpose of Shi Bai’s visit.

’A few days ago, I brought Yi Mingcheng a gift: Iced Blood Fungus.’

’Now he suspects me and has come to see if I’ve been poisoned.’

How could Lin Hao be pleasant to someone with such malicious intentions? His eyes immediately turned icy as he said indifferently, "In that case, get out of the Lin family!"

"Insolent! Lin Hao, don’t think you can order people around in the Lin family just because you have the Treasure Hunting Pavilion protecting you." Lin Tianhao’s angry roar echoed from the doorway.

A servant had just reported to Lin Tianhao that Shi Bai had gone to see Lin Hao and that they couldn’t get close.

Lin Tianhao realized the gravity of the situation and rushed over, only to hear Lin Hao telling Shi Bai to get out of the Lin family.

As the Patriarch of the Lin family, how could he not know Shi Bai’s purpose, given his strange background and the suspicious timing of his arrival right after Yi Mingcheng produced the pill? However, that was precisely what he wanted to find out as well.

It was simply a matter of mutual exploitation.

But Shi Bai had indeed refined quite a few pills for the Lin family these past few days. An Alchemy Master was a respected figure anywhere, so how could Lin Tianhao not be furious hearing Lin Hao’s words?

If Shi Bai were to leave the Lin family now, it would be a great loss.

"Master Shi, what happened?" Lin Tianhao personally helped Shi Bai up and asked with concern.

Lin Hao’s gaze was cold. He was curious to see how Shi Bai would answer.

But Shi Bai just shook his head and said, "Young Master Lin is in a bad mood. I angered him, so he can’t be blamed."

"Master, please go back and rest for now. I will definitely give you a satisfactory explanation," Lin Tianhao said fawningly.

"Young Master Lin, I will come again another day." Shi Bai only bowed to Lin Hao before leaving directly.

A flash of annoyance crossed Lin Tianhao’s eyes. Shi Bai had been quite polite to him these past few days, but as soon as that little bastard Lin Hao returned, his attitude changed!

However, in the next moment, he was suddenly startled...