Chapter 13: A Proposal for Cooperation, A Gift by Night
Lin Fan said, "For the upcoming Hunting Tournament, I hope to team up with Brother Wu to jointly target the younger generation of the Lei and Xie families."
"Also, any spoils we acquire can be distributed based on contribution. Let's keep it between us and avoid involving other forces—we don't want any unnecessary complications. What do you think, Brother Wu?"
Lin Fan made this proposal partly because of the potential appearance of the Fire Python Tiger during the tournament, and partly to solidify an alliance with the Mad Blade Martial Hall.
The Lin family was already at odds with the Lei and Xie families—forming an alliance could help shoulder the pressure, giving him and Lin Dong more time to grow.
Otherwise, if his recent actions prompted the Lei and Xie clans to act prematurely against the Lin family, it would be disastrous. After all, neither he nor Lin Dong had reached their full potential yet.
Wu Yun pondered briefly before laughing heartily. "Haha, excellent! The wheel of fortune turns—this time, it's our turn to teach the Lei and Xie families a lesson at the Hunting Tournament!"
Lin Fan smiled slightly and extended his hand. "Brother Wu, here's to a successful partnership."
Wu Yun blinked in surprise for a moment, then reached out to shake Lin Fan's hand, smiling. "Brother Lin, to a successful partnership!"
[Ding! You touched Wu Yun and obtained one third-grade spiritual herb: Rehmannia Fruit!]
The familiar system notification echoed in Lin Fan's mind. He was pleased but showed no emotion outwardly.
After a few more words of small talk, Wu Yun took the disciples of the Mad Blade Martial Hall and departed.
As they were leaving, Lin Dong came running over, his breath heavy and his aura faintly surging.
Wu Yun passed by Lin Dong, subconsciously giving him a second glance.
Looks like the Lin family really is on the rise... Wu Yun thought to himself, nodding toward Lin Dong before continuing on his way.
Lin Dong looked around and said a little awkwardly, "Sorry, I'm late."
After trading some spiritual herbs using his talisman's spiritual liquid at the market, he had rushed toward the loft to regroup with Lin Fan and Qingtan. But just as he reached the entrance, he heard about the scuffle between the Lin and Xie juniors.
He'd hurried inside—only to miss all the action.
Lin Xia smiled. "It's fine. With Lin Fan around, the Xie family didn't get the upper hand this time."
Lin Dong chuckled. "That's true. With Lin Fan-ge here, my presence wouldn't have made much difference."
"You don't know, Lin Fan-ge was amazing just now!" Qingtan exclaimed with pride, then eagerly recounted everything that had happened to Lin Dong, her face glowing with admiration.
Lin Dong listened with a cheerful smile. Like Lin Fan, he didn't have the slightest fondness for the Lei or Xie juniors.
"Alright, I think we've wandered around enough for one day. Let's head back," Lin Fan said, smiling as he turned to Lin Xia and the others.
"Let's go together," Lin Xia responded.
No one had any objections. After the earlier conflict, everyone was eager to return and focus on their cultivation—hoping that one day, they too could be as impressive as Lin Fan.
Back at the Lin residence, Lin Fan, Lin Dong, and Qingtan didn't immediately return to their hill. Instead, they headed to the Lin family's rear courtyard.
It was the end of the month—time for the family's monthly dinner gathering, where core members reported on clan affairs.
Because of Lin Fan and Lin Dong's outstanding performance in the clan competition, Lin Zhentian had requested they attend as well.
No one objected to Qingtan joining them.
In the rear courtyard, several dozen people sat around a large round table, chatting animatedly.
At the head of the table sat Lin Zhentian, the family patriarch.
After discussing family business with Lin Ken, Lin Mang, and Lin Xiao, he turned his gaze to the younger generation and smiled warmly.
"I heard that today, these little ones got into it with the Lei and Xie juniors again—and actually came out ahead."
In the past, the Lin juniors were always the ones getting beat up, and the family's reputation suffered as a result.
But this time, thanks to Lin Fan's intervention, things had turned around. Lin Zhentian felt a surge of pride and satisfaction.
Lin Xia said, "It's all thanks to Cousin Lin Fan. He really gave the Lin family a boost today!"
Even Lin Hong didn't argue. He just glanced at Lin Fan, his expression slightly complicated.
Lin Zhentian beamed. "Well done, Lin Fan. You truly are my grandson! It looks like our Lin family has a real shot at winning big at the Hunting Tournament this year!"
Lin Ken and Lin Xiao were both full of pride. Lin Mang, however, looked deeply conflicted. He gave Lin Hong a fierce glare—frustrated with his underperformance.
Lin Fan responded earnestly, "Grandfather, don't worry. Four months from now, at the Hunting Tournament, our Lin family will surely claim the prize from the Lei and Xie clans!"
"Haha, excellent!" Lin Zhentian laughed loudly, then offered a few words of encouragement to the juniors before dismissing the gathering.
That night, after returning to their hill, Lin Fan hesitated for a moment before seeking out Lin Xiao.
"Fan'er? What's the matter at this hour?" Lin Xiao asked curiously.
Lin Fan said, "I have something to give you, Uncle."
He reached into his robe and retrieved a delicate box from his system space, handing it over.
"What's this?" Lin Xiao looked puzzled.
Lin Fan didn't hide the truth. "Inside are three Yin-Yang Pearls. They can help a late-stage Heaven Origin cultivator break into the Yuan Dan Stage."
"What?!" Lin Xiao was stunned. "Where did you get something so rare?"
Lin Fan casually lied, "Not long ago, I stumbled upon a senior's legacy. There were lots of treasures inside. The Yin-Yang Pearls were nothing special among them."
Lin Xiao smiled with deep emotion. "You've been fortunate. But these pearls are too valuable. Keep them. Use them when you reach late Heaven Origin Stage."
Lin Fan shook his head. "I'm still a long way off from that realm. Too many things can happen between now and then. Carrying treasures without sufficient strength is a liability."
"But if you use them to improve your strength, not only will you be safe, but you'll also be able to protect me. That's the smartest move."
"Besides, compared to everything you and Aunt have done for me, these pearls are nothing. If you don't take them, I'll throw them away."
"You stubborn child… Fine. I'll accept them."
Lin Xiao sighed with both pride and helplessness and finally took the box.
Seeing that, Lin Fan didn't say more. "Uncle, I'll go rest now. Please use them as soon as possible to break through to the Yuan Dan Stage."
With that, Lin Fan turned and left.
As he reached his room, he suddenly saw Lin Dong standing outside.
"Hm? Lin Dong? What are you doing here? Something wrong?"
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