The Lin Ha group quietly breathed a sigh of relief when they finally saw Lei Li leave. Although Lin Dong had displayed astonishing strength recently, they didn't feel good about their chances if he were to truly confront Lei Li, someone who had long been renowned as a genius outside. Therefore, being able to avoid a confrontation at this moment was naturally the best situation.
“Heh heh, Lin Ha, it seems your Lin family has finally produced an extraordinary young man.” Wu Yun watched Lei Li leave, then turned around. His gaze swept over Lin Dong before finally settling on Lin Ha, as he said with a smile.
Lin Ha glanced at him, then patted Lin Dong's shoulder and said with considerable pride, “Naturally. With my cousin Lin Dong's cultivation speed, surpassing you all won't be difficult.”
At Lin Ha's overly confident demeanor, Lin Dong could only shake his head helplessly, then turned to Wu Yun and said with a smile, “Thank you for your assistance today.”
He naturally saw that Wu Yun bringing his people to show up was actually to interfere, so that Lei Li couldn't comfortably make a move against him.
“No need for thanks. Lei Li and I are considered rivals. Making him uncomfortable is something I'm very happy to do.” Wu Yun waved his hand, smiling. He didn't put on airs in front of Lin Dong. From the brief exchange that just occurred between this person and Lei Li, he could tell that this person's strength was probably not much inferior to his own.
Lin Dong chuckled. It seemed the relationship between the Mad Blade Martial Hall and the Lei Xie family was still not very good. In that case, for their Lin family, this was also good news. After all, if the three major powers united, with Lin Xiao's newly recovered strength, they probably wouldn't be able to resist.
“It's getting late, I'll be going now. Haha, Lin Dong, see you at the hunting competition. But when that time comes, I'll spar with you, and I hope we can have a satisfying fight.”
The two chatted for a bit longer, then Wu Yun waved his hand, turned, and led his people away.
“Let's head back too.”
Glancing at the nearly dispersed crowd, Lin Dong chuckled, then turned his head towards Lin Ha and his group, saying.
“Mm.”
Having just experienced the conflict, Lin Ha and his group didn't want to stay long, so they immediately nodded. Therefore, the remaining onlookers also gradually dispersed.
***
After returning to the Lin family, Lin Dong and Qing Tan did not immediately go back to their Little Mountain Dwelling. Calculating the time, today was precisely the end of the month, which was the time for the Lin family's gathering and feast. Every month at this time, important members of the clan would gather together to report on the month's affairs.
Originally, Lin Dong had been unable to participate in such gatherings, but after the Clan Assembly concluded, his status within the Lin family had practically soared. In fact, he even had a seat at today's family gathering.
A full moon rose high in the sky, its icy moonlight casting a slantwise glow over the entire area.
The Lin family's back courtyard was bustling with activity at this moment. Over a dozen people gathered around a large round table, with continuous peals of laughter.
Lin Dong sat in the position on the left. Below him were Lin Ha, Lin Hong, and other somewhat outstanding younger generation members of the Lin family.
The only thing that brought Lin Dong a little joy at this banquet was meeting Lin Xiao, who had been busy with many matters concerning the Blazing Flame Manor recently.
At the dining table, the head seat, of course, belonged to Lin Zhentian. At this moment, the old man and Lin Xiao were chatting, inquiring about the recent situation of the Blazing Flame Manor. After hearing it all, he nodded in satisfaction, then his smiling gaze suddenly shifted towards Lin Dong.
"Today, I received news that you youngsters had a conflict with the Xie family's juniors, and even made that brat Lei Li of the Lei family leave in the end."
All eyes at the dining table were on Lin Zhentian, and upon hearing this, one person's face darkened, glaring fiercely at his daughter.
In the past, such incidents occurred frequently, but each time, these little rabbits would return beaten black and blue. Seeing their sorry state, they felt a bit annoyed and wanted to confront the other party, but were rendered speechless by the phrase "just youngsters playing around."
"Father, this matter was most likely caused by that girl Lin He. After we return, I will discipline her," Lin Keng said from the side, his voice deep.
"Haha, no need for that. This time, they didn't bring shame upon my Lin family."
Lin Zhentian waved his hand and chuckled, the old man seemed rather pleased as he said with a smile, "This brat Lin Dong's potential is truly stronger than Lin Xiao's was back then. This time, he not only defeated two Seventh Layer Xie family brats but also managed to stop Lei Li in the end. Those who witnessed this skill couldn't stop praising him."
"Oh?"
Hearing these words, some people present were moved, and Lin Xiao was even more astonished, looking towards Lin Dong, clearly not expecting him to be able to contend with Lei Li without losing.
"Is that true?" Lin Xiao couldn't help but ask his son.
Faced with the gazes fixed on him, Lin Dong reluctantly nodded and replied, "I used the Penetrating Back Fist, but Lei Li hadn't used any martial arts yet, so it can't be considered an even match."
"Even so, Lei Li had already stepped into the Ninth Layer of Body Tempering long ago. For you to use the Penetrating Back Fist and bridge that gap is already very impressive," Lin Keng said happily.
"Lin Dong has already entered the Eighth Layer of Body Tempering?" Lin Zhentian asked with a smile.
Lin Dong sighed helplessly inwardly, but outwardly could only nod.
"Good, my good grandson! It seems my Lin family has finally produced a genius no less than the Lei family's!" Seeing Lin Dong nod, Lin Zhentian couldn't help but burst out laughing. Hearing their father's joyful laughter, Lin Xiao and Keng also smiled faintly, while Lin Mang, standing to the side, had a complicated expression.
"The hunting competition is still about four months away. During this time, you must cultivate diligently. Tell me if you need anything; as long as my Lin family possesses it, we will absolutely not hide it!" Lin Zhentian stroked his beard and said with a smile.
Hearing this, many people were inwardly startled; Lin Zhentian's words meant he intended to give Lin Dong the most precious resources to nurture this important talent. Lin Xiao had been treated the same way in his early days.
In the eyes of Lin He and the others, there was a hint of envy, but Lin Dong's recent achievements were indeed unmatched.
"Thank you, Grandfather."
Observing the crowd's expressions, Lin Dong didn't refuse out loud, but inwardly, he had no desire to accept. With the mysterious Stone Talisman, the Lin Family's resources no longer held any appeal for him.
Of course, he wouldn't voice these thoughts. Furthermore, even though he didn't need the Lin Family's resources, he could still demand them when necessary, to prevent suspicion arising from the Stone Talisman accelerating his cultivation.
Lin Zhengtian waved his hand with a laugh, then wanted to discuss family matters with the others, and so the gathering slowly dispersed.
Watching Lin Zhengtian walk away, his hearty laughter still drifted back. Lin Dong clenched his fists. The old man had placed his hopes on him, just as he had previously placed his hopes on Lin Xiao.
"Grandfather, please rest assured. I will help you fulfill your wish."
Lin Dong was muttering to himself inwardly when he suddenly looked up, the corners of his lips curving into a somewhat icy smile.
"And then there's... you, Lin Langtian..."