"This transport will certainly not be as easy as the last one. According to the information I've gathered, this shipment of Yangyuan Stones might run into trouble," Lin Zhentian said with a grave expression in a grand hall of the Ironwood Manor, looking at Lin Xiao and the others.
"Oh? Could it be that the Lei family intends to make a move?" Hearing this, Lin Xiao and the others' expressions also changed slightly.
"Hmph, how could the old fox Lei Bao make a move so easily? According to the intelligence I've received, the ones making a move on this batch of Yangyuan Stones should be the 'Black Dragon Stockade'," Lin Zhentian said with a cold laugh.
"Black Dragon Stockade?"
Upon hearing this name, Lin Dong, who was nearby, couldn't help but furrow his brows. Within a hundred li radius of Qingyang Town, there were quite a few bandit forces, and the so-called "Black Dragon Stockade" was relatively well-known among them. These bandits were ruthless and merciless, and it was said that the two leaders of the "Black Dragon Stockade" both possessed the strength of the Heavenly Origin Realm. Their notorious reputations resonated somewhat in Qingyang Town.
"How did the Black Dragon Stockade know that we were transporting such a large batch of Yangyuan Stones? They should also understand that my Lin family is not an easy bone to chew," Lin Xiao said. In the past, their Lin family and these bandit forces had always kept to themselves. Why would the Black Dragon Stockade suddenly make a move against them this time?
"Heh heh, I'm afraid the Lei family's machinations are indispensable in this. It seems they've grown suspicious of my Lin family's recent activities," Lin Zhentian said with a cold laugh.
"Father's meaning is that the Black Dragon Stockade has been instigated by the Lei family?" Lin Keng and Lin Mang, who were on the side, also had their expressions sink as they spoke.
"Based on my understanding of Lei Bao, that's most likely the case."
Lin Zhentian nodded slightly, his gaze gradually turning cold. He pondered for a moment, then said, "The convoy will proceed as usual; I will personally lead the team. Lin Xiao and Lin Mang will assist, while Lin Keng will guard the Ironwood Manor. I want to see if that Black Dragon Stockade truly has the guts to make a move against my Lin family!"
"Yes!" Hearing this, Lin Xiao and Lin Mang immediately responded.
"Dong'er, you don't need to come along this time; it's best to wait at the Ironwood Manor," Lin Zhentian then said to Lin Dong. This trip would undoubtedly involve a fierce battle. Although Lin Dong now had the ability to protect himself, staying at the Ironwood Manor was clearly a bit safer.
Hearing Lin Zhentian say this, Lin Dong could only nod.
"There's no time to lose; you two quickly gather the men!"
"Understood!"
Lin Xiao and the other two nodded again, then stood up and walked out. Afterward, within the manor, the rumbling sound of horse hooves could be heard, a low roar, like a storm.
***
Standing on the courtyard wall, Lin Dong watched the vast convoy leave the village. Then, under the gaze of numerous guards, it sped towards the end of the main road, raising a cloud of yellow dust.
"I hope everyone returns safely."
Lin Dong let out a soft breath. He could feel the tense atmosphere within the Lin family. In this atmosphere, even the younger children's expressions had become much more solemn.
"Don't worry! With your grandfather personally leading the team, those Black Dragon Stockade bandits wouldn't dare to make a move!" As if knowing Lin Dong's worries, Lin Keng, who was beside him, smiled reassuringly.
"Mm."
"Today, Lin He and Lin Hong happen to be at Ironwood Manor. Go play with them. We will handle these matters." Lin Ken patted Lin Dong's shoulder, then turned his head and softly shouted, "Everyone, open your eyes wide for me! If the wind rustles the grass, immediately sound the alarm. No suspicious person is allowed inside the manor!"
"Understood!"
Upon hearing Lin Ken's shout, numerous voices echoed from the towering courtyard walls. Under the dazzling sunlight, the entire manor entered a state of alert.
Lin Dong jumped down from the courtyard wall and then entered a training ground. There, Lin He, Lin Hong, and a group of younger Lin family members were gathered, with a few of them sparring.
"Brother Lin Dong!"
Seeing Lin Dong approach, the teenagers straightened their backs and called out with a hint of excitement. Lin Dong's status in their hearts was quite high now.
"Hmph, you're quite impressive now!" Lin He placed her hands on her slender waist, stood in front of Lin Dong, and pouted.
"Sister Lin He, don't make fun of me." Lin Dong couldn't help but smile wryly, looking at the graceful and delicate girl in front of him.
"Pfft!" Seeing Lin Dong's expression, Lin He couldn't help but chuckle. She raised her small, snow-white arm, then sat down on a rock and said, "Alright! Alright! I won't tease you anymore. Do you think Grandpa and the others will be alright this time?"
As she finished her last words, a hint of worry appeared on her face. She couldn't help but sense the atmosphere in the manor. Although their lives within the family were sheltered, they were also very clear about how cruel these power struggles could be.
Lin Zhen Tian and the others were the pillars of the Lin family. If anything happened to them, the family would immediately collapse. And at that time, even seeking peace would likely be very difficult to achieve.
"Don't worry, nothing will happen!"
Lin Dong sighed inwardly, looking at the worry on Lin He's face and those of the younger generation. His lips couldn't help but twitch. If the Lin family had a Yuan Dan Realm expert now, why would they still worry about these issues? After all, true strength was the most secure wealth.
Hearing Lin Dong's reassurance, Lin He's expression improved slightly. She then spoke with Lin Dong about some of the things that had happened in Qing Yang Town during this period.
As Lin Dong and Lin He chatted for a while, Lin Hong, who was not far away, suddenly walked over. He looked at Lin Dong, hesitated for a moment, and said with difficulty, "Cousin Lin Dong, I encountered some trouble while cultivating a martial art. I wonder if you could give me some pointers?"
Hearing this, Lin Dong and Lin He were both startled, looking up at Lin Hong in front of them with some surprise. This person had always been a bit arrogant; they hadn't expected him to actively seek Lin Dong's guidance today.
"What are you saying, Cousin Lin Hong! It's only natural for family members to help each other," Lin He, who had been somewhat worried that Lin Dong would ignore Lin Hong due to his past behavior, was also surprised when Lin Dong chuckled softly.
Hearing Lin Dong's gentle words, Lin Hong was also a little surprised, and then his face became somewhat red. Clearly, he felt a bit ashamed of his previous childish actions.
"Cousin Lin Hong, please demonstrate the martial art you're cultivating."
Lin Hong hastily nodded, retreated a step, and just as he was about to assume a stance, Lin Dong, who had been sitting on a rock, suddenly stood up. The smile that had been on his face a moment ago now became terrifyingly grim.
"Lin Dong, what's wrong?" Seeing his sudden change, Lin He, who was nearby, was also startled and asked.
"Big trouble!"
Lin Dong took a deep breath, no longer having time to explain anything further. He suddenly turned around and quickly ran to the main gate of the village, finally leaping onto the courtyard wall. His gaze swept into the distance, only to see golden dust suddenly rising into the sky at the end of the main road. The rumbling sound of horse hooves transformed into a faint wave, spreading towards them.
"What is that?"
Behind Lin Dong, Lin He, Lin Hong, and even Qing Tan had followed. However, when they saw the golden dust filling the sky, a look of panic began to appear in their eyes.
"It's the cavalry from Black Dragon Fortress! We've fallen into a trap. Their target isn't the Yang Yuan Stones that Grandpa and the others are transporting, but Ironwood Village!"
In an instant, Lin Dong's expression turned grim, and he clenched his fists. This time, if they didn't handle it well, their Lin family would likely suffer severe damage to their vitality.