Seeing the Lin family slowly rise, many people were somewhat surprised. Evidently, they hadn't expected the Lin family, after learning that Lei Bao had successfully entered the Yuan Dan Stage, to dare to show him no respect whatsoever.
Although many forces at this moment didn't want to join the so-called "Trade Alliance," they were wary of Lei Bao's formidable strength. Thus, no one had the courage to be the first to leave. After all, being the leader would inevitably incur the wrath of the Lei family and Lei Bao, thereby inviting disaster upon themselves.
At the seat of the Mad Blade Martial Arts School, Luo Cheng also changed color slightly due to Lei Bao's display of strength. However, after seeing Lin Zhengtian's clear stance, he hesitated for a moment, then fiercely gritted his teeth and stood up. Cupping his hands, he said, "The Mad Blade Martial Arts School also cannot comply with this wish."
Although Luo Cheng could anticipate the situation ahead, he didn't want the Mad Blade Martial Arts School, which he had painstakingly built, to become a pawn for the Lei and Xie families. This "Trade Alliance" might sound good, but in the end, the benefits would likely flow solely to the Lei and Xie families. People like them would, at most, get a share of the scraps.
The Mad Blade Martial Arts School's declaration immediately caused an uproar in the hall. From another perspective, the Mad Blade Martial Arts School was considered the strongest force apart from the Lei and Xie families. Their choice would certainly make the Lei and Xie families' plans difficult to execute.
In the hall, many people's hearts wavered. With these two "leading birds" taking the initiative, their own calculations began to falter.
In the center of the hall, Lei Bao's face remained as still as water; no one could discern his emotions. His somewhat sunken eyes stared at Lin Zhengtian with a knife-like gaze. A moment later, a sinister smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. He had anticipated such a situation, so he didn't appear caught off guard. Moreover, he still needed such "leading birds" at this moment.
To truly bind these forces and make them his subordinates, a "killing a chicken to scare the monkeys" display was indispensable. And for that "chicken," choosing the Lin family was naturally the most suitable.
"If the Lin family doesn't wish to join us, then this old man will not make things difficult." The hall was slightly quiet as Lei Bao's somewhat hoarse voice slowly resonated. But immediately after, his face turned as cold as profound ice.
"However, regarding the matter of your Lin family killing Lei Xing of my Lei family, today you must give this old man an explanation!"
The moment Lei Bao uttered the last word, an extremely powerful aura suddenly erupted from his body, sweeping out like a fierce gale, pressing down on those nearby until they could barely breathe.
"They're finally going to make a move!"
Seeing Lei Bao's actions, this thought flashed through everyone's minds. They had long anticipated that a confrontation would inevitably occur at today's wedding banquet.
"The Lin family is in trouble."
Sensing the powerful aura emanating from Lei Bao's body, several factions that had previously interacted with the Lin family secretly sighed in their hearts. They understood that Lei Bao was currently trying to establish his authority, and since the Lin family had many conflicts with them at this moment, they had become the target for him to make an example of.
Lin Zhengtian's expression remained calm. He looked up, staring intently at Lei Bao, then suddenly chuckled faintly and said, "Lei Bao, you've lived for so long, yet your face is still so shameless. That day, Lei Pi and Lei Xing of your Lei family led people to ambush Lin Dong. He counterattacked and killed one of them. That was simply reaping what they sowed. Speaking of which, this old man still wants your Lei family to explain things clearly!"
Lin Zhengtian's words once again startled everyone in the hall. Several astonished gazes were cast towards Lin Dong, who stood silently in the corner, not having uttered a single word. Evidently, they couldn't have imagined that this young man could kill Lei Xing, who was a master of the Heavenly Yuan Realm.
"Don't think that just because you've stepped into the Minor Yuan Dan Realm, you can truly be arrogant. To use my Lin family to establish your authority, your Lei family is not qualified enough!" Lin Zhengtian's expression suddenly became extremely sharp at this moment. Then, he abruptly took a step forward, and a powerful, long-suppressed aura erupted at this moment. Several tables in the vicinity were shattered into splinters by this aura.
"Another Yuan Dan Realm cultivator?!"
The moment Lin Zhengtian's aura erupted, the entire hall instantly became agitated. Every gaze, filled with shock, turned towards the person in front of them. Only now did they understand why the Lin family remained so calm and fearless even when facing the combined forces of the Lei and Xie families. It turned out the Lin family also had a Yuan Dan Realm expert!
"This Lin family has been hiding their strength too deeply!" Many people exchanged glances. Only now did they realize that they had truly underestimated this family, which had always seemed small.
"That old fellow has also entered the Yuan Dan Realm?!"
Facing the formidable aura that Lin Zhengtian had just unleashed, the expressions of the Lei and Xie families also changed slightly. Evidently, this turn of events was truly beyond their expectations.
"I was wondering why the Lin family suddenly had the guts to provoke my Lei and Xie families. So it turns out that old ghost of yours has also stepped into the Minor Yuan Realm." Lei Bao's eyes fixed on Lin Zhengtian. A hint of solemnity appeared on his face. The strength Lin Zhengtian displayed caught him a little off guard. A force with a Yuan Dan Realm expert and one without were indeed completely different.
At this moment, even he felt a bit difficult to deal with. This "chicken" they had chosen was indeed a bit tough to handle.
However, this was only a bit difficult to deal with. For today's matter, a cautious person like Lei Bao would also have other preparations.
Thinking of his preparations, Lei Bao felt a little more at ease. Then, a fierce look appeared in his eyes. The stronger the Lin family's displayed strength, the more intense the killing intent in his heart became. He understood that if the Lin family was allowed to continue growing like this, their Lei family's position might truly be usurped.
Lin Dong stood behind Lin Zhengtian, his gaze fixed on Lei Bao from the very beginning. He noticed that although Lin Zhengtian had just unleashed his strength at the Small Yuan Dan Stage, Lei Bao’s eyes, apart from showing surprise, did not reveal the expected confusion or awkwardness.
This scene made Lin Dong frown slightly. His gaze swept across the seats of the Lei and Xie families. A moment later, his eyes suddenly became serious.
The spot where Lin Dong’s gaze stopped was a very ordinary place in the Lei family’s seating area. There, a man in a light yellow robe was smiling. He looked very ordinary, and no one was intentionally talking to him, so when people looked at him, they would quickly forget him. But from this seemingly ordinary person, Lin Dong sensed a familiar fluctuation.
Mental Energy!
“This person is not from the Lei or Xie families!”
Realizing this, Lin Dong’s eyes flashed. It seemed the Lei and Xie families had gone to great lengths for today’s events.
“Lin Zhengtian, hand over Lin Dong, the murderer of Lei Xing. My Lei family can let this matter go and not mention it again!” Lei Bao’s low voice rang out again.
“Heh heh, if you hand over Lei Pi, then my Lin family will also let this matter go!” Lin Zhengtian sneered, saying.
Hearing the sarcastic remarks from both sides, everyone understood that this matter could no longer be resolved through negotiation.
“Hoo.”
Luo Cheng let out a breath, then waved his hand, bringing all the members of the Mad Blade Martial Arts Academy to stand beside the Lin family. This posture clearly showed their stance.
“Good.”
Seeing this scene, the smile on Lei Bao’s face became even more sinister. He stared at Luo Cheng and said, “Academy Master Luo, do you really think that if Lin Zhengtian has also broken through to the Small Yuan Dan Stage, he can contend with my Lei family?”
“Everyone here is knowledgeable. You yourself know what you’re thinking. If I were to side with your Lei family, I’m afraid my Mad Blade Martial Arts Academy wouldn’t even have bones left afterwards,” Luo Cheng said calmly.
“If that’s the case, then Academy Master Luo, don’t regret it!”
As soon as his voice fell, Lei Bao’s face became even more sinister. Suddenly, under many astonished gazes, he turned around, faced a corner in the seating area, clasped his hands, and said somewhat politely, “Grandmaster Gu, things have changed a bit. We may still need Grandmaster’s help.”
Hearing Lei Bao say this, everyone was stunned. Even Lin Zhengtian’s expression changed slightly. In an instant, his gaze swept to that spot, only to see a middle-aged man in a light yellow robe sitting there quietly.
“Ah… Lei Bao, it seems your Lei family’s prestige in Qingyang Town isn’t as high as imagined. But it’s alright, since I’ve promised to support you, I will naturally help you resolve some troubles.”
Under everyone’s watchful eyes, the man in the light yellow robe smiled faintly, then raised his head. His eyes suddenly glowed with an unusual brilliance, causing a sharp pain in the heads of many who were looking at him.
“Talisman Master!”
Lin Zhentian took a deep breath, his expression also becoming extremely grim. No one could have imagined that the Lei family would be able to invite a Talisman Master to assist them in battle!