How could this be?
Ye Nantian whipped around, his eyes filled with disbelief the moment he saw Lin Feng.
How did he find this place so quickly?
Lin Feng gently let go of Ye Lingling and calmly stepped forward.
"I think I just heard someone talking about eating Heartbreak Grass. Was that you?"
His tone was composed, but his presence carried an undeniable authority.
Ye Nantian's expression instantly turned awkward, his eyes darting up and down.
Dugu Yan looked confused, glancing back and forth between them.
"I didn't hear anything. What's going on?"
She couldn't hold back her curiosity and asked directly.
"Lin Feng, please, don't make things hard for my grandfather. He was just being impulsive,"
Ye Lingling stepped in anxiously, her voice filled with worry as she pleaded for her grandfather.
Hearing her words, Lin Feng's sternness softened, but his tone remained firm.
"I understand you're worried about Lingling's safety. But this kind of thing—once is enough. It cannot happen again."
"You're still young, Feng'er. You don't understand how dangerous the Upper Three Sects are…"
"And the Spirit Hall's power is immense, and their methods ruthless. Lingling is safer with me,"
Ye Nantian frowned deeply, his tone heavy with concern as he tried to reason with him.
Lin Feng chuckled.
"You think I don't understand? Heh, perfect. Since Lingling doesn't know either, let me explain properly."
"You've heard about the newly emerged fire-type Limit Douluo in Spirit Hall—Senior Xiao Yan, haven't you?"
He shot Ye Lingling a reassuring look before turning back to Ye Nantian.
"Of course I've heard. That news has already spread across the entire continent,"
Ye Nantian nodded, confused but curious.
"When I first heard about it, I couldn't believe someone would actually provoke Spirit Hall."
"But when I saw the decrees issued across their branch halls, I realized it was all real."
Lin Feng continued without pause.
"That ten-thousand-year fire dragon beast that showed up here in Flame Valley a couple days ago? It was Xiao Yan's pet."
Ye Nantian's eyes widened in shock. He turned to look at Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan, seeking confirmation.
The two girls met his gaze and nodded.
They knew.
"Now, Senior Xiao Yan has accepted Lin Jian of the Lin Clan as his disciple."
"Just yesterday, he sent me to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan with his token to deal with the aftermath of the tournament."
"They've agreed not to spread any word about Flame Valley or the incident."
"If they break their word… Senior Xiao Yan will personally make them pay."
"…"
Lin Feng calmly recounted his visit to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and the connection between Xiao Yan and Spirit Hall.
His voice was steady and powerful. Every word struck like thunder in their ears.
Ye Nantian stood there stunned, disbelief growing deeper on his face.
Ye Lingling, upon hearing that the conflict between the Lin Clan and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had been resolved, finally let go of the anxiety she'd been carrying. A long-lost smile bloomed on her face.
Even Dugu Yan, hearing the full story for the first time, felt a chill of fear at the dangers involved. Her face paled slightly.
"Lingling has her own path to walk. Not everyone wants to spend their life in hiding,"
Lin Feng looked at Ye Nantian, his eyes clear and resolute.
"And not everyone is blessed with the talent to reach Titled Douluo through seclusion alone."
Ye Nantian was struck by those words, his mind spinning with confusion.
What did he mean by that?
Does he think I can reach Titled Douluo? Since when?
I've only ever hidden away to survive, not to pursue strength.
As someone with the Nine-Heart Begonia martial soul, I have to stay cautious.
One misstep, and I might be captured by some powerhouse to be used as a healing tool.
Ye Nantian fell silent for a long time. At last, he sighed.
"Sigh… Maybe the Lin Clan really does have the strength to stand against the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan,"
He couldn't help but think to himself.
Maybe… staying with the Lin Clan won't be so dangerous after all.
"Grandpa, come back with us,"
Ye Lingling looked at him expectantly.
"No. I won't go. But I wish you happiness, Lingling."
Ye Nantian gave a tired smile, one that carried a hint of relief.
His most beloved granddaughter had finally found her path—had found people willing to protect her.
And he… was old. It was time for him to retire from the stage.
"Grandpa…"
Ye Lingling's eyes dimmed with disappointment.
Lin Feng saw her expression and sighed internally.
He had expected this.
A man like Ye Nantian wouldn't be persuaded so easily.
He stepped forward, gently patted her shoulder, and said:
"Don't be sad. Let's go."
Ye Lingling lowered her head, eyes shimmering with unshed tears, and silently followed behind him.
Lin Feng took Ye Lingling and leapt back up to the surface, their silhouettes vanishing into the light.
Ye Nantian stood dazed in the underground chamber, gazing at the sunlit hole above.
A surge of worry rose in his chest.
The strength of Spirit Hall, the appearance of a Limit Douluo—he felt an unprecedented pressure.
He couldn't help but curse his bad luck.
He had thought the Upper Three Sects were trouble enough. But now, even Limit Douluo were getting involved?
This continent is getting messier by the day.
"No, I must leave here immediately,"
Ye Nantian muttered reflexively.
But where can I go?
Several options flashed through his mind.
Spirit Hall? Off-limits.
Lin Clan? Off-limits.
Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan? Off-limits.
Even the Clear Sky Clan is in conflict with Spirit Hall—too dangerous.
Maybe… the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
They seem to stay out of power struggles. It should be safe.
"That's it. I'll head to the outskirts of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."
Decision made, he murmured to himself and left.
---
Meanwhile—
Back at Flame Valley, Lin Feng returned with Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan.
The clan members quickly gathered around, beaming with barely contained joy.
"Young Master!"
"Young Master brought Miss Ye Lingling back!"
Cheers and greetings broke out in unison.
Lin Ye had been waiting for some time. When he saw them return safely, his face lit up with pride and relief.
He quickly walked up and patted Lin Feng's shoulder.
"Lin Feng, you've finally returned. I've already heard what happened at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. I'll issue orders for our defenses to be strengthened."
"Lin Jian, from today forward, you are the official disciple of Senior Xiao Yan."
Turning to Lin Jian, Lin Ye spoke with high expectations and a solemn tone.
Lin Jian's eyes lit up with excitement. He stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and replied with gratitude:
"Thank you, Clan Head! Thank you, Young Master!"
"Young Master, when will I get to meet Senior Xiao Yan? I really want to start learning from him!"
He looked eagerly at Lin Feng, his eyes shining with anticipation.
Lin Feng smiled and reassured him:
"You'll get your chance. Once the time is right, I'll make sure you meet him."
---
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