Lin Xian was treated by an Alchemist. He had already been given a Healing Pill. However, because the damage to his body was too extensive, Lin Xian had to remain under care for three days without leaving his room. His health was also monitored by the sect's Alchemist. His body's development was closely observed because if something went wrong, Lin Xian could end up crippled. His dantian was already damaged and he was disabled. That was a truly terrifying fate. Lin Huangzi would never allow that to happen.
He was extremely angry at Mu Tianzheng for injuring his son so badly. Several of his bones were shattered, his lungs bled because they were pierced by broken ribs, and his mind was damaged. Lin Huangzi almost went to Mu Tianzheng's residence to kill the big man. Fortunately, the other elders restrained Lin Huangzi. If not, that night Mu Tianzheng would have been confirmed dead.
"We will take full responsibility for your son's recovery. We will also provide appropriate compensation for everything he has suffered," coaxed one of the elders.
Lin Huangzi initially wanted to refuse, but when the grand elder personally came down to persuade him, he accepted the offer right away. But he would continue to keep an eye on Mu Tianzheng. If he ever saw him hurt Lin Xian again, he would not forgive Mu Tianzheng.
"… This is the first and the last. If it ever happens again, I will kill him. Anyone who stands in my way will die too," Lin Huangzi said firmly before finally leaving.
He was a 34-year-old man and a genius of his generation. At his still relatively young age, he had already been nominated to become a candidate for grand elder by the patriarch. In a few years, he might become one of the grand elders and hold great influence.
Of course, many did not like that. Including the elders and the current grand elder present at that time. They exchanged glances after Lin Huangzi left the room.
"I don't understand why Huangzi is so protective of that trash. That boy won't become anything in the future. He'll only end up as a waste," mocked one of the elders.
The others agreed. "Maybe because Lin Xian resembles his mother. He has a slightly pretty face for a boy. It reminds Huangzi of his late wife." That was only an assumption. There was no clear answer because Huangzi had never explained it.
"Let it be. He will die soon anyway," said another.
The other elders nodded. They knew that because Lin Huangzi's assassination had been planned since last month. The plan was nearly complete; they only needed a bit more refinement to make it perfect. Once the plan was executed, Lin Huangzi's death would look like an accident.
Those elders smiled widely. They were already imagining Lin Huangzi dead and Lin Xian left all alone. His life would be extremely difficult.
"Father and son will die sooner or later."
Lin Xian smiled. He watched the people plotting to assassinate his father. In the future, that plan would fail. Even after Lin Xian was betrayed by Mu Yueran, his father would still be alive. Killing Lin Huangzi, a genius of his generation, wasn't that easy. He was one of the strongest, despite his relatively young age.
Lin Xian scratched his head. "Isn't it a bit strange? They're protecting Mu Tianzheng? What is their interest in protecting that muscle-bound guy?" Lin Xian squinted, thinking hard, but he lacked clues.
It made it difficult for him to guess the reason the elders and the grand elder were protecting Mu Tianzheng. They weren't even that close to him. There had to be a reason behind it. Something Lin Xian didn't know. He stroked his chin.
After that, he stood and looked toward Mu Tianzheng's residence. He leapt down, trying to carry out his revenge plan against Mu Tianzheng. His previous defeat was incredibly painful. He was so close to winning, but in the end, he nearly lost. That made his chest tighten.
"Whatever their reason is for protecting Mu Tianzheng, it won't change the fact that muscle-head will die in a few days. They won't be able to stop his death," Lin Xian said with confidence.
The next morning. Lin Xian walked leisurely to the main hall. His face looked like a kind and innocent boy. No one would have suspected that Lin Xian was a mad and cunning child. He knew he couldn't win against Mu Tianzheng. So of course, he would use others to do it.
From a distance, there was a crowd gathered. Lin Xian pushed through it and saw a large man with both hands tied and his face beaten to a pulp.
"What happened?" whispered one of the students.
"They say senior Tianzheng snuck into the patriarch's wife's room and tried to assault her. They even say senior Tianzheng put poison in the patriarch's tea."
Lin Xian furrowed his brows. One part was true, but the other… wasn't part of the plan he made. That meant someone else wanted the patriarch dead. Lin Xian was sure the culprit was one of the grand elders. It had to be one of them—if what the student said was true.
Because there was a chance it was just a misunderstanding. Information passed from mouth to mouth often changed significantly. It was normal, since humans tend to forget and exaggerate things that are actually trivial.
Whatever it was, Lin Xian didn't care much. Right now, he was waiting for Mu Tianzheng's execution. Mu Tianzheng was pulled forward and his head was already positioned on the chopping block. He was truly about to be executed. No one dared protect him like before.
"STOP!" a voice shouted loudly.
All eyes turned to the source of the voice. A girl was seen running through the crowd. She ran very fast, but just as she was about to reach the execution podium, her body was immediately pinned down by the guards. She was stopped easily.
"Mu Yueran…" murmured several students and elders who recognized her. "That bitch is going to defend her father. Father and daughter are disgusting. One sold her body to become an Inner Disciple, and the other is a sexual offender. Such a filthy family."
Their view of Mu Yueran and Mu Tianzheng had worsened. Just a week ago, they were considered outstanding. Mu Yueran was seen as a genius, and Mu Tianzheng was considered a brave teacher. But all of that changed. It was all caused by one person—Lin Xian.
"My father is innocent. He must have been framed. I'm sure the culprit is Lin Xian," shouted Mu Yueran. "My father would never do that. He's not someone who would disgrace the patriarch's wife. He loved mother deeply. There's no way he would break her heart even in the afterlife," she said loudly, her voice trembling slightly from emotion.
However, no one showed support for her words. The rumors from the past few days had already ruined Mu Yueran's reputation.
"Should we trust a girl who sold herself just to become an Inner Disciple?" asked one of the Elders.
Thump…
Mu Yueran fell silent.