Chapter 217

Chapter 217: The Family Head’s Scheme

Was Lin Zhi Shou about to pass away?

Zhou Luo, who had just broken through, was greatly surprised. Without delay, he rushed straight to Shouchun Garden.

Now, Shouchun Garden was far quieter than before. Perhaps aware that his end was near, Lin Zhi Shou had dismissed most of his subordinates, leaving only about a dozen people.

Zhou Luo arrived at Lin Zhi Shou’s room with familiarity.

The cultivator at the room door saw him and opened it respectfully.

Inside the room, by the bedside stood a middle-aged man.

He was Lin Zhi Shou’s fifth son.

The previous four had all been ordinary people and had died long ago.

Only this fifth son, who had Seventh Grade spiritual roots, was still alive.

However, his strength was not great. Without Lin Zhi Shou’s help, he would not have reached this level.

Now that his greatest support was about to die, his lineage might no longer have a foothold in the family.

Therefore, he naturally looked downcast.

Seeing Zhou Luo arrive now, the man immediately stood up and put on a flattering smile.

He understood clearly that after his father died, the young man before him would be his only support.

Thus, respectfully and humbly, he said, "Master Zhou, you’ve finally come."

Zhou Luo had seen him before and courteously replied, "Senior Brother, there’s no need for such courtesy."

He grasped what the man was thinking, but truthfully, he wasn’t sure if he could even manage his own large family. As for shielding them? Better to wait a bit.

Approaching the bed, Lin Zhi Shou was already awake.

His eyelids drooped, his wrinkled face bore the breath of twilight, and his eyes were increasingly murky.

He had lived over a hundred and thirty years. Though he had reached the ninth level of Qi Refinement and hoped for Foundation Establishment,

due to that fight where he suffered grave wounds. Later, even with the Lifespan Pill sustaining him, recovery remained impossible.

"You… came," a feeble voice slowly sounded.

Zhou Luo bowed respectfully, "Disciple is late."

"No need for that. I can still live a little longer," Lin Zhi Shou forced a smile.

Zhou Luo sat beside him, his posture humble.

Speaking of it, Lin Zhi Shou was perhaps the only one in the whole Lin Family who treated him with unconditional kindness.

Unconditional meant that Lin Zhi Shou personally sought no gain from him.

The reason he valued and nurtured him so much was still the hope that he would serve the Lin Family later—this was unrelated to any personal motive.

In contrast, figures like the Great Elder and the family head, while claiming it was for the family’s sake, were truly strengthening their own sway.

Thus, Zhou Luo’s feelings toward Lin Zhi Shou were somewhat distinct.

"Since you’re here, let me ask you this: will you attend this year’s Spiritual Pill Conference?" Lin Zhi Shou inquired.

The Spiritual Pill Conference was held every year, and this year’s was almost upon them.

Zhou Luo looked at this old man with exhausted lifespan and softly asked, "Do you want me to go?"

If this was his master’s last request before death, he didn’t mind fulfilling it.

"I can’t go anymore. The family originally arranged for someone else, but I hope you go, at least to show others our Lin Family’s strength." Lin Zhi Shou said.

He knew that once he died, the Lin Family would lose a top-level Pill Master, and various aspects would suffer.

Wanting Zhou Luo to go was mainly to humble the other families and deter rash moves.

Ultimately, it was all for the family.

Zhou Luo stayed silent for a moment, then nodded. "I will go."

Coincidentally, he still had a batch of unsold items. Taking this chance to look around outside was fine.

After agreeing, Zhou Luo inquired about some precautions and chatted over routine family matters.

An hour later, Zhou Luo left the room, followed by Lin Zhi Shou’s fifth son.

He cast a deep look back at the room and lowered his voice to ask, "Why was it so sudden?"

Lin Guangzhi’s face hardened with anger. "It was all the family head’s doing."

It turned out that upon realizing the top-level Pill Master Lin Zhi Shou would soon pass away,

the family head Lin Tian Xiong worried the family would lose its top-quality potion supply long-term.

So he sent people to buy a huge batch of top-quality herbs, hoping Lin Zhi Shou would shine one last time.

Lin Zhi Shou had dedicated his life to the Lin Family and fiercely loyal. He naturally didn’t refuse.

But pill making wasn’t as easy as drinking water—especially top-quality potions requiring immense focus.

Under such intense labor, Lin Zhi Shou collapsed entirely.

Hearing this, Zhou Luo narrowed his eyes, picturing Lin Tian Xiong’s face.

Beyond wanting more top-quality potions, this family head likely also wanted Zhou Luo to rise faster.

After all, Lin Tian Xiong’s two granddaughters married him—he was now essentially aligned with the main branch.

If promoted early given his youth and inexperience, they could easily control him.

The main branch’s influence would then surge.

For that goal, Lin Tian Xiong didn’t mind giving Lin Zhi Shou a final push.

But Zhou Luo couldn’t accept it.

Just thinking how his master sacrificed so much for the Lin Family, yet near death, still served their schemes, ultimately exhausting his lifespan—

cold fury stirred in Zhou Luo’s heart.

He was human, and humans felt joy, sorrow, anger, love.

Though his master acted willingly, his disciple still saw it as unjust.

He couldn’t ignore it like the Senior Members of the Family or tolerate such acts.

But it was done. He could change nothing.

Giving his master another Lifespan Pill would expose himself. His master likely guessed the main branch’s intent—not refusing meant accepting it.

Still, this incident shifted Zhou Luo’s view of Lin Tian Xiong again.

This family head proved fiercer than the Great Elder.

Zhou Luo only consoled Lin Guangzhi briefly,

assuring him he’d care for their master’s family going forward.

Lin Guangzhi grew cheerful and happily saw him out.

Back at Zhou Garden, Zhou Luo sat stony-faced in the main hall seat, still vexed by his master’s fate.

"What’s wrong?"

Lin Xi, holding little Shiling, noticed and approached.

Zhou Luo glanced at her. Seeing no one else in the hall, he told his main wife everything.

Lin Xi then showed surprise.

"How could Grandpa do this?" Her irritation surfaced too.

"Perhaps that’s what being a family head demands." Zhou Luo’s gaze sharpened. "But I won’t be that way, nor will my children later."

Lin Xi solemnly agreed. "The Sixth Elder served the Lin Family tirelessly—he didn’t deserve this end. Grandpa went too far."

"Xi’er." Zhou Luo suddenly interjected.

Lin Xi turned to see his handsome face and starry eyes.

"What is it?"

Zhou Luo fixed intense eyes on her, voice firm and grave:

"If one day your grandfather and I become opposed, what would you do?"