Chapter 218

Chapter 218: The Unyielding Li Family

After cultivating The Fusion of Dragon and Phoenix Technique, Zhou Luo had long been connected with Lin Xi’s thoughts, his emotions toward her far exceeding those he held for other women.

That was why, at this moment, he would ask such a bold question.

Lin Xi, holding little Shiling, froze, clearly unprepared for his inquiry.

She pressed her lips together, a flicker of conflict in her beautiful eyes, but soon, she took a deep breath and declared with resolute conviction,

"I am of the Zhou family now."

Zhou Luo gazed at her, a faint smile touching his lips, the agitation within him easing.

“I’ll be traveling in a few days, to attend the Spiritual Pill Conference.”

Considering the condition of my Master Lin Zhi Shou, relying on medicinal pills and herbs, he might hold on for about a year.

For now, there was no immediate concern he might pass away…

“I know, I will watch over the household.”

Lin Xi understood why he had asked those questions moments ago. She nodded, her expression earnest.

…

Three days later.

Zhou Luo arrived at the family head’s courtyard.

Eighth Elder Lin Guang Ming was leading the journey to the Spiritual Pill Conference. Aside from Zhou Luo and Lin Xin, they also brought two young disciples.

Upon seeing Zhou Luo, the pair looked somewhat nervous and bowed respectfully. “Elder Brother Zhou.”

They were from a side branch, discovered a year ago for their talent in alchemy. Naturally, they were chosen to broaden their horizons.

Zhou Luo observed them, a man and a woman, and nodded slightly.

"Zhou Luo, this trip to Panshi City requires cautious conduct." Family Head Lin Tian Xiong strode out, clad in Purple Gold robes, a smile on his face.

A faint glimmer of light passed through Zhou Luo’s eyes as he replied humbly, "Rest assured, Family Head."

"Let us depart," Lin Guang Ming said warmly.

He then produced a flying boat and threw it upwards. With a flash of spirit light, it returned to its full size.

Lin Guang Ming stepped aboard first. Zhou Luo and Lin Xin followed closely, the other two stepping on quietly behind.

The flying boat activated, lifting slowly before soaring upwards into the high sky.

On the ground, Lin Tian Xiong stood with his hands clasped behind his back. His smile vanished, his gaze turning cold.

"He remains astonishingly composed."

He was referring to the scheme against Lin Zhi Shou.

He had intended to feel out Zhou Luo’s thoughts during this encounter, but the younger man had shown nothing unusual.

Beside him, Lin Xuanfeng appeared silently, his expression shadowy as he offered a strained smile. "That’s just how he always is."

"Allowing an outsider to become a clan elder… perhaps only our Lin Family would do such a thing." Lin Tian Xiong shook his head slightly.

Lin Xuanfeng inquired, "Shall I still test his loyalty?"

"No need. There’s been no movement on that front, so Foundation Establishment seems unlikely for the time being. Let’s not act rashly until then," Lin Tian Xiong shook his head.

"Understood. I’ve also made arrangements over there," Lin Xuanfeng did not object.

Lin Tian Xiong’s gaze sharpened: "Hmm, I actually hope the Lu Family would make a move."

…

Aboard the flying boat, Lin Guang Ming stood beside Zhou Luo, gazing at the scenery ahead, beaming. "Seems our Lin Family will outshine all competitors once again."

During the previous Spiritual Pill Conference, both Zhou Luo and Lin Xin had been absent, causing the Lin Family to lose ground. Now, they were about to lift the family’s spirits.

"Eighth Elder, I might not participate in this year’s Spiritual Pill Conference," Zhou Luo stated.

He had no desire to waste a year at the Immortal Sect; he’d much rather cultivate at home during that time.

Lin Guang Ming raised an eyebrow. He first glanced at the trio behind them, then sent a mental message: "Are you dissatisfied with the family?"

He assumed Zhou Luo was resentful, blaming the family for engineering the incident involving Sixth Elder.

"How could that be?" Zhou Luo’s expression remained unreadable, calm as still water.

Lin Guang Ming shook his head with a sigh: "Ah, the truth is Sixth Elder volunteered. Don’t dwell on it."

"Eighth Elder, I genuinely hold no such thoughts. I simply see little difference between studying at the Immortal Sect and staying here."

"Aren’t there many who don’t wish to go either?"

Zhou Luo explained.

Lin Guang Ming studied him deeply and ultimately said nothing more.

"Eighth Elder, how are things progressing with the Great Elder?" Zhou Luo suddenly sent another mental message.

After so long within the Lin Family, Zhou Luo had largely grasped the family dynamics.

Currently, there were ten Elders. Among them, the fourth, fifth, sixth, ninth, and tenth Elders sided with the main family branch.

The remaining four Elders belonged to the Great Elder’s faction.

Previously, Second Elder Lin Guang Xuan had summoned him, hinting that the Great Elder was attempting Foundation Establishment.

But after all this time, no news had emerged.

Especially since his return home, members of the Great Elder’s faction hadn’t approached him once—not even his father-in-law, Lin De, had visited Zhou Garden.

This inevitably puzzled Zhou Luo.

Did the Great Elder’s faction plan to abandon him?

Now, with this opportunity, he could sound things out tactfully.

Upon hearing this, Lin Guang Ming froze momentarily. A complex expression crossed his face as he sent mentally: "Ever since the Great Elder entered Closed-Door Training, there’s been no sign of activity."

Zhou Luo nodded slightly: "The Great Elder wouldn’t undertake Closed-Door Training without confidence. It should be nearing completion soon."

Lin Guang Ming scrutinized him, hesitated, then sent mentally: "And what about you? Where do you truly stand?"

He was clearly asking about factional alignment.

Since Zhou Luo’s return, Second Elder Lin Guang Xuan had ordered no reckless moves. Lin Guang Ming himself was unaware of the Great Elder’s intentions.

A faint smile touched Zhou Luo’s lips: "Eighth Elder, what stance could I possibly take? I’m merely a fence-sitter, serving both sides."

So he said, but Lin Guang Ming detected a different implication in his words.

After all, Zhou Luo had now married two women from the main family branch—both the Third Young Lady and the Fifth Miss. Everyone assumed he had firmly sided with the main branch.

Yet, calling himself a "fence-sitter" at this critical juncture conveyed an entirely different message.

Lin Guang Ming was no fool. He grasped the meaning clearly and couldn’t help but mirror Zhou Luo’s smile.

"With your capabilities, being a fence-sitter isn’t such a bad position."

It seemed their faction still held the possibility of winning him over.

Zhou Luo smiled enigmatically without replying.

He had never fully committed to the main branch. His words now were aimed at signaling his position to the Great Elder’s faction, preventing potential disadvantage if factional strife erupted later.

The distance between Panshi City and Maple Leaf City was not short.

It took several days of travel before the group finally sighted the colossal city.

At the city gates, Lin Guang Ming led the group down from the flying boat, immediately drawing the attention of onlookers.

Recognizing them as members of the long-life families, the crowd craned their necks, faces etched with admiration and respect.

By the gate, cultivators of the Li Family had been waiting for some time.

"The family head instructed us to insist that Elder Lin stay at our residence," a middle-aged man stated with utmost deference.

Last time, everyone had stayed at the Tian Xia Restaurant.

This time, their hosts insisted on having them reside at the family manor.

Clearly, this was due to Zhou Luo’s presence.

Lin Guang Ming offered no refusal and followed the cultivator to the Li Family estate.

At the main gate of the manor, Li Zehou had been waiting. Several family elders stood behind him.

He stepped forward briskly, his tone warm and enthusiastic.

"Brother Guang Ming, the journey was long. You must be weary."