Chapter 12

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Chapter 12: Life and Death

At the entrance of the Lin family residence, five bodies lay on the ground, covered by white cloth. The surrounding cries were overwhelming, as though the heavens themselves were about to collapse.

The clan members watched solemnly, their faces grim. Even the usually mischievous children, known for their playful nature, refrained from speaking or laughing in such an atmosphere.

Lin Jiang stood quietly among the crowd, observing the relatives who were crying and wailing. He had already learned the details from Lin Ying.

The cultivation world in Yun State was a turbulent one, where humans and demons coexisted. Many cultivators made their living by hunting demons. Twelve hundred miles to the west of the Lin family’s gates lay the domain of these demons.

The Lin family’s primary source of income came from hunting demons. Without this, the family’s territory alone would be insufficient to cover their vast expenses. As a result, the Lin family frequently led expeditions deep into demon territory to hunt demon beasts, gather spiritual herbs, and mine ores for cultivation materials.

This task was usually overseen by Lin Batian himself, and it was a tradition that the Lin family followed once they matured. In previous years, although injuries and occasional fatalities among guests occurred, no direct members of the Lin family had perished.

However, this time, over ten people had died, including guests. Only five bodies were recovered, while the rest had been devoured by demonic beasts, leaving no trace behind.

The tragedy was a result of betrayal by the Zhou family. Despite Lin Batian’s efforts to expand the family’s influence, he had always adhered to the principle of “keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.” The Zhou family, who lived not far from the Lin family, had been long-time allies, with frequent cooperation between the two.

But this time, the Zhou family broke their agreement. The two families had initially planned to join forces to eliminate a group of Iron Wood Demon Wolves. If successful, the rewards would be enormous, surpassing several years’ worth of profits.

According to the plan, the Zhou family was to make the first move, luring the Wolf King and the elite demon wolves away. The Lin family would then enter the wolves’ den, eliminating the remaining wolves, and gather the spiritual herbs. In the final step, they would join forces to defeat the Wolf King.

However, once the mission began, the Wolf King, who should have been lured away, reappeared and attacked the den from the rear. The Lin family suffered devastating losses, with over thirty people killed. If not for Lin Batian’s courageous effort to drive off the Wolf King, the Lin family might have been completely wiped out.

Now, Lin Jiang and the other members of the Lin family were all wondering the same thing: Would Lin Batian declare war on the Zhou family? The Zhou family was not a newcomer; they had existed for over five hundred years and were a well-established Golden Core family, with far more members at the Qi Refining and Foundation Building levels than the Lin family.

“He’s coming out.”

A voice was heard, and Lin Jiang looked up to see Lin Batian emerging, flanked by his wives and concubines. Everyone immediately turned their attention to him.

Lin Batian’s face was stern and pale. Lin Ying had mentioned that he was the last to break his silence.

“The daughters-in-law of the fifth brother, the thirteenth brother, the second elder brother, the eldest son of the second family, and the seventh family, please step forward.”

Lin Batian cast a cold gaze at the group and pointed to five people. The ones pointed at stood up, visibly nervous. Lin Jiang also observed that Lin Hai appeared somewhat uneasy.

“The troubles we face today are directly tied to the Zhou family. The five of you must return to the Zhou family and demand an explanation. If they refuse, do not come back. Go and find your own way.”

“Dad.”

“Grandpa.”

“Father-in-law.”

“Please, I don’t want to leave.”

At Lin Batian’s command, many were taken aback. These five women were the daughters of the Zhou family, who had married into the Lin family. Although Lin Batian had never approved of arranged marriages, the Lin and Zhou families had cooperated for many years, with frequent interaction. It was inevitable that some members of the Zhou family would marry into the Lin family.

At this moment, Lin Batian’s message was clear. He wanted the Zhou family to explain their actions. If they didn’t, he would sever all ties with them. While the possibility of war in the future remained uncertain, for now, he needed to send the Zhou family’s daughters away. Perhaps it was fear of a direct confrontation, but there were still lingering feelings for the Zhou family.

No matter how much everyone begged, Lin Batian remained unmoved. Based on his personality, if it weren’t for caring about his sons and grandsons, he might have already started a direct war with the Zhou family. He had no need to trouble a group of women.

A guest from the Lin family appeared, stared at each person, and took the five of them away. After a simple tidying up, they were sent out of the Lin family’s gate, and they had to make their way home.

“The path of cultivation is filled with danger, and no one can guarantee who will survive until tomorrow. I am the same. The difficulties faced by the Lin family today, I hope you all will keep in mind. In the future, focus on cultivating and avoid falling victim to swords and daggers.”

“Alright, Steward Wu. Bury the bodies tomorrow morning. Keep it simple; no need for extravagance.”

Lin Batian looked at everyone and gave them some sincere advice. Then, he told Steward Wu to bury the bodies the next morning and keep it simple. Cultivators didn’t attach much importance to funerals, especially in the Lin family’s current precarious situation.

Lin Jiang dispersed with the others but quickly went to Lin Die’s side. Lin Ying had told Lin Jiang that Lin Die was also injured, so he came to visit her specifically.

“I’m fine. How is Lin Ying?”

Lin Die hadn’t originally wanted to see anyone, but after thinking for a while, she agreed to see Lin Jiang.

“It’s not very serious. She took some medicine and is currently healing. The external injuries have already healed.”

“That’s good. I’m also fine here. Just tell Lin Ying to be careful.”

“Third Sister, what happened this time? Did the Zhou family betray us?”

“I can’t say for sure, but it’s very possible. In the past ten years, the Zhou family has been struggling to develop. Their so-called geniuses are no match for us. Moreover, the Zhou family patriarch doesn’t have much time left. Once he passes away, and no new Golden Core experts appear in the Zhou family, they will eventually be taken over by others. Even if we, the Lin family, don’t take action, other families won’t let them go.”

“According to Third Sister, the Zhou family should be trying to curry favor with us. Why would they betray us? If the Zhou family loses their Golden Core experts, shouldn’t they rely on their good relationship with the Lin family?”

Lin Jiang couldn’t understand. According to Third Sister, they should be trying to curry favor. ‘Why would they betray us? It doesn’t make sense.’

“Who knows what they’re thinking, but this matter isn’t so easily resolved. Eleven, sixteen have died, and four of our younger relatives have also died. Those guest disciples were all backbone members. It can be said that the power of our Lin family has been weakened by about twenty percent. This vengeance must be avenged.”

“Are we really going to war?”

“War won’t happen immediately. I know Dad’s personality. He may seem reckless and straightforward, but he has a plan in mind. We just need to endure for another twenty years. Once the Zhou family patriarch dies, we can easily take revenge. We won’t take action now. But be cautious of any proactive actions from the Zhou family. Sixth Brother, since you are far from the mountain gate, you need to be careful, especially since our mother is there. If necessary, move back home temporarily.”

“Understood, Third Sister. I will strengthen the defense.”

“Still, be cautious. It would be best to come back.”

“Take good rest, Third Sister. I’ll come back to see you in a few days.”

Lin Jiang didn’t say anything else and quickly left. That night, instead of leaving the mountain gate, Lin Jiang stayed and discussed with everyone.

Although Lin Jiang rarely returned to the mountain gate, he was also a member of the Lin family’s second generation. With the Lin family in trouble, he had to lend a hand. However, his cultivation level was too low, at the fourth level of Qi Refining. Now, even the Lin family’s fourth generation had people surpassing him, which made Lin Jiang feel powerless.

Lin Jiang didn’t make a fuss either. The next morning, he hurried back to Spiritual Peach Mountain Villa and instructed the guards to increase their patrol efforts. If anything seemed suspicious, they were to raise an alarm immediately.

Later, Lin Jiang told Zhuang Rong about the situation. Zhuang Rong was also visibly worried and suggested, “Jiang, why don’t we go back to the mountain gate? Your father would be safer there.”

“Mother, the real danger lies in an actual fight at the mountain gate. Just think about it, if the Zhou family were to attack, what would they gain by targeting our Spiritual Peach Mountain Villa? There is no wealth here, and no important figures either. This place is actually safer.”

Lin Jiang said that he couldn’t believe why the Zhou family didn’t attack the mountain gate, but instead chose to attack them. It was useless.

Zhuang Rong thought Lin Jiang had a point, so she just told him to go back and see for himself, as there was strength in numbers during troubled times.

After a day and night of rest and healing, Lin Ying felt much better. She couldn’t sit still and went back to the Lin family’s mountain gate with Lin Jiang. This time, there were several new graves next to the Lin family’s mountain gate, and many people from the clan went there to mourn. Lin Jiang and Lin Ying also went to pay their respects.

After that, Lin Jiang stayed by the mountain gate, but Lin Batian never showed up. This led to a lot of speculation and discussions among the Lin family members about how the situation would develop next. Lin Jiang found them boring because their words couldn’t influence the situation. He decided to just wait and went to Zhuang Rong’s former courtyard to meditate and practice.