Chapter 16

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Chapter 16: The Rift Between Lin and Zhou

At the Lin family’s entrance gate, Zhou Quan, the ancestor of the Zhou family, arrived with Zhou Zilin, a talented individual, and a younger member. They were discussing matters with Lin Batian. This time, Zhou Quan came to the Lin family to propose marriage.

The Lin and Zhou families once enjoyed a period of harmony. During that time, five female cultivators from the Zhou family married into the Lin family. However, no one from the Lin family married into the Zhou family. The Zhou family felt this was unfair because female cultivators were valuable resources. When cultivators married each other, there was a high chance of producing descendants with Spiritual Roots, especially if the roots were strong.

“Taoist Friend Lin, you know of our Yumin. He just turned forty-five this year, and his cultivation level has already reached the mid-stage of Foundation Building. Yumin comes from the main branch of the Zhou family, and his lineage is legitimate. This makes him a suitable match for Lin Ying. To show our sincerity, we are willing…”

Zhou Quan confidently gestured toward the young member. His name was Zhou Yumin, one of the Zhou family’s outstanding younger members. At forty-five years old, he had achieved the mid-stage of Foundation Building and possessed Double Spiritual Roots.

Zhou Quan proposed marriage on Yumin’s behalf, intending for him to marry Lin Ying. Originally, he had considered Lin Die, the third eldest, but Lin Die’s cold personality made her less appealing than the lively and adorable Lin Ying, whom Yumin preferred.

The Zhou family believed they were sincere in their offer. If the Lin family agreed, they promised a generous dowry that included spirit stones, spiritual herbs, elixirs, cultivation techniques, and more. They were also prepared to integrate resources with the Lin family.

However, Lin Batian’s expression grew grim. He despised marriage alliances. As the founder of the Lin family and a powerful figure, he believed the family should rely on strength, not use women as bargaining chips. To him, exchanging women for benefits signified weakness and a lack of integrity.

“Steward Wu, please bring Lin Ying here.”

Rather than losing his temper, Lin Batian asked Steward Wu to call Lin Ying. If she liked Zhou Yumin, he would agree, but if not, he would decline.

Soon, Lin Ying arrived in the living room, guided by Steward Wu. Lin Batian explained the Zhou family’s proposal and asked if Lin Ying was willing to marry Zhou Yumin.

“Getting married? Dad, I won’t get married.”

Lin Ying was shocked and immediately declined. Although in her forties, she maintained a childlike mindset, spending her days practicing magic and enjoying her carefree life. She saw no reason to marry.

“Miss Lin, our son Yumin is here. He is the legitimate heir of our Zhou family. If you marry him, you won’t suffer,” Zhou Quan said, his face darkening at Lin Ying’s straightforward rejection.

“Is being a legitimate heir very powerful?” Lin Ying retorted.

In the Lin family, distinctions between legitimate and illegitimate members were blurred. As a newly established clan, these distinctions held little significance. Both groups could achieve satisfactory outcomes, fostering unity within the family.

“You…” Zhou Quan was furious and about to scold Lin Ying when Lin Batian intervened.

“My Taoist friend Zhou, as you can see, Lin Ying is unwilling. Let’s leave it at that.”

“Taoist Friend Lin, forming an alliance with our Zhou family wouldn’t be a loss.”

“Loss or not, it’s about mutual willingness. If she’s not interested, why force it? A forced melon isn’t sweet.”

“Have you thought it through, Taoist Friend Lin?”

“Yes, I have.” Lin Batian’s gaze grew colder, signaling his impatience.

“Fine! The Lin family’s threshold is too high for our Zhou family to climb. Hmph!” Zhou Quan snorted and stormed off, followed by Zhou Zilin and Zhou Yumin.

“Father, I—”

“No need to say more. Go back to your practice. I, Lin Batian, will never use my daughter for personal gain.”

“Thank you, Father. I’ll go now.” Lin Ying, oblivious to the significance of the encounter, quickly ran off.

“Master, it seems the Lin and Zhou families are headed for a split,” Steward Wu remarked as Lin Ying left.

“If they want to break apart, let them. I’ve had enough. Old Wu, find a pretext to provoke the Zhou family into making the first move. Then, I’ll annihilate them.”

“Master, Zhou Zilin has advanced to the Golden Core stage…”

“It’s fine. We’ll deal with it together.”

“But—”

“Yun State is a remote place. No one cares,” Lin Batian said lightly. “The cultivation world here is already insignificant. No one will notice the fall of a mere Golden Core family.”

“Zhou family wants to marry Lin Ying? That’s unfortunate,” Lin Jiang muttered after hearing the news at the Spiritual Peach Mountain Villa.

The Zhou family had a poor reputation. They bullied the weak and even robbed independent cultivators. Internally, they were plagued by scandals and shady dealings. Lin Jiang despised them.

“The Zhou family is indeed terrible. Your father did well to stand firm,” Zhuang Rong agreed. She admired Lin Batian’s refusal to use his daughters for marriage alliances.

“However, the Lin and Zhou families are on the verge of a conflict. Within twenty years, a fierce battle is inevitable.”

“Jiang’er, isn’t a failed proposal a common occurrence? Why would it lead to such a serious matter?”

“This isn’t about the proposal. It’s about interests. The Lin family has no small forces left around us, while the Zhou family is slightly weaker. After the Iron Wood Demon Wolf incident years ago, Father harbors a grudge. Mark my words, Zhou Quan’s death may spark the conflict.”

Lin Jiang analyzed the situation, noting the Lin family’s rapid growth in recent years. With their increasing strength, they were poised for another expansion.

The Zhou family, relying on Zhou Zilin’s recent Golden Core advancement, sought to provoke Lin Batian by proposing this marriage. To Lin Batian, it was a calculated move, and the conflict seemed inevitable.

Late at night, Lin Jiang pondered the future. He foresaw a clash between the Lin and Zhou families and realized he needed to prepare for the possibility of being called upon to fight.

“Upgrade equipment. Practice real combat.”

After much thought, Lin Jiang devised a plan. While he couldn’t immediately improve his cultivation level, he could enhance his equipment and combat skills, ensuring he would be ready for battle.

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