Chapter 836 - 101: The Regretful Sheng Family (2)

Since Canglan Island came into contact with the Flame Dynasty, many martial artists in Liang have realized that the martial arts realm below Innate isn’t actually difficult. From Ninth Grade to First Grade, the Flame Dynasty has pills to enhance one’s realm. As long as there’s enough pills and one’s talent isn’t entirely mediocre, relying on these pills can even elevate one to First Grade.

For a martial artist, the martial arts resources required to go from Ninth Grade to Upper Grade is a terrifying number. However, for Innate powerhouses, and for Lin Chen, it shouldn’t be considered much.

Unfortunately, the Sheng Family failed to grasp this opportunity for meteoric rise.

...

...

In front of the spirit hall.

Lin Chen quietly stood before Elder Lord Li’s coffin, behind him were Li An and his daughter Li Qi.

Compared to Li Qi’s excitement, her father Li An’s expression was much more complex. His gaze at Lin Chen was mixed with excitement, awkwardness, and a sense of reverence.

Looking at the elder lying peacefully in the coffin, scenes from years past also surfaced in Lin Chen’s mind.

When he came to the Li Mansion to cultivate the Iron Bone Skill, he was looked down upon by Li Qi and Li An. In anger, he left, and Elder Lord Li chased after him overnight.

"Lin Chen, for my inadequate guidance, I offer an apology with this tea."

"Your future will surpass mine. As long as you remember my kindness, there’s no need for excessive contact with my descendants."

"If your limit is only Seventh Grade or even Sixth Grade, getting acquainted with my descendants would be mutually beneficial. Although my son is incompetent, I’ve accumulated some connections over the years that may aid you."

"But I see your martial path as unwavering, your talent needs no mention, your future achievements will surpass mine. Walking too closely with my Li Family isn’t good, especially with my incompetent son, who might early exhaust the goodwill I’ve accumulated."

Elder Lord Li guided his martial cultivation; though he had personal motives, he was forthright and honest.

Later on, during the Jiangnan Dao martial academy model contention, when Hongdu Prefecture promoted Li Zhe and the Military Affairs Hall determined the rules for the model dispute, even at his old age, Elder Lord Li went to Hongdu Prefecture to argue for Lin Chen in front of many lords.

Eventually, Lin Chen earned the Jiangnan Dao academy model title, secured the Liang academy model, and became the first in Nine Kingdoms. Yet Elder Lord Li never leveraged his kindness for rewards, even before his passing, he chose not to disturb Lin Chen.

Elder Lord Li was a benefactor in his martial path, a respectable elder.

"Elder Lord, may you rest in peace."

Lin Chen made three respectful bows and raised his head without turning back, asking: "Did Elder Lord explain anything before passing?"

"No... No, father passed away peacefully, he said there was nothing to worry about."

Li An quickly answered, and Lin Chen turned to face Li An: "Why wasn’t I informed of Elder Lord’s passing to Linhu Village?"

"Brother Lin, it was grandfather’s wishes not to notify you."

Seeing her father somewhat nervous, Li Qi explained.

Learning it was Elder Lord’s wish not to notify him, Lin Chen’s expression remained unchanged. He had already suspected this, knowing that even if Li An was fearful facing him, he should use Lin’s name to deter those with designs on the Li family.

When he attended Elder Lord’s birthday banquet before traveling to the Flame Dynasty, Elder Lord had already instructed him not to appear before the guests, fearing exposure of his relationship with the Li family, which might bring unwanted attention.

Despite being at the spirit hall, he was keenly aware of every movement within the Li Family, including the hurried arrival of two main officials from Quzhou Prefecture.

Elder Lord wanted Li An and Li Qi’s father and daughter to see through the hearts and realities, enabling rapid growth.

"What happened to the Sheng Family?"

Lin Chen turned his gaze to Li Qi, having overheard guests mention the engagement termination.

"Brother Lin, this was another of grandfather’s instructions, and it was my own ignorance that blinded me. Back then, I mistakenly fell for Sheng Han of the Sheng Family. Though grandfather disagreed, he indulged me and agreed to my marriage with Sheng Han, and the engagement was set half a year ago..."

Li Qi detailed her story with Sheng Han along with grandfather’s bed-bedside instructions. Li An listened with fury; he may not be crafty, but previously sheltered under his father’s protection, he hadn’t experienced much hardship.

Upon understanding his father’s words to his daughter, Li An realized that Sheng Han’s grandfather was not sick at all, and deliberately didn’t attend his father’s funeral, hinting at a desire to separate from the Li family. Even if his daughter hadn’t caused a scene today, the Sheng Family would still find ways to withdraw from the engagement.

His father saw the Sheng Family as unreliable, hence his instructions to his daughter.

Lin Chen’s gaze held a trace of coldness, yet he didn’t pursue the matters about the Sheng Family further, instead asking Li Qi: "What are your plans for the future?"

"Brother Lin, I want to continue my martial arts cultivation."

Having experienced the grief of her grandfather’s passing and being betrayed by her loved one, Li Qi had matured significantly. She realized Brother Lin couldn’t remain in Liang for long, and might be their last meeting. To revive the Li Family, she’d have to rely on herself.

"I will write a recommendation letter for you. Take this letter to enroll in Canglan Martial Arts Academy."

"Thank you, Brother Lin."

Hearing she could enter Canglan Martial Arts Academy, Li Qi nodded excitedly, and Li An was equally pleased. Among the four great martial arts academies, Canglan Martial Arts Academy was firmly the top, leading to very high admission requirements. It attracted talents not only from Liang but also from other kingdoms, with fiercely competitive quotas.

Canglan Martial Arts Academy far outpaced the other three not solely due to Lin Chen. Martial artists on Canglan Island were aware of a super sect named Canglan Sect in the Flame Dynasty. Canglan Academy’s Canglan energy, if absorbed and refined, offered a chance to enter Canglan Sect.

...

In the front hall, the light chatter ceased instantly upon noticing a figure in the corridor.

"Lord Qiu is here too."

Among the many martial artists present, Lin Chen only recognized Qiu Rufeng.

Back when he was in the martial hall of Poyang County, Qiu Rufeng was the Director of the Military Affairs Department of Raozhou Prefecture who also greatly cared for him.

"I’ve interacted with Elder Lord Li several times. During the Jiangnan Dao academy model matter, we exchanged letters. Upon hearing the news, I came to pay my respects to Elder Lord Li."

Qiu Rufeng stroked his beard, smiling as he explained his connections with Elder Lord Li were also due to Lin Chen.

To secure Lin Chen as the Jiangnan Dao academy model, he discussed with Elder Lord Li on strategies, especially after Hongdu Prefecture put forth Li Zhe. Elder Lord Li went to the Military Affairs Hall, insisting that Lin Chen from a low-class family had greater qualifications and could better inspire Jiangnan Dao academy members, a conclusion derived from Qiu Rufeng’s letter.

Lin Chen didn’t linger long in the front hall; he greeted and chatted briefly with Qiu Rufeng and then headed to the guest courtyard of the Li family to rest with Qiu Rufeng and those former Jiangnan Dao Military Affairs Department directors, without speaking with Quzhou Prefecture’s two main officials.

On the day of Elder Lord Li’s funeral, Lin Chen reappeared.

After the funeral ended, Lin Chen handed a letter to Li Qi before leaving the Li family.

Regarding the Sheng Family...

Lin Chen believed he didn’t need to say anything, knowing that those from Quzhou Prefecture and other families who saw today’s events at the Li family would know what to do.

With his current status, just a word could lead the Sheng family to utter ruin.

However, Lin Chen ultimately refrained; the Sheng family initially sought to attach to the Li family but, upon Elder Lord Li’s passing and potential decline, chose to withdraw, a crime not warranting death.

Yet, the Sheng family’s future will be difficult, facing exclusion from other families in Quzhou Prefecture. No family will dare to ally by marriage or business, only taking the opportunity to push them down.