Zhao Tailai suddenly had the urge to punch Lin Xun’s smiling face.

The smile was too obnoxious. It was as though it was saying ‘I have the upper hand and you can’t find any excuse to refuse to do as I said.’

The kid had brought out the name of the great emperor, so how would Zhao Tailai dare to act cold and indifferent?

“That…” Zhao Tailai stuttered, reluctant to take action.

But Lin Xun was still grinning. “What? Elder, don’t tell me you don’t remember the words of the great emperor.”

“Kid, you are too obnoxious!” Zhao Tailai gnashed his teeth and finally drew a deep breath and rose to his feet, eyebrows furrowing contemptuously. With a wide wave of his hand, he said, “Come on, let’s go take a look to see which descendant of the imperial family is bringing me so much trouble!”

He planned to vent his anger on someone else since he couldn’t do anything to Lin Xun.

“Elder, how courageous you are! You are indeed a role model for my generation. Your domineering and imposing aura makes me feel ashamed,” Lin Xun flattered him.

“Kid! You are so obnoxious!” Zhao Tailai scoffed, but in truth, he was very happy and satisfied with Lin Xun’s sudden change of attitude.

He knew well how aggressive and tough the youngster usually was in front of outsiders.

Soon, Lin Xun left Mind Cleansing Peak with Zhao Tailai and Lin Huaiyuan.

Lin Huaiyuan could already tell that Zhao Tailai had an extraordinary identity. On the way, he seized an opportunity to ask more about him, “Patriarch, who is this elder?”

“A cunning old fox who works for the big shots in the palace. He is a ruthless and vicious character so you should be careful,” said Lin Xun casually.

“Huh?” Lin Huaiyuan Looked baffled.

“Kid, stop talking nonsense. I’m just a hard-working person who runs errands for people. How am I ruthless and vicious?” Zhao Tailai rolled his eyes.

Lin Huaiyuan immediately stepped forward. “Elder, thank you for your help this time. I should tell you more about Qin Ziming’s wife...”

“Does it matter who she is? You don’t need to tell me.” Zhao Tailai declined Lin Huaiyuan’s kind intention with a wave of his hand.

“Elder, you have such an imposing attitude!” Lin Huaiyuan complimented.

He was older than Zhao Tailai, but he acted like a junior. Even his flattery was very sincere and serious with no hint of exaggeration or hypocrisy.

The corners of Lin Xun’s lips twitched as he watched on.

As expected, no one in the older generation is ordinary. They know when to put on airs and know when to act humble.

Lin Xun also knew that Lin Huaiyuan was helping him, but he didn’t want Lin Huaiyuan to be looked down upon by Zhao Tailai because of that.

After all, Lin Huaiyuan was a member of the Lin Clan.

“Uncle, there’s no harm in telling us more,” Lin Xun urged casually.

Zhao Tailai fell silent when he heard Lin Xun address Lin Huaiyuan as ‘uncle.’ He realized that Lin Xun was unhappy with his attitude towards Lin Huaiyuan.

He smiled. “That’s a good suggestion. If you know yourself and know your enemy, then you will never be defeated. Fellow cultivator, sorry to trouble you.”

Lin Huaiyuan also understood Lin Xun’s kind intention. Lin Xun’s imperceptible act of protection felt like a warm current flowing over his heart, making his eyes well up.

After Lin Xun returned yesterday, he wiped away everyone like a demon god and made Lin Huaiyuan even more in awe and apprehensive of him.

However, it was ultimately awe. He was awed by Lin Xun’s ability and power.

Now, Lin Xun’s inadvertent action made him realize that his nephew wasn’t the cruel and cold-blooded person he thought he was. At least, in front of outsiders, he still remembered to protect the dignity of his elders.

It was rare to find someone like him!

Lin Xun never thought that such a small act would make Lin Huaiyuan submit with admiration.

Submission and surrender were completely different.

……

Auspicious Sun Treasure Pavilion.

It was a well-known luxury store with a long history in the Forbidden City that was very popular with the wealthy and noble cultivators.

The store originally belonged to the Lin Clan, but the Qin Clan took control of it after the bloody tragedy more than ten years ago.

The person in charge of the Auspicious Sun Treasure Pavilion was Qin Ziming, a member of the Qin Clan. He also had another identity: the son-in-law of Prince Yunyong.

Qin Ziming was already able to do everything smoothly in the Forbidden City with just his status as a descendant of the Qin Clan.

But coupled with his identity as the son-in-law of Prince Yunyong, he was akin to a tiger grown wings in the Forbidden City.

Today, the Auspicious Sun Treasure Pavilion was unusually quiet.

Even the long street where the Auspicious Sun Treasure Pavilion was located was deserted. There was not a figure in sight.

Qin Ziming’s face was dark, and his brows were tightly wrinkled as he sat in the main hall of the Auspicious Sun Treasure Pavilion.

On the other hand, his wife, Zhao Yunzhi, looked extremely calm and graceful. She was dressed in the cloud palace dress of the imperial family with her long hair bunched up in a high bun, making her look even more proud and conceited.

A group of subordinates of the Qin Clan guarded the area, ready to act. Although they hadn’t unsheathed their weapons, their bodies were already releasing a murderous aura, turning the atmosphere chilling and oppressive.

“Is the Lin Clan planning to rebel?” Qin Ziming was very puzzled as to why Lin Xun dared to challenge the Qin and Zuo Clans.

The high clans were akin to the towering mountains of the empire, how could anyone shake them?

In Qin Ziming’s view, the Lin Clan was like an ant trying to shake a tree.

However, a crazy and absurd thing actually happened.

Qin Ziming had received intel that the thirteen properties owned by the Qin and Zuo Clans in the Forbidden City had all been successfully seized by the Lin Clan!

That didn’t mean that the Zuo Clan and the Qin Clan were incompetent. Instead, it meant that they hadn’t mobilized their true powers.

“I don’t know what the clan is thinking! Why haven’t they fought back? Are they going to watch the Lin Clan step on their faces and do nothing?”

Qin Ziming felt a surge of strong anger and dissatisfaction in his heart. The incidents had already drawn the attention of many powerful forces in the city. If they continued to do nothing, then they would be humiliated to death.

“Ziming, don’t worry. The Lin Clan might be fearless but as long as I am here, they wouldn’t dare to set foot into our Auspicious Sun Treasure Pavilion!” Zhao Yunzhi gracefully reassured, her voice full of arrogance.

After all, she was a member of the imperial family. Given her status, almost no one in the Forbidden City would dare to touch her.

As she was speaking, she shot a disdainful glance outside the hall.

Only Lin Zhong, Third Old Zhu and Xiaoke were standing on the quiet and deserted street.

Once the Auspicious Sun Treasure Pavilion was captured, then they would regain all the properties of the Lin Clan.

However, the Auspicious Sun Treasure Pavilion was a tough nut to crack. Lin Zhong and the others didn’t fear Qin Ziming, but Zhao Yunzhi.

Therefore, they didn’t act directly like they did before, but waited for a clear order from Lin Xun.

“They might not dare to act rashly now, but that doesn’t mean they won’t later.” Qin Ziming frowned, unable to relax. “Don’t forget that Lin Xun had the guts to force the Marquis of Rising Sky to kneel in public at the empress’ birthday banquet. Additionally, he slapped Princes Linghuang in the Qinglu Academy before. Do you think…someone like him would be afraid of the imperial family?”

𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Zhao Yunzhi’s face darkened. “Even so, don’t forget that he has already destroyed relationships with the Qin and the Zuo Clans. Will he want to anger the imperial family as well?”

Qin Ziming thought for a moment before he answered in a troubled tone, “When you’re covered with lice, you don’t itch! Maybe he doesn’t care! Who knows what he is thinking? I still don’t understand why he has the guts to go against the high clans!”

Zhao Yunzhi snorted, “Maybe he wants to die. Ziming, don’t worry. I have already sent someone to invite my father over. I believe he will be here any time now!”

“What? Is my father-in-law also coming?” Qin Ziming’s face lit up and his frown eased. His father-in-law was Prince Yunyong! A noble of the upper class. The Auspicious Sun Treasure Pavilion would be safe with him around!

Zhao Yunzhi said proudly, “That’s right, even if Lin Xun comes in person, he will have to leave with his tail between his legs!”

A servant rushed in, reporting, “Lord, the elders of our clan have issued an order that you must persevere. The elite forces of the Qin and Zuo Clans will be here to assist very soon!”

Qin Ziming sprang up, face glowing with excitement. “Great! The Qin and Zuo Clans have finally made a move. The Lin Clan is going to pay a heavy price for their actions!”

Prince Yunyong was coming to oversee everything and the Qin and Zuo Clans were sending elite forces to provide assistance. For Qin Ziming, it was a blessing from heaven.

All the worries and troubles had been cleared from his mind. He held his head high, elated and satisfied. He was even eager to take action, wishing to quickly eliminate Lin Zhong and the others at the door!

“Haha, karma is coming for him! Since last night, that kid has caused so many storms and destroyed the peace in the Forbidden City. He is a demon! We must use this chance to launch an unforgettable blow at him!” Zhao Yunzhi’s voice was ice-cold, and her face was crossed with arrogance and pride.

Even the servants in the hall looked relieved and excited.

The situation had changed!

The Zuo Clan and the Qin Clan finally bared their fangs and mobilized their powers. They would no doubt deal an unexpected and thunderous blow to the Lin Clan.

Only then could they wash away their shame and defend the dignity of the high clans!