Chapter 29: Complete Breakthrough_1

The atmosphere in the reception hall became somewhat oppressive.

Qin Feiyang felt some discomfort. Rising from his seat, he clasped his hands and said, "Respected seniors, this junior shall step out for a stroll."

"Qin Feiyang, don't just wander around, alright?"

"In the Lin family, you should know very well where you ought to go and where you ought not."

Before Lo Qianxue and the other three could speak, the two young men spoke one after another, their words filled with profound implications.

"Thank you for the reminder."

Qin Feiyang smiled faintly, turned, and walked out of the reception hall, aimlessly strolling around the Lin family's grounds.

The servants he met along the way were all grateful to him. However, not many of them stepped forward to express their gratitude verbally. They had all seen that Young Master Baili was not as well-disposed towards Qin Feiyang as he appeared on the surface. As servants of the Lin family, they needed to recognize the situation and align themselves with the party that would benefit them.

Born into an imperial family, Qin Feiyang had faced scheming and fierce, hidden rivalries from a young age. As such, he was quite clear about these people's mindsets. Therefore, he did not mind. On the contrary, he felt some sympathy for these servants.

Unconsciously, he walked onto a secluded path. The flowerbeds on both sides were in full bloom, each vying for beauty. The rich floral fragrance was intoxicating. He stopped, looking up ahead. At the end of the path stood an exquisite pavilion, and before it, a crystal-clear stream flowed, winding and meandering. In the water, beautiful fish swam in schools, happily darting about. The place, with its elegant environment, was imbued with tranquility and peace.

How did I subconsciously come here? Qin Feiyang muttered to himself.

This was the Lin family's rear courtyard. That pavilion was Lin Yiyi's residence. He had been there once before, so he was not unfamiliar with it.

"I knew some people never learn. Going to see Lin Yiyi again? Truly shameless."

"Qin Feiyang, Lin Yiyi is not yet married! For a man like you to trespass into her residence, what exactly are your intentions?"

Just then, two voices, dripping with sarcasm and mockery, came from behind.

Qin Feiyang turned, frowning slightly. He saw the two young men from the Elixir Palace and the Martial Palace approaching, walking side by side, their eyes somewhat playful.

"Aren't the Elixir Palace and the Martial Palace normally at odds with each other? But now, why are you two so chummy?" Qin Feiyang teased. "Don't tell me you two have... special preferences? Like a penchant for, shall we say, 'the cut sleeve'?"

He looked at them with a playful glint in his eyes.

"You dare say that again!"

The faces of the two young men instantly darkened, their eyes flashing with a cold light.

"Don't worry," Qin Feiyang said, taking large strides toward them. He grinned. "I won't despise you. I'll even sincerely offer my blessings. After all, it's true love!" With that, he walked past them, heading back the way he came without a backward glance.

"True love?"

"Blessings?"

The two young men were stunned. When they came to their senses, they glanced at each other, then immediately turned away, bending over and dry heaving as if their stomachs were churning violently.

We're going to lose our minds!

This damned bastard! He's gone too far!

"Qin Feiyang, stop right there!"

"If you don't explain yourself clearly, don't even think about leaving today!"

Suppressing waves of nausea, the two furiously chased after Qin Feiyang.

Glancing at them, Qin Feiyang's lips curved into a slight smirk as he quickly returned to the reception hall. The two young men burst in after him, panting heavily.

"Why don't you keep running!"

"If I don't cripple you today, my surname isn't Liu!"

They blocked Qin Feiyang, one in front and one behind, their faces radiating cold intent.

"Hm?"

Lo Qianxue and the other three were puzzled. How could a short trip outside make them so angry?

Qin Feiyang glanced at the two young men, then turned to the bewildered Hall Master of the Martial Palace and the Third Palace Master of the Elixir Palace. "Aren't you going to do anything about them causing trouble here?"

The two seniors immediately stood up.

"What do you two think you're doing? This is the Lin family! Such disrespect! Where are your manners? Liu Yun, stand down!" the Hall Master of the Martial Palace rebuked.

"Yin Chuan, you behave yourself as well!" the Third Palace Master of the Elixir Palace added sharply.

Liu Yun looked at his master with a wronged expression. "Master, why are you blaming me? It was clearly Qin Feiyang who started it! He said that Yin Chuan and I..."

Qin Feiyang, lounging casually in a chair, interjected with a playful tone, "Said what? Go on, spit it out. Let everyone share in your happiness."

Upon hearing this, the Hall Master of the Martial Palace, the Third Palace Master, and the others cast curious glances at Liu Yun and Yin Chuan.

But how could they possibly say such a thing out loud?

Both young men hung their heads, hands clenched so tightly their knuckles were white, wishing they could flay Qin Feiyang alive.

"Want me to say it for you?" Qin Feiyang chuckled, his smile radiant.

"Don't push us too far!"

"Qin Feiyang, watch out for retribution!"

The two glared furiously at him.

Lo Qianxue stood up to mediate, smiling. "Alright, alright, it doesn't seem to be anything major. Let's all take a step back."

"Fine. Out of respect for the Pavilion Master, I won't stoop to your level," Qin Feiyang said magnanimously.

"What?!"

"You won't *stoop to our level*?"

Liu Yun and Yin Chuan were instantly incandescent with rage, so furious they felt their lungs might explode. How can anyone be this shameless?!

"What's going on here?"

"Why does everyone look so upset?"

The Lin Family Head, the Lin family's housekeeper, Lin Yiyi, and Lin Baili walked into the reception hall one after another. Seeing the furious expressions on Liu Yun and Yin Chuan, they all looked somewhat puzzled.

The Third Palace Master said with a smile, "Young people, there's always bound to be some friction. It's nothing to worry about."

The Lin Family Head shot a cold glance at Qin Feiyang, then said with a smile, "Yiyi, hurry and greet your elders."

Lin Yiyi curtsied. "Greetings, Uncles. Greetings, Aunt Lo. Please forgive me if my hospitality has been lacking in any way."

Lo Qianxue smiled. "You're the guest of honor today, Yiyi. No need for such formality."

"Everyone, please be seated," the Lin Family Head said with a smile, gesturing from the main seat.

Lin Yiyi and Lin Baili sat on the Lin Family Head's left and right, respectively.

Lin Yiyi's attire today was striking. She had shed her usual martial-style clothing for a snow-white, floor-length gown. Her already beautiful features, enhanced by careful makeup, were now even more captivating. Her abundant black hair, glossy and beautiful, swayed gently. Though she lacked her former heroic, spirited air, she now exuded the refined temperament of a young lady from a prominent family. Her figure was also exquisitely proportioned.

From the moment she entered, Liu Yun's and Yin Chuan's gazes were fixed on her, their expressions besotted.

Qin Feiyang, however, merely gave her an indifferent glance before lowering his head and sipping his tea. Lin Yiyi also glanced at him, her gaze equally calm and distant.

Lin Baili stood up, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the hall, lingering pointedly on Qin Feiyang. He smiled. "First, on behalf of the Lin family, I would like to thank everyone for gracing us with your presence at Yiyi's fifteenth birthday celebration."

Qin Feiyang frowned. Who exactly is this person, to be representing the Lin family?

"Originally," Lin Baili continued, "Uncle Lin planned to wait until Yiyi's sixteenth birthday, her coming-of-age ceremony, to host a banquet for everyone. However, Yiyi and I will be departing for Yan City tomorrow morning. It's likely we won't have the chance to return for several years, and perhaps we might never return to Iron Bull Town at all. Therefore, Uncle Lin and I decided it would be best to host everyone today, to express our gratitude for the care you've all shown our Lin family over the years."

"Yan City!"

The Third Palace Master and the others exchanged glances, a flicker of shock and doubt in their eyes.

Lo Qianxue asked, "Baili, are you perhaps from the Lin family of Yan City?"

"Indeed, I am," Lin Baili replied with a nod.

"So that's how it is." The assembled seniors nodded in understanding.

As prominent figures in Iron Bull Town, their knowledge and experience far surpassed that of ordinary people. They were certainly no strangers to the Lin family of Yan City. The Yan City Lin family not only possessed a profound heritage but had also intermarried with the royal family for generations. With the royal family as their benefactors, the Lin family was exceptionally powerful in Yan City, to the extent that other families dared not contend with them.

Lin Baili's presence here made it obvious: the Lin family of Iron Bull Town was merely a branch of the main Lin family in Yan City.

Lin Baili added with a smile, "And allow me to share another piece of good news. Once Yiyi turns sixteen, she will marry into the royal family. When that time comes, even Iron Bull Town will share in the glory."

Qin Feiyang's head snapped up, his gaze fixed on Lin Baili.

Seeing Qin Feiyang's attention on him, Lin Baili's smile widened, becoming even more brilliant. Yet, within his eyes, there was an unmistakable glint of disdain.

Qin Feiyang caught it clearly. He took a deep breath, set down his teacup, and said coolly, "So, you invited me here today merely to flaunt how powerful your Lin family is in my presence. You might be disappointed, however. I genuinely haven't perceived what makes your Lin family so strong."

At these words, the entire hall fell silent!

No one had expected Qin Feiyang to utter such disdainful words right in front of the Lin family members. He truly wasn't giving them any face whatsoever.

The Lin Family Head, Lin Baili, and Housekeeper Lin Yong all wore grim expressions. Lin Yiyi, however, kept her head bowed, remaining silent. No one knew what she was thinking.

Qin Feiyang rose to his full height and turned to Lin Yiyi, his face etched with disappointment.

"Do you know?" he began.

"Ever since you said you wanted to sever ties with me, I've been wondering if you had some unspoken difficulty, or if you were being pressured by your father. I even pondered how I might be able to help you.

"It's only now that I finally understand: those were just my own wishful thoughts.

"It turns out you're just like your father, believing I'm infatuated with you, afraid I'd pester you and hinder your marriage into the royal family. You even went so far as to frame me, to use leverage to threaten me. How meticulously you've both plotted!

"To be honest, I've always considered you my best friend. I would have been overjoyed for you, marrying into the royal family. There was absolutely no need for any of this.

"What a pity. You've made a grievously wrong decision!

"I, Qin Feiyang, now swear before everyone: from this day forward, you, Lin Yiyi, and I are finished! We will sever all ties and never associate with each other again!

"As for this little trinket," Qin Feiyang let out a dry chuckle, took out the jade bracelet, and tossed it at Lin Yiyi's feet. "I was hesitating whether to give it to you or not. But looking at it now, it suits you perfectly. Please, do accept it."

Everyone present was a person of status and standing. They could tell at a glance that it was a cheap, streetside trinket.

To give such a thing as a birthday gift? Wasn't this a blatant attempt to humiliate Lin Yiyi and embarrass the Lin family?

The Lin Family Head's hands clenched into fists, murderous intent gleaming in his eyes. If not for the presence of others, he would have struck Qin Feiyang down on the spot!

"A certain kind of person deserves a certain kind of ornament," Qin Feiyang said, his voice cold as he left them with this parting shot. "You, Lin Yiyi, only deserve this kind of cheap, worthless trinket."

With that, he turned and strode out.