Chapter 26: Lin Ming

However, it was hard for him to give up this opportunity. But at this time, the Lin family was powerful. Even if he was unwilling, what could he do? Deep down, he knew that his primary focus at this moment should be to safeguard the transfer of the family's elite forces and secure a portion of the future profits that awaited them. After a brief moment of contemplation, he briskly swung his sleeves in a resentful manner, his lips curling into a cold snarl. "Seventh Young Master Lin, mark my words, Third Ning will not forget this encounter! Let us depart!"

With determined steps, the green-robed man led his entourage swiftly out of the ancient temple, leaving behind an atmosphere tinged with unspoken resentment.

Lin Ming stoically observed their departure, his countenance unwavering and calm. Throughout the entire confrontation, he had bore himself with an unyielding resolve, unwilling to be swayed by momentary emotions. However, Lin Yun could not contain his dissatisfaction any longer and implored Seventh Brother, "Must we simply allow them to escape unscathed?"

Lin Ming's features hardened, a hint of contempt evident in his voice as he reprimanded his younger brother. "Sixth Brother, you underestimate our adversaries. Do you truly believe that we could have obstructed Third Ning? Even if we were successful, how many of us would have emerged unscathed? True experts possess the wisdom to assess the situation and seek fortune while evading disaster. If you seek death, do not drag us down with you!"

Pausing briefly, he cast a quick glance at the visibly disgruntled Lin Yun, firmness etched in his expression. "But fear not, he shall not divulge our secrets. I have already dispatched messages to several elders to handle the matter swiftly. I assure you, Third Ning will not escape the Black Forest Mountains unscathed!"

The impact of Lin Ming's words reverberated through the bodies of the remaining Lin brothers, leaving them in awe of his meticulousness and calculated approach. In his presence, not a single whisper of information could breach the fortified walls guarding their family's interests.

Meanwhile, Lin Yun, taken aback by the revelation, struggled to hide his astonishment. Beneath his exterior veneer of condescension, he sensed a flicker of resentment burning deep within him. Suppressing his rage, he questioned coldly, "What shall we do now? Shall we merely wait here in vain?"

His gaze shifted towards the entrance beneath the six cauldrons, a grimace twisting his features. It was through that very threshold that Lin Yang had ventured, but now, the mechanism lay sealed shut, leaving them stranded outside, helpless and uncertain.

Simultaneously, an overwhelming tide of envy, resentment, and anger surged through the hearts of the other Lin brothers. Rumors of hidden elixirs and cultivation techniques within the underground palace had ignited their jealousy. They toiled for survival on the surface while Lin Yang reaped the untold riches below. The injustice of it all seared through their souls, unbearable in its weight.

Lin Yang, a mere collateral descendant, had no right to such opportunities or strokes of fortune. And as for Lin Zhan, their contempt for him knew no bounds, deeming him deserving of a thousand deaths for daring to conceal treasures. The several Young Masters' eyes burned with an intense crimson, their very beings consumed by an insatiable desire to rush headlong into the mechanism.

Lin Ming, ever perceptive, assimilated their discontent and a cold smile played upon his lips. His pride became a tangible presence as he spoke with unwavering conviction. "Our next objective centers on that treacherous disciple, Lin Yang. His rebellious nature and sinister intentions have not escaped my discerning gaze. He is no virtuous individual and will undoubtedly become the catalyst for our downfall if left unchecked. His elimination cannot be delayed. Were it not for the mercy afforded by his father, he would have met an untimely demise long ago! Why, then, should we provide him an avenue of escape? Let him languish on this mountain and face his fated end!"

A glimmer of fierceness danced within his eyes as a formidable aura enveloped him, compelling the remaining Lin brothers to instinctively take a step back, their gazes averted in deference to their seventh brother's dominance.

Lin Han, ever the opportunist, rolled his eyes in agreement. "Indeed, this Lin Yang has been nourished by our family, yet his greed blinds him to the detriment of our collective interests. Such transgressions are unforgivable, and we must not permit him to evade punishment this time!"

Amidst the tension, Lin Yun interjected with a touch of skepticism. "But he currently resides underground, safeguarded by the impenetrable mechanism. It is unlikely he will emerge any time soon."

Unwavering, Lin Yang confidently smirked in response. "Though Lin Yang may be cunning, he is no match for me in the realm of strategy and deceit. His every move remains firmly within the clutches of my palm. While the underground mechanism may offer him temporary sanctuary, it shall fail to shield him indefinitely. He will surface in due time. With our men diligently guarding this location day and night, he is naught but a trapped turtle!"

Lin Shu, ever the voice of reason, interjected calmly. "Seventh Brother, do not grow too complacent. It is possible that the underground mechanism harbors another escape route, and Lin Yang might have already slipped away."

Lin Ming's eyes flashed with a hint of amusement as he glanced at Lin Shu, a dismissive smirk gracing his lips. "Big Brother, you underestimate my preparations. I have accounted for every possible scenario, leaving no room for oversight. Even if he were to evade our tightly knit encirclement, he will return obligingly!"

Curiosity piqued, Lin Shu inquired, "And what leads you to believe that?"

A smile of triumph played across Lin Ming's face as he responded with conviction. "Big Brother, you fail to comprehend the depth of the situation. Lin Yang holds an undeniable attachment to a certain maidservant. Over the years, this devoted servant has catered to his every need, and Lin Yang holds her in high regard. I have no doubt that he would refuse to abandon her and flee alone!"

His voice grew stern as he continued, "Once we capture this lowly maid, Lin Yang will have no choice but to surrender!"