Chapter 542 - 540: The Lin Family Ruins

Lin Xuan chose to be frank, seeing that they bore him no ill will. And even if they did, could he really escape? ’I might as well just admit it.’ He couldn’t even be bothered to make up an excuse. All that was left was to see what the Bu Family would say.

"So, about finding where the Lin Family is?" Lin Xuan said with a frown. "Is there really no news about them at all?"

"If there were any leads, the Yan Family and the Su Family would have been the first to act. It wouldn’t have fallen to us," Bu Qianfan explained. "We’d like to hear your thoughts. For example, what if we leaked your location to attract the Lin Family’s attention?"

The best way to draw out the Lin Family was to broadcast Lin Xuan’s whereabouts; that would surely get their attention. Instead of actively searching for them, they could wait for the Lin Family to come to them.

Of course, there was a major drawback. The news would also attract the Yan and Su Families, which could trigger a massive, incredibly dangerous battle.

"That won’t work. If we attract the Yan and Su Families, it’ll be a huge problem." Lin Xuan immediately shook his head, rejecting the proposal. ’That’s no different from suicide.’

"I know it’s not a viable option. Can you think of any other way?" Bu Qianfan asked.

They couldn’t think of any other methods. If they could, the Yan and Su Families would have thought of them already. And if they had, they would have completely rooted out the remaining members of the Lin Family by now. Why else would they still be searching?

The two young men were the only ones speaking; Bu Lingyu and the others didn’t interrupt. This was a conversation for the younger generation. Bu Lingyu had complete faith in his son and had given Bu Qianfan full authority over the matter.

"A method... To be honest, I haven’t thought of one. But I want to visit the Lin Family estate!" Lin Xuan said, his gaze fervent.

"Visit the Lin Family estate..." Bu Qianfan glanced back at his father, trying to read his expression, but all he saw was a perfectly calm face. Ultimately, the decision was his to make.

He turned back to Lin Xuan and mulled it over for a moment before speaking. "That’s not a problem. As the Young Master of the Lin Family, you haven’t seen your home since the day you escaped. To be honest, the place is now nothing but a pile of ruins, and the Yan Family might still have spies posted there... But if you really want to go, then let’s do it."

"Then we leave now?" Lin Xuan didn’t want to delay. He had already decided to visit the Lin Family estate; if not for the trip to the Spiritual Source Pool, he would have gone to the ruins long ago.

"No problem. I’ll go with you!" Bu Qianfan stood up, flicking open his fan again. "Let’s hope we can find some clues there. If you were to go alone, you’d probably be dead before you even arrived."

Bu Qianfan wasn’t joking. Lin Xuan was a wanted man by the Yan and Su Families. The moment he went out in the open, he would certainly be captured. Then, he would face a simple choice: surrender or die.

Lin Xuan had thought of this as well. ’I caused the Yan Family a great deal of humiliation; they must hate me to the bone. If I’m discovered out there, I’m as good as dead.’

He had chosen to come clean precisely because he wanted to rely on the Bu Family’s power for protection.

"Thank you, Brother Bu. If we find the Lin Family, I will ensure our two families ally to resist the Yan and Su Families together!" This was the only guarantee Lin Xuan could offer; he could promise nothing else.

"That’s exactly what I wanted to hear, Brother Lin!" Bu Qianfan smiled, a flicker of delight in his eyes. Finding an ally—that had been his goal all along.

And so, Bu Qianfan led Lin Xuan toward the ruins of the Lin Family estate. Bu Lingyu and the others didn’t go with them, as they had many other matters to attend to.

"Patriarch, is it truly appropriate to entrust this entire matter to the Young Master?" Bu Chi asked after a moment’s hesitation.

"It is. Why wouldn’t it be? The young should deal with the young; that is the way to forge friendships. Besides, Qianfan is very sensible in these matters, so it’s best to leave it to him." Bu Lingyu stood up and added with a worried expression, "There really isn’t much time. The Yan and Su Families are already making their moves. Without the Lin Family to keep them in check, it seems their ambitions have resurfaced..."

Their expressions were grave, tinged with a grim resolve. It was as if they could already smell the scent of the bloody storm from the past, beginning to blow once more.

The ruins of the Lin Family estate were a great distance from the Bu Family’s home. To speed up their journey, they flew on several tamed Divine Eagle Demon Beasts, heading toward the site of the ruins.

They were also accompanied by two Stewards for protection in case of an emergency—such was the treatment afforded to a Young Master. These two protectors were Core Formation Stage experts, considered top-level figures in the Soaring Dragon Empire, yet here they were, serving only as guards.

"The ruins of the Lin Family estate are just ahead."

Bu Qianfan pointed it out, but Lin Xuan didn’t need the reminder. He knew that the place ahead was where the Lin Family had once been at its most glorious. The memories from Lin Hua in his mind contained countless recollections of the estate; he knew every corner of this place, and of course, the way to get there.

As they drew closer, the ruins of the Lin Family estate came into view. A vast area ahead was pockmarked with craters; not a single patch of ground was untouched. This place, once picturesque with its lush mountains and clear waters, was now a desolate wasteland of craters that time had failed to erase.

They were like scars on the earth that refused to heal. Even after twenty years, the land remained devastated and cratered. The wreckage of countless buildings was still visible, and the mountains that had once encircled the area had been blasted flat.

It was a testament to the ferocity of the battle. When Lin Xuan saw a long, deep chasm, his breath caught in his throat. He knew instantly that this chasm had been gouged out by Cane Shatters the Heavens. It stretched across the entire landscape, even carving straight through a massive mountain!

Viewed from the sky, the sight was awe-inspiring. What terrifying power must have been unleashed to create such an effect? The mere thought of this technique made his blood surge with excitement!

’Is this the power of my father?’ Lin Xuan’s eyes wavered. He could almost see his father’s resolute back as he protected them during their escape.

According to Lin Hua’s memories, even after they had fled a great distance, they had heard an earth-shattering BOOM. Perhaps that had been the Lin Family Patriarch’s final, world-shaking blow.

Tears welled in his eyes, but he held them back. "Father..." he whispered in a low voice. As he looked down from the sky, he was shocked to see several souls floating aimlessly among the ruins.

He had come here precisely to see if he could find any souls belonging to the Lin Family. Through them, he might find some clues and could perhaps even witness what happened that day!

This was his true purpose for coming here. If he could find the souls, he could learn a great deal. More importantly, he could help them find peace.