Chapter 255 - 44: Drawing the Sword

Chapter 255: Chapter 44: Drawing the Sword

"Hm?"

"Even if I went to Lin Yan, he’d just say that he knows he’s no match and refuse to get on the platform."

"Would Lin Yan really pass up such a huge opportunity to be in the spotlight?"

"Being in the spotlight doesn’t get you anything. Father, you know the Lin Family’s rules. All resources have to be earned through the official competitions."

Lin Shouyuan frowned. The clan rules were indeed as she said. Even if Lin Yan actually defeated Jian Sheng, the clan wouldn’t offer any reward. At most, his status would rise, and he’d gain more respect within the Third Branch.

"If we want to get Lin Yan to make a move, we have to give him a reason to be interested. Why don’t you make a public announcement, Father? Say that whoever can get on the platform and defeat Jian Sheng will receive a generous enough reward."

"You want *me* to provide the reward?"

Lin Shouyuan hadn’t expected this to be his daughter’s plan.

"That’s right. And the reward has to be tempting enough to move someone."

"So, Xi’er, you’re trying to dip into your old man’s savings," Lin Shouyuan said with a sense of resignation. "Do you have that much faith in this Lin Yan?"

"Dad, I trust my intuition." Lin Mingxi went over and hugged her father’s arm, swaying it back and forth. "Besides, if my intuition is right, and Lin Yan’s talent in the Sword Dao truly isn’t any worse than Jian Sheng’s... wouldn’t that move your heart, Father?"

’It would!’

Lin Shouyuan didn’t hesitate for a second. ’Of course it would,’ he thought to himself.

’If Lin Yan’s talent for the Sword Dao is really that great, I would absolutely be interested.’

"Just think about it, Father. If Lin Yan’s talent is that great, you’ll definitely be interested. You’ll want to cultivate his abilities, which means you’d give him Martial Arts Resources anyway. This is just giving them to him a bit earlier. Plus, this way, you’ll make a good impression on him. Otherwise, what about that message you had Uncle Qi deliver? If Lin Yan found out about it, even if you genuinely wanted to train him, he might not be willing to accept you as his master."

"He’d dare!"

Lin Shouyuan’s eyebrow shot up. ’A Lin Clan Member who pursues the Cultivation of the Sword Dao who *wouldn’t* want to become my disciple? Unheard of!’

"Well, in my opinion, if Lin Yan really is hiding his true strength, it just means a Sword Dao powerhouse like you holds no appeal for him. Otherwise, he would have shown his talent for the Sword Dao long ago and come seeking your guidance."

"When the time comes, you can’t just force Lin Yan to become your disciple, can you, Father? I’ve heard of a shotgun wedding, but never a shotgun apprenticeship."

Seeing her father fall silent again, Lin Mingxi smiled slyly. She knew her words were starting to sway him.

"Let me think about this."

...

...

「East River Courtyard.」

"Lin Yan, Uncle Jiu has lost his mind!"

Lin Yan had just put the Bone Fragment away when Lin Mingye burst into the room, all in a fluster.

’Uncle Jiu’s lost his mind? What’s that got to do with me?’

’No, wait. Why would Uncle Jiu suddenly lose his mind?’

"Uncle Jiu put out the word! If anyone in the clan can defeat Jian Sheng within three days, they’ll be rewarded with one hundred Bodhi Pills! On top of that, they’ll get to become his disciple!"

Hearing Lin Mingye’s words, Lin Yan froze for a moment. He paid no mind to the second part of the offer; all of his attention was captured by the first.

’One hundred Bodhi Pills... that’s more than enough for my Cultivation to reach the Blood Exchange Third Transformation.’

"How long has the announcement been out?"

"One day."

Lin Yan nodded, then stood and walked toward the inner room.

"Lin Yan, what are you doing?"

"Packing my things. I’m going back to the main estate."

"Back to the estate?"

Lin Mingye looked confused. "Why are you going back? Sure, the reward Uncle Jiu offered is huge, but all the clan members who use a sword and have even a shred of talent have already been on the Combat Platform. The show’s over."

"Who said I was going to watch?"

Lin Yan hefted his travel bundle. "I’m going to challenge Jian Sheng."

"Challenge Jian Sheng?" Lin Mingye’s expression turned strange. "Didn’t you say you were no match for him?"

"As a member of the Lin Clan, when someone insults the Lin Family’s reputation, one must draw their sword and step forward, even knowing they are no match."

Seeing the look of stern righteousness on Lin Yan’s face, Lin Mingye’s mouth fell open. He stood there gaping for a long moment, but in the end, he couldn’t manage to say a single word.