Volume One: A Youth Enters the World Chapter Sixty-Eight: The Patriarch of the Lin Family

After the Fourth Prince departed, Fang Tian and Lin Shuang, along with the others, continued on toward the imperial city. They walked for over an hour before finally standing at the base of the city walls. Fang Tian gazed upward; the mighty fortifications bore two enormous characters: "Imperial Capital."

Fang Tian could not help but marvel—if just the city wall was so imposing, what wonders might lie beyond? His heart stirred with longing to venture inside and see for himself.

Soon after, Lin Shuang instructed the gate guards to open the city gates. Upon recognizing the princess and her entourage, the guards hurriedly complied, standing respectfully on either side. They dared not slight such distinguished guests. Lin Shuang then led Fang Tian and the others into the city.

Once inside, Fang Tian's eyes brightened, instantly captivated by the scene before him: bustling streets thronged with people, shops of every kind, splendid buildings rising everywhere, and, faintly visible in the distance, a gigantic palace perched high above the rest. Even the paving stones beneath their feet were of the finest greenstone. Back in Wufeng City, the ground had been mere ordinary slabs; such grandeur was wholly new to Fang Tian.

"Xiaoyu, are you so dazzled you've lost your wits?" Zhao Xue’er teased, delighted to see Fang Tian’s rustic awe and unable to hide her smugness.

Fang Tian glanced at Zhao Xue’er. He had no intention of denying it; indeed, the spectacle had left him a little dazed. He replied slowly, "To see such a scene for the first time is truly overwhelming."

"That’s more like it. I’ll be your guide and show you around the capital," Zhao Xue’er said, smiling.

"Very well, I’ll be in your care, Princess," Fang Tian answered, surprising himself by not bantering with Zhao Xue’er as usual. It seemed his heart genuinely wished to explore the sights of the imperial city.

"It’s settled then. Wait for me to come find you."

"Mm."

At that moment, Lin Shuang approached and addressed Zhao Xue’er, "That’s enough, Xue’er. Let me escort you home first."

"Alright, Sister Lin," Zhao Xue’er nodded obediently.

With that, the group made their way toward the grand palace. It took nearly another hour’s walk before they reached the palace gates. What had been a distant silhouette now stood before them in all its majestic splendor. There, they halted.

The guards of the imperial army, upon seeing the princess return, saluted respectfully, "Welcome back, Your Highness."

Lin Shuang stepped forward and spoke a few words to the guards. One of them nodded at once, turned, and opened the grand doors, then went inside.

"I’ve spoken with the guards. Once they’ve reported, someone will come to escort you back," Lin Shuang said to Zhao Xue’er.

"And what about Xiaoyu?" Zhao Xue’er asked.

"I promised him before—I must take him to see my father, so that he is aware," Lin Shuang replied.

"Alright, then I’ll come visit you in a few days, Sister Lin."

"Mm, someone is here—you should go now." At that moment, a group approached the gates, clearly sent to receive the princess.

After bidding farewell to Lin Shuang and Fang Tian, Zhao Xue’er followed her escort into the palace.

Once Zhao Xue’er had gone, Lin Shuang turned to Fang Tian. "Young master, let us go. When we arrive at the Lin Residence, I shall explain everything to my father."

"Thank you, Miss Lin," Fang Tian responded with a nod.

Lin Shuang then led Fang Tian toward the Lin Residence. It wasn’t long before they arrived at the grand gates. The guards, seeing their young mistress return, hastily opened the doors. Lin Shuang and Fang Tian entered, and Lin Shuang immediately stopped a maid to ask, "Where is my father?"

"Young miss, the master should be in the study," the maid replied respectfully.

"I see. You may go." Then Lin Shuang turned to Fang Tian. "Young master, please follow me."

Fang Tian followed her. They walked along a path that crossed a small river, bordered by a stone walkway flanked with flowers, bamboo, and greenery. Following this path, they stopped before a small cottage. Lin Shuang explained, "My father values tranquility, so he chose this secluded spot for his study. The cottage ahead is where he works."

"The gentle stream and the fragrant blossoms all around make for a lovely view," Fang Tian remarked in admiration.

Lin Shuang smiled softly, walked up to the bamboo door, and knocked gently. "Father, I’ve returned."

"Come in," a voice called. The bamboo door opened of its own accord. Fang Tian, witnessing the door move without a touch, probed the aura within the room. He sensed that the master of the Lin family was truly formidable, exuding a power far beyond his own.

"Xiaotian, this man’s cultivation is likely at the ninth level of Spirit Gathering," came the voice of Old Tian in Fang Tian’s mind, warning him to be cautious and not underestimate the man.

Fang Tian understood—the Lin family head within was much stronger than himself. He would need to be careful, especially as this was their first meeting and he knew nothing of the man’s temperament.

Inside, Fang Tian saw a middle-aged man dressed in simple gray robes, standing by the window and gazing out at the river. As Lin Shuang and Fang Tian entered, the man turned his gaze upon them. "Shuang’er, did you see the princess safely home?"

"Yes, Father."

"Very well. I’ve read what you wrote in your letter and understand the situation. From now on, we’ll watch and wait."

"I leave it all to your judgment, Father."

"This young man beside you is the one seeking a place in the Hundred Isles Tournament?"

"I am Tian Yu. Greetings, Master Lin," Fang Tian said politely.

"You may have the spot, but I have two conditions," Master Lin stated.

"Please, do tell," Fang Tian replied.

"First, I wish to see your strength for myself." As he spoke, Master Lin unleashed a surge of pressure toward Fang Tian. The room filled with a fierce wind, making the walls and floor creak, and even the river outside rippled under the force. The fish scattered in alarm.

Fang Tian, unflustered, merely channeled his spiritual power to counter the pressure, remaining unmoved.

"Master Lin, what is the meaning of this?" Lin Shuang asked, a hint of tension in her voice.

Master Lin was surprised that this young man could withstand his full might. After a moment, he withdrew his aura and said, "I merely wished to test whether you were worthy of the place. You’re impressive—your cultivation seems modest, but I suspect your true strength is far greater."

"Indeed, my cultivation technique is rather special, so my true level is at the sixth stage," Fang Tian replied, not daring to reveal his real realm of only the third stage of Spirit Gathering. Such a claim would be too shocking and could bring disaster if discovered, so a half-truth was safer and more believable.

"Your technique is indeed deceptive—even I could not see through it. I imagine many have suffered at your hands," Master Lin remarked.

"That’s true," Fang Tian admitted.

"Excellent. At your age, such cultivation is more than enough for the Hundred Isles Tournament."

"Since I have passed your test, may I ask what your second condition is?"

"My second condition is that you become my daughter’s husband—though in name only," Master Lin said with a subtle smile.

Fang Tian was stunned. How had a quest for a mere tournament spot become an arranged marriage? He looked at Lin Shuang, who averted her gaze, and realized he had been maneuvered into a trap. He felt some resentment, and spoke frankly, "I don’t understand—why must I do this just for a place in the tournament?"

"It seems my daughter did not explain; I suppose it’s not easy for a young woman to broach such a topic. But if you wish to obtain this place and leave the Sea of Nether Neighbors, you must accept my terms."

Fang Tian glanced at Lin Shuang and saw the apology on her face. With a sigh, he pressed on, "I would like to know the reason—what is this for?"

"Very well. You must know that the Lin family is one of the four great families of the imperial city, wielding power second only to the royal family. Yet we face a grave problem: so long as I live, the Lin family remains strong, but once I am gone, time will see our family devoured by others and our legacy lost. I am desperate for a successor."

"But I cannot remain here forever," Fang Tian said.

"I understand. Having you as my daughter’s husband is for the future—if you are chosen as a disciple by one of the great powers at the tournament, the Lin family can rely on your reputation and survive in peace."

"Doesn’t the Lin family have any promising youth?"

"I am ashamed to say that the younger generation is not gifted in cultivation. Even my daughter has only reached the fourth stage, making it nearly impossible for her to be chosen at the tournament. It’s been a hundred years since any of our family was selected by the great sects. Our situation is not optimistic."

"So you pin all your hopes on a stranger?" Fang Tian asked.

"I trust my daughter’s judgment."

"Very well. Since Master Lin has spoken so openly, I will not refuse. I truly need that place." Having heard all this, Fang Tian understood Master Lin’s motives. Even if he was being used, as long as his goal was achieved, he could accept it. Of course, this agreement was bound to bring trouble, but Fang Tian could already imagine what that might be, and had prepared for the worst.

"Excellent. Shuang’er, take Tian Yu to rest. I will explain the rest to the family," Master Lin instructed.

"Yes, Father." Lin Shuang led Fang Tian out of the cottage, and after they left, Master Lin’s face showed a meaningful smile.