Volume One, Chapter 10: Lin Xiao's Choice

What?!

The entire Lin family was stunned.

They had thought it a great honor to gain the favor of the Xuantian Dao Sect, but judging by the current situation, the olive branch extended by the Yunyang Sect seemed even more enticing.

The fact that even the Vice Sect Leader wanted to accept Lin Xiao as his personal disciple—what did that signify?

It meant that Lin Xiao’s reputation in the Northern Domain would surely become illustrious!

For a moment, all eyes turned to Lin Ting, as if awaiting his decision.

“Vice Sect Leader Yang, isn’t it a bit improper to snatch someone midway? Lin Xiao was already chosen by our Xuantian Dao Sect…” Qian Yun, surprised by Yang Kang’s blatant attempt to poach Lin Xiao, frowned and voiced her displeasure.

Before she could finish, Yang Kang interrupted with a smile.

“This is not a midway interception. It’s simply that your Xuantian Dao Sect failed to show sufficient sincerity to the Lin family. Joining a sect is a matter of mutual consent. Since Young Master Lin has yet to decide, how can I be accused of stealing your talent?”

“You!” Qian Yun was momentarily speechless, inwardly blaming Jiang Mu and regretting having followed the Sect Leader’s arrangement to let Jiang Mu take charge.

But with Jiang Mu giving no concessions to the Lin family and the Yunyang Sect now eyeing them like a predator, no matter how she tried to salvage the situation, the Xuantian Dao Sect had clearly lost the initiative.

A disciple with a divine-level talent was a rare prize for them as well.

After a moment, Qian Yun had no choice but to take a deep breath and fix her gaze on Lin Ting.

“In that case, Patriarch Lin, the choice is yours. Whether to join the Xuantian Dao Sect or the Yunyang Sect is entirely up to you. We will not force your hand.”

At this point, she could do no more.

Since Yang Kang’s arrival, Jiang Mu had remained silent. Given his understanding of the Lin family, he already anticipated the outcome.

In truth, from the moment he disparaged Lin Xiao, Jiang Mu had made his decision. The intervention of the Yunyang Sect was merely an unexpected twist that made his goal easier to achieve.

With that in mind, he refrained from speaking and chose instead to observe and wait.

Faced with the gazes of Qian Yun and Yang Kang, Lin Ting found himself in a dilemma. Whichever side he chose, it would offend the other. It was as if they were forcing the Lin family to take a stand.

But after years of managing the Lin family, Lin Ting was not easily flustered. Wearing a troubled expression, he spoke slowly.

“The kindness shown by both of you is truly overwhelming. However, I am but a mortal of the secular world and do not wish to interfere with Xiao’er’s decision. The path ahead is his to walk. Whichever sect he wishes to join, let him choose for himself.”

Though passing the responsibility would place Lin Xiao in a difficult position, it would lessen the impact on the Lin family. Once Lin Xiao entered a sect, he would be protected by its power, and anyone seeking to trouble him would have to reckon with the backing behind him.

If Lin Ting made the decision himself, whichever side Lin Xiao rejected would hold the Lin family accountable. The family lacked a powerful patron that could intimidate these sects; provoking such forces would be disastrous.

Everyone present was astute and understood Lin Ting’s calculation, but none pursued the matter further. Instead, their attention turned to Lin Xiao.

Feeling all eyes upon him, Lin Xiao clenched his fist, took a deep breath, and after briefly glancing at Jiang Mu, resolutely faced Yang Kang.

Then, before everyone, he suddenly knelt down with a thud, performing a kowtow to Yang Kang.

“Master above, please accept your disciple’s kowtow!”

Yang Kang beamed with joy and laughed heartily, stepping forward to help Lin Xiao up.

“Well done, my good disciple. From this day forth, you are my personal disciple. Rest assured, I will not fail your talent. I will make those who underestimate you see precisely what they have missed!”

“I will not disappoint you, Master. From now on, I am willing to go through fire and water for the Yunyang Sect without hesitation!”

With Lin Xiao’s declaration, the farce finally concluded. At the moment Lin Xiao turned away, Qian Yun closed her eyes, heavy-hearted despite having anticipated this outcome.

“Miss Qian Yun, the Xuantian Dao Sect’s willingness to part with such a gifted talent is a kindness I, Yang Kang, will remember. I will visit the Jiang Sect Leader in person to express my gratitude!”

With that, Yang Kang turned and left with Lin Xiao and the Yunyang Sect entourage.

Before departing, Lin Xiao looked at Jiang Mu, gritting his teeth and leaving behind a single sentence.

“Young Lord Jiang, one day I, Lin Xiao, will personally enter the Xuantian Dao Sect to learn the true skills of your disciples!”

Watching the Yunyang Sect retreat, Jiang Mu remained quietly where he stood, cradling the little one, saying nothing. It was impossible to discern his thoughts.

At that moment, Lin Ting suppressed his excitement and apologized to Qian Yun and Jiang Mu.

“Young Lord, Miss Qian Yun, today the Lin family owes the Xuantian Dao Sect an apology. This child has been wild since youth, and even as his father, I cannot change his mind once decided. To make amends, I am willing to offer the treasured millennium Snow Ginseng to your sect as compensation to Sect Leader Jiang.”

Though Lin Ting understood his actions stemmed from fear of retaliation, Qian Yun bore him no ill will. The fault lay in her own mishandling that led to this predicament.

Sighing lightly, Qian Yun waved her hand.

“No need, Patriarch Lin. If your young master feels the Yunyang Sect suits him better, then let him go. We shall take our leave.”

“Very well. In that case, I thank the Young Lord and Miss Qian Yun for their understanding. Should the Lin family be of any assistance in the future, do not hesitate to call upon us. I shall not refuse.”

Qian Yun nodded, beckoned to her companions, and prepared to depart.

Just as she turned, a voice called out from behind.

“Wait!”

Qian Yun was startled and turned to look at Jiang Mu.

The voice came from him.

Lin Ting, puzzled and worried Jiang Mu might have objections, hurriedly spoke.

“Young Lord, do you have any instructions?”

Qian Yun also moved beside Jiang Mu, looking at him with curiosity.

Yet Jiang Mu ignored Qian Yun, turning instead to sit back down on his chair. Only then did he speak slowly.

“Patriarch Lin, from what you said, you still hope for your clan’s disciples to join the Xuantian Dao Sect?”

No one understood what Jiang Mu meant, not even Qian Yun, who could not guess his intentions. But with others present, she dared not press and silently waited for his next words.

After a moment’s hesitation, Lin Ting nodded eagerly.

“Of course. To be honest, Young Lord, I have always urged the clan’s younger generation to train diligently, hoping that one day they might earn your sect’s favor.”

Jiang Mu smiled.

“Patriarch Lin, I believe your words. In that case, I have heard that the Lin family has another individual with considerable talent. Since Young Master Lin Xiao has found a better option, I can make an exception and request another disciple from your family. Patriarch Lin, would you be willing?”

Everyone was stunned. The Lin family actually had another talent recognized by the Xuantian Dao Sect?

Who could it be?

The question filled everyone’s minds.

Even Lin Ting momentarily drew a blank, unable to recall anyone else whose talent might attract the sect’s favor. But judging by Jiang Mu’s tone, he was not joking.

After a pause, Lin Ting cautiously spoke.

“The Lin family is honored by the Young Lord’s favor. How could we refuse? But may I ask who this person is that the Young Lord desires…?”

Jiang Mu smiled softly and slowly pronounced a name.

“Lin Family… Lin Xiu.”