Chapter 12: Lin Xiao's Recovery

"Hehe, old friend, you manage numerous affairs daily. What brings you to the Lin family in Qingyang Town?"

In the main hall of the Lin family, Lin Zhentian looked at the elderly man in grey beside him and smiled.

He and the grey-clad elder had been friends for many years. In their youth, they had often carried out missions together for the main family, forming a bond that lasted decades.

Unfortunately, times had changed. The elder now held a position of authority in the main family, while Lin Zhentian had established a branch family in the remote Qingyang Town.

"Why, old friend, are you perhaps not welcoming my visit?" the grey-clad elder smiled faintly.

"How could I not? Your presence here brings great honor to our Qingyang Town branch," Lin Zhentian laughed heartily.

He then pointed to two middle-aged men nearby and said, "These are my two sons, Lin Ken and Lin Mang."

After the introduction, Lin Zhentian quickly added, "This is my old friend, you may call him Elder Tao."

Hearing this, Lin Ken and Lin Mang exchanged glances. However, upon sensing the profound aura of the grey-clad elder, they respectfully greeted, "Greetings, Elder Tao."

"Hehe, no need to be so formal. Your father and I have been friends for many years. Though it's been a while since we last met, our friendship remains," Elder Tao laughed.

Suddenly, Elder Tao's eyes narrowed slightly as he smiled and said, "Zhentian, I heard you have three sons. Your youngest is supposed to be the most gifted. Why haven't I seen him?"

Lin Zhentian's expression stiffened slightly before he sighed, "Old friend, you know what happened back then. You even saw Lin Xiao during the clan meeting.

"After that incident, Xiao'er retreated to the mountains and rarely comes out. I hope you understand."

As he spoke, Lin Zhentian's aged face grew even more sorrowful. He had once pinned his hopes of returning to the main family on his youngest son.

But during the ten-year clan meeting, all those hopes turned to despair in an instant.

One move!

Just one move, and the son they considered their hope was utterly defeated!

Moreover, this was the first match of the clan meeting!

Years of expectation and cultivation were dashed in a matter of moments.

The outcome for the defeated naturally involved countless disdainful looks. When Lin Xiao returned to Qingyang Town, bearing the scorn and ridicule, it was a devastating blow for Lin Zhentian.

Even though several years had passed, he still hadn't recovered from it.

Seeing this, Elder Tao understood his old friend's pain and sighed inwardly. However, recalling Lin Langtian's instructions before his departure, he smiled.

"Old friend, I came here to solve the issue with Lin Xiao. Bring him here. Rest assured, this will be a great boon for your Qingyang Town branch."

"Oh?" Hearing this, Lin Zhentian and his two sons looked at Elder Tao in surprise.

Could it be that the main family was finally showing concern for the disgraced branch family member?

With this thought, Lin Zhentian glanced at his old friend with a mix of suspicion and trust in their decades-long friendship. He gestured to his eldest son to bring Lin Xiao over.

Time passed slowly as they waited, and after two cups of tea, several figures slowly entered the hall.

"Father, Elder Tao, I've brought Third Brother and Dong'er."

With these words, Lin Ken stepped aside to reveal the two figures behind him.

On the left was a man in his thirties. His body was somewhat thin, and his brows hinted at former sharpness. However, he seemed injured, his face pale and haggard, masking much of his fierceness. This was Lin Zhentian's third son, Lin Xiao.

Beside him stood a fifteen or sixteen-year-old boy. The boy's features were tender and handsome, but what surprised people were his eyes. Unlike typical boys his age, his eyes reflected a maturity and determination far beyond his years.

As they entered the hall, they respectfully saluted Lin Zhentian, seated at the head.

"Lin Xiao, Dong'er, this is my old friend from the main family. You should address him as Elder Tao," Lin Zhentian said, pointing to the grey-clad elder.

Hearing this, Lin Xiao and Lin Dong exchanged glances. Upon learning that the elder was from the main family, a trace of discomfort flashed across their faces.

But they still followed Lin Zhentian's instructions and respectfully greeted, "Greetings, Elder Tao."

Looking at the grey-clad elder, Lin Xiao seemed to recall something and smiled bitterly, "Years ago, at the clan meeting, I met Elder Tao. But I'm sure Elder Tao doesn't remember me. After all, I'm just a cripple now..."

"Father..." Lin Dong's heart ached upon hearing the word 'cripple.'

But Lin Xiao waved it off nonchalantly, his expression increasingly desolate.

"Hehe, Lin Xiao, there's no need for such words. I'm here to heal your injuries."

Elder Tao glanced at Lin Xiao and Lin Dong, pausing slightly longer on Lin Dong before taking out a green pill the size of a longan, exuding a fragrant aroma.

"This is the Green Wood Elixir. It can heal Lin Xiao's injuries," Elder Tao smiled.

"What!?" Lin Zhentian was startled, slapping the table in shock.

Even Lin Xiao and Lin Dong were surprised and overjoyed.

"Elder Tao, can this elixir really heal my father's injuries?"

Upon hearing that his father's injuries could be healed, Lin Dong's previously steady demeanor broke. He quickly stepped forward.

Over the years, Lin Xiao's strength had stagnated due to his injuries. Although he outwardly acted indifferent, Lin Dong could sense the deep desolation replacing the former glory of his father, once the most brilliant member of the Lin family.

As a son, Lin Dong was naturally heartbroken, harboring deep resentment towards Lin Langtian, the cause of his father's downfall.

Now, hearing that his father's injuries could be healed, Lin Dong was immensely excited.

To him, family was everything!

"Hehe, you must be Lin Dong. Whether it works or not, you can try it. Are you worried I might harm your father?" Elder Tao handed the elixir to Lin Dong.

Taking the Green Wood Elixir, Lin Dong's expression shifted constantly before he handed it to Lin Xiao.

"Hehe, Elder Tao wouldn't harm me."

Lin Xiao, more carefree, took the Green Wood Elixir and swallowed it.

"Gulp."

After swallowing the elixir, Lin Xiao patted Lin Dong's head. Just as he was about to say something, his face suddenly turned red as if it were on fire.

"Father!"

Seeing Lin Xiao's sudden change, Lin Dong's face turned pale with worry.

Even Lin Zhentian and the others were extremely tense.

"Ugh!"

As Lin Dong panicked, Lin Xiao's body temperature soared, his face reddening further. Moments later, he opened his mouth and spat out a mouthful of foul black blood.

"Third Brother, are you okay?" Lin Ken quickly supported him.

Lin Xiao, breathing heavily, watched as the redness faded from his face, replaced by a healthy flush.

"My injuries..."

Lin Xiao stared at his hands in shock. At that moment, he could feel the injuries that had plagued him for years being dissipated by the elixir's power!

The feeling of smooth blood flow and the resurgence of strength in his organs was something he hadn't experienced in years.

As he finished speaking, Lin Xiao's aura began to surge, rising like a volcano from the mid-stage to the late stage of the Heavenly Spirit Realm, finally reaching the Initial Primordial Spirit Realm!

"Third Brother, your strength!" Lin Ken exclaimed with joy.

Even Lin Mang showed a trace of envy and jealousy at Lin Xiao's rapid increase in strength.

"Hehe, old friend, thank you!" Lin Zhentian's aged face was filled with joy and relief. Lin Xiao, his most outstanding son, had been a source of deep pain due to his decline.

Now that this son could shine again, it filled the void in Lin Zhentian's heart.

"Elder Tao, thank you for your help!" Lin Xiao said, his face flushed with excitement.

The Green Wood Elixir had not only healed his injuries but also directly boosted him to the Initial Primordial Spirit Realm, essentially giving him a new life!

Beside him, Lin Dong's youthful face was full of joy. He looked at Elder Tao with immense gratitude and said solemnly,

"Elder Tao, your kindness is beyond words. I, Lin Dong, will forever remember your favor!"

With that, Lin Dong bowed deeply to Elder Tao.

Seeing this, Elder Tao smiled, "Hehe, don't thank me. This Green Wood Elixir is valuable, far beyond what a humble elder like me can afford."

"Oh?" Lin Zhentian's face showed confusion. "Old friend, do you mean this elixir was granted by the main family?"

Lin Xiao and Lin Dong also looked at Elder Tao, curiosity in their eyes.

Hearing this, Elder Tao shook his head. In the puzzled eyes of everyone, he slowly uttered a name.

"This Green Wood Elixir was given by the Enforcement Elder... Lin Langtian."