Chapter 14: Lin Dong’s Resolution

Chapter 14: Lin Dong's Resolution

After bidding farewell to Elder Tao, peace returned once more to the Lin family branch in Qingyang Town. However, what most people in the town didn't know was that in just one day, the third master of the Lin family—formerly crippled—had not only recovered fully but had even reached the Small Yuan Dan stage!

Although the Lin family branch in Qingyang was somewhat influential, it was hardly the dominant force in the area. Qingyang Town's power hierarchy was led by three groups: the Lei Family, the Xie Family, and the Wild Blade Martial Hall. The Lei and Xie Families were well-established local clans, while the Wild Blade Martial Hall had risen swiftly despite being founded more recently. The Lin family's own climb to prominence had stalled after Lin Xiao's defeat years earlier, leaving them trailing behind the top three forces in Qingyang.

But now, the situation had shifted entirely. Lin Xiao had become a Yuan Dan stage warrior, a powerful advancement that elevated the Lin family's standing. With their newfound strength, they were poised to rise above the other three forces in Qingyang Town and even stake a claim in Yan City. As a result, Elder Tao's visit had a profound, lasting impact, reshaping the fortunes of the Lin family and bringing about a new sense of unity and purpose.

On a small, seldom-visited hill behind the Lin family estate, the household of Lin Xiao had built a quiet and humble home a few years ago, breathing new life into the solitary landscape. Even after his recovery and promotion as the family's strongest member, Lin Xiao chose to stay in his modest dwelling rather than relocate to a more luxurious residence.

"Father…" Lin Dong's face shifted between emotions as they walked the path home until he could no longer contain his question. "Why did you… forgive Lin Langtian?"

Lin Xiao stopped, turning to face his son's troubled expression. "You want to know why I chose to forgive him?" he asked.

Lin Dong nodded, unable to hide his resentment. "That man ruined you, left you crippled for years, and destroyed our family's happiness. Why would you forgive him just because he healed you?"

Lin Xiao paused, gazing toward the sunset over the mountains. "Honestly, I don't fully understand it either. I never thought that Lin Langtian—someone so proud and dismissive of anyone outside the main clan—would send healing medicine to help me recover. The Lin Langtian I knew was powerful and exceptionally gifted but treated our branch as if we were insects. He was adamant that we were unworthy to be part of the Lin family at all. So when I learned the Green Wood Spirit Pill came from him, I was just as surprised as you are. But believe me, son, my self-respect isn't so easily bought with a single pill."

"Then why, Father?" Lin Dong pressed, relief filling him at the reaffirmation of his father's pride. "Why forgive him? Are you afraid he'll retaliate against us?"

Lin Xiao shook his head. "If he gave me the medicine, it's clear that his view of our branch family has changed. I don't think he'd come after us now, especially in his position as an Elder of Law."

"But… wasn't he the one you resented most?"

"No, Dong'er. My greatest resentment isn't toward Lin Langtian." Lin Xiao's gaze softened. "There is someone else I blamed even more."

"Who?" Lin Dong asked, surprised.

Rather than answer right away, Lin Xiao led his son to a large rock at the base of the hill. They sat side by side as Lin Xiao looked toward the sunset, a somber expression crossing his face.

"Son, you know how much it means to the Lin family in Qingyang to one day be allowed back into the main clan," he began. "Although I grew up here, I always shared your grandfather's deep longing to return to the inner clan. It's the dream of everyone in our family, from me to your uncles and cousins. And I was seen as the family's greatest hope to make that happen, with my talents promising a strong future. So I trained as hard as I could and eventually reached the Heaven Yuan stage, becoming the youngest in Qingyang to do so. Full of pride, I went to the family gathering, certain I could win a place for our branch."

As he spoke, Lin Xiao's eyes shone with an echo of his youthful ambition, as if he were reliving his past.

"Yes, Father!" Lin Dong nodded eagerly. In his eyes, his father was a true hero.

Lin Xiao smiled at his son's admiration but sighed as he continued. "But life doesn't always follow our plans. At that gathering, my first opponent was Lin Langtian."

"Lin Langtian," Lin Dong repeated, his hatred simmering.

Lin Xiao's expression softened as he met his son's gaze. "I don't blame him anymore. As you know, he defeated me in a single move, leaving me broken. It was hard to accept the loss, but what truly shattered me was the realization that I had failed our family. Everything our branch had hoped for slipped through my fingers that day."

He looked down, his voice heavy with sorrow. "I felt I had let my father down, that I'd betrayed the dreams of our entire family. After that defeat, I could barely face them. Even though no one blamed me, I couldn't bear the shame. That's why I've stayed hidden in the mountains all these years, because… the person I hated most wasn't Lin Langtian. It was myself. I hated my own weakness, my failure to live up to the hopes of our family. So, son, don't cling too tightly to bitterness. Even without Lin Langtian, I would have still been a failure…"

"Father!" Lin Dong stood up, his face fierce with determination. "You're not a failure! To Mother, to Qing Tan, and to me, you'll always be our hero."

"Dong'er…" Lin Xiao's eyes softened as he recalled the blessings in his life. "You're right. I have your mother, I have you, and I have Qing Tan. And you, son—you have talent beyond my own. I believe that one day, at the family gathering, you'll make us proud and win back our place."

"I will, Father!" Lin Dong replied with unwavering resolve. He looked out at the distant sky, imagining the face he had despised for years. He saw it clearly, with none of the anger he once harbored, only a calm determination.

Lin Langtian, our feud may be settled, but one day I will defeat you in the family arena. Only then will our unfinished story come to an end.

(End of Chapter)