44. Disguising
Hearing this, Chen Xuan couldn't help but feel exasperated.
It seems you always like placing your hopes on others, don't you?
Fine!
If that's the case, he didn't mind showing them what complete despair looked like.
Chen Xuan grabbed Lin Xia and returned to the Lin family estate, where he locked her and the others up.
He then took out the Disguise Robe he had won and quickly transformed himself into Lin Zhentian.
After instructing the servants to restore the entire hall to its former appearance, he had them call for Lin Xiao and his wife.
Thus, his elaborate revenge plan officially began.
Lin Xiao and his wife entered the hall, where they saw "Lin Zhentian" seated at the head.
Both quickly stepped forward and respectfully bowed, "Father."
After straightening up, Lin Xiao asked, "Father, is there something urgent you need to discuss?"
Chen Xuan took a moment to adapt to his new identity.
He nodded slowly, putting on an air of aged wisdom, and said, "Yes, this is a matter of great importance that requires immediate attention."
"What is it?" Lin Xiao frowned slightly, sensing an ominous feeling.
Could it be...something to do with Qing Tan?
'Lin Zhentian' adopted a troubled look and said, "To be honest, I have no other choice, which is why I had to come up with this desperate measure."
The look on his face was flawless — just like the real Lin Zhentian.
Chen Xuan was pleased, savoring the anticipation of seeing Lin Xiao's reaction when he finally revealed his true intentions.
"Father, what exactly is going on? Is it something to do with Dong'er and Qing Tan?" Lin Xiao was increasingly convinced this was about his children.
Why else would his father appear this way?
With concern in her eyes, Liu Yan pleaded, "Father, please tell us. Dong'er and Qing Tan are our children. Whatever we can do to help, we'll do it without reservation — even if it costs our lives."
Due to the family's elevated status in Yan City, Liu Yan now dressed in a more refined and youthful manner, which only highlighted her delicate and graceful features.
At that moment, her eyes showed a fierce resolve, as though she was ready to face death.
Lin Xiao nodded in agreement, "Yes, I feel the same."
"Really?" 'Lin Zhentian' allowed a hint of a subtle smile to show.
Excellent, two fish on the hook.
Now, let's see how they react when I reveal my intentions.
Lin Xiao was growing impatient. "Of course. Father, you know my character."
'Lin Zhentian' turned to Liu Yan and asked, "And you?"
"I'm the same." Liu Yan nodded firmly.
At this point, neither she nor Lin Xiao suspected for a second that the person in front of them wasn't the real Lin Zhentian.
The idea that someone could disguise themselves so perfectly had never crossed their minds.
After a moment's pause, 'Lin Zhentian' continued, "Actually, it's not that difficult. You don't need to look so prepared to die."
"What do we need to do?" Lin Xiao was eager to help.
You? Well, you're not exactly what it wants. 'Lin Zhentian' shook his head solemnly. "There's nothing you can do. This matter requires Liu Yan's involvement."
"Huh?" Lin Xiao was taken aback.
Surely not.
After all, he was a cultivator in the Heavenly Yuan Realm.
Although that level of power wasn't considered exceptional in Yan City, in Qingyang Town, he was a respected powerhouse.
If even he couldn't handle it, how could someone as weak as Liu Yan contribute?
Perplexed, he asked, "Father, is there really nothing I can do?"
Liu Yan offered, "Father, if I'm needed, I will do whatever it takes."
"No need for such extreme sacrifices," 'Lin Zhentian' replied with a sigh, carefully cultivating an air of reluctance and sympathy.
Inwardly, Chen Xuan marveled at how well his performance was going, eagerly awaiting the moment he could reveal the entire scheme.
"Just what?" Liu Yan prodded.
'Lin Zhentian' sighed deeply, as though resigning himself to an inevitable course. "There's no other way to save Dong'er and Qing Tan."
"Father, what's happened to them?"
As a mother, Liu Yan was nearly frantic with worry.
Lin Xiao grew increasingly anxious. "Father, Dong'er is away, and Qing Tan is apprenticed to a powerful master. How could they be in danger?"
"Well..." 'Lin Zhentian' sighed again.
"Father, stop just sighing and tell us already!" Lin Xiao was almost desperate enough to reach into 'Lin Zhentian's' mind and extract the information himself.
Liu Yan patted Lin Xiao gently, trying to calm him. "Brother Xiao, calm down. Let Father have a moment."
Lin Xiao could only nod reluctantly.
After a moment, 'Lin Zhentian' finally spoke. "Last night, a powerful demon beast came to see me and delivered a message..."
Then, 'Lin Zhentian' launched into a long ten-minute monologue, claiming that this beast was a subordinate of the one who intended to marry Qing Tan.
The beast demanded they offer it a human female; otherwise, both Lin Dong and Qing Tan would face grave consequences.
The hall filled with the fury of his narrative, as he described his own refusal and how the beast had severely injured him as a result.
He warned them that it would return tonight.
Lin Xiao was stunned, his face pale. If even his father — a cultivator in the Initial Yuan Dan Realm — couldn't defeat it, what chance did they have?
Wait!
It only wanted a human female? Could they substitute someone else?
Lin Xiao's eyes flashed with sudden inspiration. "Father, could we perhaps offer someone else? The beast wouldn't know the difference!"
Hmm, so they're trying to find a loophole?
To you, your family members are people, but to others, they're just a means to an end?
Chen Xuan was struck by the irony.
Maintaining his disguise, he said firmly, "Lin Xiao, you must exercise caution. We can't take this lightly."
"Yes, Brother Xiao. If the beast discovers the deception, it could destroy the entire Lin family," Liu Yan warned, trying to keep Lin Xiao grounded.
After all, provoking a demon beast at the Form Creation Realm was no joke.
Lin Xiao's mind turned to another idea. "Father, should we seek help from the Yan City's City Lord?"
Chen Xuan feigned interest, replying, "Oh? Would that work?"
"Of course!" Lin Xiao said, his spirits lifted. "When Dong'er left, he had a sparring match with the City Lord. With his strength, he could deal with the beast."
'Lin Zhentian' encouraged him with a smile. "Then, hurry and go. We'll hope it's not too late."
"Yes, I'll make haste and try to be back by nightfall," Lin Xiao said as he rushed out.
As he left, Liu Yan bowed respectfully to 'Lin Zhentian'. "Father, I'll take my leave as well."
"Wait!"
"Is there something else, Father?"
'Lin Zhentian' asked quietly, "Liu Yan, you don't want Dong'er and Qing Tan to be in danger, do you?"
…
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