Chapter 985: Making a Friend
Lin Tian can almost predict now that in a few years, all the ancient families will be transformed, and the Golden Core Realm will no longer be what everyone pursues.
This wave that he stirred up not only made these family disciples proud but might also lure out those old monsters in seclusion.
Thinking about these uncontrollable situations, Lin Tian felt extremely annoyed in his heart. Why didn’t he think the situation would become so serious before?
You can refine the pills yourself, so why involve those ancient martial families? Now look, involving them caused major problems!
Fortunately, the pill recipes given to those families aren’t many, just the tip of the iceberg. The situation shouldn’t be too serious.
However, from now on, I absolutely cannot give them out so easily, this is simply creating trouble for myself!
"Lin, what’s wrong with you?" Sixth Elder asked with concern, noticing Lin Tian’s expression suddenly darkening, and unsure of how he might have offended this young lord.
Lin Tian snapped back to his senses at the call. He shook his head, pushing those bothersome matters to the back of his mind, and said, "It’s nothing, let’s go, take me to see the Grand Elder."
"Alright, this way please."
Sixth Elder led the way in front, passing through three main gates, a garden, then a rockery, and finally across a very spacious square and a flight of stairs, before the three arrived at a magnificently luxurious palace.
"This is the inner courtyard of the Elders, with three paths and ninety-eight bends. It’s very easy for ordinary people to get lost inside, so please follow me closely."
Sixth Elder mainly directed this remark to Nan Qiu, who, unfamiliar with this world, was already awestruck by the palace, captivated by the intricate carvings, the imposing bronze qilin, and some uniquely shaped beasts crafted from pure gold.
Along the way, Nan Qiu couldn’t stop exclaiming and questioning in amazement. The noble Sixth Elder now seemed like a tour guide, patiently chatting with her.
Not long after, Lin Tian and the others finally arrived at the Grand Elder’s residence. It was an isolated courtyard, very quiet, with only a dog and a yard full of Spirit Grass.
While ordinary plants absorb oxygen and expel carbon dioxide, this Spirit Grass is different; it grows on rare, dead medicinal herbs and emits extremely refined Spiritual Qi.
Lin Tian didn’t expect to see so much of this rare thing here all at once, much more luxurious than those golden qilins outside.
"Brother, I brought the person to you." Sixth Elder shouted loudly toward the inside of the house.
Squeak.
The wooden door opened without anyone, and inside came the laughter of the Grand Elder: "Haha, it’s a pleasure to have friends come from afar, please come in."
"This old man, has fighting me affected his brain?" Lin Tian asked Sixth Elder.
"Huh?" Sixth Elder was a bit dazed, "Lin, what do you mean?"
"Isn’t your big brother supposed to be my mortal enemy? When did he become my friend? And having friends come from afar? He must be crazy," Lin Tian said loudly, cursing without holding back.
Sixth Elder listened beside him, anxious and cautious, aware of his brother’s temper; it’s as explosive as a powder keg. Everyone talks to him kindly and politely, who would dare to call him crazy? Isn’t that courting death?
Surprisingly, the Grand Elder not only didn’t get angry but came out, standing on the steps smiling: "I’ve been in the high place for decades feeling cold, few can fight me to a draw, let alone a fight resulting in mutual injuries. We didn’t know each other without fighting, aren’t we old friends?"
Lin Tian didn’t respond but instead scrutinized this old man up and down.
He was dressed in a gray robe, hands behind his back. There was no sign of a wound, and with his healthy appearance, it seemed like he could live for a long time like an old turtle.
"Huh? Old friends? You really are shameless, don’t pretend to be associated with me, speak directly."
The saying goes, you don’t hit someone with a smiling face, but Lin Tian didn’t follow this rule. He didn’t strike but his words slapped the Grand Elder’s face soundly.
"Haha, it’s cold outside, I’ve set up a stove inside and have good tea, why don’t we talk inside?" the Grand Elder said, smiling.
Sixth Elder was surprised, mouth agape, remembering how back when his brother awoke from a serious illness and mentioned Lin Tian’s name, it was through gritted teeth. Why is he now smiling?
When did the big brother ever smile like this?
Sixth Elder had no recollection in his mind of such an event, all hinting at something unusual.
"If we talk inside, we talk inside, I’m not afraid of you," Lin Tian said, then mimicking the Grand Elder’s posture, hands behind his back, swaggered inside.
Nan Qiu was different, ever since entering this courtyard, her every nerve and muscle seemed tightly wound like a bowstring, remaining constantly alert. Years of experience telling her this smiling old man was as dangerous as a jungle python, capable of opening its maw and swallowing someone whole.
Lin Tian stepped inside and immediately noticed how spacious it was inside, surrounded with red warm stoves, indeed much more comfortable than outside.
In the center of the room was a redwood tea table with a tea set made of warm jade. The tea was not yet brewed, but Lin Tian could already smell a refreshing fragrance.
Lin Tian, not standing on ceremony, sat directly by the tea table, picked up a jade tea cup, and said, "You invited me here just to have tea?"
The Grand Elder and Sixth Elder took their seats. Before the Sixth Elder could act, the Grand Elder personally took tea leaves from the bamboo canister, placed them in cups, and lifted a copper kettle from the stove with the water boiling just right.
"We’re both so busy, what’s wrong with leisurely having some tea? This tea is mountain tea from Luoyan Dock, and the water is clear spring water from the mountain. Although brewed, it doesn’t compare to Cloud Tea from Five Pure Mountains, but it’s quite flavorful nonetheless."
As he spoke, the Grand Elder poured the tea, handing it to Lin Tian and Nan Qiu.
Lin Tian looked at the cup of clear tea in front of him but didn’t touch it.
"What? Distasteful of my mountain tea?" the Grand Elder asked, without revealing his true feelings.
"I don’t like beating around the bush," Lin Tian said succinctly, "and I also don’t dare drink your tea."
The dangers of the Jianghu are well-known; this old man would target beauties like Mei Ruyan, let alone an enemy like himself. A bit of trickery would be expected.
"Haha, it seems you still don’t trust me," the Grand Elder said after taking a sip of tea and setting the cup down, "As I just said, it’s a pleasure to have friends come from afar. Since you don’t consider me a friend, why don’t we become friends, how about it?"
Lin Tian’s expression became even stranger, unable to discern what the old man truly wanted.