After Lin Xun left, the commotion in front of Donglin Academy grew bigger and bigger as more and more people arrived. Just as the situation was about to spiral out of control, a Donglin Academy instructor finally appeared to begin damage control.
The instructor was a veteran Spirit Dipper stage expert and was quite reputable. He immediately declared to the crowd that he would seek justice for Fatty Diao and the others.
Fatty Diao knew that they had to back down now because it would only be detrimental if they continued. Hence, he quickly left with the granny and grandpa group.
Yang Qun and the other pampered young masters were quickly untied and brought into Donglin Academy.
Although the affair was finally over, news of it swiftly spread across the entire city, drawing several uproars and plenty of laughs.
Lian Fei, Yang Qun and the others had become a topic of laughter in the city.
Of course, no one cared about the validity of the rumors. Even if it wasn’t true, rumors were rumors and why would the unconcerned majority care enough to find out the truth?
……
Golden Jade Hall.
When Gu Yanpeng heard the rumor, it only took a brief moment for him to figure everything out. He could not help but chuckle, “Lian Fei tried to sabotage Lin Xun but probably never imagined the counterstrike would be fierce. This scheme has ended up backfiring in Lian Fei’s face.”Gu Liang listened in astonishment, “Lin Xun was the mastermind? But isn’t doing so a little extreme? Although it might appear that he has won, those Donglin Academy students and factions behind them would definitely view him as an eyesore in the future. Overall, the disadvantages outweigh the benefits.”
Gu Yanping praised his son, “Liang’er, it’s good that you managed to take these things into consideration. However, if you were Lin Xun, what would you do to neutralize the danger?”
Gu Liang instantly understood that this was a test for him. His thoughts swiftly swirled as he answered, “If it were me, I would definitely not fight those young masters. I can always avoid them first and find a chance to even things in the future.”
Gu Yanping nodded, “Although your method is reserved, it is the most appropriate approach. However, you’ve overlooked one problem. These young masters are arrogant and unreasonable bullies. If they are determined to find you, it will be impossible to avoid them.”
He paused for a moment before continuing, “That’s why although Lin Xun’s method was a little extreme, it was the wisest option to resolve the matter. Only by creating a big enough commotion until the entire city knew about it would his enemies be forced to hold back for the time being. No matter how much they hate him, immediately going after him would only prove everything was true and hurt their reputation.”
“Even if these Donglin City factions do bad things in secret, they are still very concerned about their image.”
Gu Liang frowned, “But what about the future? Once the storm passes, the people will no longer care. What will stop the factions from going after Lin Xun then?”
Gu Liang suddenly froze as if he had realized something. He slapped his hands together and excitedly blurted out, “I understand! Lin Xun does not plan to stay in Donglin City! After passing the district exam, he will definitely be going on to participate in the prefecture exam. Since that’s the case, no matter how big of a commotion he creates today, he can just leave and no one will be able to do anything.”
Gu Yanping smiled and praised, “Not bad. That’s Lin Xun’s decision. The fact that you managed to figure it out shows that you’ve matured.”
Gu Liang felt ashamed as he shook his head, “I’m nothing compared to him.”
Gu Yanping sighed, “Lin Xun already has superhuman intelligence despite his young age. It’s pointless to compare yourself with someone like him.”
Gu Liang suddenly said, “Father, if Lin Xun leaves, it will become very difficult for our Golden Jade Hall to obtain more aeth tools from that mysterious rune master.”
Gu Yanping seemed to have considered this problem long ago. “Liang’er, a true merchant group will never place all of their hopes on others. If you wish to become a well-known merchant cultivator, you must possess sufficient capital and power to establish a place for yourself in this world!”
Gu Liang’s heart shook. He took a deep breath and said, “I understand.”
Gu Yanping chuckled, “You’re of similar age to Lin Xun and currently have a good relationship. If he encounters any difficulties in the future, you should try to help him out. Friends are also something you need to invest in. Don’t always wait to receive but learn to take the initiative and be the one to give first.”
Gu Liang nodded.
He did admire Lin Xun and desired to be good friends with such a person.
However, Gu Liang also had his own views. He did not wish to maintain a relationship based on mutual benefit with Lin Xun. Gu Liang wanted to use his capability and power to gain Lin Xun’s acknowledgement!
After all, Gu Lian was fifteen this year. He was also a proud young man who was filled with aspirations!
……
Stone Cauldron Alms.
Mu Wansu’s expression turned stranger and stranger as she listened to Wang Lin’s report. In the end, she could not help but break out into laughter, making her beautiful face even more enchanting.
She laughed until tears were nearly streaming down her face. After a long time, she finally bit her lip and said, “That brat Lin Xun is so bad. To think…to think he would accuse a youngster of trying to rape an old granny. Only he could think of such a thing!”
After a pause, she suddenly frowned, “He’s already decided to leave Donglin City?”
Wang Lin regretfully said, “Yes. Once he leaves, I’m afraid it will be impossible for us to build relations with the mysterious rune master in the future.”
Mu Wansu blankly stared into space. Rationally speaking, she should be celebrating if Lin Xun left. After all, she was always wishing for the little punk to disappear.
However, when it did happen, Mu Wansu suddenly felt an unexplainable sliver of melancholy. It wasn’t a good feeling.
A little bastard who had repeatedly made her suffer was going to leave all of a sudden. It somehow made her feel a little sad, but what was she sad about?
Mu Wansu frowned. After a long time, she gently bit her lip and softly mumbled, “Humph! Even if he leaves, there’s still unfinished business between us! I will make sure to one day subdue that little punk!”
She suddenly saw Wang Lin’s strange expression and immediately returned to her senses. She looked slightly dejected, seemingly unconcerned about the mysterious rune master as she waved her hand, “You are dismissed.”
Confused, Wang Lin cupped his hands together and took his leave.
……
The Wu Clan.
Clan Leader Wu Qun inwardly gasped as he read the report in his hand. His expression slightly fluctuated, “What a vicious little thing. To think he has learnt how to incite the majority and counterattack with slander!”
Wu Qun was thankful that the Wu Clan had held back from targeting Lin Xun over the past few days. Otherwise, being implicated in this matter would be a huge loss of face.
Someone said, “Clan Leader, that little trash’s methods were too extreme this time and he has completely offended many factions. This is good news for us.”
“Wrong!” Wu Qun’s eyes flickered in thought as he coldly said, “The district exam is tomorrow. Do you think that little shitbag will wait for his death in Donglin City after passing? Since he dares to do such a thing, he clearly plans on leaving!”
“So that’s why. We cannot let that shitbag leave like this! Otherwise, how will we regain our pride?”
“Agreed, we’re only holding back for now and will slowly deal with him in the future. But what’s the point if he leaves?”
The crowd grew agitated.
Wu Qun took a deep breath and rose to his feet, “Calm yourselves. I will go visit the Donglin Academy Principal later. Didn’t that little shit want to participate in the district exam? I’ll make sure he fails to achieve his goals. It won’t be so easy for him to have his way!”
……
Donglin Academy.
Lian Fei and Yao Susu stood in a long corridor which led to the principal's office.
Lian Fei had an ugly expression as he recalled everything that happened in front of the academy. He felt as if his heart was about to burst from rage and sullenness.
So ruthless!
Lin Xun’s slander counterattack had made Lian Fei lose face and hurt his reputation. Moreover, no one would believe him even if he tried to explain.
This was the terror of rumors.
For instance, the youngster who had been accused of trying to rape an old granny had been given the nickname ‘perverted granny lover’. It was malicious to the max and shook the entire academy.
The only consolation was that there was no proof until now that Lian Fei was the mastermind.
Unfortunately, an academy instructor had already found out that Yang Qun and the others had been manipulated by Yao Susu, leading to everything that had happened today!
Lian Fei could not help but look at Yao Susu, only to find that she was calm as could be. It was as if she was not worried about any punishment.
In fact, Yao Susu even tried to console Lian Fei, “Don’t be too stuck up on this. Lin Xun is too vicious and crafty. If there’s a chance, I will not let him off!”
Lian Fei chuckled bitterly. He had nothing to say in response.
The door at the end of the corridor was pushed open and a stern middle-aged man in a long purple robe walked out.
Donglin Academy Principal Yu Canglin!
Lian Fei’s body turned rigid as his expression tensed. Yu Canglin was a famous Spirit Sea stage expert, and one of the few Spirit Sea stage experts in Donglin City!
Lian Fei and Yao Susu had been summoned here to wait, and he was surprised that the matter had alarmed the principal. Was the principal going to personally mete out his punishment?
If that was so, the consequences would be far too dire!
Hence why Lian Fei could not help but worry when he saw Yu Canglin appear.
To Lian Fei’s surprise, the usually old-fashioned, strict and never-smiling Principal Yu Canglin smiled and beckoned towards them, “Susu, come over. Your father is waiting for you.”
Lian Fei’s eyes nearly popped from their sockets as his mind went blank.
Yao Susu seemed to have anticipated this long ago. She smiled and nodded before dragging Lian Fei towards the end of the hall.
From start to end, Yu Canglin smilingly watched them approach and did not try to stop them. This made Lian Fei feel increasingly shocked as a certain question finally dawned upon him.
Principal Yu Canglin's behavior seems to be related to Yao Susu’s father…
But who is Yao Susu’s father?
Lian Fei frantically tried to figure it out. When they were about to enter the hall, a name that had recently been the hottest topic in Donglin City finally rose in his head―
Yao Tuohai!