Chapter 25: Ennoblement?

Lin Qiuyan’s explanation left the Lin family members present at a loss for whether to laugh or cry. They had genuinely believed she possessed extraordinary talent, never imagining that she had been accepted as a disciple by an elder of the Shenxiao Sect simply because the elder was a glutton.

Furthermore, she had managed to win the favor of the Southern Wilderness’s top prodigy, Fairy Xue, through her exceptional culinary skills. Such an absurd turn of events had effectively saved the Lin family from a dire crisis.

Lin Jingtian, the head of the Lin family, even briefly pondered whether he should have his clansmen study culinary arts alongside their martial cultivation. However, this thought was discarded as quickly as it had appeared. In the world of martial arts, strength reigns supreme; Lin Qiuyan’s success was a matter of unique fortune, not something applicable to everyone.

"Hmph, don't underestimate my status," Lin Qiuyan said, puffing out her chest with pride as she scanned the crowd. "My strength and talent may not be considered top-tier within the Shenxiao Sect, but my standing is higher than that of some personal disciples of the elders. Why? Isn't it because of my close relationship with Fairy Xue? If not for that, how could she have bestowed the Divine Snow Token upon me?"

"Well said. Everyone has their own destiny," Lin Jingtian intervened. "Our family owes a debt of gratitude to Third Sister for her contributions. Besides, do not look down on her efforts; if it were any of you, could you have reached the Spirit Soul Realm at her age?"

Hearing Lin Jingtian’s stern question, the family members bowed their heads, setting aside their skepticism.

"Hehe, I can't say for others, but you, little Fan, certainly have a great chance. Of all the family, your aunt has the highest hopes for you," Lin Qiuyan said with a grin. As her gaze fell upon him, Lin Fan smiled and scratched his head; he certainly had that much confidence in himself.

Just as the family was deep in conversation, a slightly raspy voice echoed from outside. "Patriarch Lin, congratulations! Many congratulations!"

The group turned to see a eunuch dressed in palace attire walking in, beaming with joy. He held an imperial edict in his hand, smiling at everyone.

"Eunuch Fei? What matter could be important enough to require your personal attendance?" Lin Jingtian asked, clearly surprised.

"Congratulations to Patriarch Lin. His Majesty has just issued a decree appointing the young master of the Lin family, Lin Fan, as the Guardian Marquis of the State. He shall enjoy the salary of a first-rank official and may select any city as his fiefdom if he so desires."

Lin Jingtian’s lips curled into a playful smile. How could the events in the Imperial Capital today escape the ears of the Emperor?

Unfortunately, the current Emperor was terminally ill and unable to manage his own affairs, while his two sons were locked in a constant power struggle. Naturally, the throne wanted no part in the conflict between the two great families. With Lin Qiuyan arriving today, wielding the power of the Spirit Soul Realm and forcing back Zhong Cheng of the Yuanchu Sect, Lin Jingtian understood the Emperor’s intent behind this sudden favor.

By accepting the title, the Lin family was signaling its loyalty. A Spirit Soul Realm expert was a genuine threat to the Tuoba Imperial Clan, and the Emperor wanted a guarantee—a promise that they would not rebel.

"Our Emperor, with one foot already in the grave, is still calculating against everyone. What a pity," Lin Jingtian murmured. He remembered how, decades ago, the Emperor had ascended the throne with vigor and ambition. To see him reduced to such a pathetic state was truly lamentable. He looked at his family, a sense of pride swelling within him; a united Lin family would never suffer such a fate.

"Patriarch Lin, Marquis Lin, you may receive the edict," the eunuch prompted. Lin Jingtian nodded subtly at Lin Fan, who stepped forward to accept the scroll. "I thank His Majesty for his grace."

"Marquis Lin, congratulations. You are the youngest Marquis in the history of our Tianfeng Empire. His Majesty said that if you have a preferred fief, you may go to the palace and tell him directly."

Lin Fan smiled and shook his head. "That will not be necessary. The Imperial Court has been kind enough to the Lin family. We do not crave a fiefdom; we only wish to live in peace within the capital."

"In that case, I shall return to report. Patriarch Lin, Marquis Lin, Third Miss Lin, farewell!"

As the eunuch disappeared, the Great Elder sneered. "Our Emperor is truly a hypocrite. When little Fan had a minor dispute with the Luo family boy, he was exiled to the Western Territories. Now that Third Miss has returned in strength, he immediately grants him a Marquis title."

"As the saying goes, the words of the dying are righteous. Even an Emperor who was once awe-inspiring is no exception," Lin Jingtian explained. "He does this only to secure a guarantee from us. But what he doesn't know is that the true dragon of our Lin family has ambitions far beyond this empire. For little Fan, this world is simply too small."

Lin Fan remained silent as Lin Jingtian looked at him. For him, the Tianfeng Empire was indeed too small. He needed to venture into a vast world to obtain the resources necessary to progress further in his martial path. The future of the Lin family would never be confined to this empire.

"Very well. The infighting of the Tuoba family is no concern of ours. Even if they fall into chaos, the Tianfeng Empire will still bear the name Tuoba. Third Sister, you mentioned taking little Fan to the trial grounds of the Divine Sects? Is that place truly so dangerous?"

The focus returned to Lin Qiuyan. The trial grounds were a place they had only heard of in legends, never having witnessed one in a century. Those still living had only read about them in books.

"It is extremely dangerous," Lin Qiuyan said, her expression solemn. "To my knowledge, there is a thirty percent chance of death, a fifty percent chance of being eliminated, and only a twenty percent chance of entering a sect. Those who successfully enter the Eight Great Divine Sects are without exception the absolute elites of the trial grounds."

The family grew grave, some even wishing to persuade Lin Fan to give up the opportunity. However, no one dared to speak. This quota was something Lin Qiuyan had struggled to secure for him; to suggest he abandon it would be to disrespect her efforts.

"Little Fan, what do you think?" Lin Jingtian asked, leaving the choice to the youth.

"I will participate, of course," Lin Fan replied firmly. "Luo Qingyi has already entered the Yuanchu Sect and is training under their Sect Master. If I cannot enter one of the Eight Great Divine Sects, my progress will inevitably fall behind. And then there is Zhong Cheng—he suffered a great loss at our hands today, and I do not believe he is the type to let it go. Whether for the sake of the Lin family or myself, I will give everything to seize that less than ten percent chance of success."

The other sects were not in Lin Fan's considerations; if he were to enter one, it had to be the best. The Eight Great Divine Sects of the Southern Wilderness were his goal—and ideally, the Shenxiao Sect.