Chapter 72

One, two, three pairs of eyes fixed tightly on Lin Zheng. Lin Zheng did not answer but took a few steps in place, then, looking at the three people, said helplessly, "Don't look at me like that, I'll take care of this matter!"

Great joy instantly appeared on Kang Zhi'an's face. For so many years, he had been constantly searching for hope, only to be disappointed, then hoping again, and being disappointed once more. He had become somewhat numb, fearing to hear any negative news again.

"Brother Lin, I owe you a life! From this moment on, no matter where in the world, no matter day or night, whenever you need me, I will not hesitate!" Kang Zhi'an bowed deeply to Lin Zheng, and the old butler, with tears streaming down his face, also kept thanking Lin Zheng.

"What are you doing? You're making me feel embarrassed. I was planning to extort you a bit, to experience the taste of extorting a marquis, but now I can't even bring myself to say it!" Lin Zheng scratched his head and said with a serious expression.

"Ha ha! Feel free to extort me anytime!" Kang Zhi'an patted his chest, making a loud sound.

Everyone smiled at each other, feeling as if they had known each other for a long time.

"Brothers, let's have dinner here tonight and have a good chat!" Lin Zheng said with a smile.

"Ha ha, of course! We won't stop until we're drunk tonight," Kang Zhi'an and Wen Tianqing exchanged glances and then burst into laughter together.

...

Dinner was very lively, with Lin Zheng and the others filling a large table in the hall. This included Lin Qin and Tiemu Zhan, who had returned, as well as the rogue wolf who seemed to have appeared from nowhere. The entire Lin Manor was filled with laughter and joy, and everyone, including the guards and new servants, was celebrating. Lin Qin had a very enjoyable day, as evidenced by the pile of things in the corner of the hall that looked like a small mountain.

Over the next three days, Kang Zhi'an stayed at the Lin Manor for treatment, with a steady stream of medicinal herbs and strange items being delivered to the back yard.

"How is it? It's already the third day, why hasn't Brother Three come out yet?" Lin Qian asked, somewhat worried.

"Don't worry, there shouldn't be any problem. You know Brother Three's abilities!" Lin Wen said confidently.

Li Ruoshui sat calmly on the side, quietly waiting. The fluctuations coming from the small house in the back yard grew stronger each day. On the third day, a massive wave of energy burst out from the back yard, affecting not just the Lin Manor but a large part of the Wushuang City.

"It seems someone is about to become a Sage. I wonder if Kang Zhi'an can make this leap!" This was the original comment from the elders of the Wen and Tiemu families. So Wen Tianqing and Tiemu Zhan decided to stay at the Lin Manor from the second day, partly to support the Lin Manor and partly to see if Kang Zhi'an could become a Sage.

By evening, the air became increasingly oppressive, with a powerful force continuously pressing down on everyone. Li Ruoshui had already ordered all the guards and servants to leave the Lin Manor, not knowing how much destruction this force could cause if it erupted. Everyone stood quietly in the small courtyard, their faces calm, seemingly unaffected by the pressure. Tiemu Zhan and Wen Tianqing also stood quietly on the side, waiting.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!" Just as the sun was about to set, three loud explosions erupted from the small courtyard. The surging spiritual energy rose like a massive beam of light, connecting heaven and earth. Initially, a thin beam of light emerged from the room, then a slightly thicker beam replaced it, and finally, a beam even more brilliant than the previous two shot up into the sky! The roof of the small house instantly turned to dust in this terrifying beam of light, and a massive pressure enveloped the entire inner city!

"Kang Zhi'an, what a remarkable achievement, accumulating strength and then breaking through to the Sage realm in one go, even skipping two levels!" In the city lord's residence, City Lord Kou sat steadily on the throne, his eyes flashing with a sharp light.

"Second-stage Sage!"

"This young man is boundless in potential!"

Every noble family in Wushuang City was stunned by the unusual phenomenon at the Lin Manor. Becoming a Sage was already difficult, let alone skipping two levels. The news spread like wildfire throughout the entire city.

...

"Ha ha! Brother Lin, I can't express my gratitude!" A figure suddenly appeared in the light beam, speaking loudly. Upon closer inspection, it was none other than Kang Zhi'an.

"Hehe, it's all due to Brother Kang's deep fortune. I just did my best!" Lin Zheng's voice came from the small house.

"Alright, everyone knows the truth. Let's not be so formal here!" Kang Zhi'an waved his hand, and the light beam slowly disappeared. Then Kang Zhi'an descended from the air to the ground, his face full of uncontainable joy. At this moment, Kang Zhi'an emitted no fluctuations, yet he gave off a sense of awe-inspiring presence. His old butler, Ping Bo, ran over from a distance, tears streaming down his face, his mouth trembling, not knowing what to say. Kang Zhi'an patted the old man's shoulder and then bowed to Li Ruoshui and the others in gratitude.

"Congratulations, Brother Kang, a Second-stage Sage. I bet the Third stage is just around the corner!" Lin Zheng walked out of the small house, looking tired, and raised his hand to offer congratulations.

"Thanks to you, Brother Lin, you've suffered a lot these past three days. Rest first, and we'll talk later!"

"Alright, do as you please. I'll go rest first, and we'll chat in detail later!" Lin Zheng greeted everyone and then left with Li Ruoshui.

The Lin Manor returned to its usual quiet, but this night was destined to be anything but. Many noble families were discussing Kang Zhi'an's ascension to the Sage realm, and the catalyst for this event was none other than the now famous Lin Zheng!

"Are you sure that Kang Zhi'an's hidden illness was cured by Lin Zheng?" In a secret room of a noble family, an elder was asking the person who had come to report.

"Absolutely! There's no doubt about it. I suspect that Lin Zheng is not just a standout in cultivation but also possesses extraordinary medical skills!"

"Dismissed! This young man must not be offended!"

Many noble families were discussing similar topics, but the main focus was not Kang Zhi'an but Lin Zheng. Was Lin Zheng, who was resting, already aware of everyone's reactions?

The next morning, Lin Zheng fully recovered. To his surprise, after three days of continuous treatment, his mental and spiritual energy had made significant progress. When Lin Zheng stepped out of his room, he learned that many people had been visiting recently, and Lin Wen and the others were now returning their visits. Even Lin Qin had been taken out early by Lin Wen. The large manor was left with only Li Ruoshui still inside.

After having breakfast with Li Ruoshui, the two of them had a rare moment alone, holding hands and whispering in the small courtyard. The passing servants and guards all looked at them with awe. In recent days, the Lin Manor had gained significant attention, and Lin Zheng and the others treated everyone in the manor with great kindness. With Lin Wen's tacit approval, these people received many rewards daily, which further strengthened their loyalty. Everyone was doing their best to handle all matters well.

While they were whispering, a guard suddenly ran in and said respectfully to Lin Zheng, "Lord, the City Lord has invited you. The carriage is waiting outside!"

"Hmm?" Lin Zheng frowned, then exchanged a smile with Li Ruoshui, not expecting the opportunity to come so quickly. The two of them got up and walked out together.

"Hey! Where are you going?" Just as Lin Zheng and Li Ruoshui were about to leave, the rogue wolf suddenly appeared, wearing an especially bright pair of shorts and looking drowsy.

"To the City Lord's residence. Old Wolf, you stay and watch the house!" Lin Zheng said.

"Hey! Don't worry, if anyone comes to cause trouble, I'll strip them naked and throw them into the street!" The rogue wolf waved his hand and agreed, then turned and left.

Lin Zheng and Li Ruoshui exchanged a smile and walked out the door, getting into the luxurious carriage prepared by the City Lord. Two teams of soldiers led the way, and the carriage, adorned with the City Lord's banner, moved quickly and steadily. Soon, Lin Zheng and Li Ruoshui were respectfully invited to get off the carriage by a soldier in armor and were led into the City Lord's residence by a servant.

That night, although there were many lanterns, they hadn't had a good look at the City Lord's residence. As they walked through the manor, Lin Zheng nodded in approval. The layout of the City Lord's residence seemed to align with some profound principles, with every path and every scene making one feel refreshed. The winding paths did not make one feel disoriented but rather left one with a sense of wanting more.

Lin Zheng and Li Ruoshui waited outside the door while the servant went to announce their arrival. They exchanged glances and then, under the guidance of the welcoming guard, entered a large hall in the City Lord's residence.

The room was simply decorated, with two rows of seats and a dragon-headed chair in the center. There were no flowers or decorations. The simple and clear layout gave a sense of control, as if everything was laid out clearly before one's eyes, and not a single movement would escape the view of the person at the front of the hall. Lin Zheng and Li Ruoshui took their seats, and soon someone brought them tea. Then, from a side room, a voice rang out, "Ha ha, indeed, heroes emerge from the young. How are you, Brother Lin?"

The City Lord, dressed in casual clothes, walked out of the side room. Unlike his previous appearance at the banquet, he now seemed like a casual old friend.

"City Lord, how are you? I've been wanting to visit, but I haven't had the time. I hope you won't be offended!" Lin Zheng stood up calmly and bowed, and the atmosphere in the hall changed, becoming more relaxed and peaceful.

"Ha ha, Brother Lin, you are indeed capable. I have called you here today because I have something to discuss with you. I hope you can help!" The City Lord suddenly stood up and said to Lin Zheng, his expression becoming serious.

Lin Zheng and Li Ruoshui exchanged glances, and Lin Zheng inwardly felt lucky, not expecting the opportunity to come so quickly!

PS: Here's the second update. The rain is pouring outside, and it's the last day of May. Everyone, please contribute your votes and favorites! Tomorrow is Children's Day, and if you've ever been bullied by a brat, you can take revenge by buying a workbook and, with a hypocritical smile, presenting it to the brat in front of their parents, telling them to study hard and do exercises every day. You know what I mean! Back to writing! I'll start a burst of updates from tomorrow!