Chapter 85

In the crowd, a young man suddenly stepped forward. He was fair-skinned and looked very delicate, but his eyes revealed a hint of stubbornness and strength. This young man walked up to Lin Zheng and Li Ruoshui, knelt down decisively, and bowed with a thud. Then he stood up and said to Lin Zheng and Li Ruoshui, "Sister Ruoshui, I thank you for your concern for Father, and I also thank Brother Lin for saving my father. You are my benefactor, and the Li family is not one to forget kindness. I, Li Zhiming, will not speak of gratitude, but I will repay you in the future! No matter what, I recognize you as my brother-in-law!"

After the young man finished speaking, he paid no attention to the others' gazes and walked straight back to his seat. Lin Qin whispered to Lin Wen, "This kid is quite interesting."

Lin Wen gave her a look, what kind of kid? This young man is at least fourteen or fifteen, right? Lin Qin paid no attention to Lin Wen's glare and continued to observe the people present, seemingly analyzing their expressions one by one.

"Haha, I didn't expect that Ruoshui would indeed bring back her true love and a good son-in-law for the Li family!" The head of the Li family laughed loudly, seemingly very satisfied with Lin Zheng. Li Ruoshui's mother, who was holding a little girl named Feifei, also smiled at Lin Zheng and Li Ruoshui, saying, "I remember when Ruoshui left, the fortune-teller said that she would find her destined man on this trip. I didn't expect it to come true. That old senior is truly a divine person."

"Haha, that old senior is indeed a divine person. His predictions have never been wrong. Moreover, Ruoshui's return also signifies that the sixth brother will soon recover!" Another middle-aged man responded. Hearing this, everyone seemed to remember something and looked at Lin Zheng with smiles, appearing very reassured.

Lin Zheng and Li Ruoshui exchanged a smile. The mysterious person everyone was talking about must be Grandpa Three. At that time, Grandpa Three stayed in the Li family for quite a while and cast several fortunes, all of which came true. The petition talismans were also given by the fortune-teller. Each petition talisman could resolve a matter of the heart, truly possessing the ability to divine the future.

"Alright, everyone, please be quiet!" The head of the Li family signaled for everyone to quiet down. Although Lin Zheng had not officially become the Li family's son-in-law, it was a done deal, and some matters needed to be arranged!

"I believe everyone is tired from the journey. Lin Zheng, you all go rest first. We can discuss matters later. Besides, Ruoshui's heart is already with you. I, as the head of the Li family, will make the decision!" The head of the Li family said loudly. He was naturally satisfied with Lin Zheng, but what truly surprised him was not the heavy gifts, but the cultivation and demeanor of this group. Such cultivation at such a young age was not something an ordinary family could cultivate, and his daughter was already deeply in love. He naturally wanted to fulfill this beautiful marriage!

"Someone, take Lin Zheng and the others to rest. Lin Zheng's status in the Li family is equivalent to that of a deputy head. Treat him well! Also, prepare a grand banquet to celebrate Ruoshui's return and the Li family's new son-in-law! Send someone to inform the other families of Ruoshui's engagement!" The head of the Li family issued his orders in an orderly manner.

Subsequently, Lin Zheng and his group were led to the back courtyard by a group of respectful servants, while Li Ruoshui was retained by the head of the Li family. The head of the Li family dismissed the younger generation, leaving only a few respected elders and managers.

The hall suddenly became quiet, catching everyone off guard. Everyone looked at Li Ruoshui with smiles, making her face turn red. Suddenly, an elder asked, "Ruoshui, what is your current cultivation?"

"First-stage Sage!"

"What?!" Not only the elder but also Li Ruoshui's parents were greatly surprised, looking at her in disbelief.

"Don't be like that. Brother Lin's cultivation is much stronger than Ruoshui's. Even if he can't match Grandpa, he can leave safely without any problem!" Li Ruoshui said honestly.

"That's impossible! Your grandpa is already a fourth-stage Sage! Is Lin Zheng also a fourth-stage Sage?!" This time, Li Ruoshui's father shouted in disbelief.

"No, Brother Lin is currently a second-stage Sage, but not an ordinary second-stage. If we were to fight, I might not even last ten moves." Li Ruoshui said truthfully.

"Monster! This Lin Zheng is indeed remarkable! Could this be the opportunity the old senior spoke of? The opportunity for the Li family to truly rise?" An elder couldn't help but say.

"Actually, regardless of Brother Lin's cultivation, I will marry no one else in this life. Whether you see Brother Lin as having great potential or great power, these are not my concerns. I only hope that everyone can treat Brother Lin sincerely!" Li Ruoshui's voice was gentle but firm.

Everyone looked at each other, not knowing what to say. Li Ruoshui's mother tapped her forehead and scolded, "You haven't even crossed the threshold yet, and you're already speaking for him? What will happen when you marry him?"

"Mother, what are you saying?" Li Ruoshui blushed, twisting her fingers and not daring to look at everyone.

"Alright, Ruoshui, you should understand our family. We are not the kind of people who seek favor through power. Moreover, I have already made it clear that Lin Zheng is now the Li family's son-in-law. We will treat him as one of our own." Li Ruoshui's father laughed, dispelling her last bit of worry.

After that, everyone discussed the events of the past period. Of course, Li Ruoshui concealed many things, not out of deceit, but because some matters were too shocking. As Li Ruoshui narrated, everyone's surprise grew.

Meanwhile, Lin Zheng and his group were arranged to stay in a separate courtyard. Although it was a separate courtyard, its style and decoration were no less than the head of the family's. This alone showed the Li family's high regard for Lin Zheng and his group. The courtyard was vast, with small bridges, flowing water, gardens, training grounds, pavilions, and terraces. A large group of maids and servants were ready to serve at any time. Lin Zheng and his group found a set of adjacent rooms and settled down. Then everyone gathered in Lin Zheng's room.

"Ow! When are we going to eat? I'm hungry!" The rogue wolf, wearing a new pair of flowered shorts, sat on the bed, idly playing with a teacup.

"Exactly, when are we going to eat? Grandma... I'm hungry!" Lin Qin also muttered softly.

"Alright, Lin Wen, go ask them to bring some tea and pastries. Ruoshui just returned, so they will definitely talk for a while. Lin Qin, you'll have to wait a bit longer!" Lin Zheng said helplessly.

"Alright, I know. Lin Wen, bring more!" Lin Qin shouted at Lin Wen as he walked out the door.

Lin Wen walked out and soon returned with a group of maids carrying various pastries. The maids filled the table and quietly left. The rogue wolf and Lin Qin sat at the table, eating pastries and drinking tea, completely unconcerned about their current situation. Lin Zheng and his group also sat at the table, drinking tea and discussing their next plans. Time passed, and soon someone came to inform them that the banquet was about to start, asking them to prepare and head to the hall.

Lin Zheng and his group freshened up and changed into new clothes. Even the rogue wolf changed into a new pair of shorts! Still as bright as ever!

Following the maids, they arrived at the banquet hall. The Li family members were already seated, arranged by seniority. The banquet began, and delicious dishes were served one after another. As a noble family, the Li family had a long history and strict etiquette, and table manners were essential. Many of the younger generation were waiting to see Lin Zheng and his group make a fool of themselves, as noble family banquets were not easy to handle!

However, the next scenes left them wide-eyed. Even many of the older women and elders looked at them in disbelief. Every move Lin Zheng and his group made was impeccable, their table manners flawless, and even the way they held their chopsticks and raised their wine glasses exuded a noble aura. Elegance, grandeur, antiquity, and distinction—such manners were hard to achieve even if one started learning from birth. Could Lin Zheng be from an ancient noble family? This guess was correct, but they could never imagine how vast and ancient this noble family was.

The few elders present exchanged glances and smiled bitterly. They knew that the younger generation had secretly instructed the kitchen to prepare such a formal banquet to make things difficult for Lin Zheng and his group. However, since the head of the family had said to hold a grand banquet for them, this formal setting was somewhat justified. The elders relaxed and watched how Lin Zheng would handle the situation, only to find that he was completely unfazed, acting as naturally as breathing, and even this level of formality seemed to be beneath him! Many elders smiled bitterly, knowing that such demeanor could not be faked.

As the atmosphere was intentionally adjusted, the banquet gradually became lively, and everyone began to toast and chat. Lin Zheng and Li Ruoshui's elders talked very well, and Lin Zheng had unique insights on many topics, which surprised everyone even more. Lin Zheng's exceptional cultivation and profound knowledge were truly impressive. Li Ruoshui smiled as she watched Lin Zheng handle everything with ease, secretly laughing: Really, how could you know that Lin Brother grew up in a small dark room, reading more books than you have heard of!

Lin Wen and the others also got along well with the younger generation of the Li family. Except for Lin Dao, who was not good at speaking, Lin Wen, Lin Qian, Lin Qin, and the rogue wolf were all skilled at livening up the atmosphere. Soon, everyone was shouting and cheering together. The Li family was pleased to see this and let it be, as a family banquet should be lively!

After a few rounds of drinks and dishes, Li Ruoshui's father suddenly said to Lin Zheng with a serious expression, "Lin Zheng, although it may seem abrupt, I hope you can agree to a condition. Although it may be difficult for you, I hope you will do it for Ruoshui!"

PS: I went to bed too late yesterday and got up early today to update. This is a transitional chapter, so please bear with me. The climax is coming soon! Everyone, stay tuned for Lin Zheng and his group's chaos in Zeshui City! Thanks for the support and please give a red ticket and a follow! I'm going to take a nap now!