Chapter 93

Just after Lin Xun left, the farce in front of Donglin Academy escalated, with more and more people gathering to watch. Seeing the situation getting out of control, a senior instructor from Donglin Academy finally stepped in to take charge.

This instructor was a seasoned Linggang Realm powerhouse, known for his authority. He publicly declared that he would ensure justice for the fat bully and his group.

The fat bully knew when to quit, realizing that further commotion would only harm himself, so he hastily left with a group of old men and women.

The young nobles like Yang Qun, who had been tied up and escorted, were also freed and taken back to Donglin Academy.

Although the incident was over, news of it quickly spread throughout Donglin City, causing a lot of commotion and laughter.

Lian Fei and Yang Qun's group became a laughingstock.

Of course, no one cared about the truth of the rumors. Even if the real situation was different, rumors were just rumors. For those uninvolved, who would bother to find out the truth?

...

Jinyu Hall.

When Gu Yanping heard the rumor, he thought for a moment and immediately understood, laughing wryly and sighing, "Lian Fei wanted to frame Lin Xun, but he probably didn't expect Lin Xun's counterattack to be so intense, ending up in a mess himself."

Gu Liang, standing nearby, was surprised, "Lin Xun was behind this? This seems a bit extreme. Although it looks like he won, the students and the forces behind them at Donglin Academy will surely see Lin Xun as a thorn in their side, which could backfire."

Gu Yanping praised, "Liang, it's rare for you to think this deeply. But if you were Lin Xun, what would you do to resolve this crisis?"

Gu Liang immediately understood that his father was testing him. He thought quickly and said, "If it were me, I wouldn't fight with those young nobles. I'd avoid them for now and deal with them one by one later."

Gu Yanping nodded, "Your approach is conservative but also the most prudent. However, you overlook one problem: those young nobles are arrogant and tyrannical. If they want to cause trouble, you can't avoid them."

He paused and continued, "Therefore, although Lin Xun's method is extreme, it is the wisest choice. By making a big fuss and spreading the news throughout the city, even if his enemies hate him to the core, they can only endure and won't dare to seek revenge in the short term. Otherwise, it would confirm the rumors, which would be very damaging to their reputation."

"These forces in Donglin City, even if they do bad things in secret, still care about their reputation in the city."

Gu Liang frowned, "What about later? Once the commotion dies down and no one pays attention, won't those forces take action against Lin Xun?"

Gu Liang suddenly realized something, clapping his hands excitedly, "I get it! Lin Xun never intended to stay in Donglin City! After passing the prefectural examination, he will definitely go to the provincial examination. If so, no matter how big a fuss today, as long as he leaves, who can do anything to him?"

Gu Yanping smiled and praised, "Well done, that's Lin Xun's decision. You've grown up."

Gu Liang felt a bit ashamed, shaking his head, "Compared to Lin Xun, this is nothing."

Gu Yanping sighed, "Lin Xun, at such a young age, is incredibly wise. He's a different kind of person... impossible to compare."

Gu Liang suddenly said, "Father, if Lin Xun leaves, it will be very difficult for us to obtain the spirit artifacts made by that 'mysterious spirit pattern master' in the future."

Gu Yanping seemed to have already thought about this, saying seriously, "Liang, a true merchant doesn't rely entirely on others. If you want to be a renowned merchant, you must have your own strength and capital!"

Gu Liang was shaken, taking a deep breath, "I understand."

Gu Yanping smiled, "Of course, you and Lin Xun are about the same age, and you have a good relationship now. If he has any difficulties in the future, you should help him more. Friendship needs to be cultivated; don't just passively accept it, but learn to take the initiative to give."

Gu Liang nodded.

He now truly admired Lin Xun and yearned to become close friends with him.

But Gu Liang also had his own thoughts. He wouldn't use interests to maintain his relationship with Lin Xun but would use real strength to earn Lin Xun's true recognition!

This year, Gu Liang was fifteen, a vibrant young man, proud in his heart!

...

Shi Dingzhai.

Upon hearing the news from Wang Lin, Mu Wansu's expression became increasingly strange. Finally, she couldn't help but giggle, her beautiful face adding much charm.

She laughed uncontrollably, tears almost streaming down her face, and after a long time, she bit her lip and said, "Lin Xun is indeed a bad boy, to actually... to actually accuse a young man of trying to rape an old woman! How could he think of such a thing!"

She paused and suddenly frowned, "Is he planning to leave Donglin City?"

Wang Lin said with some regret, "Yes, once he leaves, it will be impossible for us to connect with that 'mysterious spirit pattern master' in the future."

Mu Wansu was lost in thought. Normally, if Lin Xun left, she would be happy and hope he disappeared quickly.

But when this was about to happen, Mu Wansu felt a strange sense of melancholy, feeling quite uncomfortable.

A little rascal who had repeatedly made her suffer was suddenly leaving, and it made her feel strangely melancholic. What was she melancholic about?

Mu Wansu frowned, taking a deep breath, and whispered, "Hmph! Even if he leaves, our business isn't over! One day, I will make you, you little rascal, submit!"

After saying this, seeing Wang Lin's puzzled expression, she suddenly came to her senses, feeling somewhat dispirited. She didn't even care about the 'mysterious spirit pattern master' anymore, waving her hand, "You can go."

Wang Lin left with a puzzled bow.

...

Wu Clan.

Clan Leader Wu Chaoqun looked at the message in his hand, taking a deep breath, his face changing slightly, "What a vicious little thing, he has learned to incite public anger and turn the tables!"

Wu Chaoqun was somewhat relieved that their clan had been restrained and hadn't taken action against Lin Xun. Otherwise, if they had been involved in today's incident, they would have lost face.

"Clan Leader, this little scoundrel's actions are too extreme and decisive, offending many forces. This is undoubtedly good news for us."

"Wrong!"

Wu Chaoqun's eyes flashed, saying coldly, "Tomorrow is the prefectural examination. Do you think this little scoundrel will stay in Donglin City after passing the examination? He dared to act so recklessly, clearly planning to leave!"

"Indeed, we absolutely cannot let this little scoundrel leave! Otherwise, where will the face of our Wu family go?"

"Yes, we are being restrained now, but if he leaves, what's the point of being restrained?"

Everyone in the hall was anxious.

Wu Chaoqun took a deep breath, standing up, "Everyone, calm down. I will visit the Dean of Donglin Academy later. This little scoundrel wants to take the prefectural examination, right? I will make sure he fails and can't pass so easily!"

...

Donglin Academy.

Lian Fei and Yao Susu stood on a long corridor, at the end of which was the Dean's office.

Lian Fei's face was grim, thinking about what had happened at the academy gate, his heart filled with frustration and anger.

Too ruthless!

Lin Xun's counterattack not only ruined Lian Fei's reputation but also greatly affected his name. Even if he tried to explain, no one would believe him.

This is the power of rumors.

Now, the young man accused of trying to rape an old woman was labeled as a "gerontophile," shocking the entire academy, extremely malicious.

The only consolation was that there was no direct evidence that Lian Fei had orchestrated this.

However, the instructors at the academy had already found out that Yang Qun and the others were incited by Yao Susu, indirectly leading to today's incident!

Lian Fei couldn't help but look at Yao Susu, but she seemed calm, showing no concern about any punishment.

Even more, Yao Susu comforted Lian Fei, "Think positively, Lin Xun is too vicious and cunning. I won't let him off if I get the chance!"

Lian Fei smiled bitterly, speechless.

At this moment, the door at the end of the corridor opened, and a middle-aged man in a purple robe walked out.

The Dean of Donglin Academy, Yu Canglin!

Lian Fei's body stiffened, his face tense. Yu Canglin was a well-known Linghai Realm powerhouse, one of the few in Donglin City!

When he and Yao Susu were called to wait here, he had been speculating that the incident had alarmed the Dean. Would the Dean personally deal with him?

If so, the consequences would be severe!

Therefore, seeing Yu Canglin appear, Lian Fei was also anxious.

However, to his surprise, the Dean, known for his "rigid and serious" demeanor, was smiling and waving, "Susu, come over, your father is waiting for you."

Lian Fei's eyes widened, his mind in a daze.

Yao Susu, as if she had expected this, smiled and nodded, pulling Lian Fei toward the hall at the end of the corridor.

Throughout, Yu Canglin watched them with a smile, not stopping them, which shocked Lian Fei even more. He finally realized a problem.

The Dean's behavior seemed to be due to Yao Susu's father...

Who is Yao Susu's father?

Lian Fei frantically thought, and as they entered the hall, a name that had been prominent in Donglin City recently flashed in his mind—

Yao Tuohai!

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