Chapter 12

The Great Elder rarely involved himself in the sect’s affairs. However, once he took things seriously, no one within the Five Thunder Sect could stand up to him.

"Yes, Great Elder, this matter is absolutely true!"

Lin Xi did not dare to be negligent. The Great Elder gave him a very powerful and terrifying impression. He took out from his bosom some residue left over from the detoxification process and handed it over.

The Great Elder leaned in, took a look, and sniffed it. The Five Thunder Sect was not a major sect and was not skilled in medical arts. However, he could still distinguish between poisons and non-poisons.

When he put down the cloth stained with the poison, there was already a hint of anger in the Great Elder’s eyes:

"Do you know who did this?"

At these words, the hall fell so silent that a pin drop could be heard. Everyone held their breath.

"Hmph!"

Lin Xi did not speak but coldly glanced at the Second Elder, Meng Jun. From the moment the Great Elder stood up, Meng Jun’s eyes had been filled with panic. Seeing Lin Xi’s gaze, he immediately shouted:

"What do you mean, Lin Xi?"

"I didn’t say it was you. Why are you so nervous?"

Lin Xi said coldly. This statement was more effective than anything else. Everyone’s eyes turned to Meng Jun. They were all intelligent people and understood Meng Jun’s thoughts, even if they did not say it outright.

However, the Great Elder did not look at Meng Jun but only at Lin Xi, his voice heavy like thunder:

"Lin Xi, answer me."

"Reporting to the Elder, I only neutralized the poison. I do not know who administered it."

Lin Xi said calmly. He had intended to use this to bring down Meng Jun. However, there was no solid evidence for this matter. Despite this, after his previous "efforts," anyone with clear eyes knew who the suspect was.

The Great Elder blinked, and the overwhelming aura receded as he slowly sat back in his chair. Although he looked like an ordinary old man again, no one dared to underestimate him.

"The sect’s young master has been poisoned, and this matter cannot be left uninvestigated. — Meng Jun, I will entrust this matter to you!"

The Great Elder glanced at Meng Jun, his words full of meaning.

Meng Jun felt a chill in his heart. He understood that the Great Elder was warning him by making an example of a tiger to scare the mountain:

"Meng Jun understands. I will investigate this matter as soon as possible."

Lin Xi glanced at the Great Elder, lost in thought.

"The so-called peeping on the Holy Maiden has been clarified, and everyone has seen Lin Xi’s martial arts. Therefore, this Elder Council should come to a conclusion. Let’s vote again."

The Great Elder said calmly. Although his words did not explicitly state any position, the meaning was clear.

This Elder Council was convened due to the matter of the Sun Holy Maiden. Since this matter was baseless, there was no reason to discuss deposing the young master. The Great Elder’s intentions were clear.

"Ha ha ha, since the matter of the Sun Holy Maiden is baseless, the discussion of deposing the young master is naturally over. — I suggest retaining Lin Xi’s position as young master."

Elder Six, Han Shizhong, laughed and said first.

Lin Xi looked at him deeply but said nothing.

"I also agree," Elder Four, Duan Yimei, said calmly.

"I also agree to retain his position as young master!"

Wei Buping, seeing the situation was hopeless, could only nod.

At this moment, no one was more unwilling than the Second Elder, Meng Jun. His eyes were filled with struggle, but no matter how unwilling he was, he had to bow to the tide:

"I agree..."

These words were said with great reluctance.

"I also agree."

Elder Three, Lin Ruyun, smiled.

"Very well. It seems everyone has reached a decision."

The Great Elder slightly raised his eyes, scanning the crowd, and made the final decision:

"Retain Lin Xi’s position as young master. Additionally, since Lin Xi’s martial arts were neglected for six years, from today on, the sect will provide him with special treatment to compensate for the lost time. — Lin Xi, you can use the resources in the sect’s treasury without restriction."

Lin Xi was overjoyed: "Thank you, Elder!"

These words undoubtedly opened the door for him to use the sect’s resources freely in the future, without fear of being accused or obstructed by Meng Jun.

"Alright, let’s adjourn."

With one sentence, the Great Elder ended the Elder Council. He stood up and left without hesitation.

"Xixi, let’s go too."

Elder Three, Lin Ruyun, also stood up and called to Lin Xi.

"Yes, Aunt."

Lin Xi responded, glanced back at Meng Jun, and said with a mocking smile:

"Elder Meng, next time you convene the Elder Council, remember to find a better excuse!"

With that, he laughed loudly and followed Aunt Lin Ruyun out, disappearing from the door in a flash.

...

...

...

Snap!

The red sandalwood armrest was crushed by a pair of iron claws. Meng Jun, watching the direction Lin Ruyun and Lin Xi left, was so angry that his face twisted into a grotesque expression:

"Damn it! This little brat, he’s driving me crazy!"

All his hard work to convene the Elder Council, which did not fail at the hands of Lin Ruyun, was ruined by the inexperienced Lin Xi. Even his son was beaten half to death in public.

Meng Jun was almost bursting with rage!

He had always been high and mighty; how could he endure such humiliation!

"Elder Meng, why be so angry?"

A figure flashed, and another person appeared beside Meng Jun.

"Hmph! You’re not the one who suffered, and your son wasn’t the one beaten. Elder Wei can say such cool words."

Meng Jun said with a dark face.

"Hehe, I was indeed surprised that this boy managed to escape this time. I don’t know what method he used to persuade the Sun Holy Maiden. However, to say that his position as young master is secure is not necessarily true."

Wei Buping stood beside Meng Jun, looking in the direction Lin Xi had left, his eyes gleaming with sinister light.

"What do you mean?"

Meng Jun’s heart stirred, and he suddenly turned around.

"Hehe, Brother Meng, have you forgotten that Lin Xi is almost eighteen?"

Duan Yimei also walked over with a smile.

"!!"

Meng Jun’s body trembled violently at this reminder. He seemed to suddenly realize something and came to a sudden understanding:

"Ha ha ha, if you hadn’t reminded me, I would have almost forgotten."

His originally furrowed brows relaxed, and the anger in his heart instantly subsided.

"Hehe, Brother Meng has finally remembered. This time, it’s not us being difficult. If he can’t do it, he still can’t be the young master. There’s no need to convene the Elder Council then."

Wei Buping said with a sinister smile.

"Indeed," Duan Yimei agreed.

The three of them looked at each other and smiled.

...

...

...

Outside the Grand Hall, the crowd was surging.

As soon as Lin Ruyun and Lin Xi came out, the crowd immediately erupted.

"Xixi, come with me to the Mingyun Hall. I have something to say to you."

Lin Ruyun glanced at the crowd and said to Lin Xi.

"Okay, Aunt."

Lin Xi seemed to have anticipated this. He was not surprised by his aunt’s words and just nodded.

The two of them passed through the crowd and immediately arrived at the Mingyun Hall where Lin Ruyun lived.

The Mingyun Hall was where Lin Ruyun lived and was one of the six Elder Halls of the Five Thunder Sect.

Entering the hall, Lin Ruyun dismissed everyone and, without even drinking a sip of tea, immediately looked at Lin Xi:

"Xixi, tell me honestly, what exactly happened these past few days. How could you suddenly become so powerful, even defeating Wang Yuehe? And why did the Sun Holy Maiden suddenly change her mind? Don’t tell me she suddenly felt pity for you."

Lin Ruyun’s expression was serious, and her eyes were unusually earnest.

Lin Xi remained silent. He had anticipated this question. He could use the excuse "this is the real me" to deceive the other elders, but not his aunt.

Lin Ruyun’s expression was serious and earnest, but Lin Xi could sense a genuine concern and tension behind it. He immediately knew she was afraid that there might be some hidden, unfavorable factors or intentions behind his sudden power increase.

A warm current flowed through his heart, and Lin Xi immediately said:

"Aunt, you can’t fool me. The reason I could suddenly neutralize the poison in my body, greatly improve my martial arts, and persuade the Sun Holy Maiden to change her mind is all due to the help of a reclusive senior."

Lin Xi recounted the story he had thought of:

When he was severely injured, a mysterious and temperamental supreme expert happened to pass by.

Not only did he help Lin Xi neutralize the poison and teach him powerful techniques, but he also threatened the Sun Holy Maiden to change her mind and no longer target Lin Xi.

Lin Xi only said that this mysterious expert was temperamental and came and went as he pleased. Even Lin Xi had never seen his true face, so it would be even more impossible for Lin Ruyun to meet him.

"Really?"

Lin Ruyun was half-believing, half-doubting.

Lin Xi’s explanation was not perfect, and with some effort, some suspicious points could be found. However, Lin Ruyun, out of affection, subconsciously believed this explanation.

No matter what, Lin Xi had been in a slump for more than six years. Lin Ruyun had longed many times to see this nephew truly rise. Now that the miracle had really happened, Lin Ruyun was incredibly excited and elated.

Recalling Lin Xi’s genius performance in the first eleven years, Lin Ruyun was more willing to believe that it was Lin Xi’s inherent talent and his accumulated strength that led to this sudden burst. It was like a bow reaching its limit and suddenly releasing its power.

"Yes, Aunt."

Lin Xi answered. He and the woman in front of him did not have a direct blood relationship. However, for some reason, when facing her, Lin Xi clearly felt a deep respect and affection, not wanting her to be hurt.

This emotion did not seem to be influenced by the memories of the real "Lin Xi." Instead, it was a shared feeling between Lin Xi and the original "Lin Xi."

The affection and care Lin Xi felt from Lin Ruyun made him unconsciously regard her as a true family member.

"Xixi, perhaps I’m overthinking it. — Since that senior doesn’t want to reveal himself, let it be. There are indeed some reclusive experts in the sect world with very peculiar temperaments. Try not to anger him."

Lin Ruyun’s brows relaxed, and she reached out to touch Lin Xi’s head, her face showing a loving smile:

"No matter what, seeing you so accomplished today, Aunt is really happy. Your father, if he knew, would also be very pleased."

Lin Ruyun’s eyes were slightly moist, filled with both sadness and joy. It was the look of an elder towards a younger generation.

A warm current flowed through Lin Xi’s heart as he looked at the face in front of him. The recent days of effort had clearly left Lin Ruyun mentally and physically exhausted, and Lin Xi could sense a hint of weariness in her.

In the depths of his heart, Lin Xi had a vague feeling. The memories of another world in his mind were gradually becoming blurred, while the memories of this world were becoming increasingly clear.

Lin Xi knew that the two souls and memories had completely merged.

"From now on, I am the real Lin Xi!..."

Lin Xi’s eyes flickered, and a new feeling welled up in his heart.