Chapter 309:
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Qing State
The remaining members of the four major sects, which had been quiet for decades, mobilized once again. This time, their focus was on assassinations. In no time, Qing State was filled with countless assassins.
These assassins were not very powerful, mainly at the Building Foundation and Golden Core levels. They operated far away from the main gates and major cities of the four major families. They chose weak spots within these families to assassinate promising young members and important members.
In less than three months, hundreds of members from the four major families were killed. The families became furious and dispatched elite troops to counterattack. The two sides engaged in fierce battles.
However, this was just the beginning. With Lin Batian leading a group of high-level cultivators, they launched a surprise attack on a crucial location owned by the Yu family. The intensity of the war immediately escalated, and the Qing State once again became consumed by flames of war.
Yun State, Five Elements Sect
Lin Jiang has returned. Zhang Wanjing ordered his return, and the order was passed to Zhang Shuhua through the sect. Lin family handed it over to Lin Jiang. Zhang Shuhua had been with the Lin family for these past years.
But instead of being in North State, the Lin family is hidden in other places. They sent Zhang Shuhua away to another place, so the Five Elements Sect cannot be sure about the news regarding the Lin family. That’s why they need Lin Jiang to come back and report."The above is my speculation about the strength of the Lin family. What I know is only a part of it, so I can’t guarantee the accuracy of the data. I hope that all the Martial Uncles will consider it carefully."
When Lin Jiang returned, Zhang Wanjing asked him to provide information about the Lin family’s strength. Lin Jiang didn’t refuse, but he rarely gets involved in matters related to Xiaotian City. So, based on the Lin family’s business, he could only speculate about their strength and exaggerate it a little.
Exaggerating their strength a little was to help the Lin family. As an independent force, the Five Elements Sect needs to assess the Lin family’s strength if they want to form an alliance. The stronger the Lin family, the stronger the willingness to form an alliance. Cooperation between forces is more practical than relying on individuals.
Several Nascent Soul Elders glanced at each other, all somewhat astonished. According to Lin Jiang’s testimony, the Lin family currently has around forty people at the golden core stage, five at the Nascent Soul stage, three at the Soul Changing stage, and one at the Void Achieving stage.
With this level of power, even after excluding Lin Batian, the Void Achieving cultivator, the Lin family is only slightly weaker than the Five Elements Sect. It can be said that they are extremely strong. However, the Lin family is just a family that has been developing for less than six hundred years. This is a terrifying thing.
"Xiao Yi, what do you think the chances are of a decisive battle between the Lin family and Qing State this time?"
"Not possible."
"Not even a little possibility?"
No, Lin Batian is not a match for Tao Achieving, so they can’t have a decisive battle with Qing State. Lin Batian may seem careless sometimes, but he actually carefully considers his actions and plans based on his abilities.
Of course, if he has any trump cards, I can’t say for sure. After all, I’m just a golden core with limited perspective.
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Lin Jiang said. Lin Batian has been practicing without ceasing, mastering the secret techniques of the four major families. However, Lin Jiang knows that Lin Batian hasn’t reached the point where he can defeat Tao Achieving. If he had the strength, Lin Batian would have acted long ago.
But there’s a high possibility that Lin Batian will wipe out the four major families because he possesses medicinal pills that greatly enhance his cultivation speed.
"Alright, understood. You may rest now."
"Yes, Master."
Lin Jiang saluted and left the grand hall, heading straight to the Internal Affairs Hall.
Leaving other matters aside, he deserves to receive his salary for these past decades. The business he once built is now in Zhang Wanjing’s hands, and he has no more stake in it. But at least he can still receive his salary.
The people at the Internal Affairs Hall have changed since Lin Jiang returned many decades ago. There were still a few familiar faces during his last visit, but now there are hardly any left.
The entire Five Elements Sect, Lin Jiang couldn’t find many familiar faces anymore. Apart from the Zhang Wanjing father and son, there may be only one person left, Jiang Shu. But Lin Jiang didn’t go to find him, as he lost interest in meeting old friends.
After receiving his salary, Lin Jiang went to Zhang Wanjing’s cave. Zhang Shuhua’s wife has already passed away, she only had a Foundation Period cultivation. Zhang Wenchen and his family lived together with Zhang Wanjing, while Zhang Wenxin has already married and is now of grandmother age.
"Qingqing, quickly call him Uncle Great-Uncle."
Zhang Wenchen brought along a child who is two or three years old, and asked the child to call someone. The child timidly called out.
"Is this your grandson?"
"The second grandson, the eldest one is already eight years old."
"Seeing him, it reminds me of when you were this little too. I even tricked you into calling me dad."
"Really? So, did my dad scold me?"
"No, your dad was very happy."
Lin Jiang laughed loudly and said that Zhang Shuhua wanted Zhang Wenchen to be his godson, but Lin Jiang didn’t want to.
"My uncle and my father have a close relationship, which is normal. Unfortunately, I’m already old, but my uncle is still young and vibrant."
"Your father looks young too."
"Yes, that’s the world of cultivators."
Zhang Wenchen said that he had reached the Building foundation stage in his cultivation, and he had attempted to break through to the golden core stage but failed. Now he has given up and reserved his resources for the next generation.
In the cultivation world, there is no rule that each generation has to be stronger than the previous one. If the next generation’s talent is not up to par, the most important task is to reproduce and rely on the accumulation of each generation until a peerless genius is born.
"You shouldn’t give up on cultivation. Keep trying multiple times."
"I don’t want to make things difficult for my grandfather. My talent is not good compared to those geniuses. Now that my grandfather has many descendants, I want to reserve the resources for someone more important."
"Your father will be very sad then."
"It’s inevitable to feel sad, as it’s part of life’s ups and downs. But overall, I’ve lived a fulfilling life and never had to worry about resources for cultivation. I’ve had a smooth journey so far. Perhaps that’s why I failed to reach the golden core stage. Everything happens as it’s meant to be, and I believe my father would understand."
"You have a great mindset."
"Of course, my dear wife is still with me, my son is filial, and I have my grandchildren by my side. I no longer worry about cultivation or basic necessities. I spend my days happily playing with my grandchildren and tending to my garden. There is no greater happiness in life."
Zhang Wenchen said, content with his current life – peaceful, harmonious, and filled with joy. Most importantly, his family was by his side.
Lin Jiang wished him well, acknowledging that for people in the cultivation world, being able to enjoy their later years is a great blessing. Just look at how many cultivators in the outside world struggle and fail to live a long life.
As Zhang Wanjing returned, Zhang Wenchen prepared a few dishes and poured a jug of wine, providing a quiet space for the two of them.
"Decades have passed in the blink of an eye, and still no letter from you."
"It’s not convenient for me to interfere with the Lin family."
"Blood ties are indeed stronger than the bond between master and disciple."
"Is this considered the master being jealous?"
"Haha, if you say so, then let it be."
Zhang Wanjing laughed heartily, his young disciple still mischievous but familiar.
Over a hundred years had passed, and Zhang Wanjing, at this level, was slowly withering and transcending. His acquaintances were becoming fewer, and life was growing lonelier.
"I have something to ask of the master this time I’ve returned."
"Go ahead."
"I want to take away a Purple Origin Taoist Fruit."
"Your cultivation hasn’t reached the complete stage of golden core. Are you in such a hurry?"
"Prepare ahead of time, it’s coming soon."
Lin Jiang said, but Zhang Wanjing remained silent. Lin Jiang had been away for so long that the people around him had almost forgotten who he was. The relationship between master and disciple also faded over the hundred years of separation.
Many talented disciples emerged from the Five Elements Sect, and countless people were eyeing the Purple Origin Taoist Fruit. Zhang Wanjing started to weigh his options in his mind.
"I have a share of the Purple Origin Taoist Fruit, Master."
"I know."
"Then you should give it to me, it’s what I deserve."
"I remember."
"Well, then give it to me!"
Of course, Lin Jiang said this in his mind, too afraid to say it out loud.
"The Purple Origin Taoist Fruit is very useful to me. The Five Elements Sect’s Nascent Soul is very old. The sect needs fresh blood, and resources should be given to the most talented disciples."
"The disciple praised himself and said that apart from cultivation talent, the disciple is not weaker than anyone."
"I also know this."
"The disciple lacks this opportunity. The disciple’s lifespan is not long, and there is only one chance to impact the Nascent Soul. I don’t want to miss this opportunity. Master should know the disciple’s character, even if it’s the last moment, I won’t give up."
"Give me some time to consider."
"No, Master must give me an answer before this meal is finished. I am a person who distinguishes between gratitude and grudges. I won’t take what belongs to others, and I won’t give away things for free unless I am willing to."
Lin Jiang pushed back directly. If Zhang Wanjing calmed down and weighed the pros and cons, he would definitely not give it. Lin Jiang believed in this.
Zhang Wanjing frowned, looked up at Lin Jiang, and reevaluated this disciple. It had been too long since they last met, and Zhang Wanjing had started to forget the disciple’s personality.
Lin Jiang raised his head, locked eyes with Zhang Wanjing, and the air froze in that moment.
Numerous memories flashed through Zhang Wanjing’s mind- Medicine City, Internal Affairs Hall, Outer Sect, Wilderness. Various memories evoked a mix of emotions for Zhang Wanjing.