I established the Eternal Immortal Clan by taming beasts.

Clearly, no one present expected that someone would dare to cause trouble at Master Lin's Golden Core Banquet.

After a brief silence, whispers began to rise like a tide.

"Is this guy crazy? How dare he cause trouble at Master Lin's Golden Core banquet? Does he have a death wish?"

"I don't know. Besides, this person is only at the late Qi Refining stage. Why would he dare to provoke a Foundation Establishment cultivator? Could it be that he has the ability to challenge cultivators of higher levels?"

"A challenge beyond one's level? With his abilities?" someone scoffed.

"I think he acted impulsively for the sake of a beautiful woman. Didn't you see him fawning over Li Jin ever since he arrived? His eyes were practically glued to her."

"Hey, now that you mention it, I remember. That kid from the Lu family does have a thing for Li Jin. Did he get jealous seeing his sweetheart staring at someone else?"

Those who knew this person and those who didn't all wore expressions of speechlessness.

This guy dared to cause trouble at the Lin family's Golden Core banquet; he's far too audacious.

Lu Jun, who was being talked about by everyone, was also completely blank at this moment.

Because of his exceptional spiritual root and powerful talent, he usually got whatever he wanted from the Lu family.

He was pampered by his elders and respected by his peers, which gradually fostered his arrogant and domineering nature.

I came to this banquet today with the intention of making a good impression on my sweetheart.

But who knew that from the moment she stepped into the square, Li Jin's gaze never fell on her again.

Her gaze remained fixed on the boy.

He looked at the strange light in Li Jin's eyes when he looked at Lin Xuanjing, and it felt as if a bucket of hot oil had been poured over his heart, sizzling and burning, making his internal organs ache.

On what grounds?

Why is it that this kid gets her favor?

Just because he's a member of the Lin family?

Anger surged up inside me, clouding my judgment, and those words from my heart just slipped out.

He regretted it as soon as the words left his mouth.

But words spoken are words that cannot be taken back.

Moreover, with the person you love right beside you, what will they think of you if you back down now?

How should those who laugh at you view yourself?

He gritted his teeth, suppressing the panic in his heart, and shouted again, his neck stiff:

"Do you dare to fight me?"

His voice was louder than before, but it also revealed a hint of bravado masking underlying weakness.

Li Jin's expression changed drastically.

She stood up abruptly, her beautiful face filled with shock and anger.

She glared at Lu Jun, then quickly stepped forward and bowed deeply in Lin Xuanjing's direction, her voice clear and urgent:

"Please forgive him, young master! He ate too many dates and was a little drunk, which offended you! Please be magnanimous and don't hold it against him!"

He spoke quickly and urgently, as if afraid that if he hesitated even a step too long, it would lead to disaster.

This matter clearly started because of her, and she must step forward.

Moreover, no matter how annoying Lu Jun is, he is ultimately a subordinate force of the Li family.

The trouble he caused will ultimately fall on the Li family.

Grandpa is watching from the side. If she ignores everything, how will she explain it when she gets back?

Before Lin Xuanjing could even speak, Lu Jun had already jumped up.

"Jin'er, why are you apologizing to him! I'm not drunk!"

His face flushed red, his eyes filled with anger and resentment, he stared intently at Lin Xuanjing, and shouted through gritted teeth:

"Dare to fight me! If you're afraid, just say so! I, Lu Jun, don't bully cowards!"

"Are you crazy?!" Li Jin trembled with rage. "This isn't a place for you to run wild!"

However, Lu Jun was no longer listening to anything.

All he knew was that his beloved was publicly berating him for another man.

This is worse than killing him.

……

The main gate of the clan's territory.

Two figures landed.

It was Yan Shuming, the city lord of Chuyang City, and his apprentice, the deputy city lord Zhang Mo.

As the last guests to arrive at the banquet, their arrival naturally attracted the attention of the reception officer at the entrance.

The moment they landed, a tall figure appeared at the doorway.

It was Lin Che.

He stood with his hands behind his back, a smile on his face, as if he had been waiting there for a long time.

"The city lord's presence is an honor to our Lin family!" Lin Che's voice was clear and bright, carrying just the right amount of enthusiasm and respect.

He had indeed been waiting for this person.

In Chuyang City today, almost all the major and minor forces are under the control of the Lin family.

The vassals were vassals, and the surrendered ones were surrendered; even those with some ulterior motives couldn't stir up any trouble.

The city lord's mansion, however, was never on his chessboard.

He speculated that the person behind Chen Dai was Yan Shuming.

When Chen Dai formed his Golden Core, it would never have been so smooth without the tacit approval or even encouragement of the City Lord's Mansion.

In this sense, he and Yan Shuming were actually adversaries.

Whether the other party comes today or not is a matter of attitude.

If they don't come, it means they are unwilling to make money peacefully with the Lin family, and we will have to put in a lot of effort to deal with them in the future.

If they come, it's a sign of goodwill, a gesture of reconciliation.

Dressed in white, Yan Shuming greeted them with a beaming smile, his manner as warm as that of an old friend:

"Haha, Master Lin, you're too kind! It's too much trouble for you to come out and greet me personally!" He stepped forward and stood side by side with Lin Che.

"Your advancement to the Golden Core stage is a momentous occasion for our Chuyang City, how could I possibly miss it? Even the most important matters must be put aside for now!"

After saying that, he turned his head to look at Zhang Mo behind him.

Zhang Mo understood and immediately stepped forward, respectfully presenting an exquisite brocade box with both hands.

The brocade box was entirely blue-green, with a faint fragrance of cinnabar emanating from it; one could tell at a glance that it was no ordinary item.

"This is a small token of my appreciation; I hope Master Lin will accept it."

Yan Shuming took the brocade box and personally handed it to Lin Che, saying sincerely, "Inside are all third-grade pills that I personally refined. Although they are not rare items, they are made with my heartfelt sincerity."

"In the future, let us work together to build this Chuyang City and resist the future monster tide."

Upon hearing this, Lin Che immediately understood.

The other party wants to make peace.

Whether it's for the stability of Chuyang City, out of fear of the Lin family's strength, or for other motives, this attitude has already been made clear.

For the Lin family right now, this is undoubtedly the best news.

The Lin family, having just advanced to the Golden Core stage, desperately needs time.

It takes time to consolidate the foundation, time to develop the industry, and time to cultivate future generations.

If we were to antagonize the City Lord's Mansion at this time, even if we were to win, it would be a Pyrrhic victory, leaving us severely weakened and facing the forces behind it, which would be very troublesome.

Now that the city lord has chosen to make peace, even if it's just a superficial cooperation, it's enough to give the Lin family valuable time to develop.

Lin Che smiled as he accepted the brocade box, his tone equally sincere:

"Of course, of course, please come in, City Lord!"

"please!"

The three chatted as they walked deeper into the clan's territory.

Yan Shuming looked around, his gaze sweeping over the meticulously arranged scenery, and he kept praising it:

"The Lin family's territory is truly a treasure land, with beautiful mountains and clear waters, and abundant spiritual energy. It is even more elegant than my city lord's mansion."

Lin Che smiled modestly: "City Lord, you flatter me. It's just the result of years of gradual development, nothing compared to the profound heritage of the City Lord's Mansion."

"Hey, that's not right," Yan Shuming waved his hand.

"If it's well-managed, it's well-managed. What's wrong with admitting it? I think it won't be long before the Lin family becomes the true pillar of our Chuyang City."

Just then—

Lin Che suddenly stopped in his tracks.

He heard it.

A noisy sound came from the direction of the square where the banquet was being held.

The voice was sharp and piercing, carrying the impulsiveness and resentment unique to young people, making it seem particularly abrupt in what should have been a peaceful occasion.

Lin Che frowned almost imperceptibly.

Yan Shuming also heard it.

His gaze shifted slightly as he looked at Lin Che, his smile unchanged, but a hint of amusement flashed in his eyes.

"Master Lin, it seems a bit lively over there?"

His tone was casual, as if it were just a casual question.

Lin Che's expression remained unchanged, and a faint smile still lingered on his lips.

But beneath that smile lay a hint of coldness.