Chapter 10: The Rescue by the God of Play

As Li Lin opened his eyes, he saw a white column of air rising from the top of Li Bian's head. This was his innate fortune, significantly stronger than the faint white aura typically seen above ordinary people's heads. According to the memories left to him by Zhou Yuan, a person like this, if they were to enter officialdom, could easily hold a position as a clerk or even a county lieutenant. In the era of Zhou Yuan's world, such a person pursuing a career in government could confidently secure a position as a department head or bureau chief without any issues.

The deity you mentioned, why has it never manifested? Our Li family has established itself here for over 200 years, yet we have never heard of any divine spirits in the vicinity, let alone any mention of a wandering deity that once appeared in our Lan County area! Furthermore, according to reason, that river also falls within the territory of our Li family and should be protected by our ancestral spirits; external deities should not be able to enter our ancestral land, which makes this claim untenable

As the clan uncle stated, on that day, my young nephew was pushed into the water by Lin Fu. Being unfamiliar with swimming and in a state of intoxication, the river water was icy cold. Without the protection of divine spirits, there would be no chance of survival. Therefore, in this matter, my young nephew has not deceived in the slightest! I hope the clan uncle, the third uncle, and my father will see this clearly!

Li Lin shook his head, revealing a bitter expression, and said: "This little nephew truly did not know! At that time, I was almost drowned, when suddenly a force lifted me out of the water and placed me on the shore. That divine being stood before me and told me that my life should not end, and that I bore great fortune, and thus I should not die in such a manner. It was for this reason that he intervened to save me"

However, it is unclear why they stood up today, seemingly questioning Li Lin.

After listening to Li Lin's explanation, Li Bian immediately grasped the key point and once again questioned Li Lin.

Uncle San, Uncle Si, and Li Jing exchanged glances using the *picture* book, and they all felt that handling the matter this way was more appropriate. Thus, Uncle San waved his hand and said: "Temporarily send Li Cheng back to his residence for custody, and he must not have contact with anyone. All the people originally in his courtyard should be detained separately for the time being, and Lin Fu should be sent to the dungeon to await further action! The rest of you may disperse for now!"

However, now that Li Bian has stepped forward, it is certain that there will be some doubts regarding him. Next, we will see what kind of questions Li Bian will raise against him

After the clan members received the order, although they were curious about what explanation Li Lin could provide to their third uncle, since the third uncle and the others had decided not to let everyone know about this matter, they could not raise any objections. They could only respectfully salute the third uncle and the others before dispersing. As for Li Cheng, he was escorted back to his residence for confinement, while Lin Fu was dragged into the dungeon for detention.

It is no wonder that he was entrusted by the clan to preside over the ancestral worship. Every family requires such individuals to lead the ancestral hall, and he should be considered a core figure within the clan, holding a position slightly lower than that of Li Jing, making him a person whom the clansmen cannot afford to offend

However, this matter involves certain issues that are inconvenient to disclose, and it entails many complexities. It is likely inappropriate for outsiders to be informed. It would be more suitable for my nephew to explain this matter directly to the clan uncle.

Li Lin cursed inwardly, you meddlesome old fool, why are you so cunning? I have worked hard to create this situation, only to have you ruin it.

Furthermore, you have not received adequate care since childhood. Aside from being allowed to audit classes at a private school, no one has taught you martial arts. As a result, you were often bullied at home, truly powerless to defend yourself.

Although the wandering deity saved his little nephew, he did not do so without ulterior motives. He stated that after wandering for thousands of years, he had come to this place and wished to settle in the mountains, seeking a refuge. He only requested his little nephew, after gaining the approval of their kin, to erect a small temple for him in the mountains. It need not be large, just a few feet would suffice, and there was no need to create a golden statue for him; a wooden frame with a clay figure would be sufficient

However, Li Lin did not appear anxious; he bowed deeply to Li Bian and said, "So it turns out that what you wish to inquire about are these two matters! In fact, even if you had not asked today, I would still provide an explanation to all the elders!"

It was not until this moment that everyone began to consider these two questions. At the beginning, they had focused all their thoughts on the humiliation of Li Lin by Li Cheng, and their desire to eliminate Li Lin. They also felt guilt and regret for the injustice suffered by Li Lin, to the extent that they overlooked these obvious flaws.

Young man, that Lan'er is a good girl. Treat her well. If anyone bullies her again in the future, just let them come to me, the old man. I will definitely give her an explanation!

Yet Li Gui was known for his bravery and martial prowess at home, excelling in both fist and foot techniques, with exceptional swordsmanship. His punches could shatter stones and break tablets. Why then, today, were you able to inflict such severe injuries upon him? This does not add up; I wonder how you would explain it?" Li Bian fixed his gaze firmly on Li Lin's eyes and voiced his doubts.

After speaking, the fourth uncle swayed as he walked out. Once outside, he scolded several household servants, ordering them to get far away and forbidding anyone from approaching the ancestral hall. Only then did he leave the ancestral hall and return to his residence

At this moment, only Uncle San, Li Jing, and Li Bian remained in the ancestral hall, all directing their gaze towards Li Lin

After everyone dispersed, the fourth uncle, who had remained silent the entire time, shook his head and said: "You all can talk; I, as an old man, am now lacking in energy and do not wish to involve myself in so many trivial matters"

At that time, I was only seeking to survive, so I readily agreed. The wandering spirit, seeing my compliance, then struck my little nephew a few times. Originally, my nephew was frozen stiff, but after being struck a few times, his body gradually began to warm up. After that, the wandering spirit disappeared. My little nephew, forcing himself to struggle, crawled back to the village. Upon seeing the village gate, he fainted. When he regained consciousness, he had already been discovered by the steward guarding the gate. The subsequent events are known to everyone. Someone found me and carried my little nephew back to the courtyard, handing him over to Xiao Lan. Later, the wandering spirit vanished, and my little nephew, forcing himself to struggle, crawled back to the village. Upon seeing the village gate, he fainted. When he regained consciousness, he had already been discovered by the steward guarding the gate. The subsequent events are known to everyone. Someone found me and carried my little nephew back to the courtyard, handing him over to Xiao Lan.

Lin Fu stated that he had seen you sink into the river and drift downstream. At that time, you were in a state of intoxication and did not know how to swim. Logically, there should have been no chance for you to survive. Why then did you later crawl out of the river and manage to crawl several miles back here? This matter, in my view, is absolutely incomprehensible

Everyone turned their heads to see a middle-aged man stepping out of the crowd. This man had a pale complexion and three strands of long beard. He was, in fact, Li Bian, the fifth brother of Li Jing. Usually, he kept a low profile within the clan, solely responsible for managing the ancestral hall of the Li family. He would only emerge to preside over the ancestral rituals during the small offerings held every half month, the large offerings held monthly, and the clan rituals held once every six months.

That is best! Then let me ask you! You said that on that day you were pushed into the river by Lin Fu and nearly drowned. The weather that day was extremely cold, and the river had already formed a thin layer of ice, so the water must have been very cold!

However, the doubts raised by Li Bian are indeed issues that he must confront. It can be said that they struck directly at Li Lin's core. If Li Lin cannot provide a reasonable explanation regarding the books today, he may not only lose all his previous efforts but also potentially invite suspicion from his clan members.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Li Lin slightly observed the top of his head. Originally, his head was completely bare, but at this moment, he suddenly noticed wisps of white vapor beginning to gather from the Li family towards him, ultimately condensing at the top of his head, gradually forming a faint white column of gas

However, unexpectedly, Li Bian discovered these two issues from Li Lin's statement. At that moment, everyone felt that this was indeed the case; these two issues were indeed inexplicable. Consequently, all eyes turned to Li Lin, hoping that he could provide them with a reasonable explanation

Li Lin invited three people to sit down, while he stood in front of them and began to speak eloquently

However, I have several questions that must be asked in person. You must answer truthfully, without any deception! Otherwise, I will not allow your name to be recorded in the family genealogy. Think carefully before you speak!" Li Bian walked up to Li Lin, his eyes fixed on Li Lin, and said in a deep voice.

As for his origins, he did not elaborate in detail. He merely stated that he is a manifestation of the spiritual essence of heaven and earth, having existed for thousands of years, unbound by the constraints of the world. He enjoys wandering freely and happened to pass through this place one day, encountering my young nephew who had been harmed by Lin Fu. Seeing that my fate had not yet reached its end, he then extended his assistance

In recent days, it has been Xiao Lan who has been attending to me without respite, and she even sought out Doctor Li to prescribe medicine for my nephew. She administers the medicine to him daily, and it is only through her efforts that my nephew has managed to preserve this fragile life.

Li Lin took a deep breath in secret, adjusted his emotions, stood up, clasped his fists, and respectfully said to Li Bian: "Uncle, please feel free to ask whatever you wish. I assure you, I would never dare to conceal anything, and I will answer truthfully!"

With this mhetushu.com, he no longer needs to worry about insufficient fortune in the future. Whenever he needs it, he can resort to the method of seizing fortune to take the luck of others to satisfy his own needs. As for today, when he took Li Cheng's fortune, he felt not a shred of compassion; this was all due to Li Cheng's own actions, and he has no one to blame but himself.

Li Lin! The grievances you have suffered in the Li family are well understood by us. It is the entire Li family that has wronged you, and as your clan uncle, I should also apologize to you for this matter

Li Bian fixed his gaze on Li Lin's eyes, yet he could not discern any significant change in Li Lin's emotions. It seemed he also realized that there were likely some matters concerning Li Lin that were not suitable for outsiders to know. He then turned to his third uncle and Li Jing and said, "Since Li Lin has stated this, I kindly ask that the clan members be temporarily dismissed, and that Li Cheng and Lin Fu be detained. We shall decide how to handle them after Li Lin provides a reasonable explanation"

Looking at Li Cheng, who was bound nearby, he noticed that the white aura above his head had completely dissipated, leaving only a shroud of black mist swirling around his body. At that moment, Li Lin understood that his fortune had been entirely taken from Li Cheng. Now, Li Cheng's fortune belonged entirely to him, which was why he had regained his life force.

Li Lin watched his fourth uncle leave and thought to himself that this fourth uncle is indeed a clever man. No wonder, during the decline of the Li family in his previous life, it was only this fourth uncle who protected a few members of the Li family, allowing them to escape great calamity. This person is truly not to be underestimated

With this judgment, Li Lin could not help but feel overjoyed. It seems that luck is not something innate in this world; it can be completely seized from others through certain means. Even for those who are inherently low in luck, as long as the right opportunity is grasped, they can entirely change their own fortune by robbing the luck of others.