Chapter 3, Master Mu Tian (1)

Lin Tianshu possesses formidable martial arts skills and is notorious for his ruthless nature. Over the years, countless masters have fallen at his hands. Lin Tianshu's ranking on the "Hero Wall" of the Golden Hall has now risen to third place. His momentum is so fierce that it draws attention.

Soon, three people arrived. Qin Jin asked Lin Yi to wait outside and not to leave. Lin Yi waited outside the house, feeling very anxious. Although he did not know what exactly had happened, he understood that this matter was certainly serious and most likely a disaster

Qin Jin hurriedly asked Lin Yi to call his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson over

Qin Jin then relaxed his angry expression and nodded in satisfaction

... ...

Lin Hong'e asked, "Father, do you now know where Uncle San is?"

In the past, the Southern Courtyard, Northern Government, and Floating Island were collectively known as the "Three Pillars of the Jianghu." Now, the Northern Government has been replaced by the "Mutiang Sect." The esteemed reputation of "Southern Courtyard, Northern Government, Floating Island" has now transformed into "Southern Courtyard, Mutiang, Floating Island"

Furthermore, why did the descendants of Linghu specify the exact date of revenge in their letter? Why did they not launch a surprise attack on the Northern Court? This does not conform to reason

Even though Qin Jin harbored deep-seated grievances against Lin Tianshu, he nonetheless invited him to assist in protecting the residence. Qin Jin stood at the entrance with his entire family and the household staff to await his arrival

A few days later, Lin Tianshu personally led around thirty skilled experts to arrive

How could this not cause Qin Jin to feel a sense of frustration in his heart

Both his father and wife were dissatisfied with him, and Qin Gumei fell silent. This wife truly left him at a loss for words. The image of another woman floated into Qin Gumei's mind... That woman liked purple and always wore purple clothes

Is this true? Is it false?

Inside the room, Qin Gumei saw her father with a gloomy expression and hurriedly asked, "Father, what happened?"

The "Snow-Dispelling Sword" is unexpectedly not in the Northern Manor! Lin Hong'ao and her son are greatly astonished. Qin Gumei also seems to have come back to her senses from the sweet memories of the woman in purple.

Lin Hong'e and Wen Dingfang appeared anxious. In contrast, Qin Gumei seemed calm and composed

However, concerning the survival of the Northern Court and the lives of the entire family, it is better to believe that it exists!

Qin Jin seemed to come to his senses again, picking up the letter from the ground and reading it several times. The bloody scent of the handwriting seemed to grow stronger, and the aura of killing seemed to intensify! Qin Jin felt even more alarmed.

Lin Yi was frightened when he saw the elder so angry for the first time, and quickly said: "Elder, it is my lack of understanding. Please do not be angry, I will definitely act according to your words at that time."

Qin Jin said: "Your great-grandfather left the residence with a sword for a reason. I will explain this matter in detail later. The urgent task at hand is to find a way for the Qin family to overcome this crisis"

Qin Jin informed Lin Yi that the Qin family had established a formidable enemy many years ago, who is extremely fearsome and powerful. Now, this enemy seeks to take revenge on the Beifu. He urged Lin Yi to remain vigilant and advised against leaving the residence alone. If the Beifu comes under attack, he should immediately take his family and hide.

However, the Northern Court is now facing a life-and-death crisis, and apart from seeking help from Lin Tianshu, there truly seems to be no better solution.

Lin Hong'e glared at her son for his loss of composure and said, "Listen carefully to what your grandfather has to say"

Qin Jin said: "This time Hong Ao is right, it is better to believe in its existence. I have called you here to discuss how to help my Northern Court overcome this calamity"

Without further ado, after Lin Hong'ao obtained her father-in-law's consent, she immediately wrote a letter to her brother and dispatched a skilled courier from the residence to hasten the delivery to the headquarters of the "Mu Tian Jiao".

The Snow-Removing Sword is not in the Northern Mansion

All three turned their gaze towards Qin Jin, and Qin Dingfang appeared somewhat anxious

I do not know either. When your third uncle left, he asked me to properly train Ding Fang in the future. Once Ding Fang masters the 'Qianmei Sword Technique', he will return the sword to the manor. Qin Jin added, "Do not think it is that simple. Even if the Xiaoxue Sword is present, commanding the eighteen heroes to protect the manor may not necessarily be a blessing for our Qin family. There are many who covet the 'Xiaoxue Sword'.

There was another matter that made Qin Jin feel embarrassed, akin to having a fishbone lodged in his throat. Although the Qin family had fallen into decline, many loyal individuals and their families had not left, and maintaining the daily expenses of the Northern Residence was still a significant financial burden. Qin Jin found himself in a difficult situation, struggling to make ends meet. Lin Tianshu had only one younger sister, whom he cherished deeply; how could he allow her and his nephew to suffer? Therefore, Lin Tianshu often provided his sister with substantial amounts of money and goods. Lin Hong'ao used this money to cover the expenses of the Northern Residence. As a result, Lin Hong'ao held a strong position in the Northern Residence. Apart from Qin Jin, she had the final say in the household.

Lin Tianshu can be said to have arrived at today by stepping on countless bones

Speaking of the brother-in-law, Lin Tianshu, the leader of the Mutiandao. A complex and indescribable emotion arose in Qin Jin's heart

Seeing the old man in such a daze, Lin Yi was truly curious about what was written in the letter, but he did not dare to pick it up to read. He asked with concern, "Sir, are you alright?"

More than a decade ago, Lin Tianshu founded the "Mutiangiao" (Cult of Pastoral Heaven). In the initial years, "Mutiangiao" was merely an obscure sect in the martial world. However, to the surprise of many, this small sect has, under the guise of acting on behalf of heaven, continuously encroached upon and provoked conflicts, expanding its influence over the years. It has now become the largest sect in the northern region. Qin Jin is also aware that Lin Tianshu, currently, is cautious of the Southern Court and does not dare to meddle in the Southern Territory, while the influence of "Mutiangiao" has begun to extend its reach towards the eastern and western territories. The extent of their ambition is evident.

Qin Dingfang's emotions seemed to be somewhat out of control. He suddenly stood up from his chair, his expression agitated and questioning as he said to Qin Jin: "Grandfather, how could you allow Third Uncle to take the 'Xiaoxue Sword' away! This sword should have been passed down to me, kept for me! Why did Third Uncle take the 'Xiaoxue Sword' away?"

Lin Yi understood why the elder was so shocked that he dropped the letter. Although Lin Yi was young, his determination to serve the Qin family would not waver. He would not shrink back in the face of formidable enemies approaching.

You only know how to hide!" Lin Hong'ao interrupted her husband's words in anger, saying: "If we evade our enemies, what face will we have to stand in the martial world in the future? Moreover, can we hide for a lifetime after escaping for a moment?"

Qin Gumei suggested, "Father, why don't we avoid the sharp edge for a while, and wait..."

Lin Yi, with a stern expression, said to Qin Jin: "My lord, when the time comes, hide your family well. I will not hide. I vow to fight alongside the masters of the mansion and to defend the Northern Mansion and the Qin family with my life!"

Qin Jin also cast an unhappy glance at Qin Gu Mei

Qin Jin said: "One year after your second grandfather passed away, your third grandfather took the 'Xiaoxue Sword' and left the Northern Manor"

However, he cannot allow Lin Yi to take risks

Lin Hong'e also said: "Father, Ding Fang is right!"

Father, I believe it may not be true. If they truly wanted to take revenge on us, how could they possibly specify the date, allowing us to prepare for it? Therefore, there is no need for you to worry.

Qin Dingfang hurriedly said: "Grandfather, there is only one way now. Take out the Snow-Dispelling Sword and summon the eighteen heroes to protect the manor! We will capture all the enemies in one fell swoop"

Lin Hong'e angrily said to her husband: "You are truly foolish beyond measure, this concerns the lives of hundreds of people in my Northern Residence! It is better to believe it exists!"

If it is said that the money of the Lin family is stained with blood, the Qin family also relies on this blood-stained money for their sustenance

Qin Jin took out the letter received today and placed it on the table

Lin Hong'e glanced at her husband and then said to Qin Jin: "Father, at this point, I can only ask my brother for help. You need not speak; I will ask him myself. He will not stand by and watch as my sister's son is killed by the descendants of Linghu."

The three individuals took turns reading the letter

Qin Gumei angrily said: "If you have the ability, then come up with a good solution for Father! All you do is talk sarcastically all day!"

Grandfather, what on earth is going on?! Where is the Snow-Melting Sword now?!

This time he can no longer burn the letter and pretend that nothing has happened. He must inform his family and devise a strategy together

"Nonsense!" Qin Jin feigned anger and said: "You are inexperienced in martial arts and still young; you must not act recklessly! Dealing with external enemies is the responsibility of us adults. When the time comes, you will act according to my instructions. If you dare to disobey, I will expel your entire family from the Northern Residence!"

Qin Jin informed them of the events that transpired. The three were all very shocked, as they had not expected the descendants of Linghu to have intimidated the Qin family for so many years. Moreover, Qin Jin kept it a secret, demonstrating remarkable composure.

For the sake of the Qin family, for the hundreds of lives in the Northern Mansion, Qin Jin ultimately agreed to his daughter-in-law's request for help from Lin Tianshu, a person he despised. Even if he had to endure humiliation, he would hold on until the day his grandson mastered "Qianmei" and revitalized the Northern Mansion. By then, even if he were to die, he could do so with his eyes closed.

On Meilin Road, Lin Tianshu rode a chestnut-colored steed, leading the way. Behind him were thirty elite members of the "Mutiangiao" galloping and shouting. The sound of hooves echoed on the bluestone path, startling the birds in the forest to take flight in all directions

Qin and Jin showed a difficult expression upon hearing this; at this point, they could only reveal the truth.

The "Snow-Melting Sword" is no longer in the Northern Mansion, and Qin Guang is also missing, which has left Lin Hong'e and her son feeling exceptionally disappointed

After the three left, Qin Jin called Lin Yi, who had been waiting outside, to come in. Although they could not acknowledge each other, Lin Yi was, after all, a member of the Qin family by blood. Qin Jin needed to make this "grandson" aware of the dangers that the Qin family was currently facing

Qin Dingfang, aware of his own loss of composure, then sat back down in his chair

Although Lin Yi is young, he possesses the loyalty of a steadfast leader in times of crisis and the heroic spirit of one who generously faces danger, which truly brings great comfort to Qin and Jin. This is indeed worthy of being a descendant of the "Qin family"! Moreover, there is also the extraordinary ambition of his second brother, Lin Tang, from years past