Chapter 130: The Decline of the Dragon Family

Cheng Yi’s expression of terror was laced with deep disbelief. Although he had realized his situation was dire the moment Chen Zhong addressed Lin Xiaobao, he never imagined he would be expelled from the sect.

While Chen Zhong held only the rank of Elder at the Xuanyang Palace, everyone knew his word carried more weight than even that of the Great Elder.

Only Wen Hongcai felt a surge of secret joy. Seeing Chen Zhong’s attitude, he knew he had placed his bet correctly; the potential rewards were likely beyond his wildest imagination.

Observing Cheng Yi’s reaction, Lin Xiaobao felt Chen Zhong’s punishment was perhaps too severe, and he felt a twinge of guilt. "Big Brother, this cannot be blamed on Deacon Cheng. Although I mentioned our relationship, given my status, others would not necessarily have believed me. Deacon Cheng was merely acting in the interests of the Xuanyang Palace. I ask that you please show mercy."

Chen Zhong raised a hand, signaling Lin Xiaobao to stop. He walked over to Qin Feng and produced a jade vial. "Master Qin, please examine this pill for me."

Qin Feng was puzzled as to why Chen Zhong would ask for an appraisal at such a moment, but he took the vial nonetheless. The instant he touched it, a sinister, icy energy rushed through his body. His heart tightened, and he immediately circulated his spiritual power to suppress the chill before carefully removing the jade stopper.

A ghostly cyan light emanated from the vial. Qin Feng’s face changed dramatically, and he quickly sealed it again. "Is this a Yin Pill?"

Seeing Chen Zhong nod, a look of profound confusion crossed Qin Feng’s eyes. "And of such high grade! In the entire Longxiang Continent, I suspect only the Pill King, Master Long—Elder Long—could refine a Yin Pill of this caliber. Yet, to my knowledge, Elder Long’s nature would never permit him to refine such a pill for others, especially with his heavenly tribulation imminent. Even if he were to attempt it, he would not refine it to this degree."

Long Xinghe was arguably the foremost alchemist of the contemporary Longxiang Continent. Few knew he had once hailed from the Dan Dao Hall, having left after a falling out with its master. This was why Qin Feng had initially wanted to address him as "Uncle Master Long" before settling for "Elder Long."

"Indeed," Chen Zhong said gravely. "Everyone knows that refining Yin Pills offends the heavens. The higher the grade of the pill, the more powerful one’s own tribulation becomes. For years, I have traveled to every corner of the Longxiang Continent searching for the materials for this pill. I believe those present are aware of this."

"But by the time I had gathered the materials, there was no time left to seek out the Pill King. It was this brother of mine who refined this Yin Pill for me." Chen Zhong looked at Lin Xiaobao, his expression filled with gratitude. "Therefore, from this moment on, I announce to the world: Lin Xiaobao is my brother. Whoever stands against him stands against me, Chen Zhong!"

The story of Chen Zhong scouring the world for materials to refine a Yin Pill for his wife was common knowledge within the Xuan Sect. Everyone admired his devotion, and with this explanation, they understood why he was so fiercely protective of Lin Xiaobao.

Yet, could this Yin Pill truly have been refined by Lin Xiaobao? Hadn't Qin Feng just said that only the Pill King could produce such a grade? Did this young man possess alchemical skills equal to the Pill King himself?

Even Qin Feng’s gaze toward Lin Xiaobao began to shift. He suddenly felt that losing to Lin Xiaobao was not a disgrace; in fact, serving as his medicine boy for three years might not be such a bad thing after all.

"Xinran, come, let me introduce you. This is the brother I have often told you about, the one who refined the Yin Pill for me—Lin Xiaobao." Chen Zhong introduced him to his wife.

"Xiaobao, this is your sister-in-law, He Xinran." When introducing his wife, Chen Zhong’s eyes were filled with infinite tenderness.

"Greetings, Sister-in-law!" Lin Xiaobao bowed to He Xinran.

"I truly owe you my thanks, Xiaobao, for refining such a high-quality Yin Pill for me. From today on, whoever troubles you will have to answer not just to your Big Brother, but to me as well!" He Xinran was equally grateful.

"By the way, where is your companion?" Chen Zhong asked, noticing the absence of Si Mengling.

Lin Xiaobao had already explained his relationship with Si Mengling to Chen Zhong, but the stubborn man had refused to believe him. Given the current circumstances, however, Chen Zhong’s misunderstanding was actually a stroke of luck. Lin Xiaobao gestured toward where Si Mengling was standing.

Chen Zhong turned to see Si Mengling and Long Xiuping in their vibrant red wedding attire, which he found an eyesore. "What is the meaning of this, Long family? You dare to snatch my brother’s woman?"

From the moment Chen Zhong declared his connection to Lin Xiaobao, Long Zhentian had been filled with resentment toward his accursed son. He had never approved of Long Xiuping marrying Si Mengling, but he had succumbed to his son’s relentless pestering. Out of indulgence, Long Zhentian had relented, never dreaming it would lead to such a catastrophe.

Facing Chen Zhong’s interrogation, Long Zhentian hurriedly apologized. "Senior Chen, please do not be angry. The Long family was truly unaware of the circumstances. I offer my apologies to Young Hero Lin at once!"

At this point, Long Zhentian had forgotten all about the Long family’s dignity; he knew only that he could not allow Chen Zhong’s wrath to fall upon them, or it would mean total annihilation.

"No need! From this day forward, the Long family is not permitted to remain within the borders of the Xuesheng Empire!" Chen Zhong paused before adding, "The Long family’s assets shall be seized by the Yun family."

As Chen Zhong’s voice fell, the faces of the Long family turned deathly pale, while the members of the Yun family were overjoyed. By absorbing the Long family’s assets, the Yun family would undoubtedly become the foremost power in Xuefeng City. Everyone present realized that the era of the four great families coexisting in Xuefeng City was at an end.

Long Zhentian opened his mouth several times, but finding no words, he swallowed his pride and led his family away. Remaining here would only invite further humiliation.

"It is settled then!" Chen Zhong glanced at Si Mengling. "Sister-in-law, go and change your attire. I intend to drink heavily with Brother Lin!"

"Wait!" Lin Xiaobao interjected. "Drinking with you, Big Brother, is a must. However, there are a few matters I must settle first."

"Oh? What else does my brother need to attend to?" Chen Zhong’s expression grew serious, for he noticed that even after the Long family’s departure, a murderous aura still emanated from Lin Xiaobao. Could there be others here who had offended him?

"I have a few people to kill, and then I shall join you for a drink." Lin Xiaobao turned and pointed at three individuals. "I said that I would settle the account for the harm done to my master—and I always keep my word!"