Chapter 20: The Lei Family Moves, Swift Action!
Not long after, Lin Xiao led Lin Fan and Lin Dong into the Lin family's inner court to meet with Lin Zhentian.
Without hesitation, Lin Xiao relayed Lin Fan's suspicions about the Lei family.
Upon hearing it, Lin Zhentian was filled with a mix of shock and fury. "Those damn bastards from the Lei family!"
"I'd say there's an eighty to ninety percent chance they're doing exactly what Lin Fan guessed. How did we not think of this sooner? A few grown men outwitted by a child..."
Lin Fan spoke calmly, "I just speculated based on the Lei family's character—it may not be entirely accurate."
He had actually hesitated for quite some time before voicing his theory. He had chosen to speak up only after the Lei family had stalled for a while.
Part of the reason was that he didn't want too many people realizing his uncanny ability to predict future events.
Another reason was his concern: if the ironwood hadn't yet been destroyed, would the Yang Essence Stone mine still be discovered?
Compared to the potential of a Yang Essence mine, the loss of some ironwood was trivial.
Lin Zhentian took a deep breath. "True or not, we can't afford to wait any longer. Lin Xiao, go find your elder brother. The two of you will lead our people and forcibly take control of Tiemu Manor!"
"Yes!" Lin Xiao responded immediately and turned to fetch Lin Ken.
Lin Fan and Lin Dong also asked to join the mission.
When Lin Zhentian learned that Lin Dong had already reached mid Earth Origin Stage, and that Lin Fan had broken through to the Heaven Origin Stage, he was overjoyed and immediately agreed.
Soon after, Lin Ken and Lin Xiao led several dozen of the Lin family's finest men, charging out on horseback toward Tiemu Manor.
Lin Fan and Lin Dong rode atop Xiao Yan, who was even faster than the finest steeds.
When the group arrived at the manor, they found the gates tightly shut.
Lin Ken narrowed his eyes. "The gates are shut tight... this won't be easy."
Lin Xiao nodded slightly and signaled for the troops to prepare for battle.
In an instant, the Lin family's men drew their weapons with sharp metallic clangs, the air heavy with tension.
Lin Dong clenched his fists at the sight, a bit nervous.
Lin Fan laughed softly. "Relax. We arrived without warning—there's no way the Lei family managed to bring all their elites. Even if we fight, we'll win."
"Qin Ying, take two men and cover Lin Fan and Lin Dong," Lin Xiao ordered. Then, cracking his whip, he led the charge toward the manor gates.
Although Lin Fan and Lin Dong were strong, Lin Xiao still worried about their lack of real battle experience. He assigned extra protection just in case.
While it wasn't necessary, Lin Fan didn't reject the kindness.
"Stop right there! This is Lei family property—outsiders are not allowed inside!"
A voice barked down from the tall perimeter wall as countless cold flashes—weapon tips—appeared above. A Lei family captain stared coldly at them.
"Bring out whoever's in charge. The Lin family is here today to take control of Tiemu Manor!"
Lin Xiao's voice thundered like a drum across the compound.
As his words fell, two figures suddenly appeared atop the wall, followed by a mocking voice:
"Hehe, Lin Xiao, if you want to take over Tiemu Manor, go through the official channels and file the paperwork. No documents—no entry."
"Lei Nuo, Lei Ying!"
Lin Ken and Lin Xiao both frowned. These two were Lei family experts—Heaven Origin cultivators.
A heated argument broke out at the gate.
"Lin Fan-ge... don't you feel something's off?" Lin Dong whispered suddenly.
Lin Fan nodded. "Think they're stalling for time?"
"Most likely," Lin Dong said, more convinced now that Lin Fan agreed.
They quickly proposed to Qin Ying that they sneak into the manor to investigate.
Qin Ying hesitated at first, but after considering their strength, he agreed and took two men along to escort them.
Five people and one tiger quickly darted into the surrounding forest.
Soon, they successfully snuck into Tiemu Manor.
Everything inside seemed quiet.
"We should go directly to the ironwood grove," Lin Fan suggested, eyes narrowing.
The others quickly agreed.
Moments later, they arrived at the plantation.
What greeted them was a half-empty clearing—most of the ironwood trees were gone!
Only jagged black stumps remained, littered with chaotic axe and blade marks, showing signs of a rushed, violent harvest.
Worse still, several Lei family servants were frantically pouring pungent, foul-smelling liquid over the soil—clearly trying to destroy the unique land needed to grow ironwood.
When Lin Dong, Qin Ying, and the others saw this, their faces turned stone cold.
"Those damn bastards!" Qin Ying growled, teeth clenched.
Lin Fan, however, remained composed. "Uncle Qin, send the signal. Let my uncles know what's happening."
Qin Ying hesitated. "If we send a signal, we'll be discovered. Shouldn't we retreat first?"
He still viewed Lin Fan and Lin Dong as elite talents without battle experience. If something happened to them, the consequences would be dire.
Lin Fan shook his head. "Just a few Earth Origin goons. We can take them."
"Lin Fan-ge is right," Lin Dong agreed. "Uncle Qin, we're not the type to sit back and watch them destroy everything."
Qin Ying saw their resolve, gritted his teeth, and fired the signal.
Who's there?!
The flare lit up the sky, instantly drawing attention. A fierce-looking man among the Lei guards turned with murderous eyes.
"I'll take the two Earth Origin cultivators. Lin Dong, Uncle Qin—you and the others handle the rest!"
Lin Fan gave quick orders, then leapt off Xiao Yan's back and dashed toward the leader.
"Uncle Qin, let's go help!" Lin Dong called out, giving Xiao Yan a pat.
Roar!
Xiao Yan's deep growl echoed across the manor, shaking the Lei guards into a moment of disarray.
Seeing Lin Fan and Lin Dong charge first, Qin Ying no longer hesitated and rushed into battle with his men.
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