Chapter 52: The Symbol Master Association and the Ten Thousand Gold Chamber Make Their Move!
Qingtan replied, "It's that Master Yan you met before, and also Chief Steward Su from the Ten Thousand Gold Chamber."
Back in Yan City, Qingtan had met Master Yan and Xuan Su together with Lin Fan.
Lin Fan's eyes flickered slightly, and he smiled. "Let's go meet our distinguished guests."
"Let's take Huo'er," Qingtan said with a smile, patting the back of the beast beneath her.
That's right—she had come riding Huo'er just now.
At present, Huo'er's strength was already comparable to a human at the Initial Yuan Dan stage, and its size exceeded that of an adult Fire Python Tiger.
Ever since Qingtan returned, she had taken to riding Huo'er around frequently for joyrides, which gave Xiao Yan some much-needed rest.
"Heh, alright," Lin Fan chuckled softly, leapt onto Huo'er's back, and casually placed a hand on Qingtan's shoulder.
"Huo'er, let's go!"
With a spirited command from Qingtan, Huo'er let out a low growl and sped off toward the guest hall in the Ironwood Manor.
Before long, they arrived at the entrance. Huo'er stopped automatically without needing instruction.
Lin Fan leapt down from Huo'er's back and smiled. "Wanna come in with me?"
Qingtan shook her head. "Nah, I don't really know them. Sitting there in silence would be boring. I'll go for another ride."
"Heh, suit yourself," Lin Fan laughed and shook his head, then stepped into the hall.
Qingtan, meanwhile, turned Huo'er around and galloped off again.
"Master Yan, Chief Steward Su—what a surprise visit! Your presence truly brings honor to the Lin family!"
Upon entering the hall, Lin Fan greeted Master Yan and Xuan Su with a warm smile. He also gave a respectful nod to Lin Zhentian.
"You're here, Fan'er. Have a seat," Lin Zhentian said, nodding slightly and gesturing to the seat already prepared.
Lin Fan nodded and sat down.
Master Yan chuckled. "We're all old acquaintances now, no need for formalities."
"Little Brother Lin Fan, you left Yan City without a word. If I had known, I would've come with you to Qingyang Town. I had to ask around a lot just to find you," Xuan Su said with a soft laugh, her tone carrying a hint of teasing.
After getting to know Lin Fan better, Xuan Su had started referring to herself as his big sister.
Since she was older—and a great beauty—Lin Fan simply let her have her way.
Lin Fan gave a helpless smile. "It was an emergency at the time. I was worried something had happened at home. As soon as I got word, I rushed back."
"If I hadn't feared you'd think Lin Dong and I had fled without explanation, maybe I wouldn't have even written that letter."
"Of course I trusted you," Xuan Su said with a sweet smile. "When I read your letter and learned the Lin family might face an attack from the Blood-Clothed Gate, I worried about you for days."
"I wanted to send some experts from the Ten Thousand Gold Chamber to help, but unfortunately, the president wasn't around. My influence wasn't enough to make it happen."
In truth, the president of the Ten Thousand Gold Chamber, Xia Wanjin, had rejected Xuan Su's request to aid the Lin family.
As Xia Wanjin put it, during such a critical period for the Immortal Pool contest, it wasn't worth offending the Blood Wolf Gang just to help the minor Lin family.
That's right—Xia Wanjin hadn't cared about the Blood-Clothed Gate at all. What concerned him was the force backing them—the Blood Wolf Gang.
Lin Fan smiled. "Your willingness alone, Chief Steward Su, is already more than enough. I'm deeply grateful."
Master Yan added, "Young friend Lin, I must apologize. By the time I received word, your battle was already over."
"However, regarding the Blood Wolf Gang behind the Blood-Clothed Gate, you need not worry."
"I have personally spoken up for the Lin family. If the Blood Wolf Gang dares to retaliate over the Blood-Clothed Gate incident, it will be considered a challenge to the Symbol Master Association of Yan City!"
Xuan Su followed with a smile. "After our president returned, he came to an agreement with Master Yan and issued a joint warning to the Blood Wolf Gang."
"Your Lin family was only defending itself. The Blood-Clothed Gate brought this upon themselves—no one else is to blame."
Both Master Yan and Xuan Su were now aware that Lin Fan had reached the level of a Third Seal Symbol Master, which made them regard him with even greater respect.
Lin Fan stood up, cupped his fists, and bowed to the two. "Thank you, Master Yan, Chief Steward Su. I will never forget this favor."
This, in fact, had been Lin Fan's true purpose in writing that letter to Xuan Su and Master Yan.
As for the Blood-Clothed Gate, Lin Fan had never intended to seek their help from the start.
Lin Zhentian was overjoyed upon hearing this. He also stood up and offered them a formal thank-you.
Master Yan stroked his beard and smiled. "No need for such politeness from you, Master Lin and young friend Lin. After all, I came with a favor to ask as well."
Lin Fan straightened and said earnestly, "Rest assured, Master Yan. As for the Tower Battle, leave it to me. I won't let you down!"
"Haha, I knew I could count on you," Master Yan laughed heartily, his long beard swaying.
Xuan Su smiled. "Let's not get too formal. The Ten Thousand Gold Chamber merely hopes to build a friendship with the Lin family."
She paused and then added, "By the way, where's Lin Dong? We'll be relying on him in the upcoming Immortal Pool contest."
Lin Fan replied, "After the previous battle, Lin Dong gained some insights. He's currently in seclusion, cultivating. He's at a critical point in advancing to a Second Seal Symbol Master."
"Lin Dong is about to become a Second Seal Symbol Master?" Master Yan was momentarily stunned, then full of praise.
"The Lin family is truly blessed—to have two extraordinary talents appear at once!"
Xuan Su was equally delighted. "That's wonderful news! With Lin Dong advancing, we'll have a huge advantage in the Immortal Pool contest!"
Once Lin Dong broke through to the Second Seal level, the Ten Thousand Gold Chamber would be in an unbeatable position, so Xuan Su was understandably thrilled.
Boom!
Just then, a powerful wave of spiritual energy surged from the depths of Ironwood Manor, spreading in all directions!
Everyone in the hall—Master Yan, Lin Fan, and the rest—immediately sensed it.
"That's Lin Dong's spiritual force!"
Master Yan abruptly stood up, staring into the manor's depths, murmuring to himself.
Though he had expected it, personally sensing Lin Dong's breakthrough still left him shaken.
After all, like Lin Fan, Lin Dong had been a complete novice when they first met. Yet within a year, he had reached such an incredible level!
"Hehe, Little Brother Lin Dong truly is extraordinarily gifted," Xuan Su said with a bright smile.
As Lin Dong's grandfather, Lin Zhentian was nearly bursting with joy.
If Master Yan and Xuan Su hadn't been there, he probably would've rushed to Lin Dong's room already.
Lin Fan smiled and said, "The timing of Lin Dong's breakthrough is perfect. Master Yan, Chief Steward Su, please wait here—I'll go bring him over."
Master Yan, being a lover of talent, laughed and said, "Why don't we go congratulate him together?"
"Well said, Master Yan. I was just thinking the same," Xuan Su chimed in immediately.
Lin Zhentian started to say something polite, but Lin Fan cut in. "In that case, let's all go together."
Master Yan and Xuan Su both nodded in agreement.
Seeing this, Lin Zhentian didn't object and simply followed along.
The group of four soon arrived at Lin Dong's room.
Lin Dong was a bit surprised to see Master Yan and Xuan Su there.
After another round of polite greetings, Lin Fan suddenly remembered something and turned to Master Yan. "Master Yan, I have a favor to ask—if you'd be willing to hear me out."
Master Yan chuckled warmly. "And what might that be, young friend?"
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Frank10