Chapter 26: A Polite Refusal, Beginning Spiritual Power Cultivation!
So it really was him!
Upon hearing the gray-robed old man's words, Lin Fan instantly confirmed the man's identity—he was undoubtedly Master Yan, the only known Four-Seal Rune Master in Yan City.
The moment Master Yan spoke, the entire main hall of the Wonder Treasure Pavilion fell silent.
Nearly everyone looked at Lin Dong with eyes full of envy.
"Rune Master?"
Lin Dong blinked in surprise. Of course, he had some impression of what a Rune Master was.
And judging by how respectfully others treated this elder, he realized the man must be someone extraordinary.
Somewhat uncertain, Lin Dong glanced at Lin Fan.
Lin Fan said calmly, "It's your decision. Whatever you choose, Qingtan and I will support you."
Master Yan looked at this interaction and gave Lin Fan an extra glance, then turned his smiling eyes back on Lin Dong.
Lin Dong had always been wary of strangers—especially those who offered benefits for no reason.
Subconsciously, his fingers touched his palm, where his greatest secret—the stone talisman—was hidden.
"Senior, I'm still too weak. If I split my focus on the rune path, I'm afraid it would hinder my martial cultivation. I hope you'll understand."
After a moment of thought, Lin Dong respectfully declined.
Lin Fan and Qingtan didn't seem too surprised, but the others in the hall stared at Lin Dong like he was insane.
He had just… refused Master Yan?
Master Yan paused for a second, surprised, but then chuckled and praised Lin Dong's qualities. His intent to recruit him as a disciple had been obvious.
Still, his kindness only made Lin Dong more cautious.
Thinking quickly, Lin Dong said, "Senior, would it be alright if I discussed this with my elders first? If I make a decision, I'll come find you."
"This book explains the Rune Master path. When you've made up your mind, find me at the Ten Thousand Gold Chamber," Master Yan said, a bit helpless but not displeased.
He tossed over a rune tablet and a dry-looking manual, both of which Lin Dong caught respectfully.
"Thank you, Senior," Lin Dong said, placing both items into his Qiankun Bag.
"Lin Fan-ge, Qingtan, how about we go somewhere else?" Lin Dong whispered, uncomfortable under all the stares.
"Alright," Lin Fan agreed, bowing slightly to Master Yan before leaving the pavilion with Lin Dong and Qingtan.
Outside, Lin Dong finally let out a breath of relief. "Who was that old man, anyway? Why did he suddenly come looking for me?"
Lin Fan smiled. "No need to worry. They called him Master Yan. He's the strongest known Rune Master in Yan City."
"He must've noticed your incredible spiritual talent and wanted to take you as a disciple. That's all—no other motives."
Lin Dong relaxed a bit. "That's good to hear."
Lin Fan asked, "Want to keep walking around?"
Lin Dong hesitated. "Grandfather and the others should be back soon. If we're late, they might worry."
Qingtan had wanted to keep exploring, but she gave up the idea after hearing that.
Lin Fan smiled. "Alright. Let's head back toward the inn while we look around."
Neither of them objected.
Since they were retracing their steps, and had already seen much of the city, it didn't take long to return.
Not long after they got back, Lin Zhentian and the others returned too.
"Grandfather, how did it go?" Lin Dong asked eagerly.
Lin Zhentian grinned. "Not bad. We exchanged 300 Yang Essence Stones for 32 Yang Essence Pills."
Given current market prices, that was a slight profit, so both Lin Zhentian and Lin Ken were satisfied.
Lin Fan and Lin Dong exchanged glances but didn't seem too thrilled.
I need to think of a way to take over the sale of the stones... Lin Fan mused. With Lin Dong's talisman, they could refine pills themselves and earn much more.
Not long after, Lin Mang returned as well, reporting that their ironwood had been undercut in price.
Lin Zhentian frowned, then waved it off. "Forget it. We'll settle things with the Lei family later. Right now, selling Yang Essence Stones is our top priority."
Lin Ken and Lin Mang nodded in agreement.
After resting for a bit, Lin Zhentian led everyone on the return journey to Tiemu Manor.
Unbeknownst to them, the Lei family had already begun investigating the Lin family's stone sales.
By the time the caravan returned, night had fallen.
After dismissing the guards, Lin Zhentian let everyone go rest.
"Lin Fan-ge, come to my room for a bit," Lin Dong said quietly.
"Alright." Lin Fan knew he was about to share the Shen Dong Chapter, and agreed without hesitation.
Qingtan's eyes lit up, and she followed along to join the fun.
Once in Lin Dong's room, he locked the door and pulled out the dry manual.
"Lin Fan-ge, Qingtan, let's take a look at what this book contains."
"Shen Dong Chapter."
Three characters marked the cover.
As they skimmed through it, they quickly realized it was a manual for cultivating spiritual power.
Though it only contained the first three layers, its value was unquestionable.
Lin Fan and Lin Dong easily understood the content, but Qingtan looked utterly confused.
"Lin Fan-ge, Lin Dong-ge… I don't think I have the talent for spiritual power. I'll skip this one," she said.
Lin Fan and Lin Dong smiled at each other and didn't try to convince her.
Half an hour later, Lin Fan had memorized and fully understood the Shen Dong Chapter.
He stood up, patted Lin Dong's shoulder, and said, "I've got it memorized. I'll head back—don't stay up too late."
[Ding! You touched Lin Dong and obtained: Max-Level Spiritual Power Talent!]
Hearing that delightful system chime, Lin Fan couldn't help but feel excited.
Qingtan also decided to head back to rest, and the two of them left the room together.
After exchanging goodnights, they returned to their rooms.
But Lin Fan didn't go to sleep just yet—he began training his spiritual power.
"Spirit divides Yin and Yang. The movement of spirit marks the beginning of fate…"
As the cryptic chant echoed in his heart, Lin Fan's mind began to focus deeply.
After fifteen minutes, his consciousness wavered.
Wisps of spiritual power seeped from his mind and slowly spread in every direction!
To his surprise, even with his eyes shut, he could now "see" almost everything happening inside Tiemu Manor.
He saw Lin Dong cultivating spiritual power…
He saw Qingtan lying in bed, still awake…
He saw his grandfather, Lin Zhentian, quietly refining Yuan Power…
Then suddenly—
Lin Fan's spiritual sense collided with an invisible ripple of force.
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