As Xavier Liu spoke these words,
Patriarch Rowe's face darkened, his expression growing uglier with every word.
A proud Ancient Martial Clan had its gates smashed open by force.
And the one who stormed in and out was just a youth.
No matter how you spin it, that's a permanent stain on anyone's reputation.
Even though the entire Ancient Martial Rowe clan has already accepted this reality and admitted Evan Lin's strength, being singled out like this is still hard to swallow.
"Patriarch Rowe, I've heard people mention this as well," Douglas Jiang nodded slightly. "But I never really believed it."
"There are way too many rumors out there—some true, some false. We don't really have the energy to sort them all out one by one."
"So I'd like to hear the truth from you, Patriarch Rowe."
Douglas Jiang's voice came slow and steady, heavy with meaning.
Everyone's gaze turned to Patriarch Rowe.
In their eyes, there was both inquiry and mockery—especially about Evan Lin.
A mix of emotions, none the same. Xavier Liu's gaze was especially sharp.
"About this..." The topic clearly touched on the former Ma Patriarch.
Patriarch Rowe took a deep breath. "It's true—Evan Lin really did smash open our gates."
As soon as he said it,
Xavier Liu and Douglas Jiang exchanged glances.
They had expected Patriarch Rowe to deny it, maybe even refuse to admit it. If Master Lin from Seacrest were here, the mood would be very different.
No one thought he'd admit it so straightforwardly—especially about Evan Lin.
"The Ancient Martial Rowe clan may no longer have a Pointing-to-Mystery expert holding the fort, but for a dignified Ancient Martial Clan to have its gates smashed open by a youth—such a disgraceful thing happening to your Rowe clan, just from this alone, you've blackened the name of all Ancient Martial Clans!" Xavier Liu's tone was icy.
The others chimed in one after another.
Their real goal was just to make the Rowe clan drop out of the fight for the heavy treasure.
"If he really dares to show up, it's nothing but a slap from me."
Seeing Patriarch Rowe stay silent, Liu Xiangru sneered, waving his sleeve. "Since you're not willing to give up your chance, we won't say more."
"But with your Rowe clan's current strength, honestly, it's better not to fight. In the end, you'll just embarrass yourself."
After Liu Xiangru finished, Patriarch Rowe clenched his fists below, not letting go for a long time.
But there was nothing he could do.
The other guy was already a Heavenly Phenomenon expert.
And he himself was only at peak first-grade Pointing-to-Mystery.
It looked like just a single step apart, but the gap in strength was massive.
But,
An Ancient Martial Clan is a big deal; no one dares to say for sure if the Ma clan was really wiped out.
So,
Everyone present talked more about the old Ma Patriarch, never mentioning the rest of the Ma clan.
The brief conversation ended.
Patriarch Rowe was the first to stand up and leave.
The others watched his back, their eyes filled mostly with mockery.
No strength means no right to speak!
That's the root of everything.
"Liu Xiangru! Do you really have to push so hard?"
Facing Heavenly Phenomenon, he was basically just a small fry anyone could bully.
Patriarch Rowe returned to his room, Lin Yi's name kept popping into his mind.
"If he went to your Liu family, I bet Liu Xiangru wouldn't be smiling now!"
Patriarch Rowe said bitterly.
But... has Master Lin from Seacrest really reached Heavenly Phenomenon?
Even Patriarch Rowe wasn't sure.
He stayed in his room for a while, restless, so he got up and went to Lily Liang's door.
"No matter what, I have to get her to invite Master Lin from Seacrest."
Patriarch Rowe made up his mind—he didn't even have the guts to call Lin Yi himself.
Just as he was about to knock,
The door opened.
Patriarch Rowe froze, seeing Lily Liang standing in the doorway.
"Patriarch, Master Lin from Seacrest has been waiting for you a long time."
Lily Liang spoke softly. As soon as she said it, Patriarch Rowe was stunned, then his face lit up with excitement, practically trembling with joy.
"Master Lin from Seacrest!"
"Master Lin from Seacrest is here?"
He strode inside and saw Evan Lin sitting on the sofa, watching TV like he owned the place.
"Master Lin from Seacrest!"
Patriarch Rowe's face was full of joy, and he couldn't help blurting out, his voice trembling a little.
His excitement practically overflowed.
Just moments ago, he'd been bullied by Xavier Liu and the others.
Now, he'd finally found his mountain—his backing!
How could he not be thrilled?
"Long time no see, Patriarch Rowe."
Evan Lin glanced at him, sounding lazy and relaxed, even yawning—a casual king among mortals.