"Don't worry about what he needs. Just trust me: the Lin Beixun you fought today wasn't showing his true strength at all."
Yvette Ye laughed it off, clearly unwilling to continue the topic.
She knew a bit about the Upper-Grade Lin Clan, but had no intention of sharing it now.
Meanwhile, Night Spring and the others had already walked over.
Night Winter looked especially odd. Staring at Lin Yi, who was completely unharmed, he felt something deeper than mere shock.
The Four Seasons Grand Array was broken with ease, and even Lin Beixun had bowed his head before him.
This Master Lin from Seacrest was simply unfathomable.
"Sigh, thank you for holding back this time."
Night Summer let out a sigh and thanked him first. If Lin Yi hadn't held back, Nightstar's Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter would all be gravely injured or near death.
"There wasn't much real hatred between us, so there's no need to thank me. But your Nightstar people—when you're out in the world, keep your eyes open a little wider."
Lin Yi's words made Night Spring and the others give a wry smile.
They had no choice.
Earlier, they'd come hoping to help Nightstar regain face after Lin Yi trounced them, but now they'd lost even more face—all of them ended up losing here.
At least Master Lin from Seacrest had earned their respect. And although Nightstar's people were proud, they weren't sore losers. They said nothing more, and never brought up past grudges again.
Bringing it up would only embarrass themselves.
"Master Lin from Seacrest, I've heard your name for a long time."
On the other side, Grandpa Ju returned with a large group of Ju family members.
His voice was loud as he entered the Ju ancestral hall again, but seeing the courtyard utterly ruined, his heart was filled with helplessness and regret.
To say he didn't regret it would be impossible.
If only Grandpa Ju had stepped up earlier to help Allen Ju find Nightstar—even if it meant swallowing his pride and smoothing things over—everything would have been resolved.
But now, Master Lin from Seacrest and Lin Beixun of the Upper-Grade Lin Clan were locked in a conflict that couldn't be resolved, and the Ju family was awkwardly stuck in the middle.
"Grandpa."
Allen Ju looked at Grandpa Ju and softly called out, but showed no sign of stepping forward.
"Do you remember what I said before?"
Lin Yi looked toward Grandpa Ju, his tone calm and commanding: "Either let Allen Ju become a candidate for third-generation Ju family head—the actual succession depends on his own wishes.
Or, you become my enemy."
Lin Yi spoke without changing his gaze, his eyes on Grandpa Ju completely steady.
"Talking like that is just too arrogant."
The Ju family steward stepped forward, snorted coldly, inner qi surging as a qi shadow instantly formed behind him.
As soon as the shadow appeared, the pressure around them spiked, massive qi radiating from the steward's body.
His expression was grim, eyes locked on Lin Yi without blinking.
Selina Wu and the others all changed expression, none of them expected the Ju family steward to suddenly make a move.
"You think that after fighting Lin Beixun, I've spent a lot of energy, so you're planning to test me now?"
Lin Yi's gaze was calm as he looked at the Ju family steward. His words made the steward fall silent.
That was exactly his plan. Just now, Lin Yi's battle with Lin Beixun was intimidating; if it were Master Lin from Seacrest at his peak, the steward would never have dared challenge him.
But right now, maybe it was worth a try.
After all, Lin Yi's words threatened the entire Ju family. As steward, it was his duty to protect the clan.
"You're overthinking things."
Lin Yi blew gently at the qi shadow above the steward's head. His breath became a streak of white light, flashing across and vanishing instantly.
The streak moved like lightning, hitting the shadow. Everyone heard a crisp sound, like wind rustling branches; the once mighty shadow collapsed and disappeared in an instant.
The steward's face twitched, his body stiff, staring at the young man before him with a look of shock.
The qi shadow wasn't strong, but it shouldn't have been dispersed so easily. Master Lin from Seacrest's breath moved so fast that even the steward couldn't understand what had just happened.
Grandpa Ju's heart trembled, and the rest of the Ju family dared not make a sound.
It was simply monstrous.
This Master Lin from Seacrest's methods were extraordinary—his strength was truly unfathomable.
"If you try that again, I'll kill you right here."
Lin Yi looked at the steward, his tone flat.
The words hit the steward like thunder, his face going pale as crushing pressure surged toward him. He retreated five steps before he could steady himself.
Everyone around was stunned by the scene.
"I can't give you an answer today."
Grandpa Ju took a deep breath, looking at Lin Yi, and spoke in a serious tone: "Right now, you've made an enemy of the Upper-Grade Lin Clan. If I agree to your request, I'd be putting the whole Ju family against them."
Allen's a sensible kid, and I think he can understand my choice. After all, in front of the Upper-Grade Lin Clan, the Ju family can't resist at all."
"Even if I agree with you, in a short time the Upper-Grade Lin Clan's fury will come down on us. The Ju family would be wiped out, and Allen Ju becoming the successor would mean nothing."
Grandpa Ju was speaking the truth.
Allen Ju was about to say something.
But Lin Yi shook his head: "That's not my concern."
As soon as he finished, Yvette Ye stepped forward. She looked at Grandpa Ju and said, "The Upper-Grade Lin Clan won't do anything to your Ju family."
"I can guarantee that."
Yvette Ye's voice was cool and clear, and this time she was firmly on Lin Yi's side.
"Who are you, and what gives you the right to guarantee that?"
Grandpa Ju glanced at Yvette Ye, frowning, his tone unconsciously cold.
The Upper-Grade Lin Clan's fury wasn't something just anyone could withstand.
"I'm from Moonshade."
Yvette Ye spoke again, and this time Grandpa Ju's expression changed completely.
Moonshade's people were always mysterious, and few had ever seen them. Grandpa Ju couldn't recognize Yvette Ye's identity.
"Moonshade..."
Grandpa Ju muttered, about to speak.
But just then, Yvette Ye pointed at Lin Yi beside her.
"He's also from Moonshade."