The Invincible Strongest Student

The crowd, having only just stood up, placed their precious behinds back onto the simple high stools. Though uncomfortable, they had no choice but to endure it.

What exactly was Lin Tian doing with Spirit Gathering Town in the courtyard? Everyone naturally wanted to know, but it wasn’t polite to ask, considering it was Lin Tian’s personal affair. Moreover, such matters were somewhat taboo among ancient artifact-owning families.

However, since Lin Tian himself brought this up, it was a different matter altogether.

"Elder Lin Tian, setting up such a large formation with such effort and expending so much Spiritual Qi, clearly this isn’t a trivial matter?"

"Haha, it seems there’s something good again."

The gaze everyone directed at Lin Tian softened considerably. Although they knew Lin Tian would likely overcharge them, it couldn’t be helped. As long as what he offered was valuable, so be it.

Under the gaze of everyone, Lin Tian said, "Actually it’s not anything special, just a Breathing Skill, abandoning the old method of refining Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi into Inner Strength and directly absorbing Spiritual Qi into the Sea of Qi."

"What?! Is that true?"

"It can’t be like the Spiritual Qi of the Xu Family, which seems to have no effect?"

"To think there’s such a thing, it’s really unheard of. When did Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi become directly absorbable by the body? Wouldn’t that create chaos?!"

In an instant, everyone started to boil over, engaging in heated discussions. This was the first time they had heard of such a thing, leading to skepticism given how mysterious it sounded. After all, Inner Strength has been an enduring practice passed down through ages, backed by generations of experimentation.

Now to suddenly change that, who could accept it?

"It’s understandable for you all to doubt. I can also provide you with this method, whether you use it is up to you." Lin Tian chuckled and said, "Oh, by the way, I should mention that Martial Sect’s Wu Hong became my disciple precisely because of this."

Anyone could scoff at the first half of Lin Tian’s words, but the second half demanded attention. Who didn’t know about Martial Sect and that old explosive-tempered Wu Hong, with his pride sky-high, wishing he could walk with his nostrils raised? That proud old man would be willing to take a young novice as his master solely because of this Qi Cultivation Skill—it was truly astonishing.

"Elder Lin Tian, this Qi Cultivation Skill, you won’t just hand it over easily, right?" someone voiced out. After all, a free giveaway wouldn’t align with Lin Tian’s character.

"Of course." Lin Tian nodded and said, "However, what I want isn’t elixirs or herbs, nor materials. What I want is simply for everyone to adhere to a previous agreement."

"Uh... Elder Lin Tian, how do you mean? Elixirs promised in the past were all delivered to you. Has anyone defaulted on that?" The questioner glanced around but found no anomalies.

Lin Tian waved his hand dismissively and said, "I’m referring to the Wang Family!"

Family affairs are known best by their own people. They were crystal clear about what they did in secret. Upon hearing ’Wang Family,’ their hearts skipped a beat—not visibly, but internally guilty.

After the words fell, Lin Tian’s gaze turned playful, laughing self-mockingly, "When I initially provided you the Longevity Elixir, I said all recipes and elixirs must not be traded with the Wang Family, not even a single one! Should there be any such transaction, dealings with all families would be canceled."

"Back then, how did you all agree with me? It’s still vivid now! The promises sounded good, but behind closed doors you maintained close ties with the Wang Family—truly an endless saga!" Lin Tian lightly scoffed.

The twelve family clans were very closely linked, especially through mutual marriages. Suddenly excluding the Wang Family from this circle was merely a superficial phenomenon.

"Elder Lin Tian, please listen to us..." someone tried to explain.

Lin Tian waved his hand again, preventing them from giving reasons, simply scoffing, "You all think Lin Tian is weak and easy to deceive, assuming I’m oblivious to those shady dealings. Disappointed are you, as I’m fully aware. I don’t care how closely connected you are with the Wang Family. Leaking elixirs and recipes to them is your failure. I won’t pursue it. As said in the past, I won’t foolishly hand over new recipes anymore."

Hearing this, everyone’s expressions shifted. They didn’t expect Lin Tian to dare be so ruthless! Did he know how many people he would offend by doing this? This action pushed everyone onto the opposing side! Isn’t it said that one should avoid targeting the mob?

Their gazes turned cold, hateful, indifferent... all throwing chilling looks toward Lin Tian.

Previously tolerating this lad wasn’t just for those recipes and Heart Method. They had even debased themselves by visiting and gifting him, only for him to suddenly say he wouldn’t offer those things anymore.

Isn’t this playing with people?!

Lin Tian ignored their looks as if he didn’t notice them, stating, "Respect is mutual. If I give you things, you should honor your promises. Such a simple truth, do I need to teach you? Of course, if this annoys you, you’re free to act like the Wang Family, but then don’t expect any advantages from me!"

"Haha, Elder Lin Tian is forcing us to make a choice, huh? Haha, not bad, really not bad! Truly a hero at a young age, having such resolve."

Though it sounded like a compliment, it was indeed a mockery. This old fellow wasn’t convinced!

Lin Tian gave a light chuckle and said, "Thank you for the praise. But you’re right; I am making you choose. From my view, the Wang Family now is nothing more than a stray dog, while I am in my prime. Is it a hard choice?"

"I can’t fathom how some stubborn old fools think. Are their minds so rigid they can’t see reason? What good do they find from siding with the Wang Family? Killing me may satisfy them, but what do you gain? Nothing, except more loss... Tsk, don’t look at me like that, am I not speaking the truth?"

People love clinging to lies because many lies are beautiful, whereas the truth is more often bloody!

Suddenly, Tieguai Li stood up from his chair and respectfully nodded toward Lin Tian, saying, "Elder Lin Tian, my Li Family does have some faults as you mentioned. We acknowledge it! If you ever need help, just say the word!"

Everyone’s gazes turned odd upon looking at Tieguai Li. Who didn’t know this old fellow has been diligently visiting this little courtyard lately, leaving completely drunk each time? Was he Lin Tian’s planted supporter? If not, then he must be a real bootlicker! Truly, a master at flattery!