34: Chapter 34 A Gathering of Big Shots, Grandmaster-Level Experts

The next morning, Lin Tianming walked home carrying a bag of steamed buns and two cups of soy milk.

He left the hospital, bought breakfast at the alley entrance, and planned to go home to eat with his son.

Lin Yuan's Martial Arts Examination ended yesterday, and today he wanted to ask his son about his future plans, so he specially returned home.

But as soon as he walked into the alley where his home was located, he saw many Mansion Soldiers from the City Lord's Mansion had arrived, already sealing off the road and not allowing anyone to pass.

Many pedestrians who were blocked around were pointing and whispering amongst themselves about the Mansion Soldiers.

Lin Tianming couldn't get home. Just as he was wondering what was going on, an aunt beside him suddenly said:

"Old Lin, the road is blocked, we can't get back now. I heard that leaders from the city are coming, that's why they set up such a big display. I don't know what happened."

"Aunt Wang, I have a nephew working at the City Lord's Mansion. I heard that this little alley produced a national top scholar in the martial arts stream, and various forces are coming to congratulate him today, which is why they imposed a lockdown," a Middle-aged man said from nearby.

Lin Tianming smiled faintly upon hearing this. Wasn't this talking about his son?

"Really? I wonder whose family is so lucky to have given birth to such an accomplished child. It's truly like a golden phoenix flying out of a humble nest," Aunt Wang sighed with envy.

"Old Lin, did your Xiao Yuan also take the college entrance exam this year? Was it the martial arts stream?" the Middle-aged man asked.

"Yes, it was the martial arts stream," Lin Tianming replied proudly.

"How did he do? Can he get into university?"

"That's when---"

"Look! The City Lord's car is here!"

Lin Tianming's words were cut short as the surrounding people exclaimed.

Everyone turned to look towards the alley entrance as a black Hongqi sedan with the license plate Quan A00001 drove in.

Immediately following, another black Hongqi sedan drove into the alley, this one bearing the license plate Quan AW0001.

"Whoa! The Alliance Master of the Martial Arts Alliance is here too. This top scholar has quite the pull."

"No kidding, both major figures of Spring City are here."

People nearby were discussing animatedly.

Just then, the doors of both cars opened, and two elders with extraordinary bearing stepped out. They were precisely the Alliance Master of the Martial Arts Alliance, Qi Tianheng, and the City Lord of Spring City, Zhao Yan.

"Alliance Leader Qi, you arrived quite early," Zhao Yan said, cupping his hands in greeting.

"Haha--- City Lord Zhao, likewise," Qi Tianheng replied, cupping his hands.

"Alright, let's go in. Official business is more important."

"Good, please!"

The two stepped forward toward Lin Yuan's house, but after only a few steps, another car drove into the alley entrance.

This car had the license plate Quan AT0001, and someone immediately cried out in surprise.

"Holy crap! The Provincial Governor is here too! That's the Provincial Governor's car. The 'T' stands for Tai Province!"

"Good heavens, I've never seen such high-ranking officials in my life. Today has truly opened my eyes!"

Listening to the crowd's discussion, the Middle-aged man turned to Lin Tianming and said:

"Old Lin, did you see this scene? How glorious! If your Xiao Yuan could score as the top scholar, wouldn't you wake up laughing every morning? Haha---"

"Hehe--- You're right. I did wake up laughing this morning..."

Lin Tianming grinned, and under the astonished gazes of the crowd, he directly lifted the warning tape and strode forward proudly.

The Mansion Soldiers nearby immediately moved to stop him, but Zhao Yan recognized Lin Tianming at a glance. He was already intimately familiar with the records of Lin Yuan's family.

Zhao Yan waved his hand, and the Mansion Soldiers retreated. He stepped forward two paces and grasped Lin Tianming's hand.

"Hahahaha--- You must be Lin Yuan's father. Perfect, lead the way for us. The Provincial Governor has arrived too; we are all here to congratulate Lin Yuan on achieving the top scholar position."

"Good, good."

Lin Tianming trembled slightly with excitement upon hearing this. At this moment, the Provincial Governor, Wan Hengfeng, also stepped out of the car and walked over.

"Your Excellency, Provincial Governor," Zhao Yan and Qi Tianheng quickly cupped their hands in salute.

The two held great respect for Wan Hengfeng, not only because he was the Provincial Governor but also because of his strength.

Wan Hengfeng was a seventh-tier Grandmaster Expert, a truly powerful figure among martial artists.

Wan Hengfeng appeared middle-aged, but he must have been quite old.

"Hehe--- You two arrived quite early," Wan Hengfeng laughed loudly.

"Your Excellency, Provincial Governor, this is Lin Yuan's father, Lin Tianming. Let's all go up together," Qi Tianheng said.

"Good. Then we shall trouble Lin Yuan's father to lead the way for the three of us."

Wan Hengfeng was very polite, showing none of the airs of a leader or a Grandmaster.

"It is my duty, my duty. Esteemed leaders, please follow me. My home is a bit messy, please forgive any discourtesy," Lin Tianming quickly responded.

"Hehe--- No matter," Zhao Yan smiled, and then everyone followed Lin Tianming toward the house...

At this time, Aunt Wang and the Middle-aged man beside her were completely stunned. Neither of them could have imagined that it was the son of Old Lin's family who had become the top scholar.

"Aunt Wang, I was just asking Old Lin if his son could get into university. Doesn't he think I'm an idiot?" The Middle-aged man shook his head helplessly, his eyes filled with disbelief and intense envy.

"The Lin family is set for life now. Soon they won't be neighbors with poor folks like us anymore," Aunt Wang said sourly.

...

Lin Tianming invited the three great figures inside, followed by several other people, including Manager Tian and Xiao Min from the Martial Alliance, Captain Yang from the City Lord's Mansion, and Secretary Liang from the Provincial Governor's Mansion.

They were holding gift boxes and certificates, which were presumably congratulatory gifts for Lin Yuan.

"Esteemed leaders, please wait a moment. Xiao Yuan might be tired and hasn't woken up yet. I'll go call him."

Lin Tianming saw that Lin Yuan's door was closed and knew he was still asleep.

After entering the room, Lin Tianming found Lin Yuan sitting cross-legged on the bed meditating. Lin Yuan had been cultivating all night using the breathing method.

"Xiao Yuan, the Alliance Master of the Martial Arts Alliance, the City Lord, and the Provincial Governor are all here. Hurry up and come out."

Lin Yuan heard this and slowly opened his eyes. "Okay, Dad, I'll be right out."

When Lin Yuan walked into the living room, he immediately spotted Wan Hengfeng in the crowd. This person exuded immense presence, giving him a strong sense of pressure.

"Is this a Grandmaster Expert?--- Truly powerful!" Lin Yuan thought to himself.

"Greetings, Your Excellency Provincial Governor, Old Brother Zhao, Old Brother Qi."

Lin Yuan cupped his hands and greeted everyone, his tone calm, neither arrogant nor impatient.

Wan Hengfeng nodded secretly upon seeing this; he had extraordinary bearing and was a talent worth cultivating.

"Hahaha--- Brother Lin, congratulations. Your first move has shaken the heavens and created history. You stunned even me," Qi Tianheng laughed.

"Old Brother Qi overpraises me. It's just one examination. The road ahead is still long," Lin Yuan said with a slight smile.

"Hehe--- Not bad. The young man is not arrogant despite achieving such a great result. Very good!" Wan Hengfeng spoke, showing no hesitation in his admiration.

"Lin Yuan, I came here today to issue commendations to you on behalf of the Tai Province official establishment."

Wan Hengfeng waved his hand, and Secretary Liang immediately placed a certificate and a box on the table.

"This is the commendation certificate for the national top scholar, along with a scholarship of three million," Wan Hengfeng continued.

"Thank you, Your Excellency Provincial Governor," Lin Yuan cupped his hands.

"You're welcome. When you get to university, you must continue to work hard and strive to bring more glory and honor to Tai Province," Wan Hengfeng encouraged.

"I will," Lin Yuan nodded.

Afterward, Qi Tianheng, representing the Martial Alliance, and Zhao Yan, representing the Spring City officials, both awarded Lin Yuan commendations, each giving him a one million scholarship.

Wan Hengfeng, as a Grandmaster Expert, naturally would not try to curry favor with Lin Yuan. He only pays attention to geniuses who continue to grow; if they fail to develop, even the most talented are useless. As for the current Lin Yuan, he wasn't worth his notice yet.

After all, below a Grandmaster, everyone is an ant. No matter how heaven-defying an ant is, it remains an ant. Only when someone reaches his level will he take them seriously.

Although this statement was a bit exaggerated, the principle remained the same: in a high-martial world, the one with the biggest fist is the boss.

Afterward, everyone respectfully escorted Wan Hengfeng away before returning inside the house.

Qi Tianheng and the other followed, taking out their respective gifts...