196: Three Qi Refining Level 9 cultivators made their move.

Gu Yue was worldly and immediately knew that something important was happening, and it was certainly not ordinary.

He waved his sleeve and cast a gentle Clear Wind Art, gathering the remaining smoke and dust into a small gray ball which he tossed into a corner. His expression became serious and solemn:

"Oh? What matter makes you so serious? Is it perhaps related to your Family? Speak freely! As long as this old man—as long as our Alchemist Association can help, we will not refuse!"

Lin Jingyu took a deep breath and, briefly but clearly, recounted how members of the Zhong Family had wantonly injured Lin Lingxi, who was collecting medicinal herbs, and brutally snatched the Green Scale Colt.

He objectively related how Lin Lingshan had gone to the Zhong Family to reason with them according to etiquette, only to be besieged and thoroughly humiliated.

His tone was steady, and he did not exaggerate, but the underlying arrogance, tyranny, and naked humiliation were enough to incite indignation in any person with spirit.

"...The Zhong Family is powerful and acts savagely and unreasonably, viewing my Lin Family as mere weeds to be trampled upon. If we cannot seek justice this time,

and restore our reputation, my Lin Family will find it impossible to move forward in the Black Mountain territory and will have no place left to stand."

Lin Jingyu concluded, looking Gu Yue in the eye with sincerity and determination:

"Junior deeply understands that the cultivation world is governed by the law of the jungle. Often, truth is not spoken through words, but must rely on strength.

Therefore, I came here to implore the President for help, asking if the Association could step forward and lend a few Fellow Daoists to accompany me to the Zhong Family.

We are not going there to fight or provoke trouble, but merely to show support, earning us the right to equal dialogue and the qualification to sit down and reason with them."

Upon hearing this, Gu Yue's grizzled eyebrows immediately shot up. The surging anger on his face could not be concealed even by the black soot from the Pill Furnace explosion. He slammed the Pill Furnace beside him.

It let out a muffled clang: "Outrageous! How can the Zhong Family be so overbearing? I have met Zhong Yue several times.

Among the Clan Chiefs in Black Mountain, he is considered a shrewd person. Why would he allow his descendants to commit such banditry? This is practically slapping the faces of all Families who abide by the rules!

This is truly going too far!"

He paused, looked at Lin Jingyu, and a flash of understanding and shrewdness crossed his eyes. His tone became even more solemn:

"What's more, Jingyu, you are now a registered First Rank High Grade Alchemist in my Southeast Market Town Alchemist Association, personally vouched for by this old man!

You are a Dao of Alchemy Prodigy with boundless prospects, capable of refining Supreme Grade Spirit Pills! Insulting you is insulting the reputation of my Alchemist Association! Slapping your face is slapping our Association's face!

The Association absolutely cannot stand idly by in this matter!"

Although he spoke with grand righteousness, Lin Jingyu knew this was due to the talent and value he had displayed.

If it had been him just a few months ago, even if the Lin Family were exterminated, no one would have cared.

However, this was completely normal in the cultivation world ruled by the law of the jungle.

This was also the reason he worked hard to become stronger.

Gu Yue pondered for a moment, a sharp light flashed in his eyes, and he suddenly slapped his thigh:

"Good! This old man will personally accompany you on this trip!

Coincidentally, Fellow Daoist Wang Meng, the Association's Guard Elder, is on duty today. His temperament is fierce like fire; he despises evil and cannot stand injustice!

Also, there is Shopkeeper Shui Sheng of Tianfa Pavilion, whom you know. If she learns this concerns you, given her nature and the regard she holds for you, she will surely be willing to step forward and uphold justice.

With the few of us going together, I doubt the Zhong Family will dare to act presumptuously again!"

Gu Yue even felt a bit thankful toward the Zhong Family in his heart.

He had taken in Lin Jingyu, this promising talent, but hadn't figured out how to make him truly loyal to the Alchemist Association.

This incident occurring now was simply like receiving a pillow when one was sleepy.

Gu Yue acted decisively, immediately taking out a communication jade slip and quickly sending out several messages. In just a moment, the door to the quiet room was pushed open again.

The first to enter was a burly man, muscular like an iron tower, wearing the specialized uniform of an Alchemist Association Guard Elder.

His face was rugged, his gaze like lightning, and his aura was profound and vast. He was clearly a Body Cultivator master whose cultivation had reached the Ninth Layer of Qi Refining.

Before he had fully entered, his voice, loud as a bell, already made the air hum:

"Old Man Gu, calling me over in such a hurry, did you cause another big commotion? Huh? Young Friend Lin is here too?"

This person was none other than Guard Elder Wang Meng. His gaze swept over the mess in the room, finally resting on Lin Jingyu and Gu Yue.

Immediately afterward, a graceful figure appeared at the doorway—it was Shopkeeper Shui Sheng, who had rushed over from the adjacent Tianfa Pavilion after receiving the news.

Today, she wore a water-blue dress embroidered with cloud patterns, her hair slightly coiled, making her look both capable and elegant.

She first glanced at the traces of the Pill Furnace explosion, shook her head helplessly, and then looked at Lin Jingyu, her beautiful eyes filled with concern:

"Jingyu, Senior Gu Yue's message sounded urgent. Did you run into some trouble?"

Gu Yue quickly recounted the whole story again.

After hearing it, Wang Meng's tiger eyes immediately widened. The Qi and blood throughout his body surged, emitting a scorching aura, and his voice boomed like muffled thunder:

"Damn it! How dare that brat from the Zhong Family be so arrogant? Just because they have a few Late Stage Qi Refining cultivators, they think they can act lawlessly?

Young Friend Lin, don't worry! I, Wang, will back you up today! I'd like to see if that old bastard Zhong Yue dares to act tough in front of me!"

Shui Sheng's face was also covered in frost. Her slender fingers lightly tapped the doorframe, making a crisp sound, and her tone was cold:

"That good-for-nothing Zhong Peng already has a bad reputation in the Market Town. Relying on the Zhong Family's power, he's done plenty of bullying and monopolizing. I didn't expect him to dare bully you, Jingyu.

I, your Elder sister, want to see how Zhong Yue will explain himself today! Does he really think Tianfa Pavilion's honored guest is easy to bully?"

Lin Jingyu looked at the three Seniors who had stepped forward without hesitation, and a warm current surged in his heart.

He took a step back, straightened his robes, and solemnly bowed to the three of them:

"Jingyu thanks President Gu Yue, Senior Wang Meng, and Sister Shui Sheng for your righteous assistance! The Lin Family and Jingyu will engrave this kindness in our hearts!"

"Ah, we're Family, why be so polite!"

Gu Yue hurried forward to help him up, his face sincere. "Since you call me President, how can I let you suffer grievances outside? The Association is your backing!"

Wang Meng waved his large hand and said spiritedly, "Exactly! Why be polite with Old Wang! Let's go, let's go, let's head to that damned Qingzhong Town right now, my hands are already itching!"

Shui Sheng also gave a charming smile, instantly melting like ice and snow: "Your little brother's business is your Elder sister's business."

Gu Yue's mouth twitched at her words.

She was clearly older than him, yet she pretended to be young.

If he couldn't beat Shui Sheng, he would definitely expose her.

Meanwhile, Qin Yue of Miaoling Pavilion also received Lin Jingyu's communication talisman.

She opened it with some confusion.

Lin Jingyu's clear voice came through.

He explained the matter clearly, like flowing water.

And he specifically emphasized that.

The reason for borrowing the power of the Alchemist Association this time was actually to deepen their relationship.

He and Miaoling Pavilion were already like Family, so there was no need for such formalities.

Also, she should not inform Yun Momo, lest she worry.

Qin Yue shook her head.

She sighed slightly at the corner of her mouth.

She guessed that because Miaoling Pavilion was currently in a precarious situation, Lin Jingyu had turned to the Alchemist Association for help instead.

The fact that he specifically sent this communication talisman to explain,

was enough to show his profound thoughtfulness.