73: Chapter 73 Investment

The air suddenly grew quiet, and Jiang Ruoxue stood there completely stunned, as if she hadn't fully processed what had happened.

Join the Jiang Family? He actually agreed?

For the past few months, the Jiang Family had been extending goodwill toward Lin Yan.

But everyone knew that the initiative always remained in Lin Yan's hands.

After all, given his growth rate, he wouldn't necessarily lack resources in the future, nor would he lack factions trying to recruit him.

Therefore, the Jiang Family had actually prepared for a long-term investment, but no one expected Lin Yan to give an answer so quickly.

"Are you serious?" Jiang Ruoxue couldn't help but confirm again.

Lin Yan nodded.

An elder from the Zero Conference had given him some advice.

"The Federation can provide you with resources, but it cannot always explain the source of those resources for you."

"The faster you grow, the more suspicious others will become. Finding a sufficiently powerful family to act as a cover will only benefit you."

"Your S-rank Talent must absolutely not be exposed before you have fully grown. Otherwise, those lunatics from the Void Cult will spare no cost to destroy you."

Lin Yan felt that what he said made sense. As his strength continued to improve, the resources he obtained in the future would only increase, and he would need a reasonable explanation.

And the Jiang Family was undoubtedly a good choice.

Jiang Ruoxue watched him quietly, suddenly not knowing what to say.

Her heart rate inexplicably quickened, and an absurd thought even popped into her mind.

He agreed to join the Jiang Family... could it be... because of her?

Thinking of this, her cheeks warmed slightly.

She hurriedly suppressed this thought, then revealed an extremely brilliant smile.

She extended her right hand toward Lin Yan. "Welcome to the Jiang Family."

Lin Yan also extended his hand, and the two hands gently clasped together.

At this moment, the cooperation was initially established.

The next day. The Jiang Family estate.

As one of the oldest families in the Seventh Safe Zone, the Jiang Family occupied a large area in the eastern part of the Safe Zone. The walls were towering, constructed from a mix of heavy alloys and stone, faintly exuding a majestic air of protection.

The roads inside the estate were wide, with ancient trees neatly lined on both sides forming a natural barrier. The branches and leaves swayed with the wind, casting dappled shadows.

In the center of the courtyard was an open lawn, with several rockeries and fountains scattered throughout. The sound of trickling water added a touch of liveliness to the estate.

The main building was imposing, with traditional flying eaves combined with modern defensive facilities. The windows reflected the morning light, resembling a low-key yet impossible-to-ignore fortress.

Even just from a glance from afar, one could feel the heritage of this family.

Jiang Ruoxue personally led Lin Yan into the estate.

Along the way, many Jiang Family members couldn't help but cast curious glances; clearly, they had all heard of Lin Yan's name.

The first person to clear the Giant Dungeon, the recipient of an SS-rank evaluation, and the most dazzling grassroots rising star in the entire Seventh Safe Zone recently.

Soon, the two arrived at the main building. The study door slowly opened, and a figure was sitting behind the desk.

The middle-aged man was dressed in a black suit, his expression calm, yet between his brows, he carried the majesty of someone who had long held a high position. The head of the Jiang Family—Jiang Haichao.

Seeing Lin Yan enter, Jiang Haichao put down the documents in his hand. His gaze landed on him, without pleasantries or small talk. He went straight to the point.

"Have you decided to join the Jiang Family?" "Yes." Lin Yan nodded.

"Why?" Jiang Haichao continued to ask.

A normal young person would inevitably be nervous when facing a big figure of this caliber, but Lin Yan's expression didn't change in the slightest, remaining as calm as if he were just chatting.

"Because it's suitable." "The Jiang Family needs to invest in the future, and I need resources." "A mutually beneficial cooperation."

The study instantly quieted down, and a flash of surprise appeared in Jiang Haichao's eyes. Many young people, when facing him, always wanted to show off and prove themselves, but Lin Yan did not.

He just calmly stated the facts, as if he were discussing a business deal, mature in a way that didn't seem like an eighteen-year-old.

A moment later, Jiang Haichao suddenly laughed. "In that case, what are your conditions?"

Several high-ranking members nearby looked at Lin Yan simultaneously; they were all very curious about what this young man would say.

Lin Yan was silent for two seconds, then slowly began to speak.

"I can join the Jiang Family, but I will not become an appendage to anyone or any family."

"The Jiang Family provides me with resources, and in the future, I will repay the Jiang Family." "This is a cooperation, not a subordinate relationship."

"Additionally, any tasks and arrangements must be approved by me personally; I have the final say."

As his voice fell, the room suddenly fell silent. The expressions of several elders changed slightly; if anyone else had said such things, they would have kicked them out immediately, but facing Lin Yan, no one spoke.

Because they all knew that the value of the young man in front of them far exceeded any resources.

Jiang Haichao was silent for a long time, then finally nodded slowly. "Accepted."

No hesitation, no haggling; he agreed directly. Lin Yan also nodded, and the cooperation was officially reached.

Afterward, the Jiang Family's butler brought over a huge metal box. The moment the box opened, a faint purple light illuminated the entire room, and several young clan members couldn't help but gasp.

"Head of the family... are you really taking all of it out?" The person next to him had a trembling voice.

Lin Yan's gaze swept over the box, his expression remaining calm. Inside, a set of equipment was neatly arranged. A weapon, a helmet, a chest piece, bracers, knee guards, combat boots, and two accessories.

They were all Level 20 purple-quality items. More importantly, every piece of equipment was embedded with a Level 20 Strength-type BOSS Crystal Core. Beside them lay a purple skill book.

The butler couldn't help but explain: "Normally, the highest level of equipment and skill books that can circulate in the Federation market are blue. Because these things are essentially one-time resources; once someone uses them, others cannot use them."

"Therefore, all resources above purple quality are under Federation control. If you want to obtain them, you must apply and wait in line. Many people wait for years without getting a turn."

Speaking of this, he looked at the set of equipment, his eyes filled with envy. "This set of equipment was custom-made by the Jiang Family specifically for you." "The value of the entire set..."

Before he could finish, Jiang Haichao raised his hand to interrupt. "It's not important. This is just the beginning. As you continue to grow stronger, the equipment will be updated for you simultaneously."

He looked at Lin Yan. "Resources are just tools; in the end, it depends on the person using them."

Lin Yan nodded slightly. He agreed with this statement; no matter how strong the equipment was, it was only an external object. What truly determined future heights was always the person.

Watching Lin Yan, who remained calm throughout, the appreciation in Jiang Haichao's eyes grew stronger. Young, calm, rational. Unarrogant and unimpulsive when facing top-tier resources, still adhering to principles when facing the temptation of profit. This kind of temperament was far rarer than talent.

After Lin Yan left, an elder nearby couldn't help but speak up. "Head of the family, is it worth it?"

Jiang Haichao gazed in the direction Lin Yan had left, silent for a long time. Then he slowly said: "Resources will be consumed, and equipment will be phased out, but people will not."

"If one day in the future, the Jiang Family can benefit from today's decision, then these things are nothing." "As long as he can grow, the Jiang Family of the future will be glad for this investment made today."

The study returned to quiet, and everyone knew that starting from today, the Jiang Family had placed a heavy bet on this young man.