210: Chapter 210 Test, Laws

Lin Wan's eldest brother?

Chen Ran's thoughts raced, and some rumors about the Lin Family flashed quickly through his mind.

The Four Great Families of the capital—the Lin Family.

As one of the most massive top-tier forces in the entire capital, every move they made could affect the lifeblood of countless commoners in the capital.

And as the only legitimate daughter of the Lin Family in this generation, Lin Wan could truly be called the apple of their eye, pampered and held in the palms of the entire Family.

Lin Sheng was a martial arts fanatic with a straightforward personality.

However, this eldest brother, Lin Xiu, was true to his name, exclusively loving self-cultivation and rarely appearing in public; rumor had it that he was a formidable figure who lived in seclusion.

He didn't expect that today, he would specifically be waiting for him at the Cangwu Pavilion.

"So it is Big Brother Lin."

Chen Ran quickly regained his composure and cupped his hands in a salute.

"No need for formalities."

Lin Xiu waved his hand and turned to walk toward a tea table nearby.

"Sit and have a cup of tea with me."

Chen Ran did not decline and walked over to sit opposite him.

Lin Xiu picked up the pot himself and poured him a cup of tea.

The tea was clear and fragrant; just taking a sip made him feel the Qi and blood in his body stir.

Chen Ran was somewhat surprised; although the effect was very weak, he could still feel his Qi and blood growing slightly.

This pot of tea actually had some effect on him, a Cultivator in the Return to Truth Realm. The Lin Family was truly a powerful Family with heaven-reaching resources.

Lin Xiu smiled and said:

"This pot of tea is very useful for you. After we finish, I will give you two cans to take back and brew."

"I heard Second Brother mention you last night, saying that your bone structure is a bit poor, but your innate talent and Comprehension Ability are extremely astonishing. Just by Cultivating alone in the prison, you could reach such a Realm..."

Lin Xiu picked up his teacup and gently blew on the steam.

"Seeing you today, it is rare that Second Brother did not exaggerate."

"Big Brother Lin, you flatter me. I just had good luck and practiced blindly for a few years."

Lin Xiu smiled, noncommittal.

He put down the teacup, his gaze landing on Chen Ran, his tone as if they were just making casual conversation.

"Chen Ran, what is your view on the Lin Family?"

"Or rather, what are your thoughts on Lin Wan working at the Six Doors, and the current Demon Suppression Division?"

It's here.

Chen Ran's heart stirred slightly; this was likely the real test from the eldest young master of the Lin Family.

He put down the teacup, his expression calm.

"Big Brother Lin, you are joking."

"I am just a small prison guard in the prison, taking the imperial court's salary to make a living."

"Matters of state, how could a commoner like me dare to criticize them recklessly."

Lin Xiu laughed heartily.

"You are quite slippery."

"But there are no outsiders here. Since you are Lin Wan's sweetheart, in the future, we will be Family."

"If you have anything to say, feel free to speak."

He looked at Chen Ran, his gaze deep, carrying a hint of encouragement.

Chen Ran was silent for a moment.

His fingers gently rubbed the rim of the teacup.

Since the other party insisted on hearing it, he would say something they wanted to hear.

"Since Big Brother Lin has asked, then I will boldly say a few words."

Chen Ran raised his head.

"I spend all year in the prison, coming into contact with all sorts of people."

"In these past two years, there have been more and more refugees and Jianghu wanderers brought in."

"The beggars in the Outer City of the capital are also more than double what they were a few years ago."

Chen Ran paused, his tone becoming somewhat inscrutable.

"The foundation of Great Wei seems to have become thinner."

"I feel that the situation is likely not as stable as it was in the past; in the next ten years, this world will likely not be peaceful."

Hearing this, a flash of surprise crossed Lin Xiu's eyes.

Afterward, he couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"Hahaha, what a 'the foundation of Great Wei has become thinner'!"

He looked at Chen Ran, a touch of genuine appreciation in his eyes.

"Second Brother said you were deep in thought and steady in character; I was a bit skeptical at first."

"But now I see it is indeed true."

Lin Xiu leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice.

"Chen Ran, according to your deduction, if this Great Wei really falls into turmoil..."

"Do you think my Lin Family still needs to continue being a law-abiding subject like we are now?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire tea table became quiet, with only the gurgling sound of steam from the tea remaining.

Chen Ran's heart skipped a beat.

He looked at Lin Xiu's smiling yet unsmiling eyes, knowing he absolutely could not be vague at this moment.

Chen Ran did not hesitate.

"If that day really comes, I will naturally stand on Lin Wan's side, on the Lin Family's side."

Lin Xiu stared at him for a long time.

Suddenly, he laughed.

"Don't be nervous, it was just a joke."

He waved his hand, breaking the dull atmosphere.

"My Lin Family has been loyal for generations; how could we do such treasonous things."

Chen Ran breathed a sigh of relief on the surface, but inwardly cursed, "Old fox."

Which loyal Family would joke about treason?

Lin Xiu took out a somewhat yellowed silk scroll from his sleeve and placed it on the table.

He pushed it in front of Chen Ran.

"Second Brother said the martial arts you use are too messy, and the grades are all very low. Take this sword technique and practice it."

"With your innate talent, it would truly be a pity not to practice something good."

Chen Ran glanced at the silk scroll.

On the cover were four ancient, simple characters: "Lingxiao Sword Technique".

Although he hadn't seen it before, just hearing the name, he knew it was definitely not ordinary.

With the generosity of Big Brother Lin, the lowest grade he would give would be a unique skill.

"Big Brother Lin, this is too valuable; I cannot accept it."

Chen Ran waved his hands repeatedly, putting on an appearance of being flattered.

"Besides, I just picked two books downstairs..."

Lin Xiu interrupted him.

"You don't need to practice the scrap metal downstairs."

"This is my Lin Family's hereditary unique skill. Although it is only the first half, it is enough for you to contemplate for a long time."

"Take it; treat it as a meeting gift from me, your Big Brother."

Lin Xiu had said this much.

If Chen Ran declined again, it would seem affected.

"Many thanks, Big Brother Lin."

"Mm, if you have anything you don't understand later, you can come and ask me."

Chen Ran solemnly tucked the "Lingxiao Sword Technique" into his bosom.

This was a true unique skill.

With the deduction of the heavenly book of prison suppression, even if there was only half of it, as long as his internal strength was sufficient, he could probably slowly complete it.

"Go."

Lin Xiu picked up his teacup.

"Second Brother should be waiting anxiously outside."

...

Chen Ran walked downstairs and pushed open the door of the Cangwu Pavilion.

The sunlight outside was dazzling.

He squinted and looked around.

But he didn't see Lin Sheng's figure; he didn't know where he had gone.

Even the two guards at the door were gone.

Chen Ran scratched his head.

This Second Young Master of the Lin Family, how could he just leave like that? And he didn't leave anyone to show him the way.

He sighed helplessly and could only grope his way out himself.

The Lin Manor was really too big.

Chen Ran followed the route in his memory, twisting and turning for a quarter of an hour, and still hadn't seen the main gate.

Just at this moment.

A burst of noisy footsteps came from not far ahead.

Chen Ran stopped and hid behind a rockery.

He poked his head out to look.

He saw several people wearing dark red eunuch uniforms, swaggering toward the manor gate.

The leading old eunuch was holding a bright yellow scroll in his hand.

Following behind them was a steward of the Lin Family.

The steward's face was livid, and he was suppressing his anger, saying nothing.

Eunuchs?

How could there be people from the palace at the Lin Family?

Chen Ran felt suspicious.

After that group of eunuchs left the Lin Family,

Chen Ran closed his eyes.

He activated [Heavenly Net], and the vast Mental Energy in his mind instantly radiated outward.

His formless Divine Sense was like a large net, silently enveloping those few eunuchs.

...

"I, this humble one, want to see how much longer this Lin Family can be arrogant!"

The old eunuch's shrill voice rang out.

"Godfather is right."

The little eunuch beside him flattered and echoed.

"This time, the order was suddenly issued to increase the collection of this so-called 'Family Tax'. If these Four Great Families had any sense, they should have agreed early on!"

"Exactly."

The old eunuch snorted coldly.

"The Emperor has been unwell recently, and most of the court affairs have fallen into the hands of those ministers in the Cabinet."

"This first fire has burned onto the heads of the Families."

"If the Lin Family doesn't agree, I see the Lin Family having a hard time in the future..."

The voices gradually faded away; the eunuchs got into a carriage and gradually moved away from the range of his Divine Sense.

Chen Ran withdrew his Divine Sense and opened his eyes.

His brows furrowed slightly, and he whispered in his heart:

The Cabinet is causing trouble, increasing the Family Tax?

Specifically targeting the Four Great Families?

No wonder Lin Xiu said such treasonous words earlier.

It seems the court of Great Wei is truly about to have a storm.

However, what does this have to do with a small prison guard like him?

Chen Ran stretched.

Just as he was preparing to continue looking for the way, suddenly, a crisp voice came from behind him.

"Chen Ran, what are you doing here?"