16: Chapter 16 The Birth of a Prodigy and a Thunderous Counterattack

Lin Chen's heart sank to the bottom of the valley, but only for an instant before he forcibly suppressed the feeling. He could not panic.

"Qingyao, don't be afraid, I'm here." He kept his voice as steady as possible, turned to fetch a basin of warm water he had prepared long ago, and took out the cleanest, softest cloth from the cabinet.

He had quietly noted these things down while listening to the village women chatting.

Su Qingyao bit her teeth tightly, the hair on her temples soaked through with cold sweat, clinging to her pale cheeks.

The intense pain came in waves like a tide, making her almost crush the bed frame beneath her.

But she did not scream. Instead, in the intervals between the intense pain, she stared fixedly at Lin Chen with those eyes filled with mist.

In that gaze, there was pain, there was fear, but more than anything, it was a trust that surrendered her entire being to him.

Lin Chen's heart felt as if it were being clenched by a giant hand.

He knelt by the bedside, holding her cold hand, gently channeling a thread of his Spiritual Qi into her to try his best to alleviate her pain, whispering over and over: "Inhale... exhale... follow me... it's okay, everything will be okay."

Two hours felt as long as two centuries.

The autumn wind outside the window whimpered, beating against the fragile window paper.

Inside the room, there was only the sound of suppressed panting and Lin Chen's low, soothing voice.

Finally, after a groan of exhaustion, a clear, loud cry pierced the silence of the courtyard like a sharp sword!

"Waa—!"

This cry was full of the power of life, as if it could dispel all the gloom in the world.

Lin Chen's arms trembled slightly as he used the gentlest movements to lift the tiny, wrinkled, red-skinned life that was crying shockingly loudly from Su Qingyao's side.

It was a daughter.

Her features looked exactly like Su Qingyao's, possessing a natural elegance, while her tightly pursed little mouth was exactly the same as Lin Chen's.

At this moment, an indescribable torrent of emotion overwhelmed all his reason and resilience.

He was no longer Lin Chen, the corporate slave bearing deep hatred and struggling to survive in a desperate situation, nor was he the calculating, patient head of the Lin Family.

He was just a father.

Just as he was holding his daughter, his emotions turbulent, the rough stone ring in his mind suddenly grew hot, and the long-silent System notification sound surged in like a tide!

[Congratulations to the Host, the first direct descendant (Lin Leyao) has been born!]

[Long-term task "Spreading Branches and Leaves" Phase 1 complete!]

[Rewards distributed:]

[1. Host cultivation level increased: From the Peak of Qi Refining Stage 6 to Qi Refining Stage 7!]

[2. Spiritual Root enhancement: Detected that the descendant possesses a weak Dual Water and Wood attribute Spiritual Root tendency (inherited from parents), additionally rewarding the Host with an increase in [Weak Water Attribute Affinity]!]

[3. Skill unlocked: [Elementary Formation Summary] has been deposited! Contains the principles and layout points for three First-Order Formations: "Small Maze Formation", "Dust Gathering Formation", and "Warning Formation".]

[4. Module enabled: [Family Member Panel] officially unlocked! Can view basic information and loyalty of direct Bloodline and bound servants.]

A majestic yet incomparably gentle Spiritual Qi surged out from the stone ring, instantly filling his limbs and bones.

That rock-solid Bottleneck at the Peak of Qi Refining Stage 6 shattered instantly in the face of this power, as if it were made of paper!

The Spiritual Qi flowed like a bursting river, rising steadily, scouring every inch of his Meridians.

Finally, this power slowly calmed down, settling firmly at Qi Refining Stage 7!

Not only that, Lin Chen clearly felt that his perception of the surrounding heaven and earth had gained a completely different dimension.

The imperceptible moisture in the air now became so intimate and active in his spiritual sense, as if it could be guided and mobilized by him at any time.

He looked down at his daughter, who had stopped crying and was curiously observing him with her large, dark, rolling eyes. The agitation in his heart caused by the sudden surge in power quickly turned into endless tenderness and a heavy sense of responsibility.

"Qingyao, look, she is called Leyao, Lin Leyao." Lin Chen carefully placed the child by Su Qingyao's pillow.

Su Qingyao turned her head weakly to look at her daughter. All the pain in her eyes transformed into a gentle smile, and she extended her finger to gently touch her daughter's cheek.

The joy brought by the new life temporarily diluted the crisis of survival.

However, trouble never arrives late just because of your happiness.

On the morning of the third day after his daughter was born, arrogant shouting rang out outside the small courtyard.

"Lin Chen! Get out here!"

It was Scarface.

He brought two members of the Black Stone Gang and threw a basket of moldy potatoes heavily at the courtyard entrance.

"Master Hong heard that your Family added a new member, so he sent a 'congratulatory gift'!" Scarface said with a mocking face, shouting loudly, "Also, Master Hong said that adding a new Family member is a great joy, so the monthly tribute must also be increased! From this month on, fifteen Low-Grade Spirit Stones every month! Listen clearly, before noon, deliver them to the gang yourself! Otherwise, don't blame Master Hong for coming over personally to 'congratulate' you!"

He bit down hard on the words "congratulate," the threat self-evident.

In the inner room, Su Qingyao's face turned deathly pale instantly, and she subconsciously hugged her daughter tighter.

Lin Chen stood at the courtyard entrance, also holding the swaddled Lin Leyao in his arms.

His gaze swept calmly over the basket of potatoes sprouting green shoots, his face expressionless.

He just spoke calmly: "Understood."

After a pause, he added: "Before noon, I will deliver it personally."

"Hmph, count yourself sensible!" Scarface saw him being so "submissive," as if he had punched cotton, feeling a bit bored but also extremely smug.

He spat, and with his two subordinates, walked away swaggeringly.

After seeing Scarface off, Lin Chen gently handed the sleeping daughter to Su Qingyao and whispered: "Don't be afraid, I'm here."

He turned and walked into the simple Meditation Room that had been converted from a storage room.

Closing the door, he shut out everything from the outside world.

He sat cross-legged, but did not rush to break through to Qi Refining Stage 8.

Although the cultivation level brought by the System rewards was stable, the surging power still needed to be carefully polished.

He spent a full hour circulating the Qi Refining Stage 7 Spiritual Qi through his body for thirty-six cycles, until every bit of Spiritual Qi was as obedient as an arm, and he became familiar with the brand-new sensation of guiding Water Spiritual Qi.

Subsequently, his mind sank into his consciousness, and he quickly flipped through the [Elementary Formation Summary].

His gaze locked precisely onto the "Small Maze Formation."

A First-Order illusion Formation, simple to set up, based on four or eight directions, using Formation Flags or spirit-imbued objects to trigger the Five Elements Qi in the area, forming a micro-field sufficient to interfere with the five senses and sense of direction of Qi Refinement Stage Cultivators.

The range was not large, and the Spiritual Qi consumption was intense, but it was exactly the "surprise force" he needed most right now.

Lin Chen immediately set to work.

He dug out the few remaining Low-Grade Spirit Stones in his home. These Spirit Stones had mixed attributes and were originally kept for backup, but now they became critical.

He picked up a carving knife used for woodworking, infused Spiritual Qi into the tip of the knife, and according to the crudest runes recorded in the summary, carved onto the hard surface of the Spirit Stones with extreme difficulty.

"Creak..."

The Spiritual Qi consumption was immense, and the friction between the knife tip and the Spirit Stone made a teeth-grinding sound.

Half an hour later, four "temporary Formation bases" with crooked runes carved on them were completed.

He then whittled four straight bamboo poles, tied the cloth strips left over from Su Qingyao's medicinal processing, which were stained with rich medicinal properties, to the tops, and made four crude "illusion flags."

After doing all this, Lin Chen let out a long breath.

Whether it would succeed, he actually had no bottom line in his heart.

But he knew this was his only chance to take the initiative.

Noon was approaching.

Lin Chen stepped out of the Meditation Room, changed into a clean short shirt, took a cloth bag from the hidden compartment under the bed, counted fifteen Low-Grade Spirit Stones, and put them inside.

He came to the bedside, took a deep look at his sleeping wife and daughter, then turned and walked alone toward the Black Stone Gang's stronghold.

His pace was steady, his expression normal, as if he were really going to pay a helpless tribute.

Inside the Black Stone Gang's main hall, Hong Biao sat high in the main seat, wiping his ghost-head broadsword with an oilcloth.

He watched as Lin Chen walked in alone.

Lin Chen placed the cloth bag on the ground and cupped his hands: "Gang Leader Hong, the tribute is here."

Hong Biao signaled Scarface to pick up the bag and pour out the Spirit Stones to count them. There were exactly fifteen, no more, no less.

"Hahaha!" Hong Biao laughed, the sound making the roof beams hum, "Good! Lin Chen, you are indeed sensible! In the future, just farm well for me, Master Hong, and there will be plenty for you to eat..."

Before his laughter could subside, Lin Chen suddenly looked up, staring straight at him with clear eyes, and interrupted calmly: "Gang Leader Hong, the Spirit Stones have been paid in full. From today on, my Lin Family and the Black Stone Gang are even. That spirit field outside the town is my Lin Family's property; in the future, do not trouble yourself with it."

The words were not loud, but every word was clear and sonorous.

The main hall fell into a deathly silence.

The smile on Hong Biao's face froze, slowly turning into disbelief, and finally transforming into a towering rage: "What... did... you... say?!"

Lin Chen did not say another word and turned to leave.

"Stop him for me!" Hong Biao roared and kicked over the table in front of him.

Scarface and the others woke up from their stupor and swarmed up with hideous smiles.

Lin Chen did not stop, his figure flashed, and he had already rushed out of the hall. He did not take the main road but headed straight for his own small courtyard, weaving through the alleyways.

"Chase! I'll skin him alive today!" Hong Biao personally took his sword and chased out furiously with all his men.

Just as the pursuers were about to reach the dilapidated courtyard of the Lin Family, Lin Chen's figure flashed in, and he slammed the courtyard door shut behind him.

"You're courting death!"

Hong Biao was furious and flew up to kick the courtyard door heavily.

"Bang!"

The wooden door shattered into pieces.

He led seven or eight subordinates and rushed in like wolves and tigers—

However, the scene before them suddenly twisted!

The familiar dilapidated courtyard, earthen house, dead tree... all disappeared.

Replacing them was a hazy, constantly churning white mist, with a few blurry tree shadows swaying in the mist like ghostly figures.

Not to mention the enemy, even the figures of his companions became elusive, and only bursts of exclamations and chaotic collisions could be heard in his ears.

"What the hell is this!"

"Gang Leader! Where are you?"

"Petty tricks!" Hong Biao was, after all, at Qi Refining Stage 7. After a brief shock, he infused his eyes with Spiritual Qi, and the illusions in front of him faded by thirty percent.

He barely managed to see that his subordinates were spinning around in the small courtyard like headless flies, and some were even bumping into each other.

He roared, too lazy to care about these useless people, and relying on his memory of the courtyard, he lunged straight toward the direction of the main house!

Just at this moment, the door of the main house opened with a creak.

Lin Chen stepped out.

A Spiritual Qi pressure far beyond Hong Biao's imagination erupted like a waking beast!

That was absolutely not Qi Refining Stage 5, nor was it Stage 6!

It was Qi Refining Stage 8!

Hong Biao's pupils shrank to the size of needle points, and he exclaimed in disbelief: "Impossible!"

Three days ago, this kid was still at his mercy, how could this be! Wasn't he seriously injured and not yet recovered?!

Lin Chen did not give him any time to think.

Wind-Riding Steps!

After months of training by nourishing the fetus with pure Spiritual Qi, his control over Spiritual Qi was already far from what it used to be.

Supported by the vigorous Spiritual Qi of Qi Refining Stage 8, his figure was so fast that only an afterimage remained. He instantly closed in on Hong Biao, and a simple, unadorned straight punch, carrying a whistling force, struck directly at his face!

Hong Biao, in panic, hurriedly raised his arms to block.

"Boom!"

The arms collided, and a massive force came, shaking Hong Biao's arms numb, and his burly body was actually forced back three steps!

His heart was churning, filled with shock.

Lin Chen did not let up, his punches and kicks pouring down like a storm.

Every strike contained the pure Spiritual Qi of Qi Refining Stage 8 and carried a peculiar force.

Sometimes like spring wood sprouting, tough and full of vitality; sometimes like flowing water, soft yet pervasive.

This was the manifestation of him having affinity with both Wood and Water attribute Spiritual Qi!

Hong Biao's hard Qigong, which he was good at, was completely restrained in the face of this strange and ever-changing force, feeling stifled to the extreme!

In less than twenty rounds, just as Hong Biao's old force had faded and new force had not yet arisen, Lin Chen shifted his body to the side, his right hand turned into a palm like a blade, and a palm force containing the soft strength of water precisely chopped onto an old wound on his left rib!

"Pfft!"

Hong Biao screamed, his protective Spiritual Qi shattered upon impact, and as if struck by a heavy blow, he spat out a mouthful of blood and stumbled to the ground.

Almost at the same time, the four temporary Formation base Spirit Stones in the courtyard dimmed, their Spiritual Qi exhausted, and the misty white fog silently dissipated.

Scarface and the others finally recovered their vision, only to see their invincible gang leader vomiting blood and being defeated on the ground.

Several people were instantly terrified, their legs went weak, and they all knelt down with a thud, kowtowing like pounding garlic.

"Master Lin, spare us! Master Lin, spare us!"

Lin Chen stood in the courtyard, looking down at the ashen-faced Hong Biao with cold eyes.

He did not kill anyone.

"Take a blood oath," his voice was devoid of any temperature, "In this life and this world, your Black Stone Gang is not allowed to step within a hundred miles of my Lin Family, and not allowed to trouble anyone in my Lin Family again. Those who violate the oath will suffer Heart Demon backlash and lose all cultivation."

The blood oath of the cultivation world had a very strong binding force on low-level Cultivators like Hong Biao who did not have a firm Dao Heart.

Hong Biao looked at Lin Chen's eyes, which were so cold they didn't seem human, and knew that he had kicked an iron plate today and had no chance of turning things around.

He smiled miserably, bit his tongue hard, and with his essence blood as a guide, arduously took the poisonous oath.

Seeing this, Scarface and the others rushed to take the blood oath.

Lin Chen stepped forward and unceremoniously looted all the Spirit Stones and valuable items from them, which could be considered "compensation" for the oppression over these days.

"Get lost."

He only said one word.

Hong Biao, Scarface, and the others, as if granted amnesty, helped each other up and fled the courtyard in a sorry state, rolling out of Black Stone Town.

That afternoon, Lin Chen found Old Zhou and asked him to use the best ink to write the two characters "Lin Mansion" stroke by stroke on a flat wooden board.

He personally hung this simple wooden plaque solemnly on the newly replaced courtyard gate.

The residents of the town watched from afar, whispering, their eyes looking at the small courtyard changing from sympathy and discussion to deep awe.

The sunset glow spilled down, gilding the two rough yet powerful characters "Lin Mansion" with a faint golden edge.

[Novice task "Establishing Oneself" completed with over-fulfillment!]

[Rating: The Host eradicated external threats with thunderous means, exceeding the goal of a stable residence and sustainable means of livelihood (spirit field).]

[Reward upgrade: Unlocked [Complete Blueprint for First-Order Low Grade Spirit Gathering Formation] and [Family Reputation System (Initial Activation)]!]

Lin Chen held his daughter, Su Qingyao snuggled beside him, and the two stood side by side under the brand-new plaque, looking at the spirit field outside the town that had expanded to nearly two acres and was showing signs of vitality.

The road ahead was still long, but at least they had a Foundation to stand on, and a home that must be guarded with their lives.

The night deepened, and the dust settled.

Old Zhou, the accountant who had been hiding in the room without daring to breathe loudly, finally felt the heart that had been hanging in mid-air truly land.

He touched the few extra copper coins in his pocket that the gang leader had generously given out, his hunched back seeming to straighten a bit, and a long-lost smile appeared on his face.

He decided that he must celebrate today.