95: Turbulence arises again, with a powerful enemy eyeing the scene.

After returning from the Astrological Platform, Lin Fan's life entered a strange period of calm. By day, he continued his routine Cultivate at the Dragon Transformation Pool, combining the True Dragon Body Refining Art and the Circulating Heaven Star Formula, his Physical Body strength increasing at a visible rate. By night, he quietly went to the Astrological Platform, drawing in the Power of the Stars to temper his Soul, his Divine Sense growing stronger day by day.

In just seven days, his cultivation had stabilized at the Peak of the Eighth Level of Body Tempering, only a step away from the Ninth Level. More importantly, the preliminary Fusion of the two ancient texts had caused a qualitative change in his combat power.

Early one morning, just as Lin Fan stepped out of the third layer of the Dragon Transformation Pool, he was stopped by a Deacon.

"Divine Son, the Fourth Elder requests your presence," the Deacon said expressionlessly.

Fourth Elder Lin Baichuan? The one in charge of the Family's industries and resources.

Lin Fan's heart stirred slightly. The Fourth Elder belonged to the Grand Elder's faction; seeking him out at this time was definitely not a good thing. But he did not refuse, nodding and saying, "Lead the way."

The Fourth Elder's residence was located in the Family's Southern Courtyard, a grand mansion. Inside were pavilions, terraces, small bridges, and flowing water, with luxurious decorations that befitted his status as the one in charge of resources.

In the main hall, Lin Fan met the Fourth Elder, Lin Baichuan.

He was a slightly chubby old man with a ruddy face, looking very amiable. But in those narrowed eyes, the occasional flash of sharp light revealed a merchant-like shrewdness and calculation.

"Lin Fan is here? Sit, sit," Lin Baichuan greeted with a smile, as if he had a great relationship with Lin Fan. "Someone, serve tea."

A maid served fragrant tea. Lin Baichuan took a slow sip before speaking: "I heard you've been Cultivate very hard recently. Good, young people should have such drive."

"The Fourth Elder overpraises me," Lin Fan replied calmly.

"However," Lin Baichuan's tone shifted, "while Cultivate is important, one must also pay attention to methods. The resources you consume daily in the Dragon Transformation Pool, when converted to Spirit Stones, are quite a significant amount."

Lin Fan sneered inwardly; here it comes.

"According to the clan rules, the Divine Son's monthly resource quota is indeed more than that of ordinary Disciples," Lin Baichuan put down his teacup, looking troubled. "But your consumption these days has already exceeded the quota by three times. Other Disciples in the clan have expressed dissatisfaction, saying the resource distribution is unfair..."

"So, what does the Fourth Elder mean?" Lin Fan asked directly.

"Alas, it is also difficult for this old man," Lin Baichuan sighed. "How about this: from today on, your daily Cultivate time in the Dragon Transformation Pool will be reduced to one hour. Additionally, your monthly Spirit Stone quota will be temporarily halved until this storm passes."

One hour? Halved?

Lin Fan's gaze turned cold. This was clearly an attempt to cut off his path of cultivation!

"Is this the Fourth Elder's intention, or the Family's decision?" Lin Fan asked in a deep voice.

"Naturally, it is the Family's decision," Lin Baichuan said solemnly. "Resources are limited and should be distributed fairly. As the Divine Son, you should lead by example and understand the Family's difficulties."

"Fair?" Lin Fan smiled. "Then may I ask the Fourth Elder, Lin Yun withdrew five bottles of 'Origin Tempering Pills' from the storehouse yesterday, worth five hundred Spirit Stones. Does that count as fair?"

Lin Baichuan's expression changed slightly: "That... that was specially approved by the Grand Elder for Lin Yun's needs to Breakthrough to the Condensing Essence Realm."

"Oh? Specially approved by the Grand Elder?" Lin Fan stood up. "Then I should go ask the Clan Chief if the Grand Elder has the right to bypass clan rules and privately approve such a huge amount of resources."

"You!" Lin Baichuan also stood up, the smile on his face vanishing. "Lin Fan, I am advising you with good intentions. Don't be ungrateful!"

"Ungrateful?" Lin Fan looked directly at Lin Baichuan. "I only recognize the clan rules. If the Fourth Elder insists on withholding my resources, then let the Clan Chief and the other Elders decide together."

After saying that, he turned to leave.

"Stop!" Lin Baichuan shouted angrily. "You think that with the Clan Chief backing you, you can do whatever you want? Let me tell you, the allocation of Family resources is entirely my responsibility! You will accept this order today, whether you want to or not!"

Lin Fan did not stop.

"Stop him!" Lin Baichuan ordered the guards outside the hall.

Four guards at the Ninth Level of Body Tempering entered at the command, blocking Lin Fan's path.

Lin Fan stopped and looked back at Lin Baichuan: "Fourth Elder, are you planning to use force?"

"I just want you to calm down," Lin Baichuan sneered. "Young man, being too aggressive is not good."

"Then I will also give the Fourth Elder a word of advice," Lin Fan slowly clenched his fist. "Sometimes, tolerance only makes people take a mile when given an inch." Before he finished speaking, he moved.

There were no fancy Moves, only the simplest straight punch.

With the first punch, the guard in the very front blocked with his arm. A "crack" was heard as the arm bone broke, and the man was sent flying, crashing into a pillar in the hall and spitting blood as he lost consciousness.

With the second punch, the guard on the left raised his blade to slash. The moment the blade touched the fist, it actually shattered into pieces! The punch's momentum did not decrease, striking the guard's chest, who collapsed with a groan.

The third and fourth punches followed the same pattern.

Four guards at the Ninth Level of Body Tempering were dealt with in four punches.

The entire process took no more than three breaths.

The sneer on Lin Baichuan's face froze. He knew Lin Fan could fight above his level, but he hadn't expected him to be this strong! Before Lin Fan, the Ninth Level of Body Tempering was like chickens and dogs!

"Now, can I leave?" Lin Fan shook his hand, as if he had just swatted a few flies.

Lin Baichuan's face was ashen, but he did not dare to block him again.

Lin Fan strode away.

As he walked out of the Fourth Elder's residence, many clansmen who had heard the news had gathered at the door. Seeing Lin Fan walk out safely while the mansion was in a mess, everyone looked at each other and whispered.

"I heard the Divine Son beat up the Fourth Elder's guards?"

"More than that! One punch for each, and they were all at the Ninth Level of Body Tempering!"

"That's just too fierce..."

Lin Fan ignored these discussions and went straight back to his courtyard.

He knew that this matter would not end here. For the Fourth Elder to dare to do this, there must be instructions from the Grand Elder behind it. This was a test, and also a way to exert pressure.

Sure enough, in the afternoon, Clan Leader Lin Zhantian sent someone to summon him.

In the Ancestral Hall, the seven Elders gathered once again.

The atmosphere was heavy.

"Lin Fan, what is your explanation for today's events?" Great Elder Lin Yuan was the first to attack, his voice cold.

Lin Fan's expression was calm: "The Fourth Elder withheld my Cultivate resources for no reason. I argued based on reason; what was improper about that?"

"Argued based on reason?" Lin Yuan sneered. "Wounding four guards and destroying the hall—is this your 'arguing based on reason'?"

"The guards attacked first; I was merely acting in self-defense," Lin Fan said indifferently. "As for the hall, fists and feet have no eyes, and accidental damage is unavoidable. I can compensate for the losses."

"Compensate? You make it sound easy!" Fourth Elder Lin Baichuan said angrily. "Those guards are seriously injured and will need at least three months to recover! And the antiques and paintings in the hall are worth tens of thousands of Spirit Stones!"

"Oh?" Lin Fan raised an eyebrow. "Then how should the loss from the Fourth Elder withholding my resources and hindering my cultivation be calculated? Could it be that in the Fourth Elder's eyes, my cultivation is not as important as a few dead objects?"

"You—" Lin Baichuan was at a loss for words.

"Enough," Lin Zhantian finally spoke, his voice majestic. "I have already understood the matter clearly. Fourth Elder, you reduced the Divine Son's resources without discussion; that was indeed improper."

"Clan Leader, I was also doing it for the Family's fairness..."

"Fairness is not an excuse," Lin Zhantian interrupted him. "The Divine Son's resource quota is set by clan rules. If it is to be changed, it must be discussed by the Eight Extremes Hall. Deciding on your own is an overstepping of authority."

Lin Baichuan's face turned red, but he did not dare to argue.

Lin Zhantian then looked at Lin Fan: "However, Lin Fan, your use of force was indeed excessive. You are sentenced to three days of confinement to reflect on your actions. Do you have any objections?"

"No," Lin Fan bowed. Three days of confinement was negligible; this was clearly a protective punishment from the Clan Leader.

"This matter ends here," Lin Zhantian scanned the crowd. "The Ancient Domain Trial is approaching, and I do not wish to see any more internal strife. If anyone stirs up trouble again, they will be severely punished!"

Everyone responded in unison.

After the meeting adjourned, just as Lin Fan walked out of the Ancestral Hall, he was called by Fifth Elder Lin Jingtao.

"Lin Fan, Follow me."

Lin Fan followed him to the Hall of Punishment. This was the Fifth Elder's domain; the atmosphere was solemn, and the air seemed permeated with the scent of blood.

Entering the inner hall, Lin Jingtao dismissed the attendants before looking at Lin Fan: "You did well today."

Lin Fan was startled. He thought the Fifth Elder was going to scold him.

"The Grand Elder is behind the Fourth Elder. They want to use resources to choke you, making it impossible for you to Breakthrough before the Ancient Domain Trial," the Fifth Elder sneered. "I've seen many such tactics. If you had yielded today, they would only have become more aggressive."

"Thank you for your understanding, Fifth Elder," Lin Fan cupped his fists.

"However, you were still too impulsive," the Fifth Elder's tone shifted. "Wounding the guards was satisfying, but it also gave them an excuse. Next time you encounter such a thing, you might as well try another way."

"Please advise me, Fifth Elder."

"Go find the Third Elder," Lin Jingtao said in a low voice. "She is in charge of Medicinal Pills and medicine; most of the clan's Medicinal Pills must pass through her hands. If the Fourth Elder withholds your Spirit Stones, you can use Medicinal Pills to compensate. Although the Third Elder is neutral, she values rules the most and will not favor any side."

Lin Fan realized: "I understand."

Additionally," Lin Jingtao took out a black token from his robe, "this is a Hall of Punishment Deacon token. With this token, you can mobilize three Hall of Punishment Disciples to do things that are inconvenient for you to do personally." Lin Fan took the token; it felt cold to the touch. The word "Punishment" was engraved on the front, with complex patterns on the back.

"Fifth Elder, this—"

"No need to ask," Lin Jingtao waved his hand. "The Ancient Domain Trial is extremely dangerous. One more bit of strength is one more chance of survival. Remember, do not tell anyone about the token, including the Clan Leader."

Lin Fan's heart was shaken. Was the Fifth Elder supporting him in secret?

"Go," Lin Jingtao turned around. "Prepare well. The future of the Lin Family may rest on you."

By the time he left the Hall of Punishment, it was already dark.

Holding the black token, Lin Fan's thoughts were in turmoil. The internal struggles of the Family were far more complex than he had imagined. The seemingly hostile Fifth Elder was actually helping him in secret; the seemingly neutral Second Elder also had a history with his father.

These waters were too deep.

Returning to his courtyard, Lin Fan did not rest but continued to Cultivate.

Three days of confinement were perfect for consolidating his cultivation and pushing for the Ninth Level of Body Tempering.

He sat cross-legged, circulating the Circulating Heaven Star Formula. The Power of the Stars from the night sky was drawn down, merging into his body and blending with the dragon blood essence, tempering every inch of his flesh.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

On the morning of the fourth day, Lin Fan opened his eyes.

A sharp light flashed in his eyes and vanished; his aura was even more profound than three days ago. Although he hadn't broken through to the Ninth Level of Body Tempering, his Foundation was more solid, and he was only a step away from a Breakthrough.

As soon as his confinement was lifted, Lin Fan went to Third Elder Lin Suxin's Pill Pavilion.

The Pill Pavilion was located in the Family's Northern Courtyard, a three-story wooden building. Before even getting close, one could smell the fragrance of medicine permeating the air.

"Divine Son? A rare guest indeed," an Alchemy Boy recognized Lin Fan and greeted him with a smile.

"I wish to see the Third Elder," Lin Fan said.

"The Elder is currently refining pills; please wait a moment, Divine Son."

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Lin Suxin walked out from the inner room. Today she wore a plain white Alchemy robe, her white hair tied up, holding a dragon-headed cane, her expression kind.

"Lin Fan, what business do you have with this old woman?"

Lin Fan bowed and briefly explained the matter of the Fourth Elder withholding resources, finally saying: "I heard the Third Elder is fair, so I have come to request some Medicinal Pills to compensate for my cultivation needs."

Lin Suxin listened quietly and nodded: "The Fourth Elder has indeed gone too far. How about this: every month you can come to the Pill Pavilion to collect five bottles of 'Body Tempering Pills' and three bottles of 'Spirit Nourishing Pills'. These pills are valuable and enough to compensate for the Spirit Stones withheld from you."

"Thank you, Third Elder!" Lin Fan was overjoyed. Body Tempering Pills assisted in Physical Body cultivation, and Spirit Nourishing Pills nurtured the Soul; they were exactly what he needed most right now.

"No need to thank me," Lin Suxin waved her hand, then suddenly lowered her voice, "Lin Fan, in the Ancient Domain Trial, you must be careful of one person."

"Who?"

"Lin Feng," a hint of worry flashed in Lin Suxin's eyes. "He returned to the residence three days ago, and his cultivation has reached the Condensing Origin Third Layer."

Condensing Origin Third Layer! Lin Fan's heart tightened. There was already a huge gap between Body Tempering and Condensing Essence; the Condensing Origin Third Layer against the Eighth Level of Body Tempering was practically a crushing defeat!

"Furthermore," Lin Suxin continued, "he brought back a treasure, said to be a piece of damaged Spirit Armor with extremely strong defense. The Grand Elder's faction has invested heavily for this trial."

Lin Fan was silent for a moment before bowing: "Thank you for the warning, Third Elder."

When he left the Pill Pavilion, Lin Fan's mood was somewhat heavy.

Condensing Origin Third Layer plus Spirit Armor—this was almost an impossible opponent to defeat. But soon, his gaze became firm again.

"So what if he's at the Condensing Origin Third Layer?" Lin Fan clenched his fist. "I still have one month. Within a month, I will surely enter the Condensing Essence Realm!"

["System, how much longer is the sign-in cooldown?"]

[Sign-in cooldown: Three days]

In three days, he could go to the Ancestral Artifact Pavilion to sign in. Perhaps there would be a key to breaking the deadlock there.