Chapter Nineteen: Why Should My Brother?

After arriving in Tianhe City, Kai immediately resumed his identity as Lin Zhengyang and continued serving as a covert guard.

News had long spread that the Lin family from the Imperial Capital was coming, and officials of all ranks in Tianhe City came out to welcome them, led by Yang Baihu, the highest commander of the Martial Arts Base.

Typically, each city had two main authorities: the military and the administration.

The military was represented by the station chief of the Martial Arts Base, who directly commanded all martial artists and regular troops in the city.

“Director Yang, it’s been a long time,” Lin Zhengyang greeted cheerfully in plain clothes as he approached. “The last time we met was two years ago, wasn’t it?”

“To think it’s you in person!” Yang Baihu’s face showed surprise. He had expected at most a mid-level member of the Lin family from the Imperial Capital, but never imagined the Martial King Lin himself would come.

After all, mid-level figures from the Lin family were already powerful enough to be untouchable in a base city.

“Two years ago, Martial King Lin toured the entire country on behalf of His Majesty. I didn’t expect you’d still remember a mere base city station chief like me.”

“Ha! You’re all heroes fighting for the nation and our people. Besides, Tianhe City is a frontier city with great strategic importance. How could I forget?”

After some polite exchanges, the Lin family convoy entered the city. Yang Baihu hosted a banquet at the Martial Arts Base in their honor.

Yang Baihu’s eyes kept drifting back to Lin Tianjiao, who was quietly following Lin Zhengyang.

So this must be Lin Tianjiao, the heir to the Lin family.

Indeed, royal heirs always carried an indefinable aura of nobility and strength.

“Truly a hero born young,” Yang Baihu couldn’t help but praise, “Prince Lin is clearly a royal heir, full of heroic spirit.”

“Ha, you flatter us!” Lin Zhengyang’s expression remained casual, but he took the compliment deeply to heart.

Praising his prodigy son brought honor to himself.

Lin Tianjiao bowed politely, his humility and generosity befitting a royal heir.

Yang Baihu continued with a few more compliments before Lin Zhengyang suddenly asked, “Jiang Shang, is Elder Jiang here?”

Soon after, Elder Jiang emerged from his office, greeting them in a perfunctory manner before preparing to leave.

Lin Tianjiao frowned slightly. Hmm? My father has come in person, yet he seems to show little respect.

At that moment, Lin Xuetao, who regularly signed in at the Martial Arts Base, suddenly brightened and hurried over. “Brother Tianjiao! Brother Tianjiao! Do you still remember me?”

Lin Tianjiao finally shifted his gaze and nodded slightly. “Brother Xuetao, long time no see.”

“It really is you all! What brings you here...?”

“Nothing much, you go on with your business.”

Faced with a genuine royal heir, Lin Xuetao dared not show any pride. He quickly nodded and stepped aside, lingering out of curiosity.

With so many elders present, Lin Tianjiao did not drive him away but waited silently.

“Elder Jiang, I have a request,” Lin Zhengyang said with fervent eyes.

Yang Huier immediately nudged Lin Tianjiao. “Elder Jiang, would you accept Tianjiao as your disciple?”

Elder Jiang glanced back with a faint smile. “Oh? Martial King Lin has come personally today just for this?”

“Yes!”

“Then I’m sorry, but I currently have no such intention.”

In an instant, the banquet fell silent. Yang Baihu and the Tianhe officials sensed the awkward tension.

Lin Zhengyang’s face darkened slightly but he still tried to persuade, “Elder Jiang, could you at least do me this favor?”

Indeed, if it were anyone else, they would be eager to wholeheartedly serve Lin Zhengyang, the invincible martial king of this era. Such a favor was coveted by all.

Even Yang Baihu, hearing Lin’s plea, wished he could replace Elder Jiang himself.

Yet Elder Jiang remained stubborn and sulky, shaking his head slowly. “Sorry, my energy is limited. I don’t teach students, nor do I have any interest in doing so. I’m afraid Martial King Lin has come all this way in vain.”

Damn it!

Watching the scene, Lin Xuetao’s mind was filled with curses. The old man just accepted that scoundrel Sen Yang yesterday, and now claims no interest in taking disciples?

Is he some kind of opera face-changer?

That’s the Lin family’s royal heir we’re talking about!

Even I, his cousin, have to consider his mood.

Taking in a royal heir is a great honor, far more than that worthless Sen Yang… Well, I admit Sen Yang is ridiculously strong.

While ranting silently, Lin Xuetao couldn’t help but compare Sen Yang with Lin Tianjiao inwardly.

But as soon as the thought emerged, he stopped himself and smiled bitterly.

I must be losing my mind, thinking that a mud-legged brute like Sen Yang could compare to Brother Tianjiao...

Repeated refusals made even the usually gentle Lin Zhengyang’s expression sour.

Yang Baihu gave Elder Jiang a warning look, signaling him not to hold Martial King Lin hostage and to ease the tension.

But Elder Jiang seemed oblivious, turning to leave directly.

“Elder Jiang, if you can accept someone like my brother, why not me!” Lin Tianjiao suddenly stood, breaking the silence with a direct question.

“Tianjiao, sit down and mind your manners!” Lin Zhengyang scolded sharply, but anyone could see the darkening look in the Martial King’s eyes. His reprimand was only for show.

Hearing this, Elder Jiang, who had his back turned, smirked slightly. He finally realized how little his beloved disciple was valued within the Lin family.

Typically, parents rejoice when their sons achieve success.

Yet the Martial King seemed like a wolf smelling meat, arriving with his youngest son intent on having him share the spoils, paying no attention to the eldest son’s plight.

Thinking this, Elder Jiang turned and calmly looked at Lin Tianjiao. “What kind of person is your brother to deserve such disdain from you?”

“Um...” Lin Tianjiao was momentarily stunned, realizing his words had been too harsh given their age difference. Yet he was bold and honest, taking a deep breath to steady himself. “Though we share the same blood and cannot deny we are family, the fact remains: my brother Lin Yin has no martial talent, and his character is weak and spineless. Being apprenticed to a renowned master is a waste. I speak not to offend, but to state the truth.”

“Then what right does he have?”

Elder Jiang noticed that Lin Zhengyang did not interrupt or contradict Lin Tianjiao’s words.

This meant Lin Zhengyang tacitly agreed.

A cold smile crept onto Elder Jiang’s lips.

Martial King Lin, oh Martial King Lin, you truly have poor judgment. It seems my disciple leaving the Lin family was indeed a blessing.

“Is someone scheming against me behind my back?”

Suddenly, a tall figure strode forward, carrying a strange saber on his back. He looked around indifferently, scanning Lin Tianjiao briefly before fixing his gaze on Elder Jiang. The sharpness and gloom in the youth’s face softened into a gentle smile.

“Teacher, my qi and blood have reached the sixth realm, and I’ve mastered three levels of saber technique. Shall we continue today?”