Chapter 6: Lin Yi, the Scapegoat

“Open your eyes wide, you fools! This Master Wang is the head of the Eight Fortune Hall, the largest auction house on the entire continent and the leader of the Northwest Region. With your provincial attitudes, it’s best not to embarrass yourselves in front of a real expert!”

“What!”

The members of the Linghan Sect were instantly shocked upon hearing the identity of the man in the brocade robe.

The Eight Fortune Hall, named for the wealth it gathers from all directions, does business across the continent. Each region has its branch, and even the lowest-ranking branch leaders possess Nascent Soul cultivation. It’s said that some among them have reached the Supreme level.

To offend him would mean that the Linghan Sect would no longer be able to purchase or trade resources through the auction house.

Moreover, considering his status, how could he not possess life-saving treasures?

Having learned his identity, Chu Zhongtian and the others lost their momentum; their anger quickly turned to forced smiles, revealing their true, petty nature.

“Ah... so it is Master Wang in person. We failed to recognize such a distinguished figure. Please forgive us for our ignorance, Master Wang,” Chu Zhongtian stammered.

“Hmph!”

Master Wang scoffed disdainfully but did not bother to further trouble these insignificant players.

Turning to Ye Fan, he said, “Young Master Ye, from what I see, even the entire assets of the Linghan Sect don’t reach five million spirit stones. Judging from the dowry list you gave me, it’s worth at least fifteen million spirit stones. That means there’s a shortfall of no less than ten million spirit stones.”

“What! A shortfall of ten million spirit stones!”

Before Ye Fan could reply, Chu Zhongtian was so shocked by Master Wang’s estimate that he nearly lost his balance, only steadying himself with help from someone beside him.

Now, Chu Zhongtian deeply regretted everything.

With Ye Fan around, no one in the Northwest Region dared provoke the Linghan Sect, not even someone as powerful as Master Wang, who had come to assist Ye Fan.

But now, they had fallen to rock bottom. Without Ye Fan, their small sect was nothing.

Watching as Master Wang waved his hand and collected many treasures into his storage space, Chu Zhongtian felt desperate.

They couldn’t afford to offend Master Wang, and it was clear that Master Wang was here on Ye Fan’s orders.

If they wanted to keep any treasures, they had to target Ye Fan.

Looking around, Chu Zhongtian happened to see Chu Linger approaching.

Without hesitation, he grabbed Chu Linger and brought her before Ye Fan.

“Nephew, all this is entirely my fault. If you won’t show me face, then at least consider Linger’s. This is all the Linghan Sect has left; you must not take it away.”

After speaking, Chu Zhongtian pushed Linger toward Ye Fan.

Coincidentally, as Chu Linger leaned toward Ye Fan, her clothing was tugged, revealing a smooth, snow-white shoulder.

Though she did not fully understand what was happening, from her father’s words, Chu Linger got the gist.

Seizing the moment, she leaned against Ye Fan while quietly employing her charms.

She was convinced no man could resist such a delicate beauty as herself.

Alas, Ye Fan’s reaction once again thwarted Chu Linger’s plans.

Having lived a second life, Ye Fan immediately saw through the father and daughter’s scheme.

With a swift move, he dodged Chu Linger, causing her to fall to the ground.

Watching her still desperately trying to use her charms, Ye Fan felt truly disgusted.

Chu Zhongtian, as a father, was trying to profit from his daughter’s body.

Chu Linger was shameless, taking pride rather than shame.

Disgust flashed in Ye Fan’s eyes.

Ignoring Chu Linger and the others, Ye Fan said to Master Wang, “Master Wang, please auction off whatever the Linghan Sect can sell at your auction house. As for the rest...”

His tone shifted coldly as he addressed Chu Zhongtian and the others.

“You have half a month to repay the remaining dowry. If I don’t see the spirit stones by then, I won’t hesitate to send four Half-God Supreme warriors to visit your small sect.”

With that, Ye Fan flicked his sleeve and left alongside Master Wang.

Watching Ye Fan’s retreating back, the Linghan Sect members were filled with regret.

Chu Zhongtian collapsed onto the ground, eyes vacant.

His mind involuntarily recalled every moment when Ye Fan had been around.

With Ye Fan’s presence, the Linghan Sect had never worried about cultivation resources, and other sects treated them with great respect.

But all that was gone because they had failed to cherish it.

“It’s over, it’s all over. The Linghan Sect is finished,” Chu Zhongtian muttered numbly, staring at the empty treasure vault.

Just then, Lin Yi approached, carrying a gift.

“Uncle Chu, a batch of Coldlight Fungi from Half-Moon Cliff has just matured today. I gathered quite a few and specially brought some for you.”

Lin Yi was unaware of the Linghan Sect’s sour mood and even jingled the gift in his hands.

Hearing Lin Yi’s words, Chu Zhongtian snapped out of his daze.

Looking at the Coldlight Fungi in Lin Yi’s hands, a flicker of pain crossed Chu Zhongtian’s eyes.

These fungi were rare and somewhat beneficial for their cultivation.

But compared to the treasures Ye Fan had casually given before, they were insignificant.

“Damn it, it’s all your fault!” Chu Zhongtian grew angrier by the minute, cursing as he swung his arm and landed a hard slap on Lin Yi’s face.

“Damn it! It’s all because of you, this worthless whelp, that we’re all doomed!”

Lin Yi was stunned, not understanding what had happened.

At that moment, Chu Linger reacted first, rushing before Lin Yi to shield him.

“Father, it’s not Senior Brother’s fault at all. This is all because Ye Fan is too stingy, with less generosity than a woman. Look at Senior Brother Lin—he actually picked Coldlight Fungi for the Linghan Sect. He’s much more generous than Ye Fan.”

Seeing Lin Yi, Chu Linger’s eyes shone brightly, completely forgetting that the treasures Ye Fan had thrown around before were a hundred times more valuable than these fungi.

Chu Zhongtian’s anger flared even more when he saw his daughter protecting Lin Yi.

He shouted, “A few worthless spiritual herbs are useless! We owe Ye Fan ten million spirit stones! It’s all because of this useless wretch! Without him, how could Ye Fan have broken off the engagement? How did the Linghan Sect end up like this?

The entire sect’s treasure vault has been emptied, and this worthless fool has stripped Half-Moon Cliff bare—nothing compares to the damage done to the Linghan Sect!”

The angrier he got, the more he vented his rage on Lin Yi.

Seeing Chu Linger still shielding the troublemaker, Chu Zhongtian exploded with Nascent Soul power, flinging his daughter aside and delivering another kick to Lin Yi.

He unleashed all the frustration he had from Ye Fan and Master Wang onto Lin Yi.

He dared not offend Ye Fan and Master Wang, but could he not vent on this useless troublemaker?

The Linghan Sect members on the sidelines watched coldly, some even secretly approving. After all, without Lin Yi, the Linghan Sect might still be living a good life.

Dazed and beaten, Lin Yi struggled to regain his senses.

He could not fathom why, in just a few days, the world had changed so drastically, and why everyone now looked at him with hostility.