The Lin Clan Grand Hall, just minutes ago:—"Expel him from the clan!"—"Cut off his hands!"—"Throw him into the Demon Pig Pit!"
The same hall, now:
—"Dear nephew Lin Xuan, how regal you look today, what a... celestial aura."—"I didn't recognize you at first... you carry the bearing of a young immortal dragon!"—"Do you need a new residence? I happen to have a mansion right by the spiritual lotus lake!"
Everything had changed.
The appearance of Ancestor Lin Tianlong, a cultivator of the Void Refinement Realm, had turned knees to jelly and mouths into sycophantic waterfalls. The same young man they called trash was now the target of fake smiles, spontaneous bows, and absurdly generous offers.
Lin Xuan sat on an improvised throne—actually the Patriarch's chair from ten minutes ago.
One leg crossed, one hand on his chin, wearing an expression that was either boredom... or divine judgment.
DING!New Status: "Confirmed Power Aura™"Passive Effect: Everyone who once insulted you now laughs nervously.+100 Base Arrogance+20% Resistance to Other People's Hypocrisy
🧎♂️ Bribes, Groveling & Strategic Amnesia
Elder Lin Bao was the first to kneel again (his second time today).
"Xuan'er… my dear nephew… remember when I threw you into that pond of poisonous frogs as a child? It was spiritual training! Exposure therapy, ha ha!"
Lin Xuan said nothing. He simply raised an eyebrow.
DING!+15 Posture Points+1 Lin Bao Starts Crying Voluntarily™
Next came Lin Feng, his lifelong rival—the same cousin who once carved "Trash" on his door.
Now holding a vase filled with spiritual fruit.
"Brother Xuan... please accept this celestial fruit. It's… good for your already radiant skin."
Lin Xuan looked at him calmly.
"Are you implying my skin needs improvement?"
Lin Feng went pale. "N-no! I just... I meant you could be even more radiant!"
DING!+10 Applied Sarcasm PointsLin Feng has unlocked status: Fear Level 3
🏯 The Patriarch's Strategic Surrender
Even Patriarch Lin Jinhai, who had ordered Lin Xuan's arms cut off less than an hour ago, descended from his high seat with a smile so forced it should be declared a cultivation technique.
"Young Master Lin Xuan…" (yes, they were all calling him that now), "given your recent… transformation and the Ancestor's divine favor, I believe we may re-evaluate your status in the clan."
Lin Xuan nodded slowly, as if deciding whether to forgive them... or obliterate them.
"'Re-evaluate'? No. Proclaim. This position is mine by right. Or must I call Tianlong again?"
A shiver ran down the patriarch's back.
"O-of course! We will immediately proclaim it! Let it be carved in spiritual jade: Lin Xuan, Young Master of the Lin Clan, Heir of the Ancestral Bloodline!"
🍵 Tea, Bribes, and Worship
Within the hour, Lin Xuan received:
Three new mansions with views of the lotus pond.
One hundred cultivation pills (90% expired but well-meant).
Seven servants trained in Earth-grade fan-waving techniques.
A spirit turtle that sings opera (personally gifted by the Ancestor).
A "Patriarchal Pardon" written on gold-leaf paper.
DING!Lin Xuan's Reputation in the Clan: Despised → Idolized with Irrational Fear
😏 End-of-Chapter Thoughts
As the day came to an end, Lin Xuan strolled through his new estate, escorted by disciples bowing every three steps.
Ancestor Lin Tianlong had already returned to his mysterious cultivation, but before leaving, he'd offered a few words:
"Don't waste time on grudges, boy. Make them fear you... and serve you tea."
Lin Xuan smiled.
"Gladly, Ancestor. Gladly."
DING!New Mission Available:"Visit the Bai Clan – Settling the Score with the Ex-Fiancée"Objective: Elegantly humiliate Bai Lu.Reward: Secret Technique – "Cold Heart, Jade Face"Status: Ready for Romantic-Level Arrogance