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"What?! The Lin Family Patriarch has been slain by a demon?"

Wu Lvzhu's pupils constricted, followed by a cold sneer and head shake.

"Impossible! The demons invading this time are indeed well-prepared and strong, but to take down that old immortal from the Lin Family, they are still far from capable. That old thing is the least likely to die. With your current realm, it might be hard to understand just how terrifying and powerful these old monsters of the Five Great Families are! Those people won't die so easily at the hands of demons."

After a pause, he continued.

"However, that old codger seals himself in retreat for years at a time; having not shown himself for so long, he's probably in retreat again. With no sightings, it has become a joke and a talking point for those demons, laughing as if he's already dead. I wonder what he'd think when he emerges hahaha!"

By the end, Wu Lvzhu couldn't help but laugh aloud.

Fang Yu: ???

What are you laughing at??

I've plastered the news right onto your face, why do you not believe it??

Damn it, I knew I should have improved my status before plastering it onto your face.

The ambiguous news had the opposite effect.

Well, no rush. Once I improve my status and reinforce the credibility of this news, a second assault will surely convince the old codger.

Little did Wu Lvzhu know that he was being thoroughly despised by Fang Yu.

Subduing his smile, he continued: "Don't worry about it. This is definitely fake news, probably spread by the Great Demon to boost morale among their rank. The Family Heads of the Five Great Families, each more monstrous than the last, even I am no match for them, let alone those demons who only know how to hide in the shadows?"

"Just focus on your duties. Lately, the Lin Family has been quite active; it's likely that they've been infiltrated by demons without the old man to keep watch. The Five Great Families might not even be as safe as our Foolish Underworld. Infiltration is normal."

"When I have the chance, I'll visit the Lin Family and urge the old man to end his retreat early. With the situation changing, it's time for these old monsters to come out and keep watch. Relying solely on our Foolish Underworld is too much for one faction to handle."

"Anyway, it's of no use telling you this now. Go ahead and take care of your business."

What could Fang Yu say?

"Yes!"

He respectfully withdrew.

Wu Lvzhu looked at Fang Yu's departing figure with a thoughtful expression.

"Ever since Lin Yiqiu stepped back, I haven't seen him in a long while."

"But... that's Lin Yiqiu! These old monsters, each more tenacious and monstrous than the last. Those group of demons couldn't possibly take him down."

"But the Lin Family has indeed been making continuous moves lately, chaos springing forth... To spread rumors that Lin Yiqiu has been slain, yet still able to stir up trouble throughout the Lin Family. Surely, demons have infiltrated part of the Lin Family's upper echelons."

"And this chaos between the Lin Family and the Li Family; judging from the intel, both sides suffered heavy losses. It's been a long time since the Five Great Families engaged in such an intense battle. There must be someone pulling strings!"

Wu Lvzhu narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Now who is the Lin Family's current decision-maker? Seems like it's the steward Lin Ye."

"According to the intel, most of the Lin Family's affairs are currently being managed by Lin Ye."

"This person holds high authority and is the current decision-maker; he should be of clear identity, with no issues."

"This trip to the Lin Family is a good opportunity not only to visit Lin Yiqiu but also to probe the bottom line of the Lin Family."

"Given the current turmoil in the Lin Family, with Lin Ye overwhelmed by the chaos, too young to adequately shoulder the responsibility. The Lin Family's mantle is not so easily upheld."

As the most influential person in the Lin Family, Wu Lvzhu still trusted Lin Ye.

Even the old fool wouldn't entrust the huge affair of the Lin Family to someone incapable.

"The decision-maker of the Lin Family is alone and beset by internal and external troubles. The Lin Family's old man secludes himself from the outside world, indulging in his cultivation."

"This meeting may provide the chance to establish a cooperative relationship between the Lin Family and the Foolish Underworld. In the future, it could also elevate the Foolish Underworld's status, adding leverage during negotiations with the other Five Great Families."

The Foolish Underworld, as an independent force, has always been subordinate to the Five Great Families and wrestling with the Three major martial arts schools for resources.

The Three major martial arts schools still have a gap to bridge with the Foolish Underworld, just as the Foolish Underworld does with the Five Great Families.

The hierarchy is strict, and the classes are clear.

This has been the unwavering reality of Tianyuan Town for many years.

Yet the current chaos could possibly bring subtle changes to this long-standing, fixed power hierarchy.

Thinking this, Wu Lvzhu began to gather forces.

The Lin Family must have been infiltrated; adequate defenses are essential; caution is paramount.

...

"Out already?"

Unexpectedly, Zhuo Xueer was waiting right at the entrance of Yangshen Hall.

She greeted Fang Yu as soon as she saw him.

Fang Yu looked at her with mixed feelings.

This girl is still unaware of the true nature of her father's sacrifice, blinded by false honors.

Although the Hall Master did not explicitly say, it's likely that some misdeeds led to his "glorious" sacrifice.

In the end, if Zhuo Xueer discovers the truth, realizing that the goal she's been chasing isn't so honorable, who knows what her reaction will be.

However, this matter is not something Fang Yu intends to get involved with.

Nor does he think it right to be the one to reveal such things; it's a thankless job that offers no benefit and only earns animosity.

Besides, a false goal is still a goal; Zhuo Xueer's efforts to this point have been driven by the power granted by that goal.