Eternal Swordmaster
Chapter 578 - 573: Support 7

Chapter 578: Chapter 573: Support 7

At another viewing stand.

Lin Shangxiu’s expression was ugly, staring intensely at Lin Xin standing on the ocean’s surface, murder in his eyes so intense it was clear for anyone to see.

"I advise you not to get any ideas first," the man in black who had saved her earlier spoke deeply. "The mission is critical, and besides, Lin Sherie’s strength is somewhat abnormal. Killing him would cost us too much."

"Just a young lad! Even you can’t handle him?" Lin Shangxiu couldn’t help but retort coldly.

"Among the hundreds here, aside from me and the Gongshang family head, no one is his match," the man in black said indifferently.

"But this is not within our mission’s scope."

"He almost killed me just now!" Lin Shangxiu shouted somewhat hysterically.

"So what?" the man in black replied coldly. "Unless there is a perfect accidental opportunity, killing him would mean your death as well."

Lin Shangxiu’s face twisted ferociously, unable to utter a word as she bowed her head.

Yes, Lin Yaoyang would not tolerate her dearest younger brother dying mysteriously outside. She would go mad.

***************

Lin Youke had just gotten ashore with a few companions, their bodies as if they were falling apart, battling for merely an hour yet feeling as though they hadn’t rested for days and nights.

She almost wanted to drop to the ground and sleep immediately, but she struggled to stay upright, knowing this was the best opportunity to enhance her cultivation practice, which she absolutely could not miss.

Her companions felt the same, their eyelids fighting each other, utterly exhausted, fearing that a few more demon spirits could claim their lives.

"It’s finally over....."

A clansman gasped for breath.

"Where is the young master?"

Another asked.

Lin Youke looked around and just then saw Lin Xin stepping casually ashore over the ocean.

She hurriedly led her group to catch up.

But someone was faster than them; the Gongshang family head, with others in tow, had already reached Lin Xin.

"The Lin family head has brought up another young hero. I thought it was an exaggeration, but seeing is believing."

The Gongshang family head was a straightforward old man, pulling his beard and laughing as he approached.

"You flatter me too much," Lin Xin replied with a bow, showing respect. "Demon spirits rage, and everyone ought to kill them; I merely contributed my slight effort."

"Modesty is good, but too much becomes pretense. Come on, let’s go have a meal!" The Gongshang family head pulled on Lin Xin’s arm and dragged him to the main hall for the evening banquet.

The people from the Gongshang house crowded around them, and along the way, the old man also gathered several top executives responsible for defense in his family.

He also called Duanqing Long, Kong Ruyi, and others.

Along the way, returning to the family’s horn-shaped building, there were guards and maids on both sides welcoming them respectfully.

That night, Lin Xin was made to drink a bellyful of alcohol at the banquet.

The old Gongshang head insistently introduced his nieces and daughters to him, the warmth almost overwhelming.

Helplessly, Lin Xin managed to cope but feigned drunkenness to escape the banquet.

Once out of the hall, he found a small garden and walked in to breathe deeply, calming himself.

"It was my fault just now, no more words, today I’m punishing myself with ten cups!" Gongshang family head’s loud voice boomed from behind, in the banquet hall, sounding like thunder.

Lin Xin stood at the edge of the garden, looked back, and shook his head speechlessly.

"This old man just wanted an excuse to enjoy some drinks."

He had seen through his nature by then.

"Are you Lin Sherie, Young Master Sherie?"

Suddenly, a somewhat immature girl’s voice came from behind him.

Lin Xin turned around; the speaker was a pretty, petite, and cute young girl whom he remembered the Gongshang family head had introduced.

Gongshang Baiyu, the most beloved little princess of the entire Gongshang house.

"So it’s Miss Baiyu! Indeed, I am Lin Sherie," Lin Xin replied with a nod, his demeanor neither warm nor cold.

"Young Master Sherie is indeed as the rumors describe," Gongshang Baiyu covered her mouth and smiled.

"How so?"

"It’s the demeanor, very cold, as if you dislike being close to people."

"Is that so? I just prefer not to waste too much energy on things unrelated to cultivation practice," Lin Xin replied offhandedly.

The young girl’s eyes brightened immediately, clearly showing admiration and adoration.

"I wonder if this young girl could call you Brother Sherie? I’ve always wanted a brother like Young Master."

These words were somewhat abrupt and tactless.

Lin Xin responded casually.

"Miss Baiyu says so, but I fear the Gongshang house’s fellow disciples and brothers might be heartbroken."

Gongshang Baiyu was about to continue speaking when suddenly, a group of drunk fellows staggered their way.

One of the drunkest was singing loudly, off-key.

Gongshang Baiyu immediately frowned.

"It’s Brother Yuxi and them."

"Miss Baiyu, please feel free to do as you like," Lin Xin smiled and turned to leave.

The banquet hall’s white light shone from a window, falling on a corner of the small garden.

Lin Xin walked into the shadow, the insect chirping on his left, the messy sounds from the banquet on his right.

A few people were out to clear their minds as well and spotted him from a distance. They wanted to come over and make contact but were somewhat hesitant to approach.

Apparently, they were intimidated by Lin Xin’s cold demeanor.

Turning around a small corner, he walked to the other side of the garden.

Lin Xin suddenly stopped in his tracks.

On the other side of the garden, voices were faintly audible.

"...Anyone can talk big. Here in the Gongshang House, we indeed won’t harm you, but you can’t hide forever. Why bother with all this? Why not hand over the item? It would be better for you, and we’d be relieved to not pursue this matter further. It would be a happy resolution for everyone."

It was Lin Shangxiu’s voice.

Lin Xin, who had come here to undertake a mission, was intent on a quick resolution. He had no interest in learning about the Gongshang House, other families, Duanqing Long, Kong Ruyi, and others.

However, he paid a little more attention to Lin Shangxiu, with whom he had past conflicts.

After Lin Shangxiu finished speaking, another voice sneered.

The speaker was a man, his tone calm but clearly suppressing anger.

"That thing was originally obtained by me from a cave. You all come over and demand it, threaten to take it by force, and even consider killing to cover it up, heh heh. And now you come saying you won’t pursue it? What a joke!"

"Shen Luo Mansion can’t protect you."

Lin Shangxiu laughed a few times.

"This is the territory of my Zhuchi Hui. If I want to make a masterless lad disappear, there are plenty of ways to do it."

"If soft tactics won’t work, you’re resorting to force? You think I’m easily frightened?"

The man’s voice was filled with mockery.

"Whether you live or die is in your own hands. Don’t count on the Gongshang House; they are merely turning a blind eye for now because of the exceptional circumstances. As long as no killing happens within the family, they don’t care about anything else.

Besides, the power of my Lin Family is not something you can imagine."

Lin Shangxiu left after dropping that remark and walked away.

Lin Xin, hidden in the shadows, stepped out slightly and saw Lin Shangxiu walking away from a bearded young man.

At first glance, the bearded man was quite unfamiliar, but upon closer inspection, he was the key person Xia wanted him to find.

"Is it him?"

Lin Xin narrowed his eyes.

"Wasn’t he supposed to be a distinguished disciple of the Shen Luo Mansion? How did he end up in such a situation?"

The man appeared dissatisfied and disdainfully spat in the direction Lin Shangxiu had left, then turned and walked away.

Lin Xin stood in the corner, lost in thought.

*******************

The next day.

The sky was cloudless, a clear expanse.

On the azure sea, several pale yellow boats sailed against the wind.

People moved about on the ships, sailors constantly adjusted the course, and oars on both sides stirred the waters continuously.

Lin Xin and Gongshang Nuo stood together at the bow of the foremost ship.

Behind them were Lin Youke along with five others, and ten guards from the Gongshang House.

"These ten brothers are the true elites, handpicked from hundreds within my Gongshang House. Each guard has experience dealing with a Demon General independently. Together, they can slay an actual Demon General, the elite of the elite. In critical moments, they can definitely play a crucial role."

For this trip, Gongshang Nuo volunteered to accompany Lin Xin to the island they were tasked to defend.

Having witnessed Lin Xin’s formidable breakthrough abilities in the Demon Spirit army, he decided to gamble all his cards on Lin Xin.

These ten guards were not merely a representation of his Gongshang House’s strength but were his personal core force, secretly nurtured over the years.

In a large family clan, there are always varying degrees of closeness and estrangement. Without his own power base, he would have been devoured by his siblings long ago.

"I must tell you, these ten brothers, alongside the several boxes of battle armor, weapons, and Talismans on the ship, represent all my possessions accumulated over the years.

If I can bring back the scalp or bones of three Demon Generals, it would mean breaking even. But if not..."

He trailed off with a bitter smile.

Lin Xin nodded slightly.

"This is your decision, and I am merely here to complete the mission. As for the rest, there is nothing I can do."

"I know that, Master Sherie. You wouldn’t care about these benefits, but it’s different for me..." Gongshang Nuo chuckled bitterly, "I’m just hoping to pick up some leftovers from what you leave behind."

Lin Xin did not respond.

Though he cared little for wealth and resources, Lin Youke and the others still needed them.

After all, those five had followed him loyally, easing his burden significantly throughout the journey.

The sea breeze at the bow was somewhat salty and, despite bearing no warmth, carried a bone-chilling coldness.

After a moment of silence, Lin Xin asked.

"How much longer until we reach San Wu Island?"

Gongshang Nuo pulled out a black object similar to a pocket watch, adorned with elaborate black patterns on a white silk background.

At that moment, the pattern was slowly suffused with a reddish glow from below.

"We’re halfway there. We aren’t traveling at full speed but are inspecting several deserted islands along the way, clearing out Demon Spirits. The front lines are supported by troops; the area we are responsible for, San Wu Island, serves as the second layer of defense. Most invaders here are not Demon Generals but slightly stronger elite Demon Spirits. One should especially beware of a type of two-tailed scorpion Demon Spirit; its tail is extremely poisonous, even if..."

He broke off, giving a rueful smile.

"But of course, with your strength, Master Sherie, you hardly need to worry about these things."