“Mother, you clearly told me to choose the spear. It was my decision to pick the sword. Why didn’t you tell Father just now?” Young Lin Yun, feeling both heartache for his mother and confusion, asked.
When Yan took the blame, it was as if she was telling Lin Guangde that she hadn’t informed Lin Yun.
“Yun’er, if your father knew I had told you and you still chose the sword instead of the spear, he would be displeased with you,” Yan said, gently stroking Lin Yun’s face.
“But… but this made Father unhappy with you. He rarely comes to see you, and he finally praised you. It’s my fault,” Lin Yun said, his eyes slightly red.
“Silly child, you did nothing wrong. Besides, this is nothing to me. Since you like the sword, focus on mastering it,” Yan said with a kind, warm smile, like a gentle breeze.
“Mother, I will work hard in my cultivation to make Father value me. Then he’ll treat you well!” Though young Lin Yun’s thoughts were somewhat naive, his tone was resolute.
“Yun’er,” Yan hugged him tightly, her heart filled with warmth.
Though she was once a mere slave, her accidental encounter with the master while he was drunk led to her pregnancy and a change in status. Yet, she still lived a profoundly lonely life.
Lin Yun’s birth gave her hope and purpose.
…
Two years passed in a flash.
At five years old, Lin Yun had reached the Golden Core Realm.
In just two years, his progress was remarkably swift.
As a concubine’s son born to a servant, Lin Yun didn’t have access to the resources of legitimate heirs. Still, as Lin Guangde’s son, he received some support.
Moreover, the Ancestral Land was rich in purple qi. With effort and some resources, advancement through the early realms was naturally fast.
This speed was also due to Lin Yun’s hard work.
Of course, Lin Guangde hadn’t visited Lin Yun in those two years.
In the Yiyuan courtyard, Lin Yun was practicing his swordsmanship, drenched in sweat.
“Yun’er, take a break. You’ve been practicing all morning,” Yan said, her voice tinged with concern.
“Mother, I’m not tired. I still have energy,” Lin Yun replied with a smile.
“Yun’er, I’m going out later to buy some things for you,” Yan said.
“Alright, Mother. Don’t worry, I won’t slack off,” Lin Yun grinned.
…
Elsewhere, in the main hall of the Lin Residence’s front courtyard, Lin Guangde was seated.
“Master, Young Master Lin Yun has reached the Golden Core Realm. His talent in swordsmanship is exceptional, even surprising me,” Master Agui, Lin Yun’s teacher, reported.
“Is that so? I nearly forgot about him until you mentioned it,” Lin Guangde said.
“Most importantly, Master, Young Master Lin Yun is incredibly diligent. It’s rare to see such effort in someone so young,” Agui said.
“I have many children, but few are as hardworking. If the First Madam’s children were this dedicated, it would be a great thing,” Lin Guangde sighed.
He then looked at Agui, “Tomorrow, have him come to me. I want to inspect his progress over these two years.”
“Yes,” Agui replied.
Agui continued, “Master, I have guided him to the basics. My role was only to lead him to the door. From now on, he must rely on himself. Thus, I wish to resign today.”
“Very well,” Lin Guangde nodded.
…
That afternoon, in the Yiyuan courtyard, Lin Yun was still practicing his swordsmanship.
Having reached the Golden Core Realm, advancing further required an opportunity or specific treasures to aid in breaking through.
At that moment, a group of teenagers entered the courtyard.
The leader, Lin Wei, was thirteen and the son of the First Madam, making him a legitimate heir.
“Lin Yun, you’re quite diligent, practicing your sword again,” Lin Wei said, swaggering over.
“Lin Wei, the Yiyuan courtyard is where my mother and I live,” Lin Yun said, stopping his sword and looking at him.
Lin Yun had been bullied by Lin Wei before when visiting the front courtyard, so he disliked him intensely.
Since then, Lin Yun rarely wandered around the residence.
“Haha, the entire Lin Residence is mine to roam. Do you dare to stop me?” Lin Wei laughed.
