Within the Bai family, everyone stood in solemn readiness. On the streets of Baishui City, however, many paused, their hearts filled with a sense of impending shock.
The Bai and Lin families had always been at odds, and their animosity had escalated with several clashes over the spirit mine. Now, with the Lin family deploying so many experts, Baishui City was likely facing a catastrophe.
Upon this thought, the onlookers couldn't help but feel a flicker of anticipation. Since ancient times, Baishui City had been divided between two powers, and now, it seemed, unification was imminent. Whether the Bai family would emerge superior or the Lin family would prevail remained to be seen.
After a considerable time, the Lin family patriarch finally arrived outside the Bai family mansion, with Lin Qingbei by his side, exuding an air of triumph. Their Lin family was not to be trifled with.
Although the Bai family was not weak, the Lin family held the upper hand. In a true confrontation, the Lin family would fear no one.
"Patriarch Lin, you have mobilized such a grand force. May I inquire as to the reason?"
The Bai family patriarch smiled, cupping his fists in greeting. "Could there perhaps be some misunderstanding in this matter?"
"Brother Bai, the Bai and Lin families have had a certain degree of acquaintance. Is it not going too far for you to act in this manner?"
The Lin family patriarch said coldly, "The two families had a pre-arranged marriage, yet the Bai family wishes to break the engagement. How will my Lin family maintain its standing after this?"
"As everyone knows, Young Master Lin is notoriously dissolute and not a suitable match for Xiaoqing!"
The Bai family patriarch stated directly, "It is precisely for this reason that I have sought a better husband for her. Is there something wrong with that?"
"Sought a better husband?"
Lin Qingbei said with a sneer, "Then where does that leave me? Do you truly think my Lin family is easily bullied?"
"Lin Qingbei, the matter has come to this. Why do you still have so much to say!"
Bai Xiaoqing stated directly, "Even if I were to die, I would not marry you. Stop dreaming. Moreover, the Lin family's desire for this alliance is merely to seize our Bai family's mine. My Bai family is not foolish!"
"Is there perhaps a misunderstanding in this?"
The Lin family patriarch smiled. "My Lin family has never harbored such intentions. Furthermore, the alliance between our two families is a joyous occasion. Why would the Lin family act in such a manner!"
"Patriarch Lin, please do not speak so eloquently!"
Bai Xiaoqing stated directly, "The Bai family is well aware of your Lin family's actions. This marriage is annulled today! If the Lin family is unwilling, then our Bai family will have no choice but to fight!"
Following these words, the Bai family members' spirits surged, carrying a mighty aura. As the guards of the Bai family, they would not tolerate the annihilation of their clan.
The Lin family patriarch's face turned ashen. He had not intended to resort to such drastic measures, but it seemed it would not be so easily resolved.
The Bai family's actions suggested they had long been prepared for war.
However, he was perplexed as to where the Bai family derived their confidence, given that their Lin family's foundation was not weak.
"I believe this matter can be easily resolved!"
Lu Fan stepped forward. "As long as each side takes a step back, a vast expanse will open before us!"
"Who are you?"
The Lin family patriarch looked at Lu Fan. This was a matter between the Lin and Bai families, and Lu Fan's status within the Bai family was unclear. Yet, he dared to interfere here.
"Grandfather, he's the one who beat me!"
Lin Qingbei said coldly, "We absolutely cannot let him off easily today!"
The Lin family elder frowned slightly. Lu Fan, at such a young age, was able to defeat Lin Qingbei, which was no ordinary feat, nor something any ordinary person could achieve.
"Young man, my Lin family has no grievance with you. Why did you act in such a manner?"
The Lin family patriarch said coldly, "Not only did you injure my grandson, but you also attempted to snatch his wife."
"If you put it that way, whether she is his wife is still up for debate!"
Lu Fan smiled slightly. "To resolve the enmity between the two great families, the most appropriate method is to dissolve the engagement. This way, the two families will no longer have disputes. However, if the Lin family is unwilling, then a battle between the two families is inevitable!"
"You infuriate this old man!"
With coldness in his eyes, the Lin family elder glared at Lu Fan. "Do you truly believe my Lin family is made of clay?"
"I naturally would not dare!"
Lu Fan waved his hand. "I simply do not wish for the two great families to be in difficulty. I hope you can understand!"
After these words, the Lin family elder was greatly angered. He had never imagined being treated with such disrespect.
"Brother Bai, I mean no offense. If you insist on this course of action, the Lin family will wage war!"
The Lin family patriarch said earnestly, "At that time, I trust you know the consequences!"
"I am naturally aware!"
The Bai family patriarch nodded. "However, for my daughter's happiness, I am willing to bear all of this. Even if the entire Bai family is destroyed, I will not tolerate it."
His expression instantly turned ashen. The Lin family patriarch said fiercely, "Very well, very well. You are indeed the head of the Bai family. Such spirit truly fills me with awe!"
"You jest!"
The Bai family patriarch said coldly. "My Bai family has always been this way. Patriarch Lin need not dwell on it too much!"
"Where are the Lin family forces!"
The Lin family patriarch's expression was cold. "The Bai family has broken the engagement. Where does that leave the honor of my Lin family? Today, my Lin family will not show any mercy in this battle and will fight the Bai family to the end!"
"Fight!"
"Fight!"
"Fight!"
A chorus of voices arose, the crowd filled with righteous indignation and a surging aura.
The Lin family patriarch sneered and waved his arm. In an instant, numerous Lin family experts charged forward. The Lin family had long coveted the Bai family's mine, and now that the Bai family had walked into their trap, the Lin family would not let this opportunity pass.
As long as they could eliminate the Bai family, the entire spirit mine would belong to the Lin family. This would be the best outcome for them.
Shouts of battle erupted incessantly. The Bai family's experts also immediately joined the fray, refusing to be passive.
For a time, as the two sides clashed, the entire Baishui City became bustling. Many observing cultivators were even excited. The Bai and Lin families had long been irreconcilable, and it was not surprising to them that a conflict was now unfolding.
"Mr. Lu, if we join forces, we can surely defeat the old man Lin!"
The Bai family patriarch spoke. "Once he is dealt with, Mr. Lu will be a great benefactor to my Bai family. No matter what happens in the future, the Bai family will follow Mr. Lu's lead!"
"Patriarch Bai, there is no need for such words. Since I have received Miss Bai's favor, it is only right that I assist the Bai family!"
After speaking, Lu Fan moved swiftly, striding towards the Lin family patriarch, carrying gusts of wind with him, showing no hesitation.
At this very moment, the Lin family patriarch frowned and looked towards Lu Fan. "How dare you lay hands on me!"
Lu Fan, however, gave a cold smile. "You overestimate yourself. Since I intend to act, how can you possibly withstand it!"
"Simply audacious!"
The Lin family patriarch's expression was cold, his aura surging. Lu Fan's words were utterly unacceptable to him.
In the blink of an eye, the Lin family patriarch surged forward, delivering a palm strike towards Lu Fan with formidable force. As the patriarch of the Lin family, how could he fear Lu Fan!
"Mr. Lu, be careful."
Bai Xiaoqing quickly reminded him, her expression also turning grave. She knew the strength of the Lin family patriarch all too well.