Chapter 325: Phone Call

“What?” Chen Lingxin exclaimed, jumping up from her chair in surprise and delight. “Master won?”

Even Chen Tianxing, usually calm and composed, couldn’t sit still after hearing Chen Tianli’s words. He urged, “Tianli, quickly tell us the details. How did Lin Xiao win?”

Knowing how worried his sister and father were about Lin Xiao’s safety, Chen Tianli wasted no time. He cleared his throat and began recounting everything he’d heard.

As the story unfolded, Chen Lingxin’s eyes grew wider and wider, her face brimming with admiration—not for her brother, of course, but for Lin Xiao.

Meanwhile, Chen Tianxing found it increasingly hard to believe what he was hearing. In his mind, Lin Xiao’s trip to challenge the Golden Claw Sect had been a gamble with slim odds of survival. The best outcome he had hoped for was Lin Xiao escaping unharmed. Defeating the entire Golden Claw Sect? That possibility had never even crossed his mind.

He knew Lin Xiao was strong, but not this strong.

To defeat Wang Changuang, a renowned late-stage Dark Force expert in Jiangdong Province—didn’t that mean Lin Xiao was practically invincible among non-Flowing Force martial artists?

It was utterly shocking. How old was Lin Xiao, after all?

Across the entire ancient martial arts world of Xia Country, there were likely only a handful of people his age with such strength.

But once the shock subsided, it was replaced by overwhelming joy.

Given Lin Xiao’s close ties with the Chen family, his strength was undoubtedly a boon for the Chen’s Martial Arts Hall.

Previously, Chen Tianxing had worried that the hall would struggle to survive after his injury. But now, as long as Lin Xiao remained their honorary hall master, Chen’s Martial Arts Hall’s future was secure.

“With Lin Xiao’s strength, any faction would treat him with the utmost respect. While he is loyal and values relationships, we mustn’t take that for granted.”

Chen Tianxing sighed inwardly.

“After all, he challenged the Golden Claw Sect for our sake. How can we possibly repay such a tremendous favor?”

Pressing his fingers to his temples, he found himself facing an unusual dilemma—one born not of hardship but of gratitude.

Unlike her father, Chen Lingxin wasn’t burdened by overthinking. She paced excitedly around the hospital bed, practically skipping.

“Master is incredible! I knew he’d win! I need to call him and hear the whole story myself!”

“Hmph. You had so much confidence in Brother Lin?” Chen Tianli teased from the side. “Funny, I don’t remember you being so sure yesterday. Who was it again, worrying non-stop, skipping meals, and unable to sleep because of anxiety?”

Chen Lingxin’s cheeks flushed red.

Her embarrassment quickly turned into indignation as she glared at her brother. Her brows arched sharply.

“Chen Tianli! How dare you address my Master as Brother Lin? From now on, you’re not allowed to call him that. If you do, I’ll beat you up!”

Though usually wary of his sister, Chen Tianli grew bolder in their father’s presence.

“I knew Brother Lin before you did. Why should I change how I address him just because you took him as your master? Dream on!”

“You—!”

Furious, Chen Lingxin clenched her fists and took a step forward, ready to strike.

“Enough!”

Chen Tianxing frowned and snapped, his voice stern.

“Both of you, quiet. Stop bickering like children in a hospital ward. Lingxin, go home. Tianli will stay here with me.”

When their father spoke, neither sibling dared to disobey.

Chen Lingxin stomped out of the room, fuming. As she passed her brother, she shot him a warning glare, then tossed her hair and stormed off.

“Dad, did you see that? Does she even respect me as her brother anymore?” Chen Tianli complained.

“Who’s to blame but yourself? You’re twins, born just five minutes apart, yet your martial arts skills lag far behind hers.”

Chen Tianxing shook his head in disappointment.

“By the way, I need to discuss something with you. Do we still own that property in the central district?”

“Yes, it’s still ours. Why?”

“Get someone to renovate it. Follow the style of our martial arts hall. I’ll need it in a few days.”

“Understood.”

***

Maple Leaf Street. A Small Noodle Shop.

Lin Xiao had returned to Jinghai City. It was noon, and after a two-hour bus ride from Linjin, he was starving. The noodle shop was mostly empty. After placing his order, Lin Xiao sat quietly, eyes half-closed, patiently waiting for his meal.

Suddenly, his phone vibrated.

Glancing at the screen, he saw that the call was from Wan Caixuan. He pressed the answer button.

“Lin Xiao, what are you doing?”

The moment the call connected, Wan Caixuan’s voice came through, clear and melodious like tinkling jade. Her tone was as cool and serene as ever, like pearls falling onto a jade plate. Just hearing her speak conjured an image of her stunning, flawless face in Lin Xiao’s mind.

However, he didn’t pick up on the hint of resentment in her voice.

“I’m eating. Why? Something wrong?” Lin Xiao asked calmly.

“Nothing’s wrong,” Wan Caixuan replied, her voice sharpening. “I just wanted to ask why you haven’t called me?”

“Why would I need to call you?” Lin Xiao was genuinely puzzled.

Her voice instantly rose in pitch.

“Do I need a reason to get a call from you? Can’t you just call me without a specific reason?”

“That’s not what I meant,” Lin Xiao said, finally noticing something off in her tone.

“But that is what you said,” Wan Caixuan continued. She was frustrated, her words laced with discontent.

“I’ve been back in the capital for three or four days now. You haven’t called me once. It’s always me calling you. Lin Xiao, do you… dislike me?”

Since she had left Jinghai City with Wan Shixuan days ago, the two had barely been in contact, largely due to Lin Xiao’s preoccupation with the Golden Claw Sect.

“Of course not,” Lin Xiao answered without hesitation.

“Then why not call me? If you don’t dislike me, what other reason could there be?”

It seemed Wan Caixuan had gotten stuck in her logic, her voice brimming with grievance.

“You know my past,” Lin Xiao sighed. “I’m not used to reaching out to others first. It’s just not a habit of mine. And even if I were to call, I wouldn’t know what to say.”

Lin Xiao rarely explained himself, but after spending so much time with Wan Caixuan, he had come to see her as a friend. That connection made his response unusually patient.

“Hmph. Fine. I’ll reluctantly accept that explanation.”

Her irritation softened, and she regained her usual composure.

“I actually called to tell you that I’ll be back in Jinghai in a few days. Do you need me to bring anything for you?”

“No, thanks. Is everything going smoothly?”

“Not exactly. Wan Shixuan refuses to back down and keeps trying to negotiate with me. But I’ll handle it.”

Her tone was light as if it were nothing more than a minor inconvenience.

“I’ll give you the full story when I get back.”

“Alright. If you need my help, just ask,” Lin Xiao replied seriously.

“Don’t worry, I won’t hesitate to ask if I do.” Wan Caixuan chuckled softly. Though Lin Xiao couldn’t see it, her smile at that moment was as radiant as a field of blooming flowers.

“Anyway, I have a meeting now. Let’s talk tonight. And don’t forget, you call me this time.”

She hung up after emphasizing her last point, making sure Lin Xiao wouldn’t forget to contact her later.

“Understood.”