C13 A Powerful Woman

The Qin family's living room was spacious, and by the time Qin Feng arrived, it was already filled to capacity with guests.

At the forefront sat a square-faced, burly middle-aged man whose smile briefly turned icy upon seeing Qin Feng. This was Qin Yunhai, the acting Family Head of the Qin family.

To the left of Qin Yunhai were his relatives, while on the right sat a group of unfamiliar men and women, their attire starkly contrasting with that of the Qin family members.

Among the newcomers was a remarkable sixteen-year-old girl. She exuded a cool, detached grace, her bright eyes shining with a prideful chill that seemed to dare every man to try to conquer her.

"Lin Xueru!"

Seeing the beautiful young woman, Qin Feng felt a slight stir in his heart. Despite his usually composed demeanor, he couldn't help but acknowledge her beauty, one that could indeed cause kingdoms to fall.

Standing at the back of the living room, Qin Feng might have been easily missed, but his distinctive status ensured that he wasn't ignored. A twenty-year-old man was one of those who noticed him.

The moment Qin Feng appeared, the young man's eyes flashed with provocation. "Well, if it isn't Qin Feng, the outcast. You've got some nerve showing up here."

A cold smile flickered across Qin Feng's lips as he locked eyes with the youth, his gaze sharp as lightning. "If Qin Shan can be here, why can't I? As the Young Lord of the Qin family, my presence is a given."

Qin Shan, the son of Qin Yunhai, had been leveraging his father's influence, claiming the title of Young Lord for himself, and attempting to displace Qin Feng.

Qin Shan was momentarily thrown off by Qin Feng's calm response. Why wasn't he reacting with anger? However, his bewilderment swiftly turned to fury.

"How dare you! Still deluding yourself, Qin Feng? I am the rightful new Young Lord of the Qin family. What right does a nobody like you have to address me that way?"

Qin Shan's biting, icy tone sliced through the room's murmurs, drawing the attention of all present.

Upon noticing Qin Feng, Lin Xueru, who typically maintained a composed facade, allowed a faint smile to grace her lips.

"Haha, Niece Lin, it's been over a decade since we last met. I never imagined you'd grow to be so breathtaking," Qin Yunhai remarked, casting a sharp look at Qin Shan before regaining his poise.

"Thank you, Uncle Qin," Lin Xueru replied, her voice cool yet strikingly melodic.

Qin Yunhai's expression stiffened, taken aback by her icy tone. Though irked, he dared not show it, maintaining a facade of warmth. "I've heard the fortunate news that Niece Lin has been accepted into a sect. Is there any truth to this?"

His inquiry sent a ripple of astonishment through the hall. The Qin family elders and high-ranking members exchanged looks of shock. Unlike a family, a sect was a haven for the continent's mightiest, its legacy far surpassing that of any family.

"Indeed. I became a disciple of the Canghai Sect three months ago," Lin Xueru confirmed, commanding the attention of the room as faces registered disbelief.

"The Canghai Sect? As in one of the top five formidable forces?"

"It's incredible! Many struggle to even meet the criteria for ordinary sects, yet she's been accepted into the Canghai Sect!"

"The Canghai Sect only recruits disciples with exceptional talent. Lin Xueru must truly be a rare genius!"

"Her talent is, without a doubt, formidable!"

Amidst the murmurs, Qin Feng quietly contemplated the challenge of entering such elite circles.

"Congratulations, Niece Lin!" Qin Yunhai finally said, his face betraying his effort to maintain composure, his tone now tinged with deference.

With Lin Xueru's induction into the Canghai Sect, her status had been unmistakably elevated; he wouldn't dare treat her with anything less than the highest regard.

"I'm here today to address a matter from the past," Lin Xueru announced, her gaze shifting back to Qin Feng.

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