C52 Sun Xiangnan's Provocation

"As long as Brother Lin gives the word, I'd walk through fire and water without a second thought," Chung Yu declared, thumping his chest with conviction. For him, the prospect of becoming a skinny man was all the motivation he needed; he wouldn't hesitate to take on not just one task for Lin Chen but a hundred if asked.

Besides, with Qingyin present, any fallout would fall on her shoulders first.

"Do you see them over there?"

"Break their henchmen's legs!"

Lin Chen pointed casually at Sun Xue and Sun Qiang, giving Chung Yu his orders with a cool detachment. If it weren't for the sake of his mother-in-law, he wouldn't have stopped at Sun Xue and Sun Qiang; he would have taken down the entire Sun family today!

"Break our legs?"

Sun Xue and Sun Qiang froze, terror flooding their eyes. With the Sun family's clout in A City, they wouldn't normally fear a direct confrontation with Lin Chen. But now, with the backing of Vice-chairman Liu and Zhang Yongnian, and the support of Su Qingyin and Chung Yu, the Sun family's younger generation stood no chance against such formidable connections.

"Insolence!"

Old Master Sun trembled with rage. If Lin Chen were to break his grandchildren's legs in front of all these guests, what dignity would the Sun family have left in A City?

"Lin Chen, do you really intend to defy the Sun family with the backing of the Su and Chung families? Remember, you are our grandson-in-law!"

Despite his seething anger and his desire to tear Lin Chen apart, Old Master Sun was forced to weigh the stances of Su Qingyin and Chung Yu.

"Defy the Sun family? Your grandson-in-law?" Lin Chen laughed at the sight of Old Master Sun, red-faced and fuming. "Old man, when you used the Sun family's influence to oppress us, did you ever consider us part of your family? Now, when the tables have turned, you suddenly remember our relation, expecting respect and deference. Truly, there's no match for those without shame."

"No wonder every single member of the Sun family is rotten to the core!"

Confronted with Lin Chen's naked scorn, Old Master Sun's murky eyes glinted with lethal intent.

"Have you said your piece, Master Sun?"

"If so, I might as well go break their legs now."

Chung Yu awkwardly reminded Old Master Sun.

His thoughts were pure, but he was no fool.

Just a moment ago, he was contemplating marrying into their family, and now he was turning on them without a second thought. It felt rather underhanded.

But it wasn't entirely his fault. After all, Qingyin had chosen to side with Lin Chen.

If he disobeyed, he risked not only losing his chance to be the 'skinny man' but also being pinned to the ground by Qingyin herself!

"Lin Chen, do you truly intend to make enemies of the Sun family?"

Old Master Sun ignored Chung Yu's question, fixing Lin Chen with an icy stare.

Whether it was Chung Yu or Su Qingyin, the Suns wouldn't dare cross them.

And to defuse this standoff, Old Master Sun was well aware that Lin Chen's stance was key!

"Make enemies of the Sun family?"

"The moment my wife and child were bullied upon entering the Sun household, you made us your enemies!"

"Now, I'm merely collecting a bit of interest."

Lin Chen scoffed, his face etched with contempt.

As Lin Chen resolved to settle the score with Sun Xue and Sun Qiang, Sun Xiangnan stepped forward, his face darkening.

He turned to Ann Lan and sneered, "Ann Lan, you sure picked a fine husband."

"Nothing but a weakling who hides behind others' power."

"Can't even avenge a wrong without riding on someone else's coattails."

Ann Lan's face fell at his words.

Sun Xiangnan paused, then added, "The Su and Chung families can't shield you forever."

"The disgrace my family suffered today will be repaid by your entire Ann family, including the unborn child you carry!"

In that moment, Ann Lan shuddered, her eyes brimming with tears.

She had never imagined that Sun Xiangnan, her uncle in name, would be so merciless as to not spare even an unborn child.

However, she had to concede that Sun Xiangnan's words were indeed true.

Once the Su and Chung families departed, the Sun family would surely not let them off the hook.

Seeing Ann Lan's mix of anger and concern, Lin Chen's expression grew stern.

"Qingyin, Vice-chairman Liu, Zhang family head, please ensure my wife and children's safety."

"From this day forward, I, Lin Chen, am in your debt."

Having said this, Lin Chen released Ann Lan's hand.

He strode over to Sun Xiangnan and stated evenly, "You've resorted to threats and coercion against my wife, all to provoke me into action, haven't you?"

"Well then, I shall grant the Sun family their wish!"

Lin Chen had already discerned Sun Xiangnan's motives when he had been threatening Ann Lan.

His aim was to compel Lin Chen to intervene, thereby safeguarding Sun Xue and Sun Qiang.

After all, the Sun family wouldn't dare interfere if Chung Yu were to act!

But if Lin Chen himself took action, the Sun family would have no cause for concern.

Pity for Sun Xiangnan, though; his plan was sound, but reality can be harsh!

"Lin Chen..."

Ann Lan, watching Lin Chen prepare to confront Sun Xiangnan alone, set aside her anger, her face etched with anxiety.

"Qingyin, should I go assist Brother Lin?"

Chung Yu asked Su Qingyin, his voice tinged with hesitation.

He couldn't bear the thought of any harm befalling Lin Chen; what would he do without his friend?

Su Qingyin paid no mind to Chung Yu and instead reassured Ann Lan, "Miss Ann, there's no need to worry about your husband."

"Given Brother Chen's capabilities, he could likely outmatch all of us put together."

Ann Lan's expression stalled.

All of us together might not equal Lin Chen's strength?

If he was truly that formidable, why had he previously had Chung Yu deal with Sun Xue and Sun Qiang?

"Regarding Sun Xue and Sun Qiang, Brother Chen's cunning nature suggests he wanted to dishonor the Suns in kind."

"I suspect he intended to use the same tactics to shame them."

Su Qingyin offered further explanation upon noticing Ann Lan's puzzled look.

At that moment, Sun Xiangnan sprang into action.

With fists clenched, a fearsome aura erupted from him as he charged swiftly at Lin Chen.

The sound of his punch tearing through the air echoed around them.

The onlookers were visibly shaken.

"Is he releasing his inner strength externally?"

"Sun Xiangnan is actually a Xiantian master!"

"Hiss, this is bad. That kid Lin Chen is likely done for."

"Sun Xiangnan's release of inner strength seems forced; he's probably just at the early Xiantian level. Still, that makes him an incredibly formidable opponent."

"I think Lin Chen was too cocky."

"He could've had the Chung family back him up, but no, he had to show off and go head-to-head with Sun Xiangnan. Now look where it's gotten him."

"I don't think Lin Chen is to blame here. It's the Suns who are utterly despicable."

"They threatened his wife and child, for heaven's sake. What man could stand for that?"

"Exactly, the Suns have shown their true colors. I was considering a partnership with them at this birthday banquet, but now, I see no point."

As the guests witnessed Sun Xiangnan's terrifying display of power, they began to murmur among themselves, most condemning the Suns for their disgraceful behavior.

Bullying a young couple was one thing.

But for Sun Xiangnan, a Xiantian master, to stoop so low and force Lin Chen into a confrontation was beyond contemptible.

"Lin Chen, you truly deserve death!"

Hearing the crowd's murmurs about his family, Sun Xiangnan's fists grew even more powerful.

His eyes glinted with a chilling intent to kill!

In his mind, the disdainful attitude towards the Suns was all because of Lin Chen and Ann Lan!

He had made his decision.

With Chung Yu and Su Qingyin present, he might not be able to outright kill Lin Chen.

But he could shatter Lin Chen's meridians and bones, condemning him to a life of agony!