Redirect to Tianshui Lake, Head Straight to the Lin Family's Main Residence

Gu Xian'er never expected that the Lin Family's primary target would be Chen Chang'an.

This made no logical sense—she was the one who had a grudge with the Lin Family. Even if they wanted to retaliate, they should have focused on her. Why would they shift their attention to Chen Chang'an?

Most crucially, based on Gao Changyuan's words, it was clear that the Lin Family's attitude toward Chen Chang'an and Gu Xian'er was entirely different.

Gu Xian'er—dead or alive, it didn’t matter. But Chen Chang'an—he had to be brought to the Qingshui Lin Family.

"Young Master, could it be because you know the Lin Family’s ancestor? No, that can’t be. If that were the case, they should have invited you respectfully, not resorted to such underhanded methods."

"Why would the Lin Family do this?" Gu Xian'er asked, puzzled.

"Things are unfolding in the worst possible way."

"The Qingshui Lin Family is truly courting death," Chen Chang'an sneered.

If Chen Chang'an had only been suspicious before, he was now certain—the Qingshui Lin Family was undoubtedly the one who had stolen the Chen Family’s fetal pearl back then.

When Chen Chang'an openly questioned people in Yunchuan, it was partly to gather information and partly to stir the pot and lure out the culprits.

He just never imagined that the ones to emerge would be the Qingshui Lin Family.

The Lin Family must have learned about Gu Xian'er’s situation, investigated, and thus uncovered his own background.

Gao Changyuan, hearing Chen Chang'an’s words, was so terrified he could barely stand.

The Lin Family courting death? What was this kid talking about?

Did he truly not fear the Lin Family at all?

Even if it was just the Qingshui branch, they still had three Void Tribulation experts. Was he insane?

However, Gao Changyuan had no time to dwell on whether Chen Chang'an was crazy or what would happen to the Qingshui Lin Family.

His mind was consumed with worry—how would Chen Chang'an deal with him? How would he deal with the Gao Family?

"Get lost. I’m not in the mood to bother with you today."

Chen Chang'an glanced at Gao Changyuan, waving impatiently to dismiss him.

"Thank you, Senior, for sparing my life."

Gao Changyuan finally exhaled in relief, bowed to Chen Chang'an, and quickly left.

"Young Master, are we heading straight to Qingshui?" Gu Xian'er asked.

"Not Qingshui."

"We’re going to Tianshui Lake!"

Tianshui Lake?

Wasn’t that the headquarters of the main Lin Family?

Was Chen Chang'an planning to march straight into their stronghold?

"Are we going directly to the main Lin Family?"

"Yes. To meet an old friend."

"What about Senior Da Huang? Should we wait a few days for him?"

Considering the time, Da Huang should be back in two or three days at most.

"No need. Da Huang is clever, and his senses are sharp. He’ll find us."

Chen Chang'an didn’t wait for Da Huang. Instead, he took Gu Xian'er and set off toward Tianshui Lake.

If this matter truly involved the Qingshui Lin Family, Chen Chang'an needed to find Lin Xiangliu first.

As a friend, he owed him an explanation. Moreover, retrieving the fetal pearl might not require force—this was where connections mattered.

With Lin Xiangliu’s word, would the Qingshui Lin Family dare to act recklessly?

Meanwhile, after returning to the Gao Family, Gao Changyuan recounted the day’s events.

"Is this Chen Chang'an really that terrifying?"

"If so, why would the Qingshui Lin Family provoke someone like him?"

"Or do they think they’re untouchable with the main Lin Family backing them?"

The Gao Family’s patriarch frowned deeply. He had to handle this carefully.

News of Chen Chang'an appearing in Lanling and clashing with the Gao Family would soon reach the Qingshui Lin Family.

If mishandled, the Lin Family might turn their wrath on the Gao Family!

"Did Chen Chang'an go to Qingshui?" the patriarch asked sternly.

"I heard him mention Tianshui Lake."

Tianshui Lake?

Bypassing the Qingshui Lin Family and heading straight for the main Lin Family?

"Someone!"

"Yes, Patriarch. What are your orders?"

"Go to the Qingshui Lin Family immediately. Tell them Chen Chang'an appeared in Lanling, but his strength is overwhelming—the Gao Family is powerless."

"Also, keep this absolutely secret. No one must know."

"Understood?"

"Yes."

"Father, why? Aren’t you afraid Chen Chang'an will retaliate if he finds out?" Gao Changyuan asked, confused.

"You’re still too naive."

"We can’t afford to offend either Chen Chang'an or the Qingshui Lin Family."

"The best approach is to keep Chen Chang'an in the dark and explain ourselves to the Lin Family first."

"No matter how things unfold later, it won’t involve the Gao Family."

"That’s why I ordered secrecy. No leaks."

"With so many witnesses today, how could Chen Chang'an prove it was us who tipped them off?" The patriarch smiled.

"Father, you’re brilliant."

"Chen Chang'an would never expect us to do this."

"But honestly, if he dares to march straight to the main Lin Family, his background must be extraordinary," Gao Changyuan mused.

"The Central Heaven Domain is vast. Our Langya is just a drop in the ocean—there are many influential figures."

"With the Human Rankings now public, chaos is brewing. Even in Lanling, we must stay low-key. Remember that," the patriarch warned.

"Don’t worry, Father. I’ll keep it in mind."

"My goal now is to secure a spot on the Human Rankings."

"Human Rankings?"

"Hahaha! You won’t get that chance."

Suddenly, a mocking voice rang out, startling the father and son.

This was no Gao Family member—who could infiltrate their home undetected?

"Who goes there? Show yourself!" the patriarch demanded, tense.

"You’re not worthy."

"I’m here for one purpose—your Gao Family… deserves annihilation!"

Before the words faded, an overwhelming pressure engulfed the entire Gao Family.

The terrifying force left everyone trembling. Within moments, nearly half the Gao Family lay dead.

The survivors’ eyes filled with despair. They couldn’t comprehend—why would such a powerhouse descend upon them?

Unless…

Suddenly, the patriarch’s heart lurched.

Chen Chang'an?

This had to be connected to him!

Had he never intended to spare the Gao Family?

"Chen Chang'an… you—you ruthless devil!"

In his final moments of bitter despair, the patriarch’s body exploded under the crushing pressure.

Not a single member of the Gao Family survived—not even the insects crawling on the ground.

"Tch. Pathetic. Couldn’t even withstand my aura."

"Ah, why must I be so overpowered?"

With a sigh, a shadowy figure vanished.

From that day on, the Gao Family was erased from Lanling.