Peerless Martial God Chapter 3: Overbearing Violence

At the break of dawn, the Lin Family buzzed with exceptional vigor. The imminent family meeting had everyone streaming toward the central field within the mansion.

“Did you hear? This time, not only has the eldest uncle shown up, but the third uncle has too. It seems they're all gunning for the family head position.”

“Hehe, the patriarch may be mighty, yet that worthless son of his could already be gone. Yun Hai Sect members even delivered him back themselves, utterly shaming the Lin Family. Moreover, the eldest uncle has long harbored grudges against the patriarch. He'll no doubt exploit this moment to strike. Perhaps the family head seat will find a new occupant today.”

Along the path, Lin Family members murmured endlessly. The crowd sensed that today's gathering would be anything but ordinary.

Lin Feng and Lin Hai were also heading to the field. Spotting Lin Feng unharmed, various expressions flickered in the eyes of many onlookers. Some inwardly wondered why this waste hadn't perished yet. Yet, under Lin Hai's formidable presence, most held their tongues.

“This waste is truly fortunate to still breathe.” A sharp voice suddenly pierced the air. Heads turned, revealing a youth exuding an impressive demeanor approaching them.

The speaker was a young man, offspring of Lin Hao Ran, the Lin Family's third uncle. He shared the same fifteen-year-old age as Lin Yun and Lin Feng. Yet, he had reached the sixth Qi layer.

“So it's Lin Yun. Small wonder he spoke so boldly.” Seeing third uncle Lin Hao Ran and eldest uncle Lin Ba Dao stride together, everyone realized they harbored malicious intent.

“Repeat that.” A icy gleam shot from Lin Hai’s eyes as he fixed them on Lin Yun. Terror briefly crossed Lin Yun’s features, and he avoided Lin Hai’s gaze.

“Second brother, you're growing ever more tyrannical as family head. Bullying the young with the old—how fitting.” Lin Ba Dao mocked coldly.

“Hah. I, Lin Hai, remain the family head. Lin Yun's lack of manners is utterly disgraceful,” Lin Hai replied coolly.

“Such imposing might, second brother. But let's see how long you can lord it over us.” Lin Hao Ran spoke sharply. “Your pathetic son got booted from Yun Hai Sect and hauled home like baggage. He's smeared the Lin Family's reputation. How could whispers not spread?”

“How long will my dominance last? Lin Hao Ran, are you implying I'll soon lose the family head seat? Do you believe yourself worthy? Are you even fit?” Lin Hai advanced a step, unleashing a frigid aura from his form. Lin Yun fled behind Lin Hao Ran, his body chilling to the core.

“My worthiness? That's for the elders to decide. Since when do you call the shots, Lin Hai?” Lin Hao Ran's expression soured. He hadn't anticipated Lin Hai's unusual boldness today.

“There, you've confessed it. I, Lin Hai, am still family head. For your son to wish death on mine before me—what punishment fits?”

Lin Hai refused to yield, intensifying the icy pressure. The ambient temperature plunged, frost beginning to crystallize everywhere.

“The family head lives up to his title, radiating true authority. He struck first against third uncle.” Spectators watched with reverence and awe for Lin Hai. They'd expected him to merely defend against assaults from third and eldest uncles today.

“Lin Hai, do you suppose I'm intimidated?” Lin Hao Ran had come prepared. A scorching heat wave erupted, clashing directly with the frost.

“Father wields the ice spirit, mastering ice arts above all. Lin Hao Ran commands the fire spirit, focusing on flame techniques. Water counters fire—however fiercely Lin Hao Ran resists, victory eludes him against Father. He's not the true threat here.”

Lin Feng, observing from aside, noted Lin Ba Dao's sly smirk as he interjected, “Second brother, the family meeting begins shortly. Do you, as head, dismiss the elders' importance?”

In the Lin Family, elders wield ultimate power, tasked solely with selecting the next family head. Thus, Lin Ba Dao invoked their authority to corner Lin Hai into retreat.

“Tch.” Lin Hai shot a scornful glance at Lin Hao Ran, retracted his Qi, and departed with Lin Feng.

Lin Hao Ran caught the contemptuous look, a cold spark igniting in his eyes. This time, your worthless son escaped death by luck. Next time, fortune won't smile on him.

Lin Hao Ran's eldest son, Lin Heng, shone as a Yun Hai Sect outer disciple, poised for inner court ascension. Even as a junior there, his rise would elevate his father's standing. Soon, he'd surpass a mere family head.

Meanwhile, Lin Ba Dao’s daughter outshone all, already in Hao Yue Sect's inner court with boundless prospects. Among the brothers, only Lin Hai’s son lagged in talent, branded waste. This fueled Lin Ba Dao and Lin Hao Ran's ambitions. Elders favored them now, beyond Lin Hai's sway.

Four to five hundred Lin Family members assembled in the field, a green stone platform at its heart. The family's key figures occupied it now.

“Elders, days ago, Yun Hai Sect visited— an honor turned insult as they returned our half-dead waste, tarnishing our name. I propose expelling Lin Feng. He lacks the right to bear the Lin name.”

Lin Hao Ran rose, bowing to the elders before unleashing his assault.

“So direct already. Yet I, the family head, haven't spoken. Who gave you leave? Return to your seat.” Lin Hai grasped Lin Hao Ran's scheme perfectly. He'd witness any attempt to oust his son and claim the headship.

“Second brother, that's unfair. You're head, but third brother speaks for the family. Your waste son has shamed us all and merits expulsion.” Lin Ba Dao's domineering voice boomed, targeting Lin Hai.

“I'll handle my own son. What business is it of yours or the clansmen? Lin Ba Dao, I've seen your greed for my throne. Here's a deal: duel me today. Win, and my son and I leave. Lose... and cease your nonsense.”

Lin Hai strode to the platform's center, surging Qi aimed at Lin Ba Dao. Fight or not, the challenge stood.

Lin Feng viewed his father anew. Fierce dominance awed others—strength alone commanded respect and silenced foes. He yearned to crush opponents with his own power too.

“I doubt your mettle.” Fury boiled in Lin Ba Dao at being dismissed as wind. He advanced to face Lin Hai across the platform.

Elders watched mutely, pleased by the clash. Should Lin Hai falter against Lin Ba Dao, with his waste son besides, the seat would shift today.

“What makes you so arrogant?” Lin Ba Dao sneered, but Lin Hai ignored him. Icy winds enveloped the stage. The crowd of hundreds felt bone-piercing cold invade their flesh.

This was spirit power incarnate. Lin Hai’s ice spirit, unleashed, transformed the area into a frozen domain.

“Great Distance Ice-Bound!” Lin Ba Dao moved to summon his spirit, but Lin Hai’s chant echoed. A crisp crack radiated from him, blanketing the platform in frost that spread outward. Snow-white ice encased everything; Lin Ba Dao stood frozen solid.

“Boom!” Ice shattered explosively. Lin Ba Dao hurtled off the stage, spewing blood before crashing heavily.

Elders leaped up, stunned by the sight. Lin Ba Dao felled in one strike.

“Great Distance Ice-Bound—Lin Hai’s technique hit the eighth stage. No surprise his power overwhelms.” The great elder's eyes gleamed. With ice spirit and mastery, he'd instantly encased and crushed Lin Ba Dao. A fraction slower, and the fight might've dragged.

Lin Family members stood stupefied. Never had they witnessed such ruthless Lin Hai—surpassing even Lin Ba Dao's bravado.

Lin Ba Dao coughed more blood, glaring venomously at Lin Hai. Yet Lin Hai remained unmoved. He suspected his brothers' hand in Lin Feng’s wounds. Since they sought his son's death, brotherhood meant nothing.

“Elders, proceed with the meeting.” Lin Hai saluted them and resumed his seat casually.

“Hehe. Lin Hai, your cultivation advances as family head, inspiring us all. I trust the Lin Family will strive harder. Purpose fulfilled—disperse.” The great elder smiled faintly. Continuing held no purpose.

“Great elder, then I'll take my leave.” Lin Hai bowed and rose with Lin Feng.

“Lin Hai, how long can you shield this waste?” Lin Hao Ran spat coldly, his plot thwarted.

“Exactly. Waste, the Lin Family's shame.” Lin Yun chimed in. But Lin Hai’s sweeping gaze silenced him instantly.

“Xiao Feng, let's depart.” Lin Hai ignored them. Yet Lin Feng halted, turning toward Lin Yun. Baffled Lin Family members pondered his intent.

Lin Hai watched his son astonishedly. Lin Feng halted before Lin Yun, declaring: “Lin Yun, you endlessly call me waste. Suppose one day you're beneath me—what shame would that bring?”

“Delusional. How could a waste like you rival me?” Lin Yun scoffed, stunned by the waste's audacity.

Lin Feng’s eyes glinted as he smiled faintly, stating calmly: “Lin Yun, I, Lin Feng, challenge you to a duel.”