Chapter 103: The Star of War and the Star of Darkness

Page 1/3

It seemed as if something truly extraordinary had been discovered!

Sun Meng overheard the two from a distance; it appeared he had begun to realize where the gap lay compared to his own memories.

Quietly, he followed them outside the Lin family residence. Since martial artists had risen in status, the Lin family’s living conditions were no longer poor.

The two entered, and after some thought, Sun Meng leapt inside. His domain ability enveloped his body, combined with an invisibility spell, making it impossible for others to detect him by sight or any other means. This was the advantage of a higher level.

The two made their way to the backyard, where a woman was practicing swordsmanship.

Clad in a simple blue robe, her sword technique bore a certain heroic grace. However, when she turned around, a bluish mark on her face marred her otherwise pleasant features.

“Brother!” The woman spotted Yang Zhi and hurried to his side. “Brother Lin has already agreed to let you join the Forbidden Army first. You won’t have to sell your sword anymore!”

Yang Zhi retorted, “What do you know, girl!” He glanced at Lin Zhong nearby. “Thank you, brother Lin, for taking care of my sister. Sorry for the trouble.” With that, he took Yang Zhi’s sister and headed out.

“Brother! Let go!” Yang Zhi’s sister struggled free. “What are you hesitating about? Do you think selling our ancestral sword and getting that little money will earn you a good official position? Do you really think the Yang family is still like it was when father was alive?”

“Father rose from a volunteer anti-bandit fighter to become a military officer. My martial skills have already surpassed his. If only I had a chance...” Yang Zhi hadn’t finished when Lin Zhong interjected.

“Brother Yang, that was ten years ago! Things are different now. Back then, scholars’ cultivation methods were still imperfect, which gave martial artists an opportunity to rise. Now, even if you just reached the early second stage, and my brother is a mid-second stage expert, they still have to curry favor with those people during festivals! Otherwise, they might face trouble at any moment!”

“At worst, I’ll join the border army! Fighting external tribes—you can’t expect them not to provide military supplies, right?” Yang Zhi looked at Lin Zhong, knowing that their family’s stubborn temper didn’t suit socializing; they could only rely on strength.

Lin Zhong shook his head with a smile. “Brother Yang, you should stay at my house for now.”

“Brother, just stay for now,” urged Yang Zhi’s sister.

Yang Zhi hesitated, but at that moment, a maid hurried over. “Second young master, something’s happened!”

Lin Zhong asked, “Qiao’er, what’s wrong?”

“The madam and Sister Jin’er are trapped upstairs at Feiyan Tower by that Gao Yanei!” Qiao’er panted.

“Feiyan Tower? Why would sister-in-law go there? Where’s big brother!?” Lin Zhong frowned, sensing something was wrong.

“The family head was called by the Grand Commander to inspect the sword,” Qiao’er explained. “Second young master, you should hurry! I’m afraid Gao Yanei will do something…”

“Damn it!” Lin Zhong slammed his hand and strode toward the gate. Suddenly, the gate was flung open, and a man led a squad of officers inside.

Page 2/3

“Lin Zhong, your brother plotted to assassinate the Grand Commander and is now imprisoned. You will come with us!” The leader said sternly.

“Heh, Lu Qian, when did you gain the courage to talk to me like that?” Lin Zhong stared coldly at Lu Qian. He was no Lin Chong. If he didn’t realize they were being framed now, he must be out of his mind!

“Lin Zhong, I don’t know what you’re talking about! I advise you not to resist. If you want to prove your brother’s treachery, maybe the Grand Commander will show leniency!” Lu Qian pressed his hand on his sword’s hilt, ready to strike.

The two Lin brothers were skilled martial artists but had opposite temperaments. Lin Chong was low-key, even somewhat timid. Lin Zhong was flamboyant, chivalrous, passionate, yet sharp-minded.

“If you want me to fight, no way! But I’m only assisting the investigation. You have no right to order me!” Lin Zhong said to the Yang siblings. “Brother Yang, wait here. I’ll be back soon!” After giving Lu Qian a cold glare, he strode out.

Lu Qian sneered. “Let’s see how long you can stay arrogant!” He waved his hand. “Move out!”

Yang Zhi looked at his sister. “That sword, it’s not returned yet…”

Yang Zhi’s sister nodded. “It’s mine, but Brother Lin said he’d return it when you come.” She hadn’t expected such trouble.

“You! Aren’t you causing trouble for the Lin brothers?” He thought for a moment. “No, I must follow and see! Hurry pack your things. If anything happens, you leave first!” Though not as quick-witted as Lin Zhong, he had an idea.

With that, Yang Zhi ran off.

Yang Zhi’s sister watched her brother leave anxiously but could only obey and quickly returned to her room to pack.

Sun Meng revealed himself. “Is this the start? Could the so-called Star General Awakening be the key event they were meant to go through?” He glanced toward Yang Zhi’s sister. Earlier, he had noticed that the Yang siblings and Lin Zhong had not awakened.

So, was Lin Chong’s awakening triggered by this betrayal or by the snowy night when he joined the outlaws?

Sun Meng was puzzled. Both were pivotal moments in Lin Chong’s fate. The latter involved a psychological shift—a man once timid finally began to resist.

“This time, with Yang Zhi and Lin Zhong involved, things might unfold differently.” Sun Meng thought as he followed Yang Zhi to the government office.

Lin Chong wasn’t there; after all, Gao Qiu had set a trap. It would be shameless to hold an open trial at the government office. But Lin Zhong couldn’t act rashly and still had to follow official procedures.

“Lin Zhong, your brother Lin Chong wielded a blade, attempting to stab the Grand Commander. As his brother, were you aware?” asked the prefect of Kaifeng.

Lin Zhong replied, “I just learned of this. But I heard the Grand Commander’s guards invited my brother to inspect a sword.”

The prefect snorted coldly. “Nonsense! Over a dozen guards witnessed your brother storm into the hall wielding a blade! And who is the Grand Commander? Why would he care about your brother’s sword?”

Lin Zhong said, “I can’t prove it, but how can Your Excellency be sure it isn’t a coordinated slander? Everyone knows Gao Yanei harassed our sister-in-law multiple times!”

Page 3/3

“You lie!”

“He’s not lying!” A rough voice shouted. The crowd quickly parted as a large monk dragged someone in and casually threw him to the ground.

“Who let you in, monk? You dare to trespass the government office!” The prefect saw the man on the ground and quickly scolded. Without so many witnesses, he would have helped Gao Yanei up himself.

“I am from Daxiangguo Temple, Dharma name Yuanjue!” The monk approached Lin Zhong. “Rest assured! Sister-in-law is safe; my brother is watching over her.”

“Master Yuanjue!” The prefect swallowed nervously. He was well-known, having recently broken through to mid-second stage Daoism, and was head of the Daxiangguo Temple’s penal hall.

Why hadn’t he recognized him earlier? Yuanjue had a sworn brother named Lu Zhishen. The two looked very similar. If Lu Zhishen hadn’t been only early second stage, the two would be like twins.

“He hit me! I did nothing!” Gao Yanei looked up at the prefect, tears streaming down his face.

“Hmph! If you really did something, not even your father could save you!” Master Yuanjue glared at Gao Yanei, who cowered aside.

“Prefect, isn’t the evidence sufficient now?” Lin Zhong smiled at the prefect. “Please announce the sentence for Gao Yanei’s crimes!”

The prefect looked troubled. This was not how it was supposed to go! He expected a mere formality.

“Lin Zhong, no matter how you argue, it won’t change your brother’s assassination attempt!” The prefect took a deep breath; at this point, he had no choice.

“The Lin brothers, plotting against the Grand Commander, evidence is clear. Imprison them immediately and exile them to Cangzhou!” The prefect’s face flushed red as he struck the gavel. A symbol-like character flew from it and landed on Lin Zhong.

Lin Zhong’s expression grew icy. “Fine! Gao Qiu is impressive to have you use such secret methods!”

At that moment, starlight shimmered within Lin Zhong’s body; his aura surged. He was seizing the opportunity to break through!

Sun Meng watched from afar, slightly surprised.

“The Demon Star has awakened!”