"I heard that there has been intense friction between the Lin Family and the Li Family recently. What are your thoughts on this, Housekeeper Lin?"
Wu Lvzhu tentatively said.
"The Li Family, under the guise of trials, continuously causes chaos on our Lin Familyâs territory, even plotting to annex it almost entirely. Under both moral and rational grounds, shouldnât our Lin Family retaliate?"
Lin Ye spoke calmly.
"So, are you saying that as the conflicts between the Lin Family and the Li Family intensify, Housekeeper Lin is fully aware and actually supports and wishes to see this situation continue to unfold?"
This topic was somewhat sensitive.
Lin Ye slightly squinted his eyes and said, "That depends on what the Li Family intends. After all, itâs not our Lin Family who is instigating trouble now, is it? Perhaps, Wu Hall Master, you have knocked on the wrong door?"
After speaking, Lin Ye suddenly stood up, making a gesture to see the guest out.
"If Wu Hall Master has come with prejudices, then please return now, so as to avoid further affecting the harmony between our two families. My Lin Family has no intention of making an enemy of the Foolish Underworld or souring relationships."
"Ha ha ha ha ha!"
Wu Lvzhu burst into laughter, suddenly placed his hands on Lin Yeâs shoulders, and gently pushed him back into his seat.
Too hasty, much too hasty.
"Elder Brother Lin, what are these words? Our relationship with the Lin Family, we would support the Lin Family rather than the Li Family, you are overthinking it. To think so much about everything at such a young age, itâs not good for your longevity."
Lin Yeâs expression then eased.
"I was impulsive and lost my composure, my apologies for making you laugh, Wu Hall Master."
"No worries, no worries. Mr. Lin is even more irascible than you, and I have dealt with him for so many years."
While saying this, Wu Lvzhu pretended to look around carefully.
"By the way, where is Mr. Lin? I havenât seen him for years, is he still in seclusion studying his Divine Skill?"
"Mr. Lin is still in seclusion. If Wu Hall Master has any matters, feel free to discuss them directly with me. If I cannot handle them, I will find an opportunity to relay them to Mr. Lin and let him decide."
This guy, quite steady.
Annoyance flashed through Wu Lvzhuâs mind, but his smile quickly returned.
"There are some things I still prefer to discuss directly with Old Lin. Although he says heâs in seclusion, I know there must be fixed days when he comes out to breathe. Could you let me know the next time Mr. Lin temporarily comes out of seclusion, alright?"
"..."
A flicker of hesitation crossed Lin Yeâs face, rather evident.
Seeing his chance, Wu Lvzhu said, "Donât worry, itâs just a notification. If thereâs no urgent matter to discuss, I wouldnât personally seek a meeting, am I right? Or do you think my position as Yangshen Hall Master carries too little weight?"
After pondering, Lin Ye lowered his head and said.
"Hall Master Wu, understood. Next time Mr. Lin comes out of seclusion, Iâll ask his permission, and if Mr. Lin agrees to meet, I will secretly arrange for you to visit the Lin Family, hoping that you will also keep it discreet. Mr. Linâs seclusion is meant to avoid disturbances. Of course, if Mr. Lin does not wish to meet you... I hope you will not take offense at that time."
Wu Lvzhu laughed heartily.
"Rest assured, as one grows old, chances to see old friends become less frequent. Mr. Lin may live a long life, but I canât say the same for myself."
"Master Wu, you jest. Your Divine Skill is unparalleled..."
"Eh!"
Wu Lvzhu waved his hand: "If it werenât for the incompetence of those below me, I would have retired long ago, what unparalleled Divine Skill. Foolish Underworld, after all, is not like your Families, with frequent emergence of young geniuses and unbroken lineages."
"..."
Lin Ye apparently didnât know how to respond, simply bowing his head in silence.
Wu Lvzhu then patted his shoulder and suddenly leaned close to whisper.
"If Mr. Lin doesnât want to meet me after he comes out of seclusion, tell him a piece of news."
"What news?"
"A demon is lurking within the Lin Family."
Lin Yeâs complexion changed abruptly, and he stood up sharply.
"How can that be! My Lin Family..."
Before he finished speaking, Lin Ye suddenly paused, as if remembering something, his brows slowly furrowing.
This reaction triggered a thought in Wu Lvzhu.
It seems there really is a problem with the Lin Family.
But this Lin Ye, he might have noticed something, just not entirely sure yet. It was only after my hint today that he suddenly realized.
He then asked with concern.
"Housekeeper Lin, did you think of something?"
Faced with Wu Lvzhuâs concerned inquiry, Lin Ye gave an awkward smile.
"Nothing much."
"Housekeeper Lin." Wu Lvzhu gripped his shoulder again.
"Our Foolish Underworld and the Lin Family, thatâs a relationship where if one fails, the other will suffer. If something happens to the Lin Family, can the Foolish Underworld fare any better? How about Tianyuan Town? If you think of something, or suspect some people, speak up. Itâs difficult to handle things within the Lin Family, let the Foolish Underworld help out."
Lin Yeâs face gradually darkened.
"Hall Master Wu, I said thereâs nothing. The affairs of the Lin Family will be handled by the Lin Family itself, no need to trouble the brothers of the Foolish Underworld!"
"..."
Wu Lvzhu fell silent for a moment, then released Lin Yeâs shoulder and smiled.
"Fair enough, the Lin Familyâs domestic affairs are not something we outsiders should meddle in."
"In any case, with the current unsettled situation and continuous actions from demons, once Mr. Lin emerges from seclusion, you should ask him to stay at the Lin Family for some time to guard against any mishaps."
"Moreover, regarding the dispute with the Li Family, I hope Chief Housekeeper Lin can manage your people below and ask them to restrain themselves a bit, lest demons take advantage of your dispute and bring embarrassment if word got out."
Lin Ye seemed startled for a moment, then slightly bowed.
"Itâs clear to hear that Hall Master Wu truly cares for the Lin Family and the peace of Tianyuan Town, but really, internal matters of the Lin Family shouldnât be interfered with by outsiders, please understand."