But things were different now. Having advanced to a third-grade alchemist, the balance had been completely shattered.
The people flattering him now, trying to win his favor, were all experts from the prominent families in the capital.
With their support, the second branch already possessed overwhelming power.
The position of Lin family patriarch was destined to be his!
To hell with Lin Yuelong, to hell with Lin Xianfeng, they all had to step aside!
"Yes, yes, yes, then thank you, Patriarch Lin!"
"My heavens, Patriarch Lin has become a third-grade alchemist and is still so approachable. It seems the Lin family will truly rise from now on!"
"Indeed, indeed, Patriarch Lin is my sole idol from now on!"
Upon receiving Lin Kaishan's promise, the group became even more excited. They even changed their address for Lin Kaishan from Mr. Lin to Patriarch Lin.
Almost everyone in the capital knew that Lin Kaishan of the second branch and Lin Xianfeng of the main branch had been vying for the position of Lin family patriarch.
Although Lin Xianfeng was currently handling the Lin family's affairs, he was ultimately just an acting patriarch.
Now that Lin Kaishan had become a third-grade alchemist, it was estimated that Lin Xianfeng wouldn't even be able to retain his position as acting patriarch!
Their gathering around Lin Kaishan, showering him with compliments, was simply to curry favor with him in advance.
"Alright everyone, please eat and drink well. I still have other guests to attend to."
Seeing the surge in popularity around him, Lin Kaishan's vanity was greatly satisfied.
"Very well, Patriarch Lin, we'll take our leave then."
Upon hearing Lin Kaishan's words, the group dispersed.
After they had all left, Lin Kaishan slowly approached a table.
Only one person sat at this table, the current acting patriarch of the Lin family, Lin Xianfeng!
He was also the eldest son of the main branch of the Lin family, Lin Kaishan's sole competitor!
In the past, he would have been wary of the relationship between Lin Xianfeng and Lin Yuelong, and wouldn't have dared to underestimate Lin Xianfeng.
But now, he had become a third-grade alchemist. All cultivators below the Nascent Soul stage in the entire Dragon Country would have to show him utmost respect.
Even those at the half-step Nascent Soul stage wouldn't dare to breathe heavily in his presence.
Now, he not only had the power to contend with Lin Xianfeng, but he could utterly crush him!
"Brother, why do you seem a bit down?"
"Your brother has become a third-grade alchemist, and you don't seem happy?"
Seeing Lin Xianfeng sitting there silently, drinking alone, Lin Kaishan was extremely exhilarated.
There was no doubt that the reason Lin Xianfeng was sitting there, silent and brooding, was because of him.
With him becoming a third-grade alchemist, the elders of the family would have to reconsider who should sit as the Lin family patriarch!
"Heh heh heh, you worry too much. Come, I'll toast you. Congratulations on becoming a third-grade alchemist."
Seeing Lin Kaishan's smug and unrestrained demeanor, Lin Xianfeng felt a sense of helplessness but could only resign himself to his fate at this moment.
Regardless of how one looked at it, Lin Kaishan had indeed become a true third-grade alchemist.
His own removal as acting patriarch was a foregone conclusion.
However, it was a consolation to have found his son and wife.
He just didn't know if Lin Kaishan would spare him and his wife and children once he had complete control of the Lin family.
The brothers Lin Kaishan and Lin Kaiyun of the second branch were notorious for their ruthlessness.
When Lin Kaishan learned that he had a son, he immediately sent people to try and abort the child in the cradle, all to ensure his own lineage would be extinguished and the second branch would completely control the entire Lin family.
Lin Kaishan had been so heartless back then, let alone now that he had broken through to the esteemed realm of a third-grade alchemist.
Given his personality, he would surely cut off all potential threats and leave no room for escape.
"Hahahaha, thank you, Brother. Let's drink."
Seeing Lin Xianfeng voluntarily offer him a toast, Lin Kaishan let out a cold laugh.
"By the way, Brother, I heard that Yuelong went to a small place called Hangcheng in Zhejiang province."
"If I recall correctly, the female student you were with when you were in university was from Hangcheng, wasn't she?"
After clinking glasses with Lin Xianfeng, Lin Kaishan let out a cold smile.
Although Lin Yuelong had gone to Hangcheng secretly, his men were always keeping an eye on these two brothers, so how could he not know?
"Heh, where he goes is his freedom."
"What is it, Kaishan? You haven't become the Lin family patriarch yet, and you want to control where we go?"
Hearing Lin Kaishan's words, Lin Xianfeng was slightly surprised, but outwardly, he remained composed.
Lin Xianfeng was very aware at this moment that Lin Kaishan must not know the true purpose of Lin Yuelong's trip to Hangcheng.
As long as he didn't reveal any flaws, the other party would never guess the truth!
"Hahahaha, Brother, you jest. You are currently the acting patriarch of our Lin family, and I was just curious. How could the place Yuelong is going to be such a coincidence?"
Seeing Lin Xianfeng's impassive demeanor, Lin Kaishan became somewhat uncertain.
"Yo, Lin Kaishan, you're meddling a bit too much!"
"Even if you become the Lin family patriarch in the future, do I need to report to you about where I go?"
However, just as Lin Kaishan was about to say more, a taunting voice came from behind him.
Even without turning his head, Lin Kaishan knew that the person speaking must be Lin Yuelong!
Within the entire Lin family, only that idiot dared to speak to him like this!
"Tsk tsk tsk, Brother Yuelong, you misunderstand. I was merely concerned about you."
Immediately, Lin Kaishan turned around and looked at Lin Yuelong, who had walked in behind him.
"Yuelong, why are you back?"
Seeing Lin Yuelong return at this moment, Lin Xianfeng was greatly alarmed.
Based on what Lin Kaishan had just said, he seemed to have guessed Lin Yuelong's true purpose for going to Hangcheng.
Given his character, he would surely dispatch experts to investigate.
If Lin Yuelong were present, he would be able to ensure the safety of Lin Chen and his mother.
But now that Lin Yuelong was back, didn't that mean there was no one in Hangcheng to guarantee the safety of the mother and son?
"Sigh, Brother, you're just worried about that orphaned mother and son from back then. I searched for several days and found that the information others gave me was false."
"That mother and son are not the people you are looking for."
Lin Yuelong sighed deeply and said regretfully to Lin Xianfeng.