Volume One: The Revival of All Things, Where Every Season Is Spring Chapter Fifty: The Deadly Trap at Yan Mountain—Invitation into the Cunning Cage

May 20, 2024. Mo Wen returns to the Northern Capital!

Once, he arrived as a mere attendant at the grand Yanshan banquet. Today, as he returns, will those petty villains still dare to act with impunity?

At the Yanshan Villa, Mo Wen ascended the mountain alone, sword in hand, moving with unhurried steps. Behind him, a long line of cars blared their horns in frustration, but he paid them no heed.

The Lin estate was festooned with lanterns and banners, its golden splendor radiating an air of celebration and harmony. Mo Wen narrowed his eyes; the Lin family’s extravagant display was nothing but a proclamation of their own distinction.

At the grand entrance, Lin Xi’s brother, Lin Yaoheng, was once again the one greeting guests. Upon seeing Mo Wen, he showed no surprise and, instead, greeted him warmly.

“You’ve come? Whatever happens today, don’t act rashly. The Lin family is not one to go back on its word. Once this is over, you’ll have your answer.”

Mo Wen gave a self-mocking laugh. More than a year ago, at the birthday banquet, Lin Tianzi had publicly promised three years to him and Lin Xi. Yet now, they were hosting an engagement banquet for Lin Xi!

“Let Lin Tianzi come out. Rest assured, I, Mo Wen, will not harm any of Lin Xi’s family.”

His tone was calm, as if recounting something that had nothing to do with him. Yet Lin Yaoheng could sense a trace of murderous intent in Mo Wen’s eyes. Just days prior, news had arrived from the Magic City: Mo Wen had broken through the Illusion barrier—and with a sword, no less!

Mo Wen strode directly into the villa. Though it was still early, half the guests had already taken their seats in the banquet hall. He walked to the main table, sat down, and crossed his legs, arms draped casually over the chair. As soon as he entered, the bustle of conversation gradually died down, replaced by hushed whispers and furtive glances.

So far, apart from Lin Yaoheng at the door, none of the Lin family had appeared. Mo Wen remained composed, a faint, ambiguous smile on his face.

“Brother, it seems there’s a killing formation set up here.”

Mei Qiu’s voice suddenly echoed in Mo Wen’s mind, urging him to be cautious. Mo Wen’s heart skipped a beat—he understood.

It seemed he was not the protagonist of today’s affair.

Even if the Lin family were to consider harming him, with the presence of Zhao Tiansheng from the Academy and Principal Da Zizai, they would have to weigh their actions carefully. Therefore, today’s true purpose could only be one thing: under the guise of the engagement banquet, they were targeting the Zhuo family. Such an elaborate setup was likely prepared for Da Zizai of the Zhuo family!

Were they going to make a move against the Zhuos?

Mo Wen’s expression betrayed nothing, though his heart was still unsettled. However, he felt far less aggrieved than before his arrival. Let the Lin family’s drama begin; he would be the one to raise the curtain!

Before long, as noon approached, the sound of drums, firecrackers, and fireworks erupted outside the villa. The Zhuo family had arrived!

In the midst of the commotion, Lin Tianzi entered the hall alongside a middle-aged man who bore a striking resemblance to Zhuo Yue. The man’s face was wreathed in smiles, his posture proud, acknowledging guests as he walked. But when his gaze landed on the main table, his eyes narrowed in surprise.

His designated seat was already occupied by a young man. A flash of displeasure crossed his face as he looked to Lin Tianzi for an explanation.

“My dear in-law, just a small hiccup—I’ll handle it right away. My apologies.”

Lin Tianzi forced a smile, gesturing for Mo Wen to leave the main table. But Mo Wen, channeling his inner energy, remained unmoved.

Though Mo Wen understood the Lin family’s scheme, he had no intention of cooperating at this moment. Lin Tianzi’s expression darkened with embarrassment and shock. Only one thought echoed in his mind: Another Zhao Tiansheng!

Though Lin Tianzi had long since broken through the Illusion boundary, he was helpless before this newly ascended master. His face turned grim, caught between advancing and retreating.

At that moment, a hearty laugh resounded, drawing the attention of all. Zhao Tiansheng, the Sword Sage, had arrived!

“Haha, Brother Lin, congratulations! Forgive me for being late!”

Zhao Tiansheng also noticed Mo Wen, having anticipated this scene. Seeing the awkwardness, he feigned annoyance, scolding Mo Wen sternly, “Boy, things have come to this. Accept your fate and don’t embarrass yourself here. A true man knows when to take up and when to let go!”

Mo Wen was speechless. He had originally wanted to embarrass Lin Tianzi, but now, with his own teacher’s performance, he had no choice but to comply.

He rose, moved to a side seat, and said respectfully, “Yes, I will obey your instruction, Master.”

Zhao Tiansheng laughed heartily, patting the middle-aged man on the shoulder. “Brother Zhuo, forgive him. My student is a bit stubborn, but straightforward at heart.”

The man’s expression eased, his demeanor aloof and superior as he replied, “No matter. I, Zhuo Shangchong, have already said—if our families are joined, all past grievances are forgotten.”

With all the principal guests seated, Mo Wen was surprised—Lin Xi had yet to appear. Nor was Zhuo Yu present. How odd, for the two supposed protagonists of the engagement not to show themselves?

At that moment, Lin Tianzi smiled and said, “My dear in-law, your family’s grandeur puts us to shame. Why isn’t Xiao Yu here yet? The more I see of this son-in-law, the more I like him!”

Zhuo Shangchong smiled proudly, replying in a sonorous voice, “Today, as our families unite, my father is making a rare appearance. He’ll personally bring Yu over shortly. Please be patient.”

Lin Tianzi was delighted. Taking advantage of the moment, he instructed Lin Yaoheng, “Since the Zhuos place such importance on this, we must not fall behind. Go invite your grandfather.”

Lin Yaoheng departed on his errand. Mo Wen could not help but smile inwardly—the show was about to begin!

Unbeknownst to him, Zhuo Xin had found Mo Wen’s seat and scampered over, exclaiming joyfully, “Brother Mo, you really came? How can you tolerate all this?”

Mo Wen looked at this rebellious scion of the Zhuo family in silence, a twinge of pity in his heart. If nothing unexpected happened, the Zhuo family would be annihilated today. As a member of the family, Zhuo Xin’s future was uncertain.

Soon, an overwhelming aura swept in from outside the banquet hall. The guests fell silent and looked up as an elder, dressed in ceremonial attire with a yellow mandarin jacket draped over his shoulders, led a poised young man into the hall. The youth, wearing a tailored suit and carrying a bouquet, exuded a unique air.

“Greetings to the head of the Zhuo family!”

“The Zhuo patriarch’s cultivation is unparalleled, renowned throughout the ages!”

“The Zhuo family’s third-generation heir is truly extraordinary—a dragon among men!”

The crowd stood in unison—all except Mo Wen, who remained reclining in his chair. Zhuo Da Zizai was ushered to the main table. Before long, Lin Xi appeared, accompanied by an elderly man in a Tang jacket.

Again, the guests rose. This time, Mo Wen also stood, for he felt Lin Xi’s grandfather deserved respect.

With the principal figures of both the Zhuo and Lin families finally present, Lin Xi scanned the room and, spotting Mo Wen, blossomed into a radiant smile.

She wore a pale red cheongsam, the neckline cut a little low, hinting at the curves beneath. Sensing Mo Wen’s displeasure, Lin Xi stifled a laugh and discreetly fastened the top button.

Now, with all the actors in place, only the director’s command was missing: “Begin!”

It was time. Mo Wen suddenly stood, stretching lazily, and declared, “Zhuo Yu, you’d best take your own life. I’ve no interest in killing you myself.”

At his words, the hall was thrown into an uproar.