Chapter 2174 - 2171: A Song of Ice and Fire

Chapter 2174: Chapter 2171: A Song of Ice and Fire

Lin Tian placed his palm on Ling Shuiyao’s back, using the power of fire to repel the cold air facing her. Situ Ruoling turned to look at Lin Tian, and for once, felt a bit grateful.

The Situ family practices the Mystic Ice Blue Record, and their True Qi inherently contains a chill, while the old man can lower the surrounding temperature; his skill is not inferior to Ling Zishan.

Lin Tian knew very well that the old man did it intentionally, aiming to intimidate the Ling family. Of course, Ling Zishan was a Mid Innate expert, unfazed like a rock, even when facing the old man’s imposing presence.

Situ Yufeng was delighted and quickly bowed: "Grandfather, you finally arrived."

The old man clasped his hands behind his back, expressionless: "If I hadn’t come, my granddaughter would be in trouble."

After speaking, the old man turned to Ling Zishan: "Ling Pavilion Master, what crime has my granddaughter committed that she was locked in the little black room?"

Another person pretending not to know, Lin Tian sneered inwardly. The Situ family, these people have thicker skin than old me.

"Mr. Situ, Situ Ruoling trespassed into the treasure vault’s forbidden area and was caught by the guards. She is in the cave now," Ling Zishan spoke bluntly and without courtesy.

The old man furrowed his graying brows, seemingly displeased: "If she trespassed into the Ling family’s forbidden vault, I have no objections to her being caught. However, I really can’t think of a motive for my granddaughter to break into your vault. I think it’s more likely she got lost and accidentally entered."

"Regardless of intention, rules are rules, and I believe, sir, you understand better than anyone," Ling Zishan held her ground, neither humble nor arrogant, knowing her status and Ancient Martial Realm were not low. She answered calmly and did not argue with the old man.

Now with the old man backing him, Situ Yufeng’s posture straightened. He interjected, "Ling Pavilion Master, rules are dead, relationships are alive. Why ruin the peace between our families over a minor matter?"

The old man did not stop him, clearly agreeing with Situ Yufeng’s words.

Trying to make it two against one? Lin Tian chuckled internally and stepped forward, speaking coldly: "Peace? I don’t see peace anywhere—old sir arrived and gave us a strong display of power."

Upon hearing Lin Tian speak, Ling Zishan found it amusing. She had invited Lin Tian for this very purpose. As Pavilion Master, it’s inappropriate for her to say some things outright, but Lin Tian could speak freely without restraint.

"How dare you! My grandfather is conversing with the Ling Pavilion Master; what gives you the right to speak? What do you count as?" Situ Yufeng shouted loudly. He wasn’t Lin Tian’s match, but with family backing him, his confidence surged.

Moreover, deep down, he looked down on Lin Tian. No matter how powerful, he considered Lin Tian of humble origins. In this grand family dialogue, he believed himself superior, finding more reason to condemn Lin Tian.

"Wow, this guy is so arrogant. In comparison to him, even a king who followed King Arthur would be modest. Master, deal with him!" The Sword Spirit voiced discontentment, though it daily flaunted its royal heritage, afraid others wouldn’t know.

Lin Tian ignored the creature and instead cast a cold glance at Situ Yufeng, saying bluntly: "I am a distinguished guest of the Ling family, residing in the rear courtyard, discussing and studying with old Mr. Ling Xuesong. What do you count as? Hasn’t your family taught you not to interrupt when elders are speaking?"

Poof... Ling Shuiyao almost laughed aloud, quickly covering her mouth. However, she whispered to herself: "Look at you, all proud. Staying in the rear courtyard and discussing—how elevated!"

Ling Zishan also found it amusing, thinking Lin Tian’s way with words was unmatched; even those renowned for discourse were no better.

"You..." Situ Yufeng was rendered speechless, wondering why Lin Tian seemed more justified when clearly his status was higher? Yet he knew Lin Tian indeed was a guest of the rear courtyard, and the words seemed unchallengeable.

"What’s with ’you’? You should learn from Miss Ling Shuiyao and address me as Mr. Lin. Know what rules are? Families have family regulations, nations have national laws; if none adhere, then families collapse, nations dissolve, and the Ancient Martial World falls into chaos. You’d then be the eternal traitor of the Ancient Martial World!" Lin Tian shouted, thoroughly enjoying himself.

Neither Situ Yufeng could retort, nor Ling Zishan or the old man of the Situ family could react—they were stunned. That logic was invincible; even ’eternal traitor’ appeared, yet sounded perfectly logical.

Ling Shuiyao, hearing Lin Tian mention her, could not help but pout, muttering inwardly: "Who called you Mr. Lin? The one who disregards rules most is you."

Inwardly she thought this, but seeing the befuddled Situ family, Little La Jiao found it exhilarating. Who asked that old man of Situ to come imposing, almost leaving this girl disgraced.

"So you’re Lin Tian..." The old man finally acknowledged Lin Tian but kept a very cold demeanor: "Rumor has it you’re strong; now it seems your words are even stronger."

This was certainly not a compliment to Lin Tian’s eloquence, but a mockery that his presence was less impressive than the reputation—just slick talk.

Lin Tian remained unfazed, responding plainly: "Not only are my words strong, other aspects are strong too."

Ling Shuiyao, hearing this, didn’t know what it reminded her of, blushing unknowingly, disgruntled at heart, thinking Sister Manxue was right—you are indeed a big rogue.

The old man seemed to expect Lin Tian’s reply, a cold gleam passed his eyes: "If you say so, let me see, what is stronger!"

With that, he stomped lightly, causing a bone-chilling air current to suddenly emerge, rushing towards Lin Tian along the ground. At its path, half-transparent ice layers formed, and due to intense freezing, the air even emitted ice-cracking sounds.

Ling Zishan’s brows furrowed slightly, a glimmer of azure flashing in her palm. Yet before she acted, Lin Tian had already stepped forward, standing before Ling Shuiyao and Ling Zishan.

A scorching stream of air appeared simultaneously; under Lin Tian’s feet, the ground ignited—a purple flame. As the purple flame spread forward, it collided with the ice layer and cold current.

The alternating cold and heat, the energy at the collision point vanished silently; there was no explosive sound nor an Earthquake, yet the other Ancient Martial Artists present sensed the breath of destruction, each retreating except for Ling Zishan who remained composed.

The purple flame and cold air seemed locked in stalemate, the old man finally showed a serious expression, yet Lin Tian remained relaxed.

"Mr. Situ, why make it like an icehouse here?" Lin Tian smiled lightly, as the purple flame underfoot surged like a Fire Dragon.

The old man’s eyes widened instantly, he stomped harder, forming a whirlpool of cold air, wherein the water vapor froze into ice crystals, colliding with the purple flame.

Energy was finally unable to disappear quietly, erupting with a roar, hot and cold blasts rolled and spread, echoing like the song of fire and ice.