In the afternoon, under the blazing sun, eight minivans slowly drove into West Lake and stopped at the entrance of the Folk Research Association.
Ye Chengfu, who wore a suit and carried a cane despite his age, looking like a gentleman, greeted them at the entrance with Lin Yu and Lin Yin.
A total of twenty people alighted from the eight cars. These twenty individuals hailed from eight small sects surrounding Rongcheng.
They had already learned of Lin Zitong’s return and the dissolution of the Luyun Sect the previous night.
While they were filled with apprehension, Lin Zitong indeed contacted them proactively, inviting them to the Folk Research Association for a meeting.
In reality, Lin Zitong had contacted twelve sects in total, but only these eight agreed to come.
It was self-evident that the four sects that were absent had clearly indicated their allegiance to Lu Xin and had no intention of showing Lin Zitong any respect.
However, the arrival of the eight sects at the Folk Research Association did not signify their support for Lin Zitong; most of them were neutral.
Precisely because they were unsure who to support, they agreed to come for a look. If they found Lin Zitong to be unimpressive, they would likely choose to support Lu Xin without hesitation, and even more firmly than before.
Both the eight sects and Lin Zitong deeply understood the significance of the meeting that afternoon, and both sides attached great importance to it.
Ye Chengfu bowed slightly and said, "Welcome, distinguished guests. I am Ye Chengfu, the steward of the Lin family, currently responsible for all matters of the Folk Research Association. Our young lady is waiting for you in the assembly hall. Please follow me inside."
Of the twenty people, most still held some respect for Ye Chengfu. In fact, they were mostly old acquaintances, as Ye Chengfu had frequently appeared when the Lin family provided them with funding in the past.
Thus, everyone greeted Ye Chengfu, not looking down on him for being an ordinary person.
But there were also some ill-mannered individuals.
The Tianhai Association from Minhai City sent two representatives this time: Elder Sun Tangzhi and the Sect Master's daughter, Sun Liuying.
Sun Liuying, who had just turned eighteen, was in her most rebellious phase. She wore her hair in a high ponytail, and her pretty face was etched with disdain.
Upon alighting from the car and seeing only a steward come to greet them, she immediately put on a displeased expression and said in a deep voice:
"Lin Zitong has quite an attitude. She needs our help now, yet she doesn't come out to welcome us herself!"
Elder Sun Tangzhi whispered, "Liuying, watch your words. Our Tianhai Association has received funding from the Lin family in the past."
"So what? Times have changed. If we rely on the Lushan Sect, we can earn money ourselves in the future and won't need the Lin family!" Sun Liuying said disdainfully.
Sun Tangzhi sighed, not daring to say more to the sect master’s pampered daughter.
Ye Chengfu led the group inside. Upon seeing the luxurious complex built on West Lake in Rongcheng, everyone showed expressions of envy.
Originally, the Lushan Sect occupying the prime location of Sanfang Qixiang had already made other small sects envious and jealous. Now, discovering that Lin Zitong "exclusively" enjoyed West Lake and had built such a massive complex, the others felt no envy, only jealousy and hatred.
The Lin family of Licheng was truly becoming wealthier by the day! everyone muttered in their hearts.
After walking only a few steps, a sect master exclaimed in surprise, "The spiritual energy here is much denser than outside. Steward Ye, does your research association have any special formations?"
Ye Chengfu stopped and explained with a smile:
"Have you all forgotten? Our son-in-law is a descendant of Lu Ban, and the entire West Lake Folk Research Association was designed by our relative. I, a commoner, cannot fully grasp the intricacies, but you should be able to discern some of it."
The sect masters fell silent and carefully observed the surrounding buildings. Whether they understood it or not, their envy was undeniable.
Even Sun Tangzhi couldn't help but sigh, "Although the Lu Ban sect is a folk sect, their skills are indeed not to be underestimated. I wonder if you, Liuying, will be able to find such a good man in the future."
Sun Liuying was very prone to jealousy. Hearing that Lin Zitong's husband was so capable, she felt a pang of sourness:
"What kind of capability is relying on a man!"
The other sect masters chuckled and glanced back at Sun Liuying with meaningful looks, which only fueled Sun Liuying's competitive spirit. "Aren't Lu Ban's descendants just skilled carpenters? My future husband will definitely be stronger than him!"
Sun Tangzhi quickly covered Sun Liuying's mouth, thinking, "My dear, please don't speak carelessly!"
No one present would bother too much with a young girl. They all had important matters to attend to today.
Therefore, everyone quickly turned back and continued to follow Ye Chengfu inside, of course, not forgetting to praise the research association's impressiveness along the way.
After walking for a short while, the group saw the assembly hall.
At the entrance of the assembly hall, Lin Zitong, dressed in plain attire, met the sect masters in the most simple and approachable manner.
As the host, Lin Zitong did not go out to greet them, but by standing at the entrance of the assembly hall, she showed them considerable respect.
"Miss, the esteemed sect representatives have been brought here," Ye Chengfu said.
Lin Zitong nodded, her expression calm and composed. She did not show any fear despite facing representatives from eight sects simultaneously.
This scene, observed by the representatives from all sides, subtly added points to Lin Zitong's favor, making them no longer consider her merely a young disciple of the Lushan Sect.
Last time Lin Zitong visited the various sects, Lu Jing led the delegation, making her appear somewhat reserved.
Now, with Lin Zitong handling matters independently, she truly displayed her demeanor and charm.
"Distinguished guests, you have traveled a long way. You must be tired. Tea and refreshments have been prepared in the assembly hall. Please, sit down and let's chat," Lin Zitong said, neither subservient nor arrogant.
The group cupped their hands and followed Lin Zitong into the assembly hall.
Sun Liuying, walking at the end, surveyed Lin Zitong's back.
It had to be said, Lin Zitong was very beautiful and possessed an ethereal temperament, something Sun Liuying admitted she lacked.
But what made Sun Liuying most jealous was that Lin Zitong, being around the same age as her, could sit as an equal with the elders in her eyes. That air of composure and confidence was something Sun Liuying could only dream of.
Her immaturity was evident here. When Sun Liuying found Lin Zitong to be more accomplished than herself, she did not acknowledge her excellence. Instead, she would inwardly criticize: "She's so pretentious! She's nothing special!"
Entering the spacious assembly hall, Lin Zitong took the main seat, while the other guests sat below. Lin Yu and Lin Yin brought out high-quality tea and refreshments.
The tea served to entertain these sect representatives was Rou Gui, a prized collection of Lin Ruofu, an exquisite grade costing three hundred thousand per jin.
The tea snacks were also made fresh by top pastry chefs.
These details were sufficient to demonstrate the importance Lin Zitong attached to this meeting.
The representatives once again praised Lin Zitong in their hearts. Then, as one person spoke, they all adopted serious expressions.
A sect master said:
"Miss Lin, everyone understands why you have invited us here. Let's not beat around the bush. Let's speak frankly and resolve the matter as soon as possible."