However, cultivators have long lifespans, so this is normal.
When Zhou Qingxue heard Lin Xiuyuan say this, she couldn't help but smile and become more enthusiastic. She quickly turned her head and said, "Come on, my grandfather is the current clan leader. He is currently discussing matters with the twelfth elder in the back hall. I'll take you to see him and introduce you to the Zhou family."
Seeing Zhou Qingxue's attitude change so quickly, showing a hint of enthusiasm, Lin Xiuyuan was slightly taken aback, but it was just curiosity, and he didn't think much of it, assuming it was just her personality. On the contrary, seeing a relative made him feel somewhat happy and joyful.
This week, Qingxue was clearly quite outgoing, and on the way back with Lin Xiuyuan, she talked a lot.
Lin Xiuyuan gradually understood why Zhou Xueqing was so surprised when she heard that he was Zhou Qin's son.
It turns out that Zhou Qin hadn't said enough in her letter. The bloodline of the Sixth Branch was dwindling, and at that time, Zhou Qin was basically the only prodigy of the Sixth Branch. She could have grown up and inherited the position of elder, but in the end, she eloped, which really shocked the Zhou family.
The younger generation, in particular, were amazed and impressed. As the story was passed around in private, it became a legendary tale, causing a sensation in the Zhou family and even Pingshan City, much like a popular love story.
This has led the younger generation, especially those bound by arranged marriages, to emulate it and yearn for it, including Zhou Qingxue.
Lin Xiuyuan thought this way, but after learning about these things, he sensed something strange.
The Zhou family has arranged quite a few marriages, hasn't they? Generally, for these cultivation families, the purpose of large-scale marriage alliances is either to expand their influence and gain support, or, if the situation is unfavorable, to preserve their bloodline while seeking assistance...
After all, for cultivation families, as long as their population is on the rise or stable, there is no need to engage in large-scale intermarriages. Cultivation families rely on blood ties as the central hub for inheritance and development, and having members of the same bloodline is the most important thing.
Now the Zhou family is engaging in large-scale marriage alliances. Is the reason for this the former or the latter?
After Zhou Qin eloped with her father Lin Cheng, the entire sixth branch of the family basically had no descendants.
Because the bloodline was already dwindling, and several elders failed to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage, the population of the Sixth Branch became even more dwindling. Recently, a young genius with dual spiritual roots has emerged. This person is actually Lin Xiuyuan's cousin, and they are closely related by blood.
However, there is only one descendant among the younger generation... It can be seen that the sixth branch has few members. Although it is still one of the main branches, it is almost the same as the collateral branches, and even less than some collateral branches!
Although Zhou Xueqing was of the same generation as him, they were several generations apart by blood, so she was only close enough to be called his cousin.
With Zhou Qingxue leading the way, Lin Xiuyuan arrived unimpeded at a main courtyard deep within the Zhou residence.
After Zhou Xueqing went in to report, a servant came out shortly afterward and invited Lin Xiuyuan in.
In the hall, besides Zhou Qingxue, there were two other people. The former had gray hair, but a ruddy complexion and a handsome figure.
The latter was middle-aged, with a square face and an imposing presence, bearing a resemblance to Zhou Qingxue.
Both were Foundation Establishment cultivators with impressive auras, placing them within the same realm, though their exact level was difficult to discern. They were estimated to be above the late Foundation Establishment stage.
Zhou Qingxue said, "Father, Twelfth Elder, this is Aunt Qin's son, Lin Xiuyuan."
"Greetings, Clan Chief Zhou, Twelfth Elder."
Lin Xiuyuan bowed with his hands clasped in greeting.
"You are Qin Yatou's son? This is truly unexpected. The image of that little girl, her voice and smile, and her mischievous and clever way of pestering me for cultivation resources, still seem vivid in my mind, as if it happened yesterday."
"But I never expected to hear such news after nearly a century. Alas... Young friend Lin, please accept my condolences."
Zhou Jianwen sighed.
Lin Xiuyuan said calmly, "Thank you for your concern, Clan Chief Zhou."
Zhou Jianwen smiled and said, "But if Xiaoqin knew in the afterlife that young friend Lin had achieved Foundation Establishment, she would surely be very pleased."
"Come, please sit down." Zhou Jianwen gestured for them to sit down, then looked at Zhou Qingxue, who was standing aside watching the commotion, and said indifferently, "Didn't you have an appointment with that little girl from the Wang family? What are you doing here?"
Zhou Qingxue wanted to say something and stay to join in the fun, but when she saw Zhou Jianwen's somewhat stern expression, she couldn't help but purse her lips and could only cup her hands and say, "Then Grandpa will go out. Twelfth Elder, Cousin Xiuyuan, farewell!"
After Zhou Qingxue left, Zhou Honghe, who was sitting to the side, looked at Lin Xiuyuan and said slowly, "Young friend Lin came to visit saying that he is of foreign blood from my Zhou family, but we have never met before. To be on the safe side, I used a secret technique to investigate and confirm a few things. I hope you won't mind?"
Zhou Jianwen, standing to the side, picked up his teacup and sipped it gently.
Lin Xiuyuan remained calm and nodded slightly upon hearing this. Necessary caution was natural and normal; he had a clear conscience.
Zhou Honghe made a hand seal, and a soft white light immediately appeared.
Lin Xiuyuan sensed the aura but found no danger, so he allowed the spiritual light to spread.
The soft white light enveloped them without causing any disturbance, and then receded in a breath or two, automatically dissipating into the air as Zhou Honghe lowered his hands.
At this point, Zhou Jianwen put down his teacup, smiled, and then his expression turned serious. He said, "I wonder what brings you here, young friend Lin? If you wish to rejoin your mother's family, it may be difficult. After all, Xiaoqin, your mother, violated the family rules and eloped, effectively betraying the Zhou family. Therefore..."
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