I am dying of old age, and I have awakened to the character of longevity.

The parlor of the detached courtyard.

"Steward Lin, this is aged tea that I've treasured for many years. Please, try it and see if it suits your taste." Zhang Lin proactively bent down, pouring tea for Lin Yun. His brow was full of flattery.

Lin Yun sat high in the chief seat, lifted the tea bowl, gently sipped, and nodded, "Mmm. Not bad. Zhang Lin, you've put in the effort."

Zhang Lin smiled and said, "I have Steward Lin to thank for his care over the years, that I may be where I am today. I would never dare forget your kindness."

After some pleasantries, Lin Yun changed the subject, "This Plum Blossom Fiend's consecutive killings have caused an extremely vile influence on my Blood Ridge Black Market. You were able to not panic when the matter occurred, analyze the Plum Blossom Fiend's intentions, and then report it. It's a great help to my next layout. After this matter is complete, I will report it to Master Xiang and request merit for you."

Zhang Lin was about to thank him, when he suddenly thought of something, revealing an awkward expression.

He had been in the Tiger Wolf Gate for many years and deeply knew the importance of merit.

If one wanted to climb up in the Tiger Wolf Gate, besides participating in the triennial assessment, there was another important path: that was merit.

Merit was relatively general, decided by Master Xiang and handed over to the Merit Assessment Hall for review. This area had a lot of room for manipulation, with many inside stories and substitution phenomena.

There was also another way to obtain merit: doing the missions issued by the sect. Not only could one obtain corresponding rewards, but also merit. This area was relatively straightforward.

For example, if the Tiger Wolf Gate felt that the Plum Blossom Fiend was utterly heinous, it would internally issue a mission: Slay the Plum Blossom Fiend and receive XX rewards, XX merit.

Most missions were dangerous, and Zhang Lin never dared to accept them.

This time, the Plum Blossom Fiend's merit was a rare opportunity for Zhang Lin.

But Zhang Lin knew in his heart that the Plum Blossom Fiend's killing logic and purpose were thought up by 'Old Brother'. It was already inappropriate for him to preemptively report it, but he could still justify it.

If he were to embezzle this merit… then his relationship with Old Brother would be strained.

After weighing it again and again, Zhang Lin still suppressed the greed in his heart and said, "Steward Lin misunderstood. This wasn't my idea. It was the new steward's idea."

Hearing this, Lin Yun was surprised and turned his head to size up Zhang Lin.

Lin Yun had long seen through Zhang Lin's little thoughts.

When Lin Yun and Master Wei Xiang were not around, the Blood Ridge Black Market was mainly managed by Xie An, who replaced Zhang Biao. Reporting this kind of matter should also be done by Xie An. Zhang Lin's report this morning was considered a cross-level report, with the suspicion of snatching merit.

It was just that Zhang Lin had followed Lin Yun for many years, so Lin Yun didn't pay too much attention to it. If Zhang Lin continued to embezzle this merit, Lin Yun would turn a blind eye.

"Zhang Lin, have you thought it through clearly?"

Zhang Lin gritted his teeth and said, "I've thought it through clearly. This is indeed the new steward's merit. I cannot embezzle it."

Lin Yun didn't say much more, only focusing on drinking tea.

Based on Lin Yun's understanding of Zhang Lin, this person was not very courageous, seeking stability. He naturally wouldn't dare to be too greedy, but occasionally substituting small merits and benefits was commonplace.

Now it was strange.

Lin Yun's expression softened a lot, and his mouth even carried a smile. He had a few more points of admiration for this new steward. Although he usually didn't mind his subordinates fighting for some merit, the Blood Ridge Branch was currently facing a crisis, and what it needed most was capable people who steadily did things, not those who snatched merit.

Lin Yun suddenly glared at Zhang Lin, and the latter immediately lowered his head with a red face, not daring to look Lin Yun in the eyes. Needless to say, Zhang Lin also knew that Lin Yun was currently very disappointed in him.

*Clang.*

Lin Yun heavily placed the tea bowl on the low table, took the opportunity to stand up, "Let's go, take me to see."

"Yes." Liang Zhi nodded in agreement, then took the initiative to lead the way out the door. The sharp-eyed Liang Zhi saw Lin Yun and Zhang Lin's expressions earlier. In his heart, he admired this new steward even more.

On the other side, Xie An stood next to the street, leaning against an old pagoda tree, observing the two merchants while his gaze occasionally glanced in the direction of the detached courtyard.

"Haha, Old Brother, you've worked hard!"

Lin Yun strode to behind Xie An, smiling and speaking from afar.

Xie An pretended to only just hear the voice, suddenly turned his head, and immediately revealed a flattered expression, cupping his fist and bowing: "Please forgive Great Steward, this humble one was unable to go greet you at the first moment."

Lin Yun was in a very good mood, and quickly cordially grasped Xie An's hand, "These are just empty formalities, no need to mind them. We should prioritize official business."

"Thank you for Great Steward's understanding."

Xie An hurriedly expressed his thanks, and at the same time, the corner of his eye looked at Zhang Lin behind Lin Yun, discovering that Zhang Lin's complexion was flushed red, ashamed and embarrassed.

After some pleasantries, Lin Yun was still leaning towards Zhang Lin, and proactively explained, "Earlier, I thought that Zhang Lin had come up with the Plum Blossom Fiend's intentions, but Zhang Lin told me that it was your idea. He was just worried and eager, so he came to report early in the morning."

Although it was an imperceptible sentence, Xie An had already tasted two pieces of information:

First, Lin Yun was still leaning towards Zhang Lin. Not wanting him to misunderstand Zhang Lin.

Second, Zhang Lin did not proactively embezzle the merit, but frankly told him. It could be seen that although Zhang Lin had some small thoughts, he was still principled. He could be befriended.

Thinking of this, Xie An proactively gave Zhang Lin a way down, saying, "Brother Zhang has been patrolling day and night during this period, working very hard. He already told me when he went to the hall to report in the morning. I still have to thank Brother Zhang for helping me share my worries."

Hearing this, Zhang Lin gave Xie An a grateful look, finally breathing a sigh of relief.

If Xie An was petty, and said two bad words about him to Lin Yun at this moment, he was afraid that it would be difficult for him to gain a foothold in the branch in the future.

Thinking of this, Zhang Lin felt ashamed and remorseful, feeling that Xie An was broad-minded and worthy of admiration and trust. He should treat him with utmost sincerity in the future.

Seeing Xie An was so magnanimous, Lin Yun became even happier, smiling and saying, "Very good. With everyone being so united, what is there to fear from a Plum Blossom Fiend. The two merchants you mentioned, are they those two?"

Xie An carefully explained his analysis, not forgetting to praise Liang Zhi in front of Lin Yun for being good at handling affairs. Although it was just a brief mention, it had already made the nearby Liang Zhi feel grateful in his heart.

Lin Yun sized up Liang Zhi, saying, "You did well." Afterwards, he began discussing the next plan with Xie An.

In the end, Lin Yun made a decision: tomorrow at dawn, when the market closes, follow these two merchants all the way and ferret out the Plum Blossom Fiend.

Zhang Lin couldn't help but ask, "Steward Lin, Master Wei Xiang was severely injured by the Plum Blossom Fiend before, this time relying on us few… will it work?"