Lin Tiannan's feelings toward Alex had shifted from admiration to anger. His daughter's tearful retreat only added to his frustration.
He no longer had the patience for words. A man of action, Lin Tiannan believed that sometimes violence was the most decisive solution.
With a flick of his wrist, he summoned a nearby sword into his hand."Hmph. Some things aren't yours to decide," he said coldly, then launched a fierce slash at Alex. His intent was clear—subdue the young man and drag him back to Lin Manor.
"Don't use your age as an excuse to force others!" Alex snapped, his anger rising. Marriage should never be imposed like this.
Rather than fight head-on, Alex waved his right hand. A strange force rippled through the sword in Lin Tiannan's grip, throwing it wildly off course.
Swish—swish—swish!The blade spun aside. At the same moment, Alex raised his left hand. Lightning surged from the vibranium glove covering his fist, crackling with dazzling power, and shot directly toward Lin Tiannan.
But Lin Tiannan was no ordinary fighter. As leader of the southern martial world, his skills were legendary. Even without his weapon, his body was a fortress. He met the strike head-on, slamming his fist into the bolt of lightning. The blast shattered in a spray of sparks, the shockwave scattering in every direction.
Discarding his sword entirely, Lin Tiannan charged bare-handed, his palm strikes carrying crushing force.
Alex countered with the Wushuang Sword, his movements precise, fluid, and reinforced by Armament Haki. The sword's edge carried both sharpness and weight, pressing Lin Tiannan back. Though Lin Tiannan's raw power was immense, Alex's technique and speed gave him the upper hand.
"Who is this boy? To be this skilled at such a young age…" Lin Tiannan thought, shocked to find himself on the defensive. He had wanted a son-in-law of great ability, but realizing that this man's strength might even surpass his own left him unsettled.
Alex's strikes blurred, faster than the eye could follow, overwhelming even Lin Tiannan's seasoned defense.
"Master Alex! Uncle! Please stop fighting. Cousin Yueru needs us—let's go check on her first!"
Liu Jinyuan hurried onto the stage, his voice cutting through the clash of steel and force.
"Jinyuan? You're in Southwater City? And you know this boy?" Lin Tiannan froze, surprised to see his nephew here. But this wasn't the time for questions.
"Hmph! Boy, don't think this is over. Stay where you are—I'll deal with you later." Though unwilling to concede, Lin Tiannan's concern for his daughter won out. With a final glare, he turned and strode away.
"Young Master Alex, we should also go check on her," Liu Jinyuan said urgently once Lin Tiannan had gone, clearly worried for his cousin.
Alex raised a brow. "What, you're asking me to step into Lin Manor with you? Aren't you afraid your uncle will just try to force your cousin onto me again?"
"It doesn't matter," Liu Jinyuan replied firmly. "Running won't solve anything. Whatever the outcome, this matter must be faced." His scholarly frame might have been frail, but his eyes were steady and full of resolve.
He hesitated, then added, "If… if you and my cousin truly do end up together, I will wish you both a long and happy marriage."
Alex sighed, glancing at him. "You always think about everyone else. When will you ever think about yourself…"
The same is true in the original story. Liu Jinyuan's feelings for his cousin were unquestionable, but when he learned that his cousin was in love with Li Xiaoyao, he didn't view Li Xiaoyao as a rival, as others might have. Instead, he wished them well.
Throughout his life, Liu Jinyuan was known for his generosity, gentleness, and consideration for others. He truly never intentionally hurt anyone. Perhaps the only person he had ever intentionally hurt was himself.
Liu Jinyuan didn't respond to Alex's words and seemed unconcerned. With an anxious expression, he quickly ran toward the Lin Family Fort.
Alex hesitated for a moment before following Liu Jinyuan.
Liu Jinyuan was right— a man should take responsibility. Although he hadn't acted deliberately, Lin Yueru had been heartbroken because of him.
It would have been better to discuss the matter between him and Lin Yueru face to face. Simply walking away would have been unmanly.
Once the members of the Lin household and Alex left, the crowd of onlookers gradually dispersed as well.
Still, the day's events became the talk of Suzhou City.
Miss Lin of the Lin Family was hosting a martial arts competition to find a husband, and during the event, a martial artist appeared who was so skilled he could summon lightning itself.
Just when everyone thought Lin Tiannan had finally found the perfect son-in-law, the contestant suddenly changed his mind.
Soon after, father-in-law and would-be son-in-law clashed in front of everyone, leaving Miss Lin's reputation damaged and forcing her into hiding.
"Come on, Ling'er, we're done with this drama. Let that woman and that guy have their way…" Li Xiaoyao said with a gloating smile as he left with Zhao Ling'er.
Lin Yueru already held a grudge against Li Xiaoyao, and Li Xiaoyao's dislike for Alex was even stronger.
If Alex and Lin Yueru ended up fighting each other, Li Xiaoyao would only be too happy to see it.