The Lin's Patriarch is weird.

Chapter 172: 172. The Elder and the child.

Another month passed and today marked the finished construction of the shipyard.

After handing out the payments to the workers, the Lin’s family spirit stones in the treasury went down to thirteen million small size spirit stones.

But still The completion of the shipyard brought a rare sense of satisfaction to Lin Xuan.

What had once been an empty stretch of coastline was now occupied by a vast collection of sturdy wooden structures, storage halls, workshops, docks, and berthing platforms.

The entire construction had taken months of work, and despite the troubles that had arisen along the way, the result was far beyond what Lin Xuan had initially imagined.

Standing beside him, Lu Changseng looked over the completed shipyard with a complicated expression.

"It truly turned out better than I expected," Lin Xuan said, his gaze sweeping across the enormous dockyard. "You have done an excellent job."

Lu Changseng smiled faintly. "It was only possible because the Lin Family provided sufficient materials and resources. Without that support, even the best craftsmen would have struggled."

Lin Xuan shook his head. "Do not be modest. I have seen enough construction projects to know when someone has done exceptional work."

He paused before continuing, "That is precisely why I would like to extend your contract."

Lu Changseng’s expression changed slightly.

"Extend it?"

"Yes," Lin Xuan replied. "The shipyard may be finished, but our work here has only begun. We will need ships capable of making full use of it. I want you to remain here and oversee their construction."

Lu Changseng did not answer immediately.

His eyes drifted toward the sea.

The sight of the endless blue waters seemed to remind him of something he would rather not think about.

"Patriarch Lin," he finally said, his voice noticeably more cautious, "building the ships is one matter. Actually sending them into those waters is another."

Lin Xuan looked at him.

"You are worried about that creature?"

Lu Changseng hesitated before giving a slow nod.

"After what happened, I would be lying if I said otherwise."

Lin Xuan calmly nods his head,"That’s fair enough. We would only be building ships—"

The conversation was interrupted by a strange disturbance upon the sea.

The waters before the shipyard suddenly began to churn and within moments, the waves surrounding the coast grew unnaturally still.

The vast ocean seemed to lose its motion entirely, as though an invisible force had commanded the waters to remain silent.

Then, a massive channel opened through the water, stretching from the shoreline toward the distant horizon. Walls of seawater rose on either side, towering above the beach while the exposed seabed remained strangely untouched.

Everyone present stared in astonishment.

And through the passage, two figures slowly walked.

They were humanoid in appearance, yet there was something unmistakably foreign about them.

They wore layers of woven seaweed, polished shells, strands of pearl, and thin pieces of what appeared to be hardened scales which formed their clothing and ornaments.

The first was an elderly woman whose long, silver hair flowed freely down her back. Strange blue markings could be seen upon her weathered skin, while several smooth shells were woven into her hair.

Beside her walked a younger woman.

She appeared considerably younger than the old woman, though her expression carried a calmness that did not match her appearance. Pearls and small pieces of polished coral decorated her clothing, and a faint scent of seawater followed every step she took.

The people gathered around the shipyard fell completely silent.

An elderly woman among the spectators stared at them with trembling eyes.

"It’s the legendary whale people," she muttered.

Her voice was barely audible.

"I thought they were only fairy tales."

Lin Xuan’s expression gradually became serious.

Whale people.

He had never heard of such a race in the novels he had read about.

Before he could say anything, however, the system’s message flashed his eyes.

[ The King’s Trial has begun. ]

[ First Trial: Host the Whale People within the Lin Family estate. ]

[ Trial Requirement: Provide the Whale People with food and entertainment for three days. ]

When the two finally reached the shore, the elderly woman stopped first. Her cloudy eyes swept across the shipyard before settling upon Lin Xuan.

The younger woman stood beside her with her arms folded across her chest. Unlike the old woman, she appeared openly displeased by everything around her.

Her gaze moved across the wooden buildings, the workers, and finally Lin Xuan himself.

"Is this the place?" she asked, her voice was cold and impatient.

The elderly woman nodded.

"It is."

The younger woman frowned.

"It is worse than I expected."

Several workers immediately exchanged uncomfortable glances as Lin Xuan smiled and stepped forward.

"Welcome to Azure Willow City."

The younger woman looked at him from head to toe.

"And you are?"

"Lin Xuan, Patriarch of the Lin Family."

The young woman raised an eyebrow.

"Patriarch?"

There was obvious disbelief in her voice.

Lin Xuan nodded calmly.

"That is correct. May I ask who you are?"

The young woman looked back at him and replied, "You may," before pausing deliberately.

"I am Hai Yue."

She gestured toward the elderly woman beside her.

"And this is Elder Hai."

The elderly woman gave Lin Xuan a slight nod.

Unlike her companion, she seemed considerably more courteous.

Lin Xuan returned the gesture.

"It is a pleasure to meet you both."

Hai Yue snorted.

"As you should."

Lin Xuan’s smile remained unchanged.

He could already tell that Hai Yue was not particularly fond of humans. Judging from her attitude, arguing with her would accomplish nothing, so he simply turned his attention toward Elder Hai.

"Elder Hai, it seems you have traveled a considerable distance. If you do not mind, why don’t you come inside and rest for a while?"

Elder Hai’s cloudy eyes narrowed slightly.

"You are willing to receive us?"

"Of course."

Lin Xuan answered without hesitation.

Hai Yue glanced at him suspiciously.

"You do not even know who we are or what we want."

"That is true."

"Then why are you welcoming us?"

Lin Xuan looked toward the enormous sea behind them before calmly replying,

"Because you two parted the sea just to come out here."

Hai Yue was momentarily speechless, clearly, she had not expected such a simple answer.

Elder Hai, however, let out a faint chuckle.

"This human is rather interesting."

Hai Yue frowned.

"Elder, you should be more careful. Humans are not known for their kindness."

Lin Xuan heard the remark but paid it little attention. Instead, he turned toward Elder Hai.

"Elder Hai, the Lin Family would be honored to host you and the young lady. Please make yourselves comfortable during your stay. If I were to treat our guests poorly, you should know that I will end up being snacked on by the Dragon Snacking Monarch."

Elder Hai’s expression froze for a moment.

While Hai Yue stared at Lin Xuan, she clearly had not expected the Patriarch of a human cultivation family to say something like that.

After a moment, she turned toward Elder Hai.

"Are we staying?"

Elder Hai’s expression became thoughtful.

"Indeed. We have already come ashore, so there is no need to hurry back. Let us take our time."

Hai Yue sighed.

"Fine."

Lin Xuan nodded.

"Then please follow me."

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