A Startling Display! Shocking the Entire Audience!

Patriarch Lin Xiaotian's resonant voice echoed across the vast training grounds, each word striking a chord in the hearts of all the Lin family disciples.

Internal assessment test!

Actual combat duels!

Extra resource rewards!

These keywords instantly ignited the passion of the hundreds of young disciples present! The air itself seemed to grow hot with the sudden surge of fighting spirit and desire.

On the fringes of the training grounds, the collateral disciples with lower cultivation or those who knew their chances were slim, though also somewhat excited, were mostly there to enjoy the spectacle, ready to witness a fierce battle.

As for the elites standing at the forefront of the crowd, like Lin Yan and Lin Xue, their eyes were sharp, their auras vibrant, like swords ready to be drawn, prepared to display overwhelming strength in this first round of selection and establish their leading positions.

Lin Bao stood among the disciples of the Great Elder Lin Zhenhong's faction, forcing a grim smile onto his pale face. He felt the awe-struck gazes directed at him, and the frustration from his injury eased slightly. Although his attempt to break through to the fifth layer had failed, his peak Body Tempering Realm Fourth Layer cultivation still placed him among the top of the younger generation! He had made up his mind to perform exceptionally in this test, especially to find an opportunity to publicly crush that ignorant Lin Chen under his feet, letting him know the consequences of offending him!

As for Lin Chen...

At this moment, he remained with his head bowed, blending into the crowd towards the back, diligently playing the role of the "unremarkable" one. However, the slight tremble in his fingertips (a pretense, of course), and his seemingly nervous yet sharp as a falcon gaze, betrayed his inner turmoil.

The stage was set, the audience was in place, and next was his moment to take the stage and perform!

"Cultivation verification, commencing now!" On the high platform, the Third Elder Lin Zhenyue, who was presiding over the test, stood up and announced loudly, "Following the usual practice, we will begin with the Body Tempering Realm First Layer, proceeding in order for verification!"

Following the Third Elder's command, a dark, mirror-smooth stone slab, about a person's height and emitting a faint, mysterious aura, was brought to the center of the training grounds. This was the Lin family's "Martial Proving Stele," used to test the disciples' cultivation. It was said that this stele was made of a special material capable of sensing the strength and attributes of the True Qi within a martial artist, displaying it through different lights and sounds.

Soon, a boy who looked only twelve or thirteen, with a nervous expression, walked up to the Martial Proving Stele under everyone's gaze. He took a deep breath, placed his palm on the cold surface of the stele, and slowly infused his meager True Qi.

Hum...

A very faint white light flickered across the surface of the Martial Proving Stele, like a candle in the wind, flashing and disappearing.

"Lin Shan, Body Tempering Realm First Layer mid-stage. Qualified, next!" the attendant responsible for recording announced expressionlessly.

The boy named Lin Shan breathed a sigh of relief and retreated with some embarrassment. Although it was only the lowest level, he had passed.

Next, one young disciple after another stepped forward.

Most of those at the Body Tempering Realm First Layer could only elicit a faint response from the Martial Proving Stele, their light dim.

Upon reaching the Body Tempering Realm Second Layer, the stele's light clearly brightened, showing a distinct white, and it lasted for one or two breaths. Occasionally, those who reached the peak of the Second Layer would produce a brighter light, even accompanied by a slight humming sound.

Every time someone elicited a slightly brighter light, it would cause a small commotion and discussion among the crowd.

Time passed, and the cultivation of the disciples being tested grew higher.

When a tall, sturdy young man placed his hand on the Martial Proving Stele, the stele suddenly erupted with dazzling white light and emitted a clear "humming" sound. The light lasted for a full three breaths before slowly fading!

"Lin Hu, Body Tempering Realm Triple Layer late-stage! Not bad!" The Third Elder Lin Zhenyue's eyes flashed with a hint of praise as he spoke personally.

"Wow!" A burst of amazed and envious discussion erupted from the crowd.

"It's Brother Lin Hu! He's already late-stage Triple Layer!" "Amazing! It looks like he has a chance to aim for the top ten in this test!" "As expected of someone who can follow Brother Bao!"

That Lin Hu was one of the lackeys Lin Chen had kicked down earlier! At this moment, feeling the attention of everyone, he couldn't help but show a smug smile. He glanced provocatively in Lin Chen's direction, his eyes filled with disdain, as if to say: See, trash? This is true strength!

Lin Chen still kept his head down, as if he hadn't seen Lin Hu's provocation, but his heart was icy cold. Late-stage Triple Layer? Soon, you'll know what despair is.

Following Lin Hu's success, several subsequent disciples who had reached the Body Tempering Realm Triple Layer also stepped forward. Although their performances were not as dazzling as Lin Hu's, they all left clear marks on the Martial Proving Stele, drawing cheers.

The atmosphere gradually reached its climax.

Everyone knew that next, it was time for the true geniuses, and... the highly controversial "focal point."

"Next, Lin Bao!" the attendant called out loudly.

Swish!

Almost all eyes instantly focused on Lin Bao!

Lin Bao took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing the surging blood within him, tidied his clothes, and with an arrogant smile, surrounded by his lackeys, he strode towards the Martial Proving Stele as if being the center of attention.

He wanted to wash away his previous humiliation with absolute strength, to tell everyone who the true powerhouse of the Lin family's younger generation was (besides those freaks Lin Yan and Lin Xue)!

He walked to the Martial Proving Stele, cast a sinister glance in Lin Chen's direction within the crowd, and then abruptly slammed his palm onto the stele!

Boom!

In an instant, the Martial Proving Stele vibrated violently! Dazzling white light shot up into the sky, almost blinding people! Within the light, there was even a faint hint of gold! At the same time, a low yet extremely penetrating humming sound echoed throughout the entire venue!

"Hum hum hum—!"

The light and sound lasted for a full five or six breaths before slowly subsiding!

"Body Tempering Realm Fourth Layer peak!" The Third Elder Lin Zhenyue's voice also carried a hint of surprise, "Lin Bao, you are very good! Only one step away from the fifth layer!"

"Wow—!!!"

The entire venue erupted!

"Oh my god! Peak Fourth Layer! Brother Bao is actually at peak Fourth Layer!" "Too strong! This strength is second only to Brother Lin Yan and Miss Lin Xue!" "No wonder Brother Bao is so confident! That Lin Chen is finished this time!" "Are the rumors about his failed attempt to reach the fifth layer false? Or has he recovered?"

Exclamations, envy, and awe surged like a tide!

Lin Bao listened to the praise and felt the reverent gazes of the crowd, a flush of pride appearing on his pale face, sweeping away all the pent-up frustration! He turned around triumphantly, his gaze locking onto Lin Chen like a venomous snake, filled with naked provocation and killing intent!

As if to say: Trash, do you see? This is the insurmountable gap between us! Prepare to die!

On the high platform, the Great Elder Lin Zhenhong stroked his beard, a satisfied smile on his face, looking at Lin Bao with immense pride.

Patriarch Lin Xiaotian also nodded slightly. Although he disliked Lin Bao's character, the talent and strength displayed by Lin Bao were indeed rare assets for the Lin Family.

However, at this peak moment that had captured everyone's attention, an untimely name was announced by the attending deacon, who was responsible for recording, with a slightly hesitant and peculiar tone:

"The ne-next one, Lin Chen!"

Swish—!

The martial arts field, which had been clamoring just moments ago, seemed to hit a pause button, instantly falling into an eerie silence!

All eyes, like searchlights, uniformly focused on the back of the crowd, on the young man in black who was silently lowering his head!

He's here!

It's finally his turn!

The former genius, now the trash!

The "madman" who dared to confront the Su Family, clash head-on with Wang Teng, and sign a military order!

Does he really dare to go on stage?

Is his so-called "Body Tempering Realm Triple Layer" true or false?

Countless gazes, filled with curiosity, doubt, mockery, and anticipation… pressed down on Lin Chen as if they had substance!

The smug smile on Lin Bao's face froze instantly, then transformed into even more intense resentment and disdain. He wanted to see what tricks this trash could pull!

On the high platform, Lin Zhenhong snorted coldly, his eyes filled with disgust. Lin Xiaotian, however, stared intently at Lin Chen with deep eyes, as if trying to see through this young man who was becoming increasingly unfathomable to him. The Third Elder, Lin Zhenyue, frowned, a hint of inquiry in his gaze. Elder Qiu (if he were present, perhaps hidden in a corner) might have curved his lips in a barely perceptible arc.

Under the gaze of everyone, Lin Chen slowly raised his head.

His face carried a carefully measured trace of nervousness and apprehension, but more than anything, it held a sense of resolute determination, like a warrior burning his bridges!

Ignoring the varied gazes around him, he took a deep breath (also for show, of course) and took a step. One by one, he steadily walked towards the Martial Proving Stele in the center of the martial arts field.

His pace was not fast, but each step seemed to strike a chord in everyone's heart!

The entire martial arts field was deathly silent! So quiet you could hear a pin drop!

Everyone held their breath involuntarily!

Finally, Lin Chen reached the Martial Proving Stele.

He looked up, glancing at the dark, cold stone tablet, as if seeing the humiliation and unwillingness of the past three years.

Then, he slowly raised his right hand.

Under the watch of countless eyes, he gently placed his palm on the cold surface of the Martial Proving Stele!

Time seemed to freeze at this moment!

Everyone's heart leaped into their throats!

Lin Bao smirked cruelly, waiting to see Lin Chen make a fool of himself! Waiting to see the stone tablet remain unresponsive!

Lin Zhenhong's eyes were filled with disdain and disgust; he was already prepared to make a move as soon as Lin Chen failed!

Lin Xiaotian's gaze was complex, holding a trace of imperceptible anticipation mixed with deep concern.

However—

The moment Lin Chen's palm touched the stone tablet!

Buzz!!!

Without any warning!

A clear, bright white light, like autumn water, suddenly erupted from the Martial Proving Stele!

While this light was not as dazzling as Lin Bao's, nor did it carry the pale gold color symbolizing the peak, it was exceptionally pure! Exceptionally condensed! Like the purest crystal, it exuded a heart-pounding, stable aura!

Immediately after, a clear and pleasant "buzzing" sound, like the gentle chime of a jade chime, also rang out! The sound was not loud, but it was exceptionally clear, carrying a peculiar rhythm, as if proclaiming an undeniable fact!

Although this light and sound were not as grand as Lin Bao's, their stability and duration were in no way inferior! In fact… they seemed to be even better!

It lasted for nearly four breaths of time! This indicated that the condensation of his true qi and the solidity of his foundation far surpassed those of the same level!

"This… this is…" The deacon responsible for recording was stunned, almost dropping his brush!

On the high platform, the Third Elder Lin Zhenyue suddenly stood up, his eyes filled with disbelief and shock! He meticulously stared at the clear white light still lingering on the Martial Proving Stele, and at Lin Chen's hand still resting on it, as if confirming he wasn't mistaken!

After a brief moment of dead silence—

"Body Tempering Realm Triple Layer!!" The Third Elder Lin Zhenyue took a deep breath and announced, his voice filled with intense vibration and disbelief, word by word, "Lin Chen, Body Tempering Realm Triple Layer mid-stage! Solid foundation! Qualified!!"

Boom!!!!

It was like dropping a bombshell into a calm lake!

The entire martial arts field erupted instantly!

"What?! Body Tempering Realm Triple Layer mid-stage?!" "Did I hear that right?! Lin Chen?! That trash Lin Chen?!" "How is this possible?! He had no cultivation just three days ago!" "Could it be… he's really recovered?! And even broken through directly to the mid-stage of the Triple Layer?!" "Solid foundation?! The Third Elder actually used the phrase 'solid foundation'?!" "My heavens! This is simply… a miracle!!"

Exclamations! Doubts! Disbelief! Like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami surging, they instantly swept across the entire martial arts field!

Everyone was utterly shocked by this result!

This was no longer a simple "qualified"! This was an "astonishing debut"!

A nobody, once declared a "crippled bloodline" and dormant for three years, had not only recovered his cultivation in mere days but had directly reached the middle stage of the Body Tempering Realm Triple Layer! Even more terrifying was that his foundation was actually evaluated as "stable"?! This was simply subverting everyone's understanding!

Amidst the crowd, Lin Hu's smug face instantly turned ashen, his eyes filled with shock and fear! He was at the late stage of the Triple Layer! But the Martial Proving Stele's reaction just now seemed... worse than Lin Chen's middle stage of the Triple Layer?! How was this possible?!

The malice and disdain on Lin Bao's face completely froze! In their place was a look of ghost-like shock and unbearable rage! "Impossible! Absolutely impossible! He cheated! He definitely cheated!" he shrieked uncontrollably. His emotional agitation even aggravated the injuries within his body, causing him to cough violently, his face turning even paler!

On the high platform, Great Elder Lin Zhenhong's smile completely vanished, replaced by a look of utter fury! He stared intently at Lin Chen, his gaze so sinister it seemed like it could drip water! How could this good-for-nothing possibly achieve this?! Had he been hiding his strength all along? Or perhaps... something unknown had happened to him?! A strong sense of unease instantly enveloped his heart!

Patriarch Lin Xiaotian's pupils contracted sharply! An unprecedented brilliance erupted in his eyes! He stared intently at the young man still standing before the Martial Proving Stele, his expression calm (though inwardly, he was calculating the timing), and a storm raged in his heart! Middle stage of the Body Tempering Realm Triple Layer! Stable foundation! This... this was simply more dazzling than he himself was three years ago! Could it be... the Lin Family's prodigy was truly returning?! Immense surprise and hope instantly washed away his previous doubts and dissatisfaction!

The Second Elder, Lin Zhenshan, whose face had always been as still as a deep well, also showed a rare hint of surprise.

And in a hidden corner, Elder Qiu, who had been silently observing everything, had a knowing smile flash in his cloudy old eyes. He picked up his teapot and took a satisfied sip.

Under the shocked gazes of the entire crowd and the deafening clamor of discussion, Lin Chen slowly withdrew his hand.

He displayed a perfectly timed "exhausted" and "relieved" expression, bowing deeply to the elders on the high platform. His voice was not loud, but it carried a sense of ease and determination, as if he had washed away his shame:

"Disciple Lin Chen, I have fulfilled my mission!"

After speaking, he didn't look at anyone's reaction or acknowledge the stares of shock, jealousy, or scrutiny from those around him. He turned and quietly retreated back into the crowd, concealing himself once more, as if the one who had caused such a sensation throughout the venue wasn't him at all.

But this "low-key" demeanor only added a layer of mystery and unfathomableness in the eyes of the crowd!

A stunning debut! Shocking the entire venue!

Lin Chen had responded to all the doubts and mockery in the most direct and earth-shattering way! He had also successfully pushed himself into the spotlight!

But he knew this was just the beginning!

The cultivation test was merely an appetizer.

The subsequent practical combat duels were the true main event! And they were the key to implementing his next plan!

His gaze, subtly and intentionally, swept over Lin Bao, who stood not far away with a livid face and venomous eyes.

The prey had entered the net.

Now, it was time to figure out how to "hunt"!

The atmosphere in the martial arts field became even more heated and strange due to Lin Chen's earth-shattering performance. Everyone's eyes involuntarily darted back and forth between him and Lin Bao, filled with anticipation!