Who is the Real Trash!

The sky above the training ground seemed to still carry the aftershocks of the earth-shattering vibration from moments ago.

Lin Chen's simple "I have not failed in my mission," and his calm, composed figure as he retreated back into the crowd, struck every disciple of the Lin family like a heavy hammer, stirring up a far more violent tempest than when Lin Bao had displayed his strength!

Body Tempering Realm Triple Layer Mid-stage! Stable foundation!

These eight words echoed and reverberated in everyone's minds like a curse!

The waste who had been ridiculed for a full three years! The dregs of society who were deemed incapable of ever cultivating! The abandoned son who had his engagement publicly broken by the Su family, was seen as an ant by the Young Master of the Wang family, and was almost given up on by the family's higher-ups...

He had actually returned?!

And in such an unbelievable, such a soul-stirring manner, making a powerful comeback?!

After a brief moment of dead silence, an even more intense, even more unbelievable wave of discussion erupted!

"No way?! Am I seeing things? Lin Chen... he's really at the Triple Layer Mid-stage?" "And the Third Elder said his foundation is stable! How is that possible?! He only resumed cultivation a few days ago!" "Could it be that he was secretly cultivating all these three years? Or... he wasn't actually crippled, just hiding his strength?" "Hiding his strength? Hiding for three years? And being bullied by so many people? He must have incredible patience! I don't believe it!" "Could it be... he had some kind of fortuitous encounter? Like eating some heavenly treasure?" "That's possible! Otherwise, how do you explain this unbelievable breakthrough speed and stable foundation?"

All sorts of speculations, doubts, and exclamations spread through the crowd like a tide. Almost every gaze directed at Lin Chen was filled with complex, unreadable emotions—shock, confusion, jealousy, scrutiny, and even a hint of... subtle fear!

The impact of a "waste" who had been silent for three years suddenly rising powerfully was far greater than a genius breaking through step by step! It was also more unsettling!

Among the crowd, those Lin family disciples who had bullied and mocked Lin Chen before now had pale faces, their eyes darting away, afraid to meet Lin Chen's calm gaze. They were filled with fear and regret, worried that Lin Chen would settle scores later.

Especially Lin Hu, the Body Tempering Realm Triple Layer Late-stage martial artist who had been showing off and provoking Lin Chen earlier, was now so scared he was hiding at the back of the crowd, not daring to even breathe loudly. He clearly remembered that just a few days ago, Lin Chen had seemed like a "waste" who couldn't even lift a chicken, yet he had managed to defeat both him and Lin Lang with ruthless methods. Now that Lin Chen had revealed his cultivation at the Triple Layer Mid-stage, and his foundation was so stable... just how strong was his true power?! Lin Hu couldn't even imagine!

And Lin Bao, one of the focal points of the entire scene, his expression at this moment could not be described as just unsightly; it was downright twisted!

He stared intently at Lin Chen, who was still lowering his head amidst the crowd, his eyes filled with a resentment and killing intent that almost solidified into substance!

Impossible! This is absolutely impossible!

How could that waste! That dregs of society! Reach the Triple Layer Mid-stage in such a short time?! And with such a stable foundation?!

Cheating! It must be cheating!

He must have used some underhanded methods! Or, the Martial Proving Stele is wrong!

Yes! The Martial Proving Stele must be wrong!

Lin Bao, as if grasping at a life-saving straw, suddenly raised his head and looked towards the high platform, wanting to loudly question and expose Lin Chen's "scheme"!

However, when his gaze met the shocked and solemn expressions of the elders on the high platform, the words that had reached his lips were forcefully swallowed back.

Since the Third Elder himself had personally confirmed "stable foundation," if he jumped out to question it now, wouldn't that be slapping the Third Elder in the face? Moreover, making a scene without any evidence would only make himself appear more incompetent and flustered!

"Damn it! Damn it!!" Lin Bao trembled with anger, a sickly flush spreading across his pale face, and the suppressed injuries within his body showed signs of recurring!

A few of his followers quickly supported him and whispered words of comfort, "Brother Bao, calm down! So what if that waste got lucky and broke through? It's only the Triple Layer Mid-stage! Compared to your Fourth Layer Peak, he's still trash!" "Exactly! If you happen to draw him in the practical combat later, Brother Bao, you can just cripple him in public! Let him know who's the boss!" "That's right! Let him be smug for now! He'll be crying later!"

Listening to his followers' "comfort," Lin Bao's mood calmed down slightly, but the resentment in his eyes deepened.

That's right! What's so great about the Triple Layer Mid-stage? He was at the Fourth Layer Peak! And he had cultivated the family's high-level martial skills! Even if he was slightly injured, dealing with a newly breakthrough "waste" was more than enough!

Later, in the practical combat... he must draw him! He must cripple him with his own hands! Make him pay a hundredfold, a thousandfold, for the humiliation he caused before!

Lin Bao secretly swore, looking at Lin Chen as if he were looking at a dead man.

On the high platform, the atmosphere was equally subtle.

The Great Elder Lin Zhenhong's face was ashen, so gloomy it seemed water could drip from it. He couldn't understand how the "waste" he had considered a thorn in his side, a splinter in his flesh, could suddenly soar to the heavens! This completely disrupted his plans! He had originally thought that this test would be the best opportunity to completely purge Lin Chen from the Lin family, but he never expected...

He subconsciously glanced at the family head, Lin Xiaotian, beside him.

He saw that although Lin Xiaotian's face still maintained its dignity, the excitement and relief that could not be concealed in the depths of his eyes were not hidden from this old fox!

Lin Zhenhong's internal alarm bells rang loudly!

He knew Lin Xiaotian too well! Lin Xiaotian appeared fair, but he actually placed great importance on the family's potential and future! The talent Lin Chen had displayed three years ago had once made Lin Xiaotian place high hopes on him! Now that Lin Chen had "returned" in such an astonishing manner, Lin Xiaotian's scales were likely already tipping!

No! He absolutely could not let this little beast regain the family head's attention! He absolutely could not let him threaten the status of his grandson, Lin Bao!

A fierce killing intent flashed in Lin Zhenhong's eyes. He had to find a way to completely eliminate him in this test! Even if he couldn't kill him directly, he had to ruin his reputation and completely extinguish his hope of rising!

The Second Elder Lin Zhenshan maintained his usual nonchalant demeanor, as if he wasn't too concerned about what was happening, only occasionally glancing at Lin Chen with a hint of imperceptible curiosity.

The Third Elder Lin Zhenyue, however, frowned deeply, seemingly still savoring the reaction of the Martial Proving Stele, his eyes filled with strong interest and scrutiny. As the elder in charge of punishments and tests, he valued strength and potential more. The words "stable foundation," spoken from his mouth, carried great weight! This meant that Lin Chen's breakthrough was not a fluke, but had a solid foundation! This made him extremely interested in this former "waste."

As for the family head, Lin Xiaotian, his feelings at this moment were undoubtedly complex.

Shock, surprise, relief, doubt... all sorts of emotions intertwined.

On one hand, he was genuinely happy for Lin Chen's "return." The Lin family desperately needed fresh blood, desperately needed true geniuses to uphold its reputation! The potential Lin Chen had displayed gave him a glimpse of the Lin family's future hope!

But on the other hand, his heart was also filled with doubt. What had Lin Chen experienced in these three years? Why could he suddenly break through? What about his "stable foundation"? Were there any secrets hidden within all this?

Moreover, Lin Chen's previous defiance towards the Su family and his confrontation with Wang Teng also made him a little worried. This child seemed to have become... different from before? His temperament seemed to have become tougher, even a bit... unruly?

Lin Xiaotian decided to temporarily suppress his excitement and doubts and continue observing. The upcoming practical combat was the true test of his mettle! He wanted to see if Lin Chen was just a fleeting moment of brilliance or if he could truly soar to the heavens!

Against the backdrop of everyone's surging thoughts and the peculiar atmosphere of the entire venue, the cultivation tests continued.

After Lin Bao, several other disciples who had reached the Body Tempering Realm Fourth Layer stepped forward for testing. Although they also drew some cheers, compared to the shock brought by Lin Bao and Lin Chen, they seemed rather dull and unremarkable.

Finally, it was time for the two top figures of the younger generation of the Lin family—Lin Yan and Lin Xue.

Lin Xue was the first to take the stage.

Her white clothes were as pure as snow, her demeanor cool and elegant, like an immortal fairy untouched by worldly affairs. She walked slowly to the Martial Proving Stele, her jade-like hand gently raised, and casually placed it on the stone tablet.

The Martial Proving Stele erupted with a light more dazzling and brilliant than Lin Bao's! The light was no longer a simple white, but a faint, ice-crystal-like azure blue! And within the light, golden patterns were clearly visible!

A cold and powerful aura instantly permeated the air, making it feel as if the surrounding temperature had dropped several degrees!

"Buzz buzz buzz buzz—!"

The humming sound from the Martial Proving Stele also became higher-pitched and more sustained! As if it were cheering!

"Body Tempering Realm Sixth Layer Early-stage! Ice Attribute True Qi! Deep Foundation!" The Great Elder Lin Zhenyue's voice was filled with admiration and excitement!

"Hiss—!!!"

The entire venue erupted once again with thunderous applause and exclamations!

"Sixth layer! Miss Lin Xue actually broke through to the sixth layer!" "So amazing! And it's the rare Ice Attribute True Qi!" "As expected of someone on par with our Lin Family's number one genius, Brother Lin Yan!"

Lin Xue paid no heed to the surrounding praise. She merely nodded slightly towards the high platform and then retreated like a gracefully falling snow lotus.

Next, the most anticipated person among the younger generation of the Lin Family—Lin Yan—finally appeared!

Lin Yan stood tall and straight, his features resolute, his eyes sharp as an eagle's. He exuded an aura of powerful confidence and a commanding presence that looked down upon the world!

He walked to the Martial Proving Stele without the slightest hesitation. He lowered his stance, planted his feet, clenched his right fist, and then—

He slammed his fist onto the Martial Proving Stele!

"Dong!!!!"

A deafening roar, like that of a great bell, suddenly exploded! It shook the entire martial arts field as if it were trembling!

On the Martial Proving Stele, an extremely blinding crimson-gold light shot up into the sky! Like a volcanic eruption! The light was so scorching hot! So domineering! As if it were trying to burn a hole through the sky!

A terrifying wave of heat swept out from the Martial Proving Stele! The disciples who were close by felt their skin burn and quickly retreated!

"Roar—!!!"

The sound emanating from the Martial Proving Stele was no longer a simple hum, but a roar filled with power, like the growl of a ferocious tiger!

"Body Tempering Realm Sixth Layer Peak!!" Lin Xiaotian suddenly stood up from his seat, his face filled with uncontrollable excitement and pride. He personally announced, "Yan'er! Well done!!"

The atmosphere of the entire venue reached its peak at this moment!

Applause! Cheers! Shouts! Like a mountain's roar and the sea's surge! Never-ending!

Body Tempering Realm Sixth Layer Peak! Only one step away from the next major realm—the Foundation Establishment Realm!

Such talent! Such strength! It was enough to make him look down on the entire younger generation of Qingyang Town!

Lin Yan withdrew his fist, a look of immense confidence on his face. He bowed slightly towards the high platform, then his gaze swept across the crowd, finally resting on Lin Chen for a moment, his eyes holding a scrutinizing interest.

Lin Chen's heart also tightened slightly. This Lin Yan was indeed very strong! Far stronger than the likes of Lin Bao! That scorching, domineering fist intent, even from a distance, made him feel a trace of threat!

However, it was only a trace of threat.

Lin Chen met Lin Yan's gaze calmly, without the slightest hint of backing down.

One day, he would trample all geniuses under his feet!

The cultivation verification segment concluded with Lin Yan's earth-shattering punch.

The results were unsurprising. Lin Yan and Lin Xue, with their absolute advantage, ranked at the forefront. Although Lin Bao also performed well, he was overshadowed in comparison.

And the biggest "dark horse" was undoubtedly Lin Chen!

With his astonishing performance of "Body Tempering Realm Triple Layer Mid-stage, Stable Foundation," he shattered everyone's doubts and successfully disrupted the previously clear hierarchy of the Lin Family's younger generation!

For a time, he became the focus of everyone's discussion.

Some marveled at his "chance encounter" and "hidden forbearance."

Some were jealous of his "good luck" and "potential."

Others remained disdainful, believing he was merely a flash in the pan, or that he had used some unorthodox methods.

Even more, like Lin Bao and Lin Zhenhong, had already marked him as a thorn in their side, a splinter in their flesh, wishing they could eliminate him immediately!

Lin Chen observed all these reactions, but his heart remained calm.

This was precisely the effect he wanted!

He needed to display a certain level of potential to give the Patriarch hope and buy himself some breathing room; he also needed to control the "degree" to avoid being too astonishing and attracting unnecessary trouble or even a fatal threat; at the same time, he had to successfully attract animosity, lull his enemies into a false sense of security, and pave the way for his subsequent plans!

As it stood, everything was within his control.

"Alright! The cultivation verification is concluded!" The Great Elder Lin Zhenyue spoke again from the high platform, his voice suppressing the discussions in the venue. "Next, we proceed to the second item—the practical combat duels!"

"All disciples who passed the cultivation verification, come forward to draw your combat numbers!"

Here it comes!

Lin Chen's eyes sharpened, his focus instantly heightened!

This was the segment he truly looked forward to! It was also the most crucial link in his plan!

He followed the crowd towards a large wooden box prepared in front of the high platform. The box contained many numbered tokens made of a special material.

He stood in the middle of the line, watching as the people in front of him drew their numbers one by one, calculating silently in his mind.

He needed to draw a suitable opponent. Preferably, one of Lin Bao's lackeys! That way, he could "legitimately" gravely injure them, weakening Lin Bao's pawns, while also further testing his own combat capabilities.

As for drawing Lin Bao directly? A cold smile played on Lin Chen's lips. With the strength of the Triple Layer Mid-stage he was currently "displaying," facing Lin Bao at the Fourth Layer Peak would appear to outsiders as trying to hit a rock with an egg. But this was precisely the outcome he most wanted to see!

He had absolute confidence that, under everyone's watchful eyes, he would give Lin Bao an unforgettable "surprise"!

Of course, drawing lots was heavily influenced by luck.

As Lin Chen queued, he secretly circulated the Myriad Dao Furnace, attempting to send a trace of extremely weak, almost imperceptible intent into the massive wooden box.

He wanted to see if the Furnace's power could affect the numbered tokens! Or at least, allow him to sense in advance which token corresponded to whom.

This was another extremely bold attempt!

However, to his surprise!

When his extremely weak intent, accompanied by the Furnace's formless, subtle power, came into contact with the numbered tokens inside the wooden box—

He could actually "see"!

It seemed that each numbered token was imbued with a faint trace of the drawer's aura!

And on several of these tokens, those familiar auras were none other than Lin Bao and his few lackeys!

"It... it actually works?!" Lin Chen was ecstatic!

The Myriad Dao Furnace's abilities had once again surpassed his imagination! It could not only refine all things, but it also seemed to be able to sense, and even interfere with, things containing faint energy or auras!

Although this interference was extremely weak, and he couldn't directly "control" the drawing results, he could at least know in advance which tokens were his desired "targets"!

This was enough!

He suppressed the excitement in his heart, maintaining his nervous and expectant expression, as he slowly moved forward with the queue.

Soon, it was his turn.

He took a deep breath, feigning extreme nervousness, and reached his hand into the massive wooden box.

His fingers fumbled among the many numbered tokens, but his intent had already locked onto one emitting Lin Bao's aura!

This was it!

Lin Chen's mind stirred, and his fingers "happened" to grasp that token, which he then slowly drew out.

He didn't check it immediately. Instead, he stepped aside to wait for everyone else to finish drawing.

Soon, everyone had drawn their numbered tokens.

"Alright! Everyone has finished drawing!" the Third Elder, Lin Zhenyue, announced loudly. "Now, please have the stewards read out the match list!"

A steward immediately stepped forward, picked up a roster, and began to read aloud.

"First match, Lin Yan versus Lin..."

"Second match, Lin Xue versus Lin..."

Name after name was called, and the atmosphere in the training grounds grew increasingly tense.

Lin Chen's heart was also in his throat. Although he had drawn Lin Bao's token, it was still unknown who Lin Bao had drawn.

Finally—

"...Thirty-second match, Lin Bao versus..." The steward paused, glanced at the list in his hand, and then, with a tone of strangeness and disbelief, announced the final name, "...Lin Chen!"

Lin Bao versus Lin Chen!!!

BOOM!!!!

The entire training grounds exploded!