The morning bell rang melodiously over the Lin Family estate once more, as if by appointment. Yet compared to three days ago, this bell was louder, more solemn, and even more... stirring!
For today was the Lin Family's annual—and most important—grand event: the official Family Test ceremony!
This day would not only determine the younger generation's resource allocation and standing within the Lineage for the coming year, but also concern the Lin Family's performance and honor in the upcoming Qingyang Town Three Great Families Competition! Its importance went without saying!
The entire Lin Family estate had been completely abuzz since before dawn!
Countless servants bustled about preparing the grounds, hanging colorful banners, and arranging tea and refreshments.
The Lin Family descendants from every courtyard had risen early, washed and dressed, and changed into their finest, most spirited clothes. Every one of them was rubbing their fists and palms together, their eyes brimming with excitement, tension, and anticipation.
Especially those young people who had performed exceptionally during the preliminary test three days ago, or who considered themselves quite capable—they all held their heads high and strode with confidence, ready to shine brilliantly upon today's final stage and establish their standing within the Lineage in one stroke!
The training grounds were already packed shoulder to shoulder, several times livelier than they had been three days ago!
Not only were all Lin Family descendants and upper-echelon members present, but even the other two great families of Qingyang Town—the Su Family and the Wang Family—as well as several influential figures in town, had sent representatives to observe the ceremony!
This was both an opportunity for the Lin Family to display its strength and foundations, and a setting for every faction to sound one another out and observe the younger generation's potential.
The elevated platform was already full.
The Lin Family head, Lin Xiaotian, wore a brand-new purple brocade robe and a dignified smile as he exchanged pleasantries with the Su Family elder and Wang Family elder seated on either side of him. The Wang Family elder was not Wang Teng's father, but another elder of considerable status. Yet Lin Xiaotian's gaze kept sweeping over the younger descendants below, his eyes filled with expectation.
Great Elder Lin Zhenhong's expression remained gloomy, though compared to three days ago, it now carried several more traces of chilliness and calculation. He glanced at his grandson Lin Bao, seated not far away, whose face was still pale but whose eyes were filled with venomous resentment. Lin Zhenhong had used a great quantity of precious pills to barely restore Lin Bao's ability to move, though his strength was bound to be greatly diminished. Then, Lin Zhenhong cast a cold gaze toward an inconspicuous corner of the crowd, the corner of his mouth curling into an almost imperceptible cruel arc.
Third Elder Lin Zhenyue wore a solemn expression. As one of the chief people in charge of this test, he needed to ensure its fairness and impartiality—at least on the surface.
Among the observers, the Su Family elder's gaze drifted over the crowd as though he were searching for something. When he saw a certain figure, an indescribably complicated emotion flashed through his eyes. The Wang Family elder, meanwhile, looked arrogant and disdainful, as though he could not care less about the Lin Family's test, though deep in his eyes lay a trace of vigilance and scrutiny.
As for Lin Chen—the focal figure who had caused a sensation throughout the grounds three days ago—he was still dressed in his usual "low-key" fashion, blending into a position near the back of the crowd.
He had changed into a half-new, half-worn blue training outfit "bestowed" by the Family head. Although the fabric was good, it still looked somewhat ill-fitting on him. Together with the deliberately feigned tension and unease on his face, he perfectly portrayed the image of a youth who had risen by luck but lacked confidence.
He could clearly feel that the gazes directed at him were denser and more complicated than they had been three days ago!
There was curiosity, scrutiny, jealousy, disdain, and expectation. Naturally, there was also no lack of undisguised resentment and killing intent from Lin Bao and his lackeys!
He even keenly caught several assessing, probing gazes coming from the observers' section! Clearly, his stunning rise three days ago had not merely shaken the Lin Family internally—it had also drawn the attention of outside forces!
Very good. This is exactly the effect I want. Lin Chen sneered inwardly, but a fitting hint of "unease" and "nervousness" appeared on his face, as though the attention of the entire crowd had frightened him.
He knew that he was now at the center of the storm! Countless eyes were fixed on him! They were waiting to see whether he could continue creating miracles, or whether he would bloom like an epiphyllum and be beaten back to his original form!
And that was precisely what he wanted to see!
The greater the attention, the better the effect of his upcoming "performance" would be! Only then could he better numb his enemies and buy more time and room for himself!
"Silence!"
With Third Elder Lin Zhenyue's thunderous shout infused with True Qi, the previously noisy and bustling training grounds instantly fell silent.
"The auspicious hour has arrived! The Lin Family's annual Family Test ceremony officially begins!"
There was no need for excessive ceremony. They went straight to the point!
"As in previous years, the test will be divided into three parts!" Third Elder Lin Zhenyue announced. "The first is cultivation verification! All those who are at least twelve years old and have reached the Body Tempering Realm First Layer must participate! This will determine your foundational rank!"
"The second is a potential test! The Lineage's secret Potential Stone will be used to test your future potential! The results of this test will serve as an important reference for the allocation of Lineage resources!"
"The third, and most important, is the practical combat ranking battle! Anyone who has reached the Body Tempering Realm Triple Layer or above may participate! Through drawing lots for duels, challenge-based advancement, and other methods, the top ten of this test will ultimately be decided! The top ten will receive generous rewards and represent our Lin Family in the Qingyang Town Three Great Families Competition half a month from now!"
Potential test? Practical combat ranking battle? Three Great Families Competition?
These items instantly ignited the passion of every young descendant! In particular, the enticing top ten positions and the opportunity to participate in the competition made blazing light erupt from the eyes of those powerful geniuses!
Lin Chen's heart stirred slightly as well. A potential test? That was something new. Still, he had absolute confidence in this body that had been remade by the Myriad Dao Furnace, as well as that mysterious Nine-Orifice Dao Foundation! As for the practical combat ranking battle... hehe, that was precisely the stage he had long awaited!
"Now, the first round—cultivation verification—begins!" Third Elder Lin Zhenyue waved his hand. "The rules are the same as the preliminary test. Step forward in order!"
Just as three days ago, cultivation verification began once more.
With the experience from the preliminary test, the process was smoother and faster this time.
The lower-level descendants still only drew forth faint light, causing little commotion.
Only when it came time for those who had performed well in the preliminary test did the atmosphere become lively again.
Lin Hu and the others stepped onto the stage again. Although their cultivation had not noticeably improved, they still drew plenty of cheers.
Lin Bao took the stage once more. This time, much of the arrogance on his face had faded, replaced by gloom and venomous resentment. He pressed his hand against the Martial Proving Stele, and the stone once again erupted with dazzling white light. Yet compared to three days ago, the radiance was clearly dimmer and lasted much less time, while the faint golden hue had vanished altogether.
"Lin Bao, Body Tempering Realm Fourth Layer Late-stage. His foundation has suffered slight damage and requires careful recuperation." Third Elder Lin Zhenyue delivered his evaluation without expression.
Though he was still at the Fourth Layer Late-stage, this evaluation was undoubtedly a public slap in the face! It proved that he had indeed been seriously injured, and that his strength had declined!
Lin Bao's face instantly turned even uglier. His venomous gaze scraped viciously over Lin Chen, as though he wished he could swallow him alive!
The crowd below also sighed in succession. It seemed Brother Leopard had truly been badly injured... Still, even so, the strength of the Fourth Layer Late-stage was not something ordinary people could compare to.
Next, Lin Xue and Lin Yan took the stage again, delivering equally crushing performances that set the entire venue ablaze! Lin Xue had stabilized at the Sixth Layer Early Stage, and her Ice Attribute True Qi had become even purer. Lin Yan, meanwhile, was faintly showing signs of breaking through to the Sixth Layer peak and reaching Great Perfection! This made Lin Xiaotian and the elders beam with delight, while the Su and Wang Family elders in the observers' section subtly changed expression.
Finally, beneath countless complicated gazes, it was Lin Chen's turn.
He took another deep breath, wearing that "standard" nervous expression as he slowly walked onto the stage.
This time, nearly everyone's gaze was focused on him! Everyone wanted to see whether this "miracle youth" had changed again after three days. Had his cultivation stagnated? Or would he... continue creating miracles?
Lin Chen walked to the Martial Proving Stele and, beneath the attention of the masses, pressed his palm against it once more.
Bzzzzzz!
A scene almost identical to the one three days ago appeared again!
Clear, bright, pure white light suddenly flared up! Steady and enduring!
That humming sound, like the soft chime of a jade chime, rang out once more! Clear and pleasant!
The light and sound continued for roughly four breaths!
"Body Tempering Realm... Fourth Layer Early Stage!" Third Elder Lin Zhenyue's voice carried undisguised surprise and praise. "Lin Chen! In merely three days, you have broken through another minor realm! And your foundation... remains stable! Good! Very good!"
Boom!
If Lin Chen's performance three days ago had been a single cry that startled the world, then this moment was stone-shattering and heaven-startling! The entire venue was completely detonated!
"F-Fourth Layer Early Stage?! Did I hear that right?!" "Three days! Only three days! He broke through again?!" "T-This is still a human?! He's a monster, isn't he?!" "His foundation is still stable?! How is that possible?! With such a breakthrough speed, how could his foundation possibly remain stable?!" "Could it be... that he really is a peerless genius, one in ten thousand? Was he delayed over the past three years only because of some special reason?" "Terrifying! This cultivation speed... it's simply unheard of!"
Shouts of shock! Screams! The sounds of people gasping cold air in disbelief! They rose and fell without end!
This time, no one questioned him anymore! No one mocked him anymore!
What remained was only profound shock! And... deep reverence!
Lin Bao's face instantly turned ashen! Fourth Layer Early Stage! That trash had actually reached the Fourth Layer too?! Although it was only the Early Stage, combined with his bizarre strength and stable foundation... could Lin Bao... could he still guarantee a victory over him?! An unprecedented sense of fear instantly seized his heart!
Lin Zhenhong's face darkened until it seemed water could drip from it! He clenched his fists tightly, his nails nearly embedding themselves in his palms! Fourth Layer! That little bastard had truly reached the Fourth Layer! And he had only taken three days! Such talent... such speed... if Lin Chen were allowed to grow... the consequences would be unthinkable! Kill him! He had to kill him! At any cost, he had to strangle this threat in the cradle!
Lin Xiaotian shot to his feet in excitement! Even his beard trembled faintly! Fourth Layer! Stable foundation! This was no mere genius! This was a qilin child! A qilin child the Lin Family had not seen in a century! He seemed to see a future in which the Lin Family, led by Lin Chen, rose to glory, dominated Qingyang Town, and even ventured beyond this remote borderland! His gaze toward Lin Chen was filled with unprecedented fervor and determination! No matter what, he had to protect this child! Even if it meant completely tearing all pretenses apart with the Great Elder, he would not hesitate!
In the observers' section, the Su Family elder's pupils contracted. Shock and... regret? flashed through his eyes. If only back then... if only the engagement had not been broken...
The Wang Family elder's expression changed drastically! His eyes were filled with wariness and killing intent! This boy could not be allowed to remain! He had to be eliminated as soon as possible! Otherwise, he would become a fatal threat to the Wang Family!
Lin Chen once again became the absolute focal point of the entire venue!
Yet he maintained that "humble" and slightly bewildered expression, as though even he did not know why he had broken through so quickly.
"This disciple... this disciple does not know what happened either. These past few days, it just felt... felt especially smooth when I cultivated..." He scratched his head "embarrassedly" and spoke toward the platform.
This humblebragging remark made the corners of everyone's mouths twitch again, while their hearts churned like seas overturned by rivers! Especially smooth when cultivating? And that let him break through a realm in three days?! He called that smooth?!
Even the elders on the elevated platform could not help laughing bitterly. This kid was not only monstrously talented in strength—his ability to play dumb was first-rate too!
"All right, all right, go down." Third Elder Lin Zhenyue smiled and waved his hand, signaling Lin Chen to step down. The more he looked at Lin Chen now, the more pleased he was, and the more agreeable the youth appeared.
As though granted a pardon, Lin Chen hurriedly bowed, then retreated into the crowd once again beneath gazes that regarded him as though he were some kind of monster.
Because of Lin Chen's latest stone-shattering performance, the cultivation verification portion became dull and flavorless. No matter how well the descendants who followed performed, they could no longer cause much of a stir.
Very soon, the first round of testing ended.
Immediately afterward came the second round: the potential test!
The stewards carried out a peculiar, completely rounded stone about half a person's height, radiating seven-colored flowing light. This was the Lin Family's secret Potential Stone.
It was said that if one placed a hand on the Potential Stone and infused it with True Qi, the stone would emit light of different colors and intensities according to the tester's overall potential, including aptitude, bloodline, soul strength, and more. The greater the potential, the brighter the light, and the closer its color would be to legendary purple or even gold!
Although this test was not as direct as cultivation verification, it reflected the upper limit of a person's future achievements more accurately. Thus, the Lineage attached great importance to it.
The test still began with the lower-level descendants.
Most ordinary descendants could only make the Potential Stone emit faint white or pale yellow light, representing average potential.
Those with slightly better aptitude could produce bright yellow or pale green light, representing moderate potential.
When Lin Hu stepped forward for his test, the Potential Stone emitted dazzling green light, drawing a wave of praise. It represented excellent potential.
When it was Lin Bao's turn, although he was injured, his potential was still impressive. The Potential Stone erupted with deep green light approaching blue! This was already extremely good potential! It made Lin Zhenhong's expression improve slightly.
When Lin Xue was tested, the Potential Stone directly erupted with brilliant deep-blue radiance! It was as pure as ice crystal! This represented top-tier potential!
When Lin Yan was tested, an unusual phenomenon even occurred! The Potential Stone not only erupted with blinding crimson-gold light approaching purple, but even trembled faintly! It was as though it could barely withstand his terrifying potential!
"Good! Good! Good!" Lin Xiaotian rose excitedly to his feet again, saying "good" three times in a row! With such potential, Lin Yan's future achievements would be limitless! He might even lead the Lin Family to even greater glory!
Finally, amid the crowd's eager anticipation, it was Lin Chen's turn once again.
Everyone's gaze focused on him once more!
What kind of potential would this youth, who had created a miracle of cultivation speed, possess?
Would it match his terrifying cultivation speed? Or would he... merely be an epiphyllum blooming for a night, with average potential?
Lin Chen took a deep breath, curiosity rising in his heart as well. He did not know what result his Myriad Dao Furnace and Nine-Orifice Dao Foundation would display in this sort of test.
He slowly walked to the Potential Stone. Beneath countless gazes, he slowly extended his hand and pressed it against the Mysterious Stone radiating seven-colored flowing light.
Then, with utmost care, he infused a wisp of True Qi... True Qi that he had deliberately suppressed and disguised as belonging to the Body Tempering Realm Fourth Layer Early Stage.
Bzz...
The Potential Stone lit up.
But to everyone's surprise!
It did not erupt with heaven-shaking radiance!
Nor did it display blue, purple, or gold—the colors representing top-tier potential!
It merely... lit up with a layer of... exceedingly dim...
Gray light???
It was as though it had been covered in a thick layer of dust, dull and lusterless—worse even than the ordinary descendants with average potential?!
What... was going on?!
The entire venue once again fell into deathly silence!
Before you continue