Generous Rewards, Another Breakthrough

As the sun set, its golden afterglow cast a warm, hazy halo over the Lin Family's training grounds.

The family's test ceremony, which had lasted all day, finally drew to a close amidst the attention of the crowd and the buzz of discussion.

The final rankings were no surprise. Lin Yan, with his absolute strength at the Body Tempering Realm Sixth Layer Peak, secured the first position unchallenged. Lin Xue, with her cultivation at the Sixth Layer Early Stage, took second place.

The biggest variable, however, was undoubtedly Lin Chen!

Despite his "disappointing" performance in the potential test, where he received only a gray evaluation representing "very poor," he managed to secure a spot in the top five during the practical combat ranking matches. He first "luckily" heavily injured Lin Bao with a single punch, and then, due to no one daring to challenge him (mostly intimidated by his ruthless methods and peculiar strength), he miraculously achieved this feat with his Body Tempering Realm Fourth Layer Early Stage cultivation!

This outcome once again stunned everyone, and the name Lin Chen became an undeniable, controversial, and mysterious presence among the younger generation of the Lin Family!

Some still believed his potential was low, attributing his success to luck or some illicit art, deeming him not a threat.

Others were intimidated by his ruthless methods and endless "surprises," keeping their distance.

And many more, especially those from the lower ranks and branch families, felt a strange emotion seeing Lin Chen, once a "waste," rise up and even crush the arrogant Lin Bao underfoot—perhaps waste wasn't truly without a chance to succeed?

The Lin Family's higher-ups, however, harbored more complex thoughts.

Those from the Great Elder Lin Zhenhong's faction naturally hated Lin Chen to the core, wishing they could devour his flesh and skin! But constrained by the Patriarch's clear stance and Lin Chen's displayed peculiar strength, they could only suppress their anger for now, seeking opportunities for revenge in secret.

The Patriarch, Lin Xiaotian, after his initial disappointment, found his attitude towards Lin Chen becoming more nuanced. While the potential test results were perplexing, Lin Chen's displayed mettle, methods, and combat power far exceeding his realm in the practical combat couldn't be ignored! He had a strong feeling that this young man must hide a great secret! This "mysteriousness" only strengthened his resolve to protect and win over Lin Chen! Perhaps the Potential Stone didn't represent everything?

The Third Elder, Lin Zhenyue, didn't hide his admiration for Lin Chen! In his view, while potential was important, character, methods, and the ability to seize opportunities were equally crucial for becoming a strong individual! Lin Chen undoubtedly possessed these traits! He was even considering how to bring Lin Chen into the Punishment Hall or Enforcement Team, which he oversaw, for cultivation.

Amidst this peculiar and complex atmosphere, the final segment of the test, the award ceremony, began.

According to the rankings, the top ten disciples went onto the stage one by one to receive their rewards.

Lin Yan and Lin Xue received the most generous rewards, including a large amount of Mid-grade Spirit Stones, high-grade elixirs, and even the opportunity to select martial skills and techniques from the second level of the Lin Family's true core Scripture Repository! This drew countless envious and jealous gazes from the crowd.

When it was Lin Chen's turn to receive the fifth-place reward, he once again became the center of attention.

The one presenting the awards was still the Patriarch, Lin Xiaotian.

He looked at the young man before him, whose expression still held a hint of "apprehension" and "unease." His gaze was complex, and after a moment of silence, he slowly spoke, his voice much gentler than before:

"Lin Chen, your performance today has once again surprised me." He chose his words carefully. "Although the potential test results were not entirely satisfactory, the courage and wisdom you displayed in the practical combat are commendable."

"This is your deserved reward." Lin Xiaotian handed Lin Chen a storage bag, heavier and more exquisite than the previous one. "Inside are three hundred Low-grade Spirit Stones, ten Mid-grade Spirit Stones, five bottles of Body Tempering Pills, and the manual for the Yellow-grade Mid-tier Martial Skill, Surging Wave Palm."

Whoosh!

As the rewards were announced, the crowd below erupted in an uproar once again!

The generosity of these rewards even surpassed those given to the disciple ranked fourth, who was at the Body Tempering Realm Fifth Layer Early Stage! Especially the ten Mid-grade Spirit Stones and the Yellow-grade Mid-tier Martial Skill, Surging Wave Palm, which made countless people green with envy!

One must understand that a single Mid-grade Spirit Stone contained the spiritual energy equivalent of a hundred Low-grade Spirit Stones! And it was more refined! Yellow-grade Mid-tier Martial Skills were also something only inner core disciples were qualified to cultivate!

The Patriarch was showing blatant favoritism!

Everyone could see that the Patriarch was determined to win over and cultivate Lin Chen! Even with his gray potential test results!

The faces of those from Lin Zhenhong's faction grew even more unsightly, but with the Patriarch personally presenting the awards, they didn't dare say anything.

Lin Chen was also slightly taken aback, not expecting such generous rewards. It seemed his image of "low potential but decent strength and skilled at playing the underdog" had successfully piqued the Patriarch's "appreciation for talent"?

He sneered inwardly, but his face immediately adopted an expression of "overwhelmed with gratitude" and "deeply moved." His hands "trembled" as he accepted the storage bag and bowed deeply to Lin Xiaotian: "Thank you for your great favor, Patriarch! This disciple... this disciple will definitely... definitely cultivate diligently and not fail your expectations!"

"Good." Lin Xiaotian nodded with satisfaction. "Go back and cultivate well. Remember, potential is not everything; acquired effort and opportunity are equally important. The family will not abandon any disciple with potential."

His words were pregnant with meaning, both encouraging Lin Chen and subtly warning others.

Lin Chen bowed again with feigned "gratitude," and then, under gazes filled with envy, jealousy, malice, and scrutiny, he descended from the high platform.

With the award ceremony concluded, the family test ceremony officially came to an end.

The crowd gradually dispersed, but the discussions about Lin Chen, like ripples from a stone cast into a lake, continued to spread, destined to remain the hottest topic within the Lin Family for a long time to come.

Lin Chen didn't linger at the training grounds. All he wanted now was to return to his small courtyard, take stock of his rich haul, and continue cultivating!

With so many resources, he was confident he could rapidly advance his strength in a short period!

Upon returning to his familiar small courtyard and closing the gate, shutting out all external disturbances, Lin Chen's facade of "humility" and "gratitude" vanished instantly, replaced by a cold calmness and fervent anticipation.

He eagerly opened the storage bag gifted by the Patriarch.

Three hundred Low-grade Spirit Stones! Ten Mid-grade Spirit Stones! Five bottles of Body Tempering Pills! And a slightly worn manual for the Yellow-grade Mid-tier Martial Skill, Surging Wave Palm!

Coupled with what he had previously confiscated from Lin Bao (including the Patriarch's first "private" gift), his current stash of Spirit Stones had reached an astonishing amount—nearly nine hundred Low-grade Spirit Stones! And thirteen Mid-grade Spirit Stones!

In terms of elixirs, besides these five bottles of Body Tempering Pills, there were also Rejuvenation Pills, Bone-mending Paste, Qi Gathering Powder, and a host of other items he had acquired!

This was an immense fortune that would drive any Body Tempering Realm martial artist to madness with envy!

"Lin Xiaotian... he's quite willing to spend." Lin Chen weighed the Mid-grade Spirit Stones in his hand, feeling the immense, pure energy contained within, and a cold smile touched his lips.

However, these gestures of goodwill and attempts at recruitment meant nothing to him.

Resources? He would accept them all!

But did they expect him, Lin Chen, to pledge loyalty? To submit and bow?

Dream on!

He carefully stored the Spirit Stones and elixirs, then picked up the Yellow-grade Mid-tier Martial Skill manual—Surging Wave Palm.

Yellow-grade Mid-tier Martial Skills were considered quite formidable within the Lin Family, their power far surpassing the basic punches and kicks he had practiced before.

He casually flipped through a few pages. This "Surging Wave Palm" emphasized using skillful force to control power, with palm strikes layering upon each other like continuous ocean waves, possessing astonishing might. When cultivated to a profound level, it could even unleash nine layers of hidden force with a single palm strike, capable of shattering stone tablets and splitting rocks, with power comparable to some Yellow-grade High-tier martial skills!

"Not bad," Lin Chen nodded. This palm technique was exactly what he needed to address his current lack of diverse offensive methods.

However, he didn't start cultivating immediately.

He had a better option!

With a thought, he communicated with the Myriad Dao Furnace!

"Melt! 'Surging Wave Palm'!"

Buzz!

The familiar scene reappeared! The text from the manual transformed into flowing light, surging into his sea of consciousness!

Under the Myriad Dao Furnace's heaven-defying analytical and deductive abilities, this Yellow-grade Mid-tier "Surging Wave Palm" began to be understood, absorbed, and even optimized by him at an unbelievable speed!

In just a moment!

A brand new, more concise, more efficient, and subtly more powerful "Furnace Version" of "Surging Wave Palm" was deeply imprinted into his soul! It was as if he had been immersed in this palm technique for decades! When he used it, it would feel natural and unhindered!

"Awesome!" Lin Chen couldn't help but exclaim!

This feeling of directly "downloading" knowledge and skills into his brain was simply incredible!

With this optimized version of "Surging Wave Palm," his combat ability had undoubtedly reached another level!

After dealing with the martial skill manual, Lin Chen's gaze finally fell upon the mountains of Spirit Stones! And the four unused Crimson Sun Grass!

This was the key to his strength skyrocketing in the near future!

He was currently at the Body Tempering Realm Sixth Layer Early-stage Peak, only a hair's breadth away from the Sixth Layer Mid-stage! The Sixth Layer Peak was also not an insurmountable distance away!

If he could absorb and refine all these resources...

To what level could his cultivation reach?!

Body Tempering Realm Seventh Layer? Or even higher?!

Lin Chen's heart pounded violently at this wild thought!

The Body Tempering Realm was divided into nine layers!

Layers one to three were the early stage, focusing on tempering the physical body and guiding Qi into the body.

Layers four to six were the mid-stage, where true Qi liquefied, condensing into a dense form.

Layers seven to nine were the late stage, where true Qi could be projected externally, connecting with heaven and earth!

Once he entered the Seventh Layer, he would be able to attack with true Qi detached from his body! His strength would undergo another qualitative transformation! At that point, let alone Lin Bao, even prodigies like Lin Yan and Lin Xue, he might not be unable to contend with them!

"Let's go!"

Lin Chen's eyes blazed with unprecedented determination and madness!

He no longer hesitated! He immediately sat down cross-legged, piling all the Spirit Stones and the remaining four Crimson Sun Grass in front of him!

Myriad Dao Furnace! Full power!

Optimized "Basic Qi Refining Art"! Maximum operation!

Devour! Refine! Absorb! Convert!

A more terrifying and violent energy consumption was reenacted in the dilapidated courtyard!

This time, with more abundant "fuel" of higher quality! With a more powerful Myriad Dao Furnace! With a more perfect cultivation technique!

Lin Chen's cultivation speed reached an unprecedented peak!

His aura, like a rocket launch, surged upwards at a speed that would make anyone despair!

Body Tempering Realm Sixth Layer Mid-stage... breakthrough!

Body Tempering Realm Sixth Layer Late-stage... breakthrough!

Body Tempering Realm Sixth Layer Peak!

In just half a day!

After consuming nearly three hundred Low-grade Spirit Stones, five Mid-grade Spirit Stones, and one Crimson Sun Grass, Lin Chen's cultivation had broken through like a hot knife through butter, directly reaching the Body Tempering Realm Sixth Layer Peak!

He was only one final barrier away from the Body Tempering Realm Seventh Layer, the most difficult barrier in the entire Body Tempering Realm!

Feeling the vast, almost overflowing liquid true Qi within his body, and sensing the incomparably solid Seventh Layer barrier, which seemed to isolate two worlds, Lin Chen's eyes flashed with a mad glint!

"Still not enough! Continue!"

He didn't pause at all! He urged the Furnace again, bringing the remaining Spirit Stones and three Crimson Sun Grass into the range of consumption!

He wanted to break through this final obstacle in one go! And step into the late stage of the Body Tempering Realm!

Rumble rumble rumble!!!!!!!!!!!

Within the courtyard, energy surged! Spiritual energy boiled! Even the surrounding air groaned under the strain of the terrifying energy fluctuations!

Lin Chen's body was like a bottomless black hole, madly devouring all energy!

His aura also accumulated, compressed, and refined in an extremely terrifying manner, launching fierce assaults on the final barrier again and again!

Time seemed to lose all meaning amidst the extreme cultivation.

After an unknown period.

Perhaps a day, perhaps two...

As the last Crimson Sun Grass on the table completely dimmed, and the final Mid-grade Spirit Stone turned to dust.

The energy accumulated within Lin Chen's body finally reached an unprecedented, terrifying peak!

That power felt like it could tear apart heaven and earth! It felt like it could shake the stars!

"Now!"

Lin Chen suddenly opened his eyes! Golden light shot out from them, like two brilliant suns!

"Break for meeeeee!!!!"

Accompanied by a roar from the depths of his soul!

The terrifying torrent of energy, accumulated to its limit and embodying all his will and power, transformed into a golden divine dragon that split the heavens and earth! It fiercely smashed against the barrier that separated heaven and earth – the Body Tempering Realm Seventh Layer barrier!

BOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!

A sound, as if from the very beginning of the universe, indescribable and terrifying, that shook the entire Lin Family mansion (though only a very few top powerhouses could vaguely sense it), exploded in the depths of Lin Chen's dantian and sea of qi!

That indestructible Seventh Layer barrier, under this terrifying impact akin to a divine strike...

Finally, like paper!

Shattered with a roar!!!