Hidden Strength, Feigning Weakness to Deceive the Strong

As the first faint ray of dawn, like a shy maiden, softly parted the heavy curtain of night and filtered through the gaps in the dilapidated window frame into Lin Chen's humble cabin, the young man sitting cross-legged on the cold ground slowly opened his eyes.

He hadn't continued his frenzied cultivation after a night of silent meditation.

Breaking through to the Body Tempering Realm Fourth Layer had brought not just a surge of strength, but a complete, transformative improvement. He needed time to adapt, to control, and even more so, to conceal!

At this moment, his eyes were deep and calm, the ecstasy and excitement of his breakthrough last night perfectly contained. If one looked closely, they might even notice a newfound steadiness and restraint hidden in the depths of his gaze, like a sword sheathed but still hinting at its sharpness beneath a plain exterior.

"Body Tempering Realm Fourth Layer..." Lin Chen murmured to himself, slowly raising his palm.

His fingers were long and slender, with distinct knuckles. His skin, plump with vital energy, appeared delicate and smooth, even possessing a faint luminescence. He could clearly feel the terrifying power contained within this seemingly ordinary palm! It felt as if, with a gentle clench, he could crush hard bluestone into powder!

This sense of power was so real, so intoxicating!

But he knew now was not the time to indulge.

"I must control it... control it perfectly!" Lin Chen's gaze sharpened as he consciously began to suppress the aura naturally emanating from his body.

At the Body Tempering Realm Fourth Layer, his true qi was already quite robust. Every movement naturally carried an aura distinct from that of lower-level cultivators. While this aura might be imperceptible to ordinary people, it would be as clear as a firefly in the dark to those with higher cultivation or seasoned experience.

The Family Test in seven days was indeed his stage to prove himself, but revealing his full strength prematurely would only invite unnecessary trouble and heightened vigilance. It might even prompt Lin Zhenhong, Wang Teng, and others to make a lethal move beforehand!

He had to continue playing the part of the "waste who had just barely broken through to the Triple Layer"! He had to continue "feigning weakness" to give those arrogant fools an unforgettable "surprise" at the crucial moment!

This was his strategy – feigning weakness to deceive the strong!

With this thought, Lin Chen began to practice controlling the flow of true qi within his body. He no longer pursued extreme speed and efficiency, but deliberately slowed the circulation of the optimized Basic Qi Refining Art, making the fluctuations of his true qi smoother and more concealed. At the same time, he worked to control his muscle strength, mimicking the state of a cultivator at the Body Tempering Realm Second or Triple Layer.

This was no easy feat.

The surging power was like an untamed wild horse, constantly trying to break free from its restraints and gallop wildly. He had to expend considerable mental effort to perfectly suppress and disguise it.

He stood up and took a few steps.

"Bang!"

A faint muffled sound came from the bluestone floor tiles beneath his feet. With what seemed like a casual step, he had managed to create a subtle crack!

Lin Chen was startled and quickly reined in his strength.

Just an unconscious movement had nearly exposed him!

He frowned, becoming even more cautious about controlling every minute action of his body. The size of his steps, the force of his landings, the speed of his turns, the rhythm of his breathing... he deliberately adjusted everything, striving to match that of a young man who had "just broken through to the Triple Layer with a shallow foundation."

Even his gaze, he deliberately toned down its sharpness, retaining only a hint of the "excitement" after his breakthrough, the "apprehension" for the future, and the "awe" and "awkwardness" one should show when facing a stronger opponent.

This kind of "performance" was also a form of cultivation for him, a tempering of his ability to control his own strength.

After about half an hour of repeated attempts and adjustments, Lin Chen finally felt that he could manage the surging power reasonably well. On the surface, at least, there was no significant difference from an ordinary young man at the early to mid-stage of the Body Tempering Realm Triple Layer.

Of course, this disguise was not flawless. If he encountered a true expert or if someone deliberately probed, they might still find some clues. But at least, it was enough to deal with most of the ordinary disciples and servants of the Lin Family.

"Hoo..." Lin Chen let out a long sigh, a fine sheen of sweat beading on his forehead. Such precise control was more mentally taxing than simple cultivation.

With his disguise in place, the next issue to consider was cultivation resources.

The medicinal dregs were depleted. Relying solely on absorbing spiritual energy from heaven and earth, even with the optimized cultivation technique, the speed was far from sufficient to meet his need for significant improvement in strength within five days.

The Myriad Dao Furnace, that gluttonous beast that devoured all things, required a continuous supply of "fuel"!

His gaze turned sharp once more.

"Lin Bao..." The name coiled around his heart like a cold, venomous snake.

According to his memories, Lin Bao, as the direct grandson of the Great Elder, had been doted upon since childhood, and his cultivation resources had never been lacking. Pills, spirit stones, even some low-grade magical artifacts and armor, he surely had plenty of!

Moreover, Lin Bao was arrogant and vindictive. After being taught a lesson by him last time and suffering such public humiliation, given his personality, he would never let it go and would definitely seek revenge by any means necessary.

Since that was the case, rather than passively waiting, why not take the initiative?

"Borrowing" some cultivation resources from Lin Bao would not only solve his urgent need but also allow him to collect a small amount of interest. Why not?

Of course, directly robbing him was out of the question. That would be tantamount to seeking his own death, immediately drawing the wrath of the Great Elder or even the entire family.

He had to... use his wits!

Lin Chen began to rapidly construct a plan in his mind.

First, he needed to understand Lin Bao's recent movements and habits. Where did he live? Where did he usually like to go? Who were the people usually around him? Did he have any particular hobbies or weaknesses?

Second, he needed to find a suitable opportunity and location to act. It had to be a place where he could succeed, while leaving as few traces as possible, allowing him to extricate himself perfectly.

This required time and intelligence.

Lin Chen decided that he couldn't just hide in his courtyard cultivating all day like yesterday. He needed to go out, observe, gather information, and look for that potential opportunity.

Besides, staying shut in his room all the time would easily arouse suspicion. A proper "appearance" to maintain his image of a "young man who had just broken through, was diligently cultivating, and preparing for the test" was also part of the "feigning weakness" strategy.

Having made up his mind, Lin Chen tidied his still worn but relatively clean coarse cloth shirt, adjusted his aura and demeanor once more to ensure he looked like an ordinary, slightly apprehensive young man at the Body Tempering Realm Triple Layer, then took a deep breath and pushed open the courtyard gate.

The morning sunlight was a bit harsh, and Lin Chen squinted slightly, adjusting to the light.

On the small path outside the courtyard, there were already a few Lin Family servants or collateral disciples walking by.

When they saw Lin Chen emerge from that dilapidated small courtyard, their reactions showed subtle changes compared to yesterday.

The disdain and contempt were still present, but there seemed to be less unbridled mockery and more curiosity and scrutiny. Some of the more timid or low-ranking servants even instinctively lowered their heads and hurried away when their eyes met Lin Chen's.

Clearly, Lin Chen's cultivation of the "Body Tempering Realm Triple Layer" (as they perceived it), along with his "exploits" of daring to confront Su Qingyao, clash with Wang Teng, and even sign a military pledge, had already created a certain deterrent effect within the Lin Family – even if this deterrent effect, in the eyes of many, was based on "foolishness" and "madness."

Lin Chen took in all these subtle changes, a cold sneer forming in his heart. Yet, on his face, he maintained his usual somewhat dull and awkward expression, keeping his head down as he walked slowly along the path, as if he had merely come out for some fresh air.

He had no specific destination, just wandering casually through the middle and back areas of the Lin family estate.

He passed the training grounds. A number of Lin family disciples were there, cultivating with great fervor. Fists whistled through the air, blades and swords flashed, and shouts rose one after another. Seeing Lin Chen approach, some of the disciples stopped their training, casting either curious or disdainful glances his way.

"Look, it's Lin Chen!" "How does he still have the nerve to come out? If it were me, I'd have crawled into a hole long ago!" "Hmph, so what if he's at the Body Tempering Realm Triple Layer? In front of us seniors who have long reached the Triple or even Fourth Layer, isn't he still trash?" A young man, clearly one of Lin Bao's followers, deliberately raised his voice, wanting to attract Lin Chen's attention and humiliate him.

Lin Chen acted as if he hadn't heard. He glanced from afar, then lowered his head and quickened his pace to leave. Deep in his eyes, however, a trace of icy killing intent flashed. These jumping clowns, once he had the freedom, he would definitely make them understand what regret was!

He passed the Mission Hall. People were coming and going there, with many Lin family disciples picking up or submitting family missions to earn contribution points and cultivation resources. Lin Chen saw the mission board posted at the entrance, and his heart stirred slightly. Perhaps... taking on some simple missions was also a way to obtain resources? However, given his current need to conceal his strength, taking missions would likely come with many restrictions. He'd note it down for now and deal with it later.

He even passed by the Alchemy Room from a distance. A rich medicinal aroma wafted out from inside, causing the Myriad Dao Furnace within Lin Chen to stir slightly, as if it had developed a strong craving for the pills and herbs there. But the Alchemy Room was heavily guarded, definitely not a place he could covet at the moment.

As he walked, Lin Chen appeared to be aimless, but in reality, he was pricking up his ears, carefully listening to the conversations and discussions of those around him.

There were naturally many rumors about him, mostly mocking him for overestimating himself and waiting to see him make a fool of himself in seven days.

There were also some discussions about the Family Test. It was said that because the triennial Qingyang Town Grand Family Competition was approaching, this year's Lin Family Family Test seemed to be stricter than in previous years. Before the official test, there would even be a small-scale "internal selection." Only those who performed exceptionally well in the selection would be eligible to participate in the final test and receive better resource allocation.

"Internal selection?" Lin Chen's heart moved. This might be an opportunity for him? An opportunity to both test his own strength and openly "obtain" resources?

And more discussions were focused on the few outstanding talents among the younger generation of the Lin family.

"I heard that Brother Lin Yan broke through again yesterday! He's already reached the peak of the Body Tempering Realm Sixth Layer! Truly amazing!" "Yeah! Brother Lin Yan is the number one among the younger generation of our Lin family! He'll definitely be first in this Family Test!" "That's not necessarily true! Miss Lin Xue isn't bad either! I heard she's also close to breaking through to the Body Tempering Realm Sixth Layer!" "And Lin Bao from the Great Elder's family... although his character isn't great, relying on abundant resources, his cultivation has been forcefully piled up to the peak of the Body Tempering Realm Fourth Layer. I heard he's currently trying to break through to the Fifth Layer!"

Upon hearing Lin Bao's name, Lin Chen's ears immediately perked up.

Peak of the Body Tempering Realm Fourth Layer? Trying to break through to the Fifth Layer?

This piece of information was crucial to him!

If Lin Bao was truly in seclusion attempting to break through to the Fifth Layer, wouldn't that mean... there might not be many people protecting him right now? And the place where he stored his resources might be easier to target?

Lin Chen's heart rate quickened slightly, feeling as if opportunity was beckoning him!

He pretended to casually approach a few collateral disciples who were discussing Lin Bao, wanting to hear more clearly.

"...However, I heard that Lin Bao's attempt to break through to the Fifth Layer this time doesn't seem to be going smoothly," a scrawny young man said in a low voice. "Oh? What do you mean?" a chubby young man next to him asked curiously. "Heh heh, I heard it from my cousin who helps out in the Alchemy Room. It seems the Great Elder spent a lot of money a few days ago to get Lin Bao a 'Qi Condensing Pill' to help him break through in one go. But Lin Bao, whether it was due to eagerness or something else, had some trouble after taking the pill. Not only did he not break through, but he also injured his meridians, and is now hiding in his own courtyard recuperating!" the scrawny young man said gleefully. "Really? That's karma! Serves him right!" The chubby young man also became interested. "Shh! Keep your voice down! You can't just say things like that! If the Great Elder hears it, we'll all be in trouble!" The scrawny young man quickly made a shushing gesture.

Qi Condensing Pill? Failed breakthrough? Injured meridians? Hiding in his courtyard to recuperate?!

These keywords exploded in Lin Chen's mind like thunder!

This was simply a heaven-sent opportunity!

Lin Bao was injured, his strength would definitely be greatly reduced! And he was confined to his courtyard for recuperation, so there wouldn't be many people disturbing him! He might even be in his most vulnerable and unguarded state!

To "visit" him at this time was simply... an opportunity delivered to his doorstep!

Lin Chen forcefully suppressed the urge to rush over and rob Lin Bao immediately, his mind racing.

No! He couldn't be so impulsive!

Even though Lin Bao was injured, he was still the Great Elder's grandson. The guards at his courtyard would definitely not be lax. Moreover, who knew if this was a deliberate smokescreen by Lin Bao or the Great Elder, intended to lure him into a trap?

He had to be cautious!

But this news undoubtedly gave Lin Chen a clear direction and immense hope!

He stopped aimlessly wandering and pretended to be nonchalant as he walked towards his own small courtyard. Along the way, he carefully recalled the map of the Lin family estate, as well as the location and surroundings of Lin Bao's luxurious courtyard, known as the "Leopard Garden."

Returning to his dilapidated small courtyard, he closed the gate. The dullness and awkwardness on Lin Chen's face instantly vanished, replaced by a cold calmness and sharp contemplation.

He didn't start cultivating immediately but paced in the courtyard, piecing together and analyzing all the fragmented information he had obtained in his mind.

Lin Bao was injured, the possibility was high, but it couldn't be completely confirmed. He was hiding in the "Leopard Garden" to recuperate, which was a relatively enclosed environment. He had a general idea of the "Leopard Garden's" location, but the specific guard situation and internal layout still needed further confirmation. The best time to strike would be late at night when everything was quiet. How to infiltrate? How to avoid the guards? How to find the location where Lin Bao stored his resources (usually the bedroom or a secret room)? How to leave without a sound after succeeding, and without leaving any evidence pointing to him?

One question after another surfaced in his mind.

This was a meticulous plan, with no room for error! If he failed, the consequences would be unimaginable!

Lin Chen knew that although he possessed the strength of the Body Tempering Realm Fourth Layer, and even had the Myriad Dao Furnace as his trump card, he was still like an ant in the entire Lin family, before powerhouses like the Great Elder and the Patriarch.

He had to proceed step by step, with utmost caution!

"Feigning weakness to deceive the strong... it's not just about pretending to be weak in front of enemies, but also about making thorough preparations before taking action, like a true hunter, waiting patiently, and striking with a single blow!" Lin Chen's eyes flickered, and a preliminary plan began to take shape in his mind.

First, he needed to conduct a close-range reconnaissance of the "Leopard Garden." It couldn't be during the day; that would be too conspicuous. It had to be at night, using the darkness as cover.

Second, he needed to prepare some auxiliary tools. For example, ropes for climbing? Or perhaps some medicine that could temporarily stun the guards? (Although he had no money to buy them, maybe he could use the Furnace to extract them from common herbs?)

Third, he needed to practice the infiltration and retreat routes, ensuring they were foolproof.

Finally, and most importantly, he needed to adjust his own strength to its optimal state! And he needed to be prepared to deal with any unexpected situations!

Thinking of this, Lin Chen no longer hesitated.

Although the medicinal dregs had been exhausted, making it impossible to crazily boost his cultivation like the previous night. He could still continue to circulate the optimized version of the "Basic Qi Refining Art," absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, consolidate his realm, and at the same time temper his control over his own strength.

Moreover...

His gaze fell upon the seemingly ordinary weeds in the courtyard, as well as the moss and low shrubs in the corners.

The Myriad Dao Furnace was said to smelt all things.

Could these inconspicuous plants also contain a trace of subtle energy that could be extracted by the Furnace?

Better than nothing!

Lin Chen immediately sat down cross-legged, re-entering his cultivation state.

This time, he didn't deliberately try to break through to a new realm. Instead, he focused on consolidating his cultivation, refining his control, and... attempting to smelt the "clutter" in the courtyard.

As expected!

The Myriad Dao Furnace's dominance was beyond imagination! Even the most ordinary weeds and moss, with their faint trace of plant essence and vitality, could be forcibly extracted and purified by the furnace!

Although this energy was extremely meager, almost negligible for improving his cultivation, it could continuously replenish the energy he consumed during cultivation and maintaining his disguise, keeping him in optimal condition!

Furthermore, as he smelted these different plants, Lin Chen felt his understanding of the Myriad Dao Furnace deepen. He vaguely sensed that the furnace wasn't just extracting energy, but rather analyzing the "essence" of these substances!

This feeling was profound and difficult to describe, but it filled Lin Chen with even greater anticipation!

Time quietly passed as Lin Chen engaged in this seemingly calm, yet undercurrent-filled cultivation and preparation.

Night fell once more.

Lin Chen slowly opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing within them before returning to their usual placid state.

After an afternoon of cultivation and consolidation, he had not only thoroughly stabilized his Body Tempering Realm Fourth Layer cultivation but also achieved a more refined and subtle level of control over his own strength.

More importantly, he now had a clearer and more meticulous plan for tonight's operation.

The night was the best cover.

Tonight, he would transform into a hunter in the darkness, silently approaching his first "prey"!

A silent hunt targeting Lin Bao was about to begin!

And all of this would be carried out under the perfect disguise of "Feigning Weakness to Deceive the Strong."

The people of the Lin Family would never imagine that the trash they viewed as soon to be eliminated was currently like a venomous snake in the dark, silently revealing its cold fangs!