The Clan Tournament Begins

Several months passed in the blink of an eye.

When the dawn broke through the clouds and spilled across the earth, the Lin Clan stirred to life.

For today was the start of the Lin Clan's tournament, a day everyone in the clan had waited far too long for.

Dressed in a black robe, Lin Ge arrived at the Trial Hall. It was already roaring with excitement. A sea of people stretched as far as the eye could see!

Though the Lin Clan was not the most powerful force in Green Sun Town, it was still a first-rate clan, so quite a few distinguished guests had come to watch the tournament.

First, to build good relations with the Lin Clan; and second, to see what its younger generation was capable of.

After all, a clan's prosperity was closely tied to the excellence of its younger generation.

It was Lin Ge's first time in a place so crowded. His brows knitted slightly; he still wasn't used to scenes like this. He found a quiet corner with few people and stood there in silence, waiting for the tournament to begin.

Meanwhile, Lin Dong also arrived at the Trial Hall. He spotted Lin Ge standing in the corner at once, and his expression tightened.

This was the second time he had met this unfamiliar youth.

The first time, he had felt gratitude and confusion. This time, all he felt was deep unease and wariness.

Lin Ge was like a treasured sword that had yet to leave its sheath. He seemed harmless, but once drawn, none could stand in his way—not even Lin Dong.

"What's wrong?"

Beside Lin Dong stood his father, Lin Xiao.

Ever since Lin Dong had brought him that strange bead, Lin Xiao's strength had gradually recovered. The dejection had vanished from his face, and a confident light now shone in his eyes.

Following Lin Dong's gaze, Lin Xiao spotted a youth in a black robe. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes.

"That boy is no ordinary person!"

That was Lin Xiao's first impression of Lin Ge.

"Father, what do you think of him?"

Lin Dong asked in a low voice.

He couldn't see through Lin Ge or tell what level his cultivation had reached, so he wanted to ask his father whether he could discern it.

At Lin Dong's words, Lin Xiao studied Lin Ge carefully, then slowly shook his head. "That boy is no ordinary person. I can't see through him."

Lin Dong was a little disappointed. He had thought his father might be able to see through Lin Ge.

"Dong'er, judging by his appearance, he ought to be a disciple of our Lin Clan. Yet I've never heard of him. Not one of the Lin Clan members here has even gone to greet him. Do you know what that means?"

Lin Xiao gazed sternly at Lin Dong and spoke in a low voice.

Lin Xiao's words made Lin Dong's body tremble slightly, as if he had suddenly understood something.

A youth with such an extraordinary bearing had gone unnoticed by the Lin Clan. Not a single person had even greeted him. It was far too strange.

"He's hiding his strength!"

After a moment of silence, Lin Dong said each word slowly.

"He may be the most frightening opponent you'll ever face in your life."

Lin Xiao had lived many years and possessed a keen eye. He was certain this youth would become Lin Dong's most formidable rival in the future.

Lin Dong nodded. He didn't think his father would deceive him, nor did he think his father was exaggerating. He felt the same way.

As the two were talking, a crowd suddenly streamed through the main entrance. At the head of the group was an old man with a head of white hair. He wore fine robes and looked remarkably robust, and his sweeping gaze carried a certain air of authority.

This man was the current head of the Lin Clan, Lin Xiao's father, and Lin Dong's grandfather—Lin Zhentian!

The moment Lin Zhentian appeared, the Trial Hall erupted. Everyone hurried to their feet to greet him.

Lin Zhentian was a well-known figure in Green Sun Town. He had come here alone all those years ago and built the Lin Clan from nothing. Many present admired his methods and abilities.

"So that's Lin Zhentian?"

Lin Ge followed the crowd's gaze to the old man in fine robes. He watched him for a few seconds, then looked away.

As the head of the Lin Clan, Lin Zhentian had reached the Heaven Origin Realm. That was indeed impressive, and worth a few glances from Lin Ge—but no more than that.

Lin Zhentian didn't know Lin Ge existed. Smiling warmly, he exchanged greetings with the distinguished guests, then took his seat in the center.

His gaze shifted, and he happened to spot Lin Xiao rising nearby. He froze for a moment, then hurried over.

"Father."

Watching Lin Zhentian approach, Lin Xiao clenched his hands. A year's worth of restraint seemed to loosen, and he bowed to Lin Zhentian with a respectful greeting.

"You finally decided to come out."

Looking at his son, Lin Zhentian felt a tangle of emotions. He spoke calmly.

Back then, he had poured all his hopes into Lin Xiao. Though Lin Xiao had ultimately suffered a crushing defeat, his opponent had been Lin Langtian, so Lin Zhentian hadn't blamed him. What disappointed him was that after that battle, Lin Xiao had grown despondent and lost the drive he once had.

After trying to persuade him several times without success, the old man's heart had turned cold. No matter how much he missed his son, he never took the initiative to see him.

"Father, I'm sorry," Lin Xiao said quietly. He understood how deeply his years of dejection had disappointed his father.

Lin Zhentian wanted to talk with his son at greater length, but today was not the right occasion. He could only offer a few words of encouragement before turning and returning to his seat.

As Lin Zhentian took his seat, the Trial Hall gradually quieted down.

One by one, all eyes fixed on Lin Zhentian at the head of the hall, filled with anticipation and excitement.

Under everyone's watchful gaze, Lin Zhentian slowly rose and cupped his hands toward the guests' seats. With a hearty laugh, he said, "Today is the day of the Lin Clan's tournament. Thank you all for coming to show your support. Everyone here is a friend of the Lin Clan, so I'll spare you the empty formalities and get straight to the point."

As soon as he finished speaking, Lin Zhentian turned to his eldest son, Lin Ken, beside him.

Lin Ken smiled, stepped into the broad arena inside the Trial Hall, and took out a bamboo tube filled with bamboo slips.

"As usual, we'll draw lots to decide the matchups. All the youngsters taking part in the tournament, come draw a slip."

At Lin Ken's words, dozens of figures began filing into the Trial Hall. Each took a bamboo slip from the tube in Lin Ken's hands.

Once everyone else had drawn, Lin Ge slowly made his way through the crowd and stopped in front of Lin Ken. Without a word, he took a slip, then retreated to the back of the crowd.

Lin Ken watched the youth in black robes with surprise, a faint question rising in his mind.

"Whose child is this? He has quite the bearing."

Suppressing his confusion, Lin Ken said:

"There are five arenas. Those who drew numbers in the top five will go first."

Lin Dong glanced at the bamboo slip in his hand. It bore the number four, so he stepped onto the platform and won with ease.

"Next round!"

When the match ended, Lin Ken announced that those who had drawn numbers in the bottom five should take the stage.

Lin Ge glanced at the number nine on his bamboo slip and silently walked onto the platform.

After he stepped up, a young man in fine clothes also came onto the stage.

Lin Ken gave them a quick look and said, "The match begins!"