Lin Xiao's shock: turning the hierarchy upside down!

When Lin An entered the living room, Lin Xiao had already started eating.

Seeing Lin An arrive, Lin Xiao looked up, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes.

He could naturally tell that Lin An had already advanced to black iron fourth grade.

But he was only somewhat surprised. After all, his son was a monstrous genius. Though such rapid advancement was inconceivable, it was not entirely beyond acceptance.

"Impatience is taboo in cultivation. Though you have exceptional talent, you must still progress step by step, lest your foundation become unstable," Lin Xiao said.

"Don't worry, Father. I understand," Lin An said with a nod.

"Mm. Don't neglect your comprehension of the cultivation technique, either. You're an Awakened One just like our ancestor. Perhaps, after all these years, you're the only member of our Lin family besides our ancestor who can cultivate this technique to perfection," Lin Xiao said.

"You're right, Father. This technique is quite profound. Reaching perfection will certainly take some effort. I've only just reached major accomplishment."

Lin An wore a receptive expression. "I still need to work much harder."

Seeing his son so humble, without the slightest trace of arrogance, Lin Xiao felt even more satisfied.

That's my boy, all right.

"Mm. I happen to be free today, so I can help you practice the technique and reach minor... hmm? What did you say?"

"You've reached major accomplishment in the technique?"

As Lin Xiao spoke, his expression suddenly froze, his eyes widening in disbelief.

"Yes, I reached major accomplishment last night."

Lin An nodded.

Lin Xiao said nothing, merely taking hold of Lin An's wrist. Lin An cooperated by circulating his cultivation technique.

Several breaths later, Lin Xiao released Lin An's wrist and pressed a hand over his own heart instead.

"Father, are you all right?" Lin An hurriedly supported him as he asked.

"Don't say anything. Let me recover for a moment. This heart of mine can't quite take it," Lin Xiao said, taking a deep breath.

Was this some kind of joke?

Major accomplishment in the technique?

It had only been two nights since he received it, hadn't it?

He had reached proficiency on the first night. Considering that he was an Awakened One, and that this technique might suit Awakened Ones best, Lin Xiao had been shocked, but he could still accept it.

But now?

After the second night, he'd reached major accomplishment?

He had practiced this technique for so many years, yet had only reached minor accomplishment.

All those years of effort couldn't even compare to his own son's results from two nights?

At that moment, even as a gold tier expert, Lin Xiao struggled to withstand such a crushing blow.

Without comparison, there was no damage-and this was fucking true damage, too.

"Father, this technique was probably created for Awakened Ones in the first place, so..." Lin An naturally knew what he was thinking and intended to offer a few words of comfort, only to see Lin Xiao wave his hand.

"You brat, now you're trying to comfort your father?"

Lin Xiao smiled. "Though it is indeed a bit of a blow, I'm far happier than anything else."

Previously, he had thought that although Lin An had recovered from his illness, he had ultimately fallen too far behind his peers.

He had even been considering how to ensure that Lin An could hold the position of city lord securely in the future despite being an ordinary person.

But now, it seemed he had been worrying for nothing. With his son's monstrous aptitude, it would not be long before he could crush the younger generation of Shenglin City.

"Father, I'm planning to visit the treasury later to get some pills and choose a few more cultivation techniques. After all, I have the cultivation realm now, but no combat strength," Lin An said.

"Just go. You don't need to tell me. Take whatever you want," Lin Xiao said casually.

Lin An nodded, then hesitated, looking as though he wanted to say something but was holding back.

"Just say whatever's on your mind. What's the point of being so polite between father and son?" Lin Xiao said.

"Father, didn't you just say you were free today? In that case, why don't I help you cultivate? Perhaps I can help you reach major accomplishment in the technique sooner," Lin An said with a smile.

Lin Xiao, who was drinking his porridge, nearly spat it out at those words.

Well, well. Turning the hierarchy upside down, are we?

But considering that his son had already reached major accomplishment while he was still at minor accomplishment, perhaps... it wasn't out of the question.

"Ahem. No need. Your father is a gold tier expert, after all. Why would I need your help?"

Then Lin Xiao changed tack. "However, reaching major accomplishment so quickly may have left some hidden problems. I could check for you."

"Thank you, Father."

Lin An smiled and cupped his hands, preserving his bargain-bin father's dignity.

Naturally, he wanted to help Lin Xiao because the man was his backer. The stronger his backer was, the better.

Especially since Shenglin City would fall a year from now. Even if he could not prevent it, an increase in Lin Xiao's strength would improve their chances of survival.

After breakfast, the two entered a quiet room.

"Just cultivate as you normally would," Lin Xiao said.

Lin An nodded, took out a Lesser Spirit Pill, swallowed it, and began cultivating by circulating his technique.

Lin Xiao carefully sensed the routes along which Lin An circulated his technique. He was a gold tier expert, after all, and had practiced this technique for years, so he soon gained some insights.

So that's how it works. It seems I had it wrong before.

Before long, Lin Xiao could not help circulating his own technique, adjusting it to follow Lin An's cultivation routes.

As he continued making corrections, his comprehension of the technique grew increasingly profound.

Had he possessed a game panel, notifications of proficiency +1, proficiency +10, and proficiency +100 would surely have been sounding one after another.

The two cultivated for several hours.

Only when Lin An broke through again, reaching black iron fifth grade, did they both open their eyes.

Looking at Lin An, who had broken through yet again, Lin Xiao's lips could not help twitching.

This cultivation speed was far too fast.

"Father, how much did you gain?" Lin An asked with a smile.

"Quite a bit. I estimate I'll be able to reach major accomplishment in the technique within three months at most."

Lin Xiao felt a little embarrassed even saying it. Compared to his son reaching major accomplishment in two nights, his own speed was rather embarrassing for his son.

"As long as you gained something. Shall we continue, then?"

"No need. What I've gained today is already enough to keep me occupied for some time."

"All right, then. If you need anything, Father, I'll certainly help."

"Get lost, get lost. Stop holding your old man up from cultivating."

Lin An left the quiet room and headed straight for the treasury.