Xiao Qingtan's eyes curved into crescents as she whispered, "Brother Lin Xuan is so domineering...beating that bastard Lin Shan to a pulp."
Lin Xiao and Lin Dong, though quiet, both had faint smiles. Lin Xiao knew Lin Shan often bullied Lin Dong in the past.
As an elder, he couldn't intervene, but seeing Lin Xuan deliver justice pleased him.
Lin Ken announced Lin Xuan's victory, and the competition continued.
The earlier rounds lacked excitement, as no strong matchups occurred. Only contests above the Body Tempering Sixth Stage drew real interest.
Lin Xuan continued to fight, defeating opponents below the Sixth Stage with ease. However, the rewards were only Second-Rank pills, not as generous as Lin Shan's.
Fifth match! Winning this round would secure a top-five spot.
As Lin Xuan stepped onto the stage, his opponent was already there....Lin Hong.
Such a matchup was unexpectedly early. Both were considered top talents, yet fate had pitted them against each other now.
Lin Xuan calmly established a mission.
Mission: Defeat Lin Hong. Reward: One bottle of Third-Rank Yuan Qi Pill.
The reward made Lin Xuan grin....Yuan Qi Pills could accelerate his cultivation perfectly. Lin Hong had unknowingly made himself more favorable in Lin Xuan's eyes.
"How you struck my brother before, I'll repay tenfold!" Lin Hong sneered. He had deliberately drawn Lin Xuan earlier, planning to stop him from entering the top five.
"Tenfold, you say? Consider it granted!" Lin Xuan replied with a faint smile.
All eyes turned to the stage. This was the first fight above the Sixth Stage.
Lin Hong had reached the Seventh Stage over half a year ago, and now, with the help of several Second- and even a few Third-Rank spiritual herbs, he aimed for first place. Lin Xuan was merely a stepping stone.
"Body Tempering Seventh Stage!" Lin Hong shouted, unleashing a sharp, forceful palm attack aimed at Lin Xuan's vital points.
"You think too highly of yourself," Lin Xuan said disdainfully, channeling his Yuan Power alongside his palm.
"Another Body Tempering Seventh Stage!" the crowd murmured.
Lin Xuan had also reached the Seventh Stage...a revelation no one expected. The battle suddenly became tense and unpredictable.
With equal realms, victory now depended on martial arts attainments.
Lin Hong's Eight Desolations Palm, while powerful, was flawed in his execution. Lin Xuan had cultivated it to perfection,
understanding the balance of firmness and gentleness. Seeing Lin Hong's technique, he easily redirected the attack, striking with precision.
"Bang!" Lin Hong was sent flying, losing face.
He rose again, furious, attacking with ruthless palm techniques aimed at vital points.
The elders frowned, but no matter the intensity, Lin Xuan deftly deflected them, like a master teaching a disciple.
"Such exquisite palm technique… the Eight Desolations Palm can actually be used like this," Lin Zhentian muttered, impressed.
"This child's martial arts attainments are terrifying," Lin Xiao said under his breath. Even he, confident in his own skills, had to admit it.
Lin Hong's pride crumbled as Lin Xuan's skill outclassed him.
"You said tenfold? I'll grant it!" Lin Xuan unleashed a flurry of palm strikes, landing heavy blows.
"Enough!" Lin Mang barked. Lin Xuan delivered a final kick with his hundred-pound iron shoe, sending Lin Hong off the platform.
"Pfft!" Lin Hong spat blood, defeated.
Lin Mang checked his son and scolded Lin Xuan, "How dare you be so heavy-handed!"
"I held back," Lin Xuan replied coldly. "Lin Hong attacked ruthlessly, targeting vital points.
If he had the upper hand, what do you think my fate would have been?"
Lin Xuan had restrained himself. The injuries were serious but not fatal....Lin Hong's foundations remained intact.
Lin Mang still looked displeased.
"Take Lin Hong down for treatment first," Lin Zhentian instructed.
"Yes, Father!" Lin Mang complied. With Lin Hong sidelined, he would miss future matches, eliminating his chance at the top five.
The competition continued. Lin Xuan returned to the platform, eyes shining. Admiration glimmered in the crowd, including Lin Zhentian.
His outstanding performance brought pride to the family.
Little Qingtan trotted over in a cyan dress. "Brother Lin Xuan, you were amazing! Here, wipe your sweat." She handed him a handkerchief, smiling.
Previously, Lin Hong had hoped to secure her as a betrothal if he ranked in the top three, causing her great worry. Now, Lin Xuan had prevented that, rescuing her again.
Looking at Lin Xuan's determined, masculine face, Qingtan felt a sudden sense of security.
"Thank you," she whispered. Lin Xuan took the handkerchief, brushing it over his face. The faint lilac-like fragrance lingered, and he couldn't help but inhale gently.
Seeing him do so, Qingtan's delicate cheeks flushed pink.
Seeing Qingtan's shy expression and recalling the soft fragrance lingering on the handkerchief, Lin Xuan felt an unexpected flutter in his chest.
Forgive me… forgive me… he chastised himself. Qingtan was still young—how could he entertain such thoughts?
She's only fifteen. In this world, sixteen is considered adulthood, so marriage could be possible… but even then, she would probably still look adorably petite.
Lin Xuan shook his head. At least wait until she grows up. There's no way I'd like a loli!
His mind, however, seemed to have a will of its own, turning increasingly mischievous.
[Task: Capture Qingtan's heart. Reward: Charm +10, Congenital Yin煞 Qi.]
"Damn… it actually worked," Lin Xuan muttered inwardly. System, I'm not that kind of person!
Brother Lin xuan, what are you thinking about?" Qingtan noticed him lost in thought, holding her handkerchief, and gently nudged him.
"Oh… I was just thinking about who I'll fight next." Lin Xuan quickly redirected his gaze toward the stage.
By now, Lin Dong and Lin Xia had both drawn their lots: three and four, respectively. Lin Xia's opponent was only at the fifth level of Body Tempering,
while Lin Dong faced a youth named Lin Ting, recently breaking through to the sixth level.
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