For him, the strength of his cousins was undeniable.
He couldn't bring himself to resent them anymore. In fact, he was already leaning toward flattery, eager to stay on their good side.
Lin Xuan's expression stayed calm. "There's no need to thank us," he said evenly.
"We weren't just helping you. We're one family. Inside, we may fight, but outsiders? Never.
As long as you don't target me, I won't bother you either. Do you understand?"
Both brothers nodded quickly.
Both brothers nodded quickly.
Lin Shan even bowed. "I was wrong before. I apologize...truly. I'm sorry, Lin Xuan. Sorry, Lin Dong. Sorry, Qing Tan."
His voice was humble, nothing like the arrogant boy he used to be.
The beating from outsiders had taught him what being spoiled truly meant....inside the clan, others avoided him out of respect for his father's position.
Outside, no one cared. Outsiders would strike without mercy.
Lin Hong gave a bitter laugh. "You're right, Lin Xuan. We should stand together.
Don't worry....I'll never target you again. Honestly, I don't even have the strength to."
Lin Xia beamed, delighted by the reconciliation. She clapped Lin Hong on the shoulder. "See? That's more like it.
We're one family. Why keep grudges? From now on, let's train together."
Her eyes narrowed. "But remember....if Lin Xuan and Lin Dong can work this hard with their talent, what excuse do you two have? You're not as gifted, which means you should be training even harder. Otherwise, aren't you ashamed?"
She jabbed a finger at them for emphasis. "When we get back, I'll ask Grandpa to set a rule: everyone trains daily, everyone compares progress, and anyone who slacks off will be punished."
Lin Xuan blinked in surprise. Is she really planning to make the whole clan compete like this?
But Lin Hong and Lin Shan's eyes lit up with fiery determination.
They straightened their backs like soldiers.
"Yes, Sister Lin Xia!" they shouted together.
Lin Hong even bowed again. "Lin Xuan, Lin Dong, please guide us in the future."
For the first time in a long while, the brothers looked genuinely eager to improve.
Lin Xuan chuckled softly. "Of course. Work as hard as you like.
But don't expect to beat me....I'll always stay ahead."
His words carried no arrogance, only calm confidence.
And in that moment, the entire Lin family felt the spark of something new
: unity, rivalry, and the beginning of a rolling wave that would sweep through the clan.
On the way back, the four were still discussing Lei Li and Xie Yingying.
"Brother Lin Xuan, how strong is Lei Li? Do you think you can defeat him?" Lin Dong asked curiously.
From the fight just now, Lin Xuan and Lei Li had been evenly matched, seemingly neck and neck.
But Lin Dong knew Lin Xuan still had many techniques he hadn't revealed.
However, Lei Li's strength was also considerable.
With a higher cultivation realm and abundant yuan power, Lin Dong himself had no confidence that he could beat Lei Li if they fought.
Both Lin Xia and Qing Tan also turned their eyes to Lin Xuan.
At this point, there was no doubt they had thoroughly offended Lei Li.
When the hunting competition arrived, Lei Li would surely look for a chance to retaliate.
"When the hunt begins, it shouldn't be a big problem," Lin Xuan replied humbly.
Relieved!
Hearing this, the three all smiled with ease.
After spending this time together, they had come to understand Lin Xuan somewhat.
In terms of strength, they had never once seen him pushed to his limit.
Whether after sparring or after a breakthrough, Lin Xuan always claimed it was just luck, that he had barely managed.
Yet in reality, he always had them completely under control.
So now, when he said "not a big problem," it basically meant ... no problem at all.
In truth, Lin Xuan had already been confident he could defeat Lei Li, despite Lei Li being a whole level above him. But he deliberately didn't.
A person should always keep something hidden. Never let others see your full hand… That was his style.
If he had beaten Lei Li outright, he would immediately become the number one genius of Qingyang Town.
But as the saying goes, "The tallest tree in the forest is the first to be destroyed."
The hunting competition was coming. If he displayed strength that could crush Lei Li, that would mean the Lei and Xie families would stand no chance in the hunt. Cornered, they might act recklessly and strike at him in advance.
And for the Lei and Xie families, killing a mere Body Tempering cultivator right now would not be difficult.
The most dangerous thing in life is when your enemy loses all hope.
So Lin Xuan deliberately let himself appear slightly weaker in the duel, allowing Lei Li to feel he was just a little short of victory.
This gave Lei Li "hope" ....the belief that he could beat Lin Xuan on his own, without needing his family's overwhelming power.
Lin Xuan's approach was like deliberately "controlling his exam score."
Since he had the ability, it didn't matter what he scored on normal tests. As long as it achieved his purpose, that was enough.
When the hunt arrived, Lin Xuan's strength would have improved again.
Then he could pretend to barely defeat Lei Li, while still concealing most of his true power, without worrying about the Lei and Xie families' revenge.
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