NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4: Chapter 4 : Clan Competition
Lin Dong sat cross-legged, the early morning sunlight filtering through the cracks in the wooden window. His breath was steady, each inhale drawing Yuan Power into his body, and each exhale refining it within his dantian. The system's assistance, combined with the Ancestral Stone, had transformed his cultivation journey into something extraordinary.
A faint glow surrounded him as he summoned the system interface.
"System Panel"
Host: Lin Dong
Current Realm: Late Stage Earthly Yuan Realm
Cultivation Techniques:
Penetrating Fist: Advanced Mastery – Devastating power compressed into precise strikes.Subduing Palm: Intermediate Mastery – Balanced and versatile for counters.Qi Gathering Formation: Entry Level – Amplifies cultivation efficiency.
Special Items:
Ancestral Stone: A mystical artifact enhancing talent and refining Yuan Power passively.Sign-In Rewards:Yuan Qi Condensation Pills x10: Boosts cultivation speed.Earthly Spirit Fruit x3: Enhances strength and Yuan Power.
System Commentary: [Host is progressing at a monstrous rate. Continue the momentum to crush all obstacles.]
Lin Dong smirked faintly. The system's directness always amused him, but there was truth in its words. His current strength wasn't just a result of hard work—it was a culmination of luck, determination, and the gifts he had acquired.
Stepping outside, he found his father, Lin Xiao, waiting with a solemn expression.
"Dong'er," Lin Xiao began, his voice steady but warm, "Today isn't just a competition. It's a chance to prove yourself to the clan. Remember, you're not just fighting for yourself but for the honor of our branch."
Lin Dong nodded, his gaze firm. "Father, I understand. I'll show them what we're capable of."
As the crowd gathered for the Lin Clan competition, Lin Xiao stood at the edge of the training ground, his eyes searching for his father. It had been years since he had returned to the family estate. His injury, a blow to both his body and pride, had kept him away, and now, seeing the familiar figures and surroundings brought a mix of emotions.
At the center of the gathering sat Lin Zhentian, his imposing figure unchanged, though his once-black hair now carried streaks of silver. His gaze swept over the participants before landing on Lin Xiao. A flicker of surprise crossed his face, quickly replaced by a composed expression.
Lin Xiao approached slowly, his steps hesitant but steady.
"Father," he said, bowing deeply, his voice carrying a weight of guilt and respect.
Lin Zhentian looked at him for a moment, his sharp eyes softening. "Xiao'er, it's been a long time."
Lin Xiao straightened, meeting his father's gaze. "Too long. I…" He hesitated, then continued, "I should have come back sooner."
Lin Zhentian's expression remained calm, but there was a trace of warmth in his voice. "You were injured, and your pride took a greater wound. I understand why you stayed away. But you should know, no matter how long it takes, family is always waiting."
Lin Xiao's hands tightened into fists. "I failed not just myself but you and the family. Losing to the Lei Family back then… it's something I've carried with me every day."
Lin Zhentian shook his head slightly, his voice firm. "The past is the past. The Lei Family incident is a scar, but scars remind us to grow stronger. What matters is that you've returned—and stronger than before."
Lin Xiao's lips curved into a faint smile. "Stronger, yes. The years of recovery weren't easy, but I found ways to rebuild my strength. And now…" He glanced at Lin Dong, who stood among the participants, his head held high. "Now, my son is here to prove that we are not to be underestimated."
Lin Zhentian followed his son's gaze, his expression unreadable. "Dong'er has potential, but potential alone isn't enough. He'll face challenges far greater than any competition. It's up to him to rise above them."
"Father," Lin Xiao said quietly, "he has something I lacked back then—a drive that won't let him give up. I see it in his eyes every day."
Lin Zhentian leaned back, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Good. Then let him show the clan what he's made of. And Xiao'er…"
Lin Xiao looked at him, his expression questioning.
"I'm glad you've returned," Lin Zhentian said, his voice quieter now but carrying a weight of sincerity. "The Lin Family is stronger when we stand together. Don't let pride or fear separate us again."
Lin Xiao nodded, his throat tightening. "I won't, Father."
For a moment, the two men stood in silence, the years of distance between them dissolving. Then, Lin Zhentian straightened, his commanding presence returning.
"Now, let's see what your son can do."
The competition began with an air of tension. Disciples from every branch stepped into the ring, their eyes filled with determination. Lin Dong's first opponent was a wiry youth who relied on speed. As the boy charged forward, Lin Dong sidestepped smoothly, his movements precise. With a single counterpunch, the boy was sent sprawling, the match ending before it truly began.
The crowd erupted in murmurs, many surprised by Lin Dong's efficiency.
In the next round, Lin Dong faced a more skilled opponent, a disciple known for his agile strikes. Their exchange was fast and intense, the clash of Yuan Power reverberating through the arena. Lin Dong deflected a flurry of blows with his Subduing Palm before delivering a devastating Penetrating Fist to his opponent's chest, sending him flying out of the ring.
By the final round, Lin Dong stood against Lin Shan's elder brother, a towering figure known for his brute strength. As the match began, the youth charged like a raging bull, his fists crackling with Yuan Power.
Lin Dong waited calmly, his eyes sharp. As his opponent's attack came within inches, Lin Dong stepped forward, his fist glowing with concentrated energy. One punch landed squarely on his opponent's chest, the sheer force lifting him off his feet and sending him crashing to the ground, unconscious.
The silence that followed was deafening, broken only by an eruption of cheers from the spectators.
Lin Xiao turned to Lin Zhentian, his voice shaking with emotion. "Father, did you see that? Dong'er's strength is beyond anything I expected."
Lin Zhentian stroked his beard, his expression calm but his eyes gleaming with pride. "He's surpassed my expectations as well. But this is only the first step. The true path of cultivation is fraught with challenges. If he grows complacent, his current strength will mean nothing."
Lin Xiao nodded, his gaze never leaving his son. "He won't. Dong'er has inherited not just talent but resilience. I believe he'll go far."
Lin Dong stood in the ring, the cheers of the crowd fading into the background. His victory was sweet, but he knew this was only the beginning. The road ahead was long, but he was ready to walk it and create his own unique path which will remembered throughout ages .