NOVEL NEXT Chapter 10: Prove Yourselves
“I was originally planning to use these 100 lower-grade spirit stones for a family simulation, but it seems that’s off the table for now. I’ll wait until I have more resources on hand.”
Realizing that the Immortal Clan Simulator could potentially predict the future if he made no changes, Lin Zichen decided to always reserve enough energy points for at least one personal simulation, just in case.
After all, as long as the Lin family hadn’t ascended to a second-rate power, the energy points required for a single simulation would remain the same.
This was the perfect opportunity to use the personal simulation feature to enhance his strength. If he waited until the family advanced to a second-rate power, opportunities like this would be rare.
“Lin Zichen, come out!”
“I know you’re in there. Get out here! I challenge you!”
“Exactly! Don’t just hide in your room. I want to see what makes you qualified to be directly appointed as the Family Young Master, bypassing the family rules!”
While Lin Zichen was lost in his thoughts, the raucous commotion outside pulled his attention, causing him to furrow his brow.
But soon, a faint smile crept onto his lips.
“It seems my years of keeping a low profile have made these guys doubt my qualifications as the Family Young Master.”
Shaking his head, Lin Zichen rose to his feet.
Aside from the Lin family elders, no one else knew his true strength—not even these so-called family geniuses.
In their eyes, Lin Zichen was merely at the eighth stage of Body Refinement. While this was already impressive given his age—enough to earn him the label of a genius—it only ranked him within the top five of his peers, far from commanding their respect.
“The Lin family’s ‘Zi’-generation members number over two hundred, with the majority being under 18. Among them, the strongest, aside from myself, seems to be someone named Lin Zitao, who has reached the peak of the ninth Stage of Body Refinement realm.”
Recalling information about his peers, Lin Zichen couldn’t help but feel uninterested.
Even without his golden finger, he could easily defeat these so-called geniuses. Now that he had awakened it, the gap was even more significant.
“Fine. I’ll reveal a portion of my strength to solidify my position as the Family Young Master.”
With that thought, Lin Zichen strode toward the courtyard gate.
Creak
With a sharp, ear-piercing sound, the gates swung open.
Familiar figures came into view.
Lin Zitao, Lin Ziquan, Lin Ziqing… Several of the Lin family’s top-ranked geniuses had gathered here. As they saw Lin Zichen step out, their eyes gleamed with determination.
“Lin Zichen, you know why we’re here. If you want to secure your position as the Family Young Master, you’ll need to prove your strength and earn our respect.”
“Exactly! We don’t know how you convinced the family elders to appoint you as the Family Young Master, but in this world, strength reigns supreme. Only the most capable family member deserves that title.”
“Defeat me, and I’ll acknowledge your claim as the Family Young Master.”
The leading geniuses spoke one after another, challenging Lin Zichen.
For a moment, the previously noisy courtyard fell silent.
Everyone’s eyes focused on Lin Zichen, awaiting his response.
Would he accept the challenge?
“Heh.”
Seeing their earnest expressions, Lin Zichen suddenly chuckled. Without saying a word, he turned and walked deeper into the family grounds, leaving the crowd puzzled.
What was happening? Was he agreeing or refusing?
The so-called geniuses, like Lin Ziquan, who considered themselves stronger than Lin Zichen, were particularly irritated.
But just as they were about to speak—
Lin Zichen, walking leisurely with his hands clasped behind his head, suddenly stopped. Turning back to glance at the dazed crowd, he spoke in a calm voice:
“To the training ground. I’ll make you all submit.”
His tone was indifferent, but to the listeners, it carried a distinct sense of confidence and disdain. It felt as though their challenges were nothing more than futile efforts, as if their defiance was laughable.
This provocation infuriated Lin Zitao, Lin Ziquan, and the others, who prided themselves on their strength. Their fists clenched involuntarily as they resolved to teach this arrogant “young master” a lesson, to show him who was truly superior.
“Arrogant! Absolutely insufferable! Where does he get this confidence?”
“He’s only at the eighth Stage of Body Refinement! What makes him think he can act this way?”
“Hmph! Does he think being the clan leader’s son makes him untouchable? This time, I’ll make sure he remembers this lesson!”
Fury boiled in the hearts of the Lin family geniuses as they quickened their pace toward the training ground, eager to put Lin Zichen in his place.
Meanwhile, those who had no ambition for the position of the Family Young Master followed along, eager to watch the drama unfold.
Soon, Lin Zichen arrived at the training ground—a vast arena spanning hundreds of acres. Surrounding the area were racks of various weapons: swords, sabers, spears, hammers, and every conceivable weapon. These weapons were deliberately blunted, their edges dulled to ensure safety while allowing combatants to showcase their true strength.
At the center of the training ground was a massive arena, about the size of a soccer field.
The training ground was already bustling with activity. Many family members were practicing their martial techniques or sparring with one another. However, as Lin Zichen and the younger crowd arrived, the practice came to a halt. All eyes turned toward the newcomers.
“Heh, it seems these youngsters aren’t too pleased with Zichen being appointed the Family Young Master,” one elder murmured, watching from the sidelines.
“If I were in their shoes, I’d probably feel the same. After all, among the younger generation, Zichen’s cultivation isn’t even in the top three. The family elders’ sudden decision is bound to ruffle some feathers.”
“That’s true,” another elder agreed.
Despite the murmurs and opinions swirling around, Lin Zichen remained unaffected.
Calmly, he reached for a green longsword from a nearby weapon rack. With a flick of his wrist, he activated his movement technique, arriving at the center of the arena in just a few breaths.
He raised the sword slightly, pointing it toward Lin Zitao and the others, and said with a steady voice that echoed through the training ground:
“If anyone refuses to acknowledge me as the Family Young Master, consider this your chance. Don’t say I didn’t give you the opportunity.”
“Arrogant! I, Lin Ziqing, will face you!”
At seventeen, Lin Ziqing was brimming with youthful vigor. Having nearly reached the ninth Stage of Body Refinement, he ranked higher than Lin Zichen among the younger generation. Spurred by impulse, he was the first to step forward and issue a challenge.
Seeing this, Lin Zitao and the others, who had initially been itching for a fight, held back.
“Know your enemy and know yourself,” they thought. “Let’s observe for now.”