C13 Breakthrough

Lin Xuan let out a light chuckle. Over the past five days, when he wasn't deep in secluded cultivation, he was leisurely wandering the streets of Green Jade City with Lin Shiyun. As the Lin Family's premier prodigy, his fame had already swept through the city, making him a familiar face to many.

These days, he balanced his time between leisure and cultivation, dedicating no more than half a day to his training. Yet, astonishingly, he managed to advance two whole levels. Previously, he had been stuck at the Seventh Level of Body Refining for an entire month, and his predecessor had taken several months to achieve a similar breakthrough. The stark contrast underscored the sheer terror of possessing immense talent. Once merely of Middle Grade cultivation talent, he now possessed Top Grade potential—a transformation that spoke volumes.

"From now on, I need to focus on enhancing my talent," Lin Xuan mused to himself.

"And to think I've amassed 110,000 energy points already? Impressive." His grin broadened as he considered the growing number of energy points. The more he collected, the more treasures he could replicate, accelerating the increase of his power—a reason for his evident joy.

With his affairs in order, Lin Xuan strode out of the cultivation chamber. He freshened up in the bath, donning a set of clean clothes. This recent breakthrough to the Ninth Level of Body Refining had instantly solidified his realm. However, since the breakthrough was so recent, further cultivation would yield little benefit for now, so he decided not to spend more time on it.

Besides, if his guess was right, it wouldn't be long before Lin Shiyun would come looking for him, eager to drag him out for another day of fun. This had become their routine over the last several days. Lin Xuan, cherishing the bond they shared in this life, would never dream of turning her down. He made sure to be ready before she arrived.

True to his expectations, Lin Xuan didn't have to wait long after getting everything in order. A peal of silvery laughter heralded her approach, and a sweet fragrance filled the air. A tall figure with a delicate and pure visage stepped through the doorway.

"Brother Lin Xuan," Lin Shiyun greeted him with a beaming smile.

"You've arrived."

Lin Xuan acknowledged her presence and stepped outside.

In an instant, he felt Lin Shiyun's embrace envelop him.

"Lin Xuan, it's been too long."

Her melodious voice filled the air.

"Shiyun, it has been a while."

Lin Xuan returned the sentiment, softly patting her back.

Yet, a weight lingered in his heart.

He distinctly sensed that Lin Shiyun's affection for him had grown during this time.

Lin Xuan harbored no aversion to her feelings; on the contrary, it brought him joy.

Still, an inexplicable gloom persisted within him, a shadow he couldn't shake off.

Despite his efforts, it remained.

Lin Shiyun clung to him tightly, only releasing her embrace after several moments, her cheeks tinged with a rosy flush.

As she gazed up at Lin Xuan's striking features, she gasped in surprise.

"Lin Xuan, have you advanced to the Ninth Level of Body Refining?"

"Yes, and haven't you advanced as well?"

Lin Xuan replied with a light laugh, a sparkle in his eyes.

Advancing in the Body Refining Stage meant bolstered physical strength and vitality.

But unless he deliberately revealed his aura, others would struggle to notice.

Yet Lin Shiyun had discerned his breakthrough with a mere glance.

Clearly, her talent exceeded even what he had imagined.

"With this achievement, Lin Xuan, you truly embody the title of chief disciple, beyond mere strength."

Lin Shiyun's smile was warm, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of astonishment.

Just five days prior, at the monthly strength assessment, Lin Xuan was at the Seventh Level of Body Refining.

Now, he had surged through two levels in succession.

His pace of cultivation was astonishing.

But as long as he remained her Lin Xuan, the details mattered little to her.

"Shiyun, shall we go out and have some fun?"

Lin Xuan suggested, his voice light.

"Lin Xuan, I can't."

Lin Shiyun shook her head, her voice earnest:

"My father wishes to meet with you. Would you accompany me to see him?"

There was a note of entreaty in her voice.

"Of course, I'd be glad to meet my future father-in-law."

Lin Xuan let out a hearty laugh and readily accepted.

"I'm not talking to you anymore, hmph!"

Lin Shiyun's cheeks flushed as she playfully flicked Lin Xuan's arm, yet she didn't release her grip and held onto him tightly.

They continued on, sharing jokes and laughter as they made their way to the Third Elder's residence.

Along the way, Lin Xuan was all smiles, bantering with Lin Shiyun. But inwardly, he was lost in thought.

As a member of the Lin Family, he was familiar with the tales of Lin Shiyun's father, Lin Qiyuan.

Rumor had it that Lin Qiyuan, along with the current family head Lin Qixing, the Head Elder, and the Second Elder, were once close brothers.

Lin Qiyuan was once poised to become the next patriarch.

Yet, unwilling to engage in fratricide, he left the Lin Family to seek his own path through rigorous training.

Years later, Lin Qiyuan returned, having advanced his cultivation to the Late Qi Transformation Stage, establishing himself as the preeminent force in Green Jade City. Neither the ancestors of the other two major families nor the City Lord could stand against him.

Despite being the most powerful, Lin Qiyuan had no interest in leading the family and thus assumed the role of Third Elder.

Leveraging Lin Qiyuan's formidable presence, the Lin Family had soared, climbing from fourth to second in rank, even posing a threat to the City Lord's Mansion.

Lin Qiyuan seldom intervened; otherwise, the Lin Family would have already claimed the top spot in Green Jade City.

Upon his return, Lin Qiyuan didn't just bring back his profound cultivation; he also brought a young girl, Lin Shiyun.

He never spoke of Lin Shiyun's mother, and no one dared to broach the subject.

For years, Lin Qiyuan's primary focus was nurturing Lin Shiyun.

Even the family head had limited opportunities to see Lin Qiyuan, let alone a family disciple like Lin Xuan.

Thus, Lin Xuan was deeply intrigued by the unexpected summons from Lin Qiyuan.

Standing before the courtyard, more opulent than even the family head's abode, Lin Xuan reflected silently.

In this world, strength reigned supreme.

Even the patriarch of the Lin Family, who held the highest status, had to remain unassuming before Lin Qiyuan, whose strength surpassed his own. The evidence was clear from the look of the estate.

"Lin Xuan, shall we go in?" Lin Shiyun's soft voice carried over.

"Sure," Lin Xuan replied.

With that, they stepped through the gate. Before them stretched a vast expanse of grassland, and in the distance, a small grove of flowers beckoned. Servants bustled about their tasks, and upon spotting Lin Shiyun, each one bowed respectfully in greeting.

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