C16 Shock

Standing beside Lin Qixing, Lin Yun—the Lin Family's former top prodigy—stared at Lin Xuan with astonishment.

He had reached the pinnacle of the Ninth Level of the Body Refining Stage. With the family competition looming and his status as the patriarch's son, he had access to abundant cultivation resources and had successfully advanced to the Enlightenment Stage.

He had believed that once he broke through to the Enlightenment Stage, he would be on par with, or even surpass, Lin Xuan. The gap between the Enlightenment and Body Refining Stages was, after all, immense.

Yet, to his amazement, Lin Xuan had achieved breakthrough after breakthrough in a mere half-month, ascending from the Seventh Level of the Body Refining Stage to the Enlightenment Stage.

This development was so shocking that Lin Yun struggled to accept it, but the evidence was right before his eyes, and he had to acknowledge it.

Previously, Lin Xuan had been known for fighting above his rank.

Now, he stood at the same level as Lin Yun.

Upon this realization, Lin Yun, now fully aware of the situation, couldn't help but let out a wry chuckle.

The thought of contending with Lin Xuan no longer crossed his mind. Even when Lin Xuan was at the Seventh Level of Body Refining, he had been able to defeat Lin Yun.

Now, with both at the same stage, Lin Yun knew he stood no chance against Lin Xuan.

Moreover, he had gained a new appreciation for Lin Xuan's innate talent.

Perhaps Lin Xuan had only seemed like a minor talent before due to a lack of cultivation resources. But once he became the chief disciple, with resources aplenty, Lin Xuan had soared, reaching the Enlightenment Stage in just half a month.

Clearly, Lin Xuan's talent was far from ordinary; he had vastly outstripped Lin Yun.

Indeed, Lin Xuan was the true premier genius of the Lin Family, even the foremost prodigy of the entire Green Jade City.

Lin Yun harbored no jealousy, only admiration and delight. Martial arts talent was an innate gift, after all.

He felt a twinge of envy and a surge of happiness.

As a disciple of the Lin Family, Lin Xuan's talent had established him as the unrivaled number one in Green Jade City. No one could hold a candle to him.

His potential for future greatness was undoubtedly boundless.

When the time came, if Lin Xuan lent his aid to the Lin Family, he, as a disciple, stood to gain significantly.

Perhaps this would be an opportunity for him to advance even further.

He felt a surge of delight.

"Congratulations, Host, for acquiring 487 points of astonishing energy from Qi Gathering Stage Martial Artist Lin Qizhi."

"Congratulations, Host, for acquiring 500 points of shock energy from Qi Gathering Stage Martial Artist Lin Qiyu."

Lin Xuan gazed at the steadily climbing energy points on his attribute panel, a smile playing on his lips.

The Enlightenment Stage was traditionally a period for honing one's physique and bolstering one's vitality.

Had he chosen not to reveal his aura, none would have been the wiser, save for Condensation Spin Stage's Lin Qiyuan.

Yet, he had intentionally leaked a sliver of his aura, allowing Lin Qixing and others to perceive it.

His aim was to harvest these energy points.

And it seemed his efforts had paid off handsomely.

With a light chuckle, Lin Xuan remarked, "This is trivial. Shiyun and Lin Yun have also ascended to the Enlightenment Stage."

This insight came from his perusal of the attribute panel.

Instantly, a ripple of excitement spread across the field.

The disciples' gazes shifted between Lin Shiyun and Lin Yun.

But the majority of eyes remained fixed on Lin Xuan.

His progression through the realms had been more substantial, stirring greater astonishment.

Patriarch Lin Qixing's satisfaction deepened upon witnessing Lin Xuan's composed ascent to the Enlightenment Stage.

"This is a different ballgame. You've now reached the Enlightenment Stage. Come the tournament, we'll be able to show the other three powers just what we're made of."

The Lin Family's senior members exchanged smiles and nods of approval.

At the Seventh Level of Body Refining Stage, Lin Xuan had already bested Lin Yun, who was at the pinnacle of the Ninth Level.

Now, having broken through to the Enlightenment Stage, his power had surged dramatically.

Meanwhile, Lin Yun had only recently achieved the Enlightenment Stage. The leading talents of the other three major forces, previously on par with Lin Yun, were likely similar in strength.

All were on an even footing, yet Lin Xuan's natural talent clearly outshone the rest.

It was no surprise that he was the strongest among them.

Thus, their confidence in Lin Xuan was unshakable.

Even the Head Elder, Lin Qiyu, who had previously harbored a bias against Lin Xuan due to Lin Hai, couldn't help but smile now. Lin Xuan had once again demonstrated a level of talent that far surpassed Lin Hai's. It was only a matter of time before Lin Xuan would leave the Lin Family, perhaps even Green Jade City. Consequently, any animosity between them would dissolve. Lin Qiyu's initial prejudice against Lin Xuan had effectively disappeared.

Reflecting on Lin Xuan's exceptional abilities, Lin Qiyu considered whether he should have Lin Hai apologize to Lin Xuan to settle their past differences. After all, Lin Hai had repeatedly schemed against Lin Xuan. If Lin Xuan grew even more powerful, and sought retribution, it could spell trouble. Yet, as the Head Elder, Lin Qiyu struggled with his pride; he found it difficult to ask his grandson to apologize to a mere clan member like Lin Xuan.

It was then that the voice of the Patriarch, Lin Qixing, rang out. "Is everyone present? Let's set out!" With those words, Lin Qixing led the way with a smile, heading towards the City Lord's Mansion. Lin Qiyuan followed closely behind him, with the Head Elder trailing. Next in line was the top disciple, Lin Xuan, with Lin Shiyun by his side, clinging to his arm. The rest of the Lin Family's elite and disciples fell in step behind them.

Green Jade City was vast. Among its four mightiest factions, the Lin Family ranked second, all situated within the heart of the city. The distance between their location and the City Lord's Mansion was short, and they arrived promptly.

Upon entering the City Lord's Mansion, the Lin Family was soon escorted to a plaza, a space more than double the size of their own Martial Arts Practice Field. Designed to accommodate various major competitions, it was expansive and robust.

As the Lin Family made their entrance, they immediately became the center of attention. At that moment, the Lin Family's influence was unmatched, with even the City Lord's Mansion's sway paling in comparison.

The most formidable expert in Green Jade City, Lin Qiyuan, hails from the Lin Family. Now, the city's top prodigy, Lin Xuan, is also a member of the Lin clan. Both the current and the future mightiest figures of Green Jade City are Lin Family scions, drawing considerable attention their way.

In a secluded corner of the square, the young talents from the other three major family factions had convened. Their eyes were all trained on the newly arrived members of the Lin Family. The Lin Family's rise to power posed a threat to the authority of the City Lord's Mansion, prompting these major forces to form an alliance. This was the reason their elite disciples were now united in one place.

"Zhang Hee, quick, look—that's Lin Xuan," Chen Yu, the premier genius of the Chen family, pointed out to Zhang Hee, the leading talent of the City Lord's Mansion, gesturing towards Lin Xuan amidst the throng.