C3 Strength Increase

"Lin Xuan emerges victorious in this challenge," declared Referee Lee Hee, his voice carrying a note of surprise as he regarded Lin Xuan. Despite Lin Xuan's strength being a notch below Lin Lei's, Lee Hee hadn't anticipated such a decisive victory, especially one delivered with a single, effortless punch.

The moment Lee Hee's words dissipated, a wave of commotion swept through the crowd. Onlookers exchanged shocked glances and the noise level surged.

"Did Lin Xuan just win?"

"He took out his opponent with one hit?"

"Looks like Lin Xuan's been concealing his true power."

The buzz of conversation swelled as the spectators marveled at the upset. Lin Xuan's ability to launch Lin Lei through the air with one punch was a testament to his prowess. Though not on par with the three prodigies—Lin Hai, Lin Shiyun, and Lin Yun—Lin Xuan stood head and shoulders above the rest, earning him the title of the Lin Family's fourth genius.

Even the Lin Family elders, perched on a distant platform to observe the monthly disciple strength assessment, cast intrigued looks toward Lin Xuan.

Lin Shiyun was brimming with delight at Lin Xuan's triumph, while Lin Hai brooded with a darkened expression.

"Worthless!" Lin Hai muttered under his breath, his frustration palpable. His plans had been thwarted; Lin Xuan had not only succeeded but had also showcased his formidable strength, making any future schemes against him all the more challenging.

Back in the arena, Lin Xuan's eyes danced over his attribute panel, where his energy points had surged following Lee Hee's announcement. His grin broadened as the points soared past the 3,000 milestone—a truly gratifying development.

Lee Hee's voice broke through the excitement. "Lin Xuan, you may step down now. It's time for the other disciples to have their matches."

With a serene smile, Lin Xuan responded, "Referee, may I issue challenges to the others next?"

Lee Hee was momentarily taken aback by the query. It was customary for different disciples to engage in combat after each challenge, as the exertion of battle typically required a period of recovery. The notion of someone seeking to continue challenging others immediately was unorthodox, to say the least. Lee Hee hadn't expected Lin Xuan to deviate from the norm in such a bold fashion.

"Sure, but..." Lee Hee hesitated before responding. Yet before he could finish, Lin Xuan cut him off.

"That's settled then. Next, I want to challenge someone!" Lin Xuan declared, his demeanor calm and composed, showing no signs of impulsiveness.

Since Lin Xuan's request was within the rules, Lee Hee found himself unable to dissuade him. "Who do you wish to challenge?"

"Lin Hai!" Lin Xuan stated firmly, without a moment's hesitation.

Over the past month, both he and Lin Shiyun had suffered enough at Lin Hai's hands. Now, with his strength sufficient, it was time for Lin Xuan to exact his revenge on Lin Hai. And as a bonus, he could harvest a surge of energy points.

Lee Hee's expression shifted dramatically upon hearing this; he almost couldn't believe his ears. Among the Lin Family's three prodigies, Lin Yun had reached the peak of the Ninth Level of Body Refining, while both Lin Shiyun and Lin Hai were at the peak of the Eighth Level. They were the strongest disciples of the Lin Family, their status unshakable.

Ordinarily, apart from the three challenging each other, no one else dared to do so. Yet here was Lin Xuan, boldly choosing to challenge Lin Hai right out of the gate. The thought was almost inconceivable to Lee Hee.

Upon seeing Lin Xuan nod in confirmation, Lee Hee realized he had indeed heard correctly. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he accepted the reality of the situation. Even if Lin Xuan was biting off more than he could chew, Lee Hee was just an ordinary steward with no place to intervene. All he could do was hope that Lin Xuan could endure without sustaining severe injuries. After all, Lin Xuan had always treated their fellow martial artists with far more respect than Lin Hai had.

With that, Lee Hee made the announcement with a clear, strong voice. "For the next match, Lin Xuan will challenge Lin Hai! Lin Hai, to the stage!"

His words hung in the air, and for a brief moment, silence enveloped the arena. Then, as if a dam had burst, the crowd erupted into a cacophony of disbelief and excitement.

"Am I hearing this right? Lin Xuan is actually challenging one of the three great geniuses, Lin Hai?"

"It's been ages since anyone has had the guts to challenge the three prodigies. Can you believe Lin Xuan's audacity?"

"Perhaps his victory over Lin Lei has emboldened him. He's likely seeking revenge against Lin Hai. They've had quite the feud in the past."

"Be that as it may, Lin Xuan is only at the Seventh Level of Body Refining. How could he possibly stand a chance against Lin Hai, who's at the peak of Level 8? He's likely heading for a disaster."

The crowd was abuzz with conversation.

Their eyes were fixed on Lin Xuan in the arena. Amidst their shock at his boldness, expressions of malicious delight and mockery played across their faces.

The consensus was clear: nearly everyone doubted Lin Xuan's prospects in the upcoming battle.

Even Lin Shiyun felt a surge of anxiety when she heard the news and considered seeking her father's aid.

But catching sight of Lin Xuan's self-assured look, she paused.

This time, she decided to trust in Lin Xuan.

Elsewhere, Lin Hai burst into laughter upon hearing the news.

He had been fretting over finding a pretext to discipline Lin Xuan, and here Lin Xuan was, delivering himself on a silver platter.

Though puzzled by Lin Xuan's brazenness, Lin Hai wasn't about to pass up the opportunity.

He promptly rose and made his way to the arena.

This challenge had drawn the attention of the Lin family's upper echelon, as it involved Lin Hai, one of the three esteemed geniuses.

Before long, Lin Hai had taken his place in the arena, facing off against Lin Xuan.

Lin Xuan appraised Lin Hai with a sweeping glance.

"Name: Lin Hai."

"Cultivation: Body Refining Level 8."

"Talent: Middle Grade Cultivation Talent, Substandard Strength Talent, Substandard Speed Talent."

"Martial Arts: Wind Palm (Low Grade Rank 2, Initial Perfect Level), Rolling Rock Fist (Top Grade Rank 1, Great Completion)."

"Personal Treasures: None."

A smile flickered across Lin Xuan's face as he reviewed Lin Hai's attribute panel.

As expected, Lin Hai was laden with treasures.

And now, they were as good as his.

With a thought, Lin Xuan acted.

"1000 energy points expended, duplication successful, [Middle Grade Cultivation Talent] acquired."

"200 energy points expended, duplication complete, [Substandard Speed Talent] acquired."

In an instant, Lin Xuan had finished the duplication process.

He then proceeded to integrate the talents.

"Ding, congratulations to the Host for acquiring the Substandard Speed Talent."

"Ding, congratulations to the Host for advancing to a High-grade Cultivation Talent."

"Ding, congratulations to the Host for leveling up to a Low-grade Strength Talent."

A gentle warmth flowed through him, and Lin Xuan felt his physical strength multiply several-fold.

His Attribute Panel had seen significant changes as well.

Confronting Lin Hai was no longer an issue.

This all transpired in the span of a single breath, unnoticed by all; Lin Xuan's power had surged considerably.

The referee, Lee Hee, glanced at the two competitors and let out a silent sigh before declaring, "Let the challenge commence!"

"Lin Xuan, you've got guts to challenge me. But with your current strength, seeking revenge seems far-fetched."

Lin Hai appeared unruffled, choosing to taunt rather than attack.

"All this talk, just show me what you've got," Lin Xuan retorted with equal sharpness.

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