C16 Family Competition Begins

In the early morning, the Lin family home was unusually quiet, a stark contrast to its typical bustle.

Expressions of joy were absent from everyone's faces, replaced instead by a sense of solemnity.

The training field was already filled with family members, the air heavy with a palpable tension.

Lin Hao, standing at the entrance, clenched his fists. The moment had arrived—the family competition was about to begin.

"Brother Lin Hao, give it your all!" Lin Fu encouraged, giving Lin Hao a hearty pat on the shoulder.

Lin Fu had always held Lin Hao in high regard, especially after Lin Hao had stood up for Lin Wen. This only bolstered Lin Fu's confidence in him.

"Let's go, we should head inside," Lin Hao said with a slight smile to Lin Fu.

The family competition was a significant event, drawing everyone back home, even those who worked afar. The family's future hinged on the strength of its younger members, and this competition was taken very seriously, all in preparation for the grand competition occurring in a month's time.

Yet for many, returning seemed pointless, as it was widely anticipated that the top three spots would likely go to the Lin Hu brothers, who had made significant breakthroughs in their cultivation, now rivaling the elders. The rest stood little chance against them.

Lin Hao's presence quickly drew the crowd's attention, fueled by his assertive display three days prior and the bold wager he had placed.

Who could have imagined that Lin Hao, once despondent after his parents' disappearance, would emerge so dominant, not only standing up for himself but also challenging Lin Xiong?

Those who had tormented Lin Hao over the past three years now harbored a measure of fear. Lin Qing's death meant they no longer had support from behind, and Lin Hao had advanced to the fifth level of Qi Refining, a feat beyond their reach.

Still, there were those, including Lin Xiong, who regarded Lin Hao with a chilling hostility.

Unperturbed by the shifting dynamics around him, Lin Hao maintained his composure. It wasn't until he sensed a focused energy targeting him that he turned to face its source.

"Lin Lang, Lin Hu, Lin Bao!" Lin Hao silently furrowed his brow. Today, if he hoped to secure a spot in the grand competition, he would need to defeat one of them. Yet, these three had all achieved the sixth level of Qi Refining—a formidable feat.

Defeating them would be no small challenge.

Ignoring their scrutinizing gazes, Lin Hao entered the training field and positioned himself in a corner, calmly awaiting the start of the family competition.

The initial stir caused by his arrival soon settled, and the training field resumed its characteristic somber and oppressive mood.

Shortly after, Lin Xiao rose from his seat on the high platform, and the arena fell silent.

He surveyed the crowd with a slow, deliberate gaze before nodding approvingly.

"You've all done well," Lin Xiao began. "The Energy Pills the family provided have not gone to waste. Many of you have advanced to your current levels, and for that, I am quite pleased."

At these words, the disciples who had made breakthroughs held their heads high, buzzing with excitement. Those who had not managed to advance hung their heads in disappointment.

"Lin Lang and Lin Hu have even reached the seventh level of Qi Refining, while Lin Bao has peaked at the sixth level! They merit our commendation," Lin Xiao announced with vigor.

Then, shifting the tone, he added, "However, we must proceed with the family competition. The next phase will be a direct challenge in the arena, with Lin Lang, Lin Hu, and Lin Bao serving as the champions. Anyone who can defeat one of them will earn the right to compete in the grand competition!"

"How can this be? They've reached the seventh level of Qi Refining. Who could possibly challenge them?"

"Exactly. I thought I might have a chance, but now it seems there's no hope. It's down to just those three."

Lin Hao felt a surge of determination, thinking to himself, "A breakthrough, huh? But I'm not one to give up. Now, my only option is to face Lin Bao."

As time slowly slipped by, none stepped forward to challenge the trio.

"Well, if that's the case..." Lin Xiao was about to rise and declare the competition over when Lin Hao spoke up, "I challenge Lin Bao!"

"What? Lin Hao is actually challenging Lin Bao? Does he have too much confidence in himself?"

"Yes, even though he's reached the fifth level of Qi Refining, Lin Bao is already at the peak of the sixth level!"

"I think Lin Hao might be taking the risk because of Wang Ping's wager."

Lin Wen rushed to Lin Hao, her voice laced with urgency, "If it's too much, just quit. You don't seem to stand a chance against him."

"Hehe," Lin Hao chuckled, affectionately tapping Lin Wen's nose. "Don't you trust me? How will we know unless we try? Besides, I always keep my promises to you."

"Fine, but if it's really not working out, concede the match," Lin Wen conceded without further pressure.

Without responding to Lin Wen, Lin Hao strode onto the training field to confront Lin Bao, the brother with the lowest cultivation level among the three.

"You're no match for me; better step down now," Lin Bao stated coldly.

"How will we know unless we try?" Lin Hao shot back.

"Well, if that's how it is, I won't hold back," Lin Bao declared.

"Titanic Soul Punch!" With a bellow, Lin Bao launched a preemptive strike, giving Lin Hao no quarter.

The Titanic Soul Punch, a technique that unleashed spiritual energy, was executed with formidable presence by Lin Bao.

Fists roared through the air, casting shadows across the sky, as Lin Hao retreated time and again, narrowly evading Lin Bao's powerful blows.

In the past, Lin Hao would have been overwhelmed by Lin Bao's onslaught, but now, armed with the jasper bracelet and his breakthrough to the fifth level of Qi Refining, his mind was as calm as a still pond.

Seeing that the Titanic Soul Punch hadn't inflicted the expected damage on Lin Hao, Lin Bao's brow furrowed, his face etched with disbelief.

"How has Lin Hao become so powerful?"

Lin Hu, observing that Lin Bao hadn't swiftly defeated Lin Hao, voiced his concern.

"Don't worry, Brother Bao hasn't even brought out his full strength yet," Lin Lang assured him with a smile.

"Lin Hao has made significant progress! He's at the peak of the fifth level of Qi Refining now," Lin Meng commended.

Lin Xiao also smiled, "Indeed, for someone with a four elements Spiritual Root to reach this stage is no small feat. He's even outpacing his father. Lin Hao might just have a chance at victory over Lin Bao this time."

"Humph! I don't think this is as straightforward as it seems!" Lin Xiong interjected.

"Really?" As Lin Wen listened to their exchange, the concern on her face faded, and she regained her usual cool composure, though a hint of confusion lingered.

Yet, Lin Wen's gaze remained intently on the young man in the training field, unwavering.

"It looks like I'll need to exert some effort to beat you. If that's the case, let me introduce you to the magic weapon I've recently perfected—the Dragonsbane Rope!" Lin Bao declared, pulling out the Dragonsbane Rope with a grave tone.

In an instant, Lin Hao was ensnared by the Dragonsbane Rope, rendered immobile.

"Now, let's see what you're going to do!" Lin Bao exclaimed, his face lighting up with triumph.

A magic weapon, though a rank below an Enchanted Item, still holds considerable power. While not as potent as an Enchanted Item, a mage of the same level wielding a magic weapon would certainly have the upper hand.

With Lin Bao brandishing the newly refined Dragonsbane Rope, Lin Hao felt the pressure mounting.

"Humph! You think the Dragonsbane Rope is enough to hold me? You're oversimplifying things." Lin Hao scoffed coldly. With a swift gesture, he conjured the Fireball spell, unleashing it forthwith.

Fireballs hurtled towards Lin Bao from every direction.

"Since you've brought out the Dragonsbane Rope, I'll just have to destroy it. Then we'll see what you can do!"

Lin Hao had always suspected that the Fireball technique from the jasper bracelet was more potent than the family's Small Fireball, potentially capable of incinerating even a low-grade magic weapon.

With that in mind, Lin Hao decided to take a risk.