C19 You Are the Strongest Disciple of the Ling Family

Witnessing the sword energy that was about to strike him being countered by another, Ling Xuan, kneeling on the ground, stared at Ling Yunfan in astonishment.

At that moment, it wasn't just him; all eyes were on Ling Yunfan, filled with curiosity and confusion.

"Fann has truly matured, mastering the jade with such ease. At last, it shows a glimmer of its treasured light," Ling Jiang observed from above, his eyes brimming with pride.

Ling Hao, Ling Xuan's father, clutched at his chest, catching his breath with a look of relief.

"Ling Yunfan claims first place on Battle Platform One," Ling Tianba declared, his face beaming with a smile.

He continued, "Next up, Ling Hong will face Ling Jie, and Ling Yunfan will go against Ling Song."

"Thank you for your mercy," Ling Xuan called out, as Ling Yunfan prepared to step down from the platform.

"No thanks needed. We bear no ill will towards each other, and I have no desire to inflict serious harm. I'm not fond of fratricide," Ling Yunfan responded without looking back, before disappearing into the crowd.

With Ling Yunfan gone, Ling Xuan descended from the platform and decided to return to his training, foregoing the rest of the Great Competition. He had already surmised who would take the top spot in the Clan Competition, rendering further spectating unnecessary.

True to his prediction, Ling Jie, outmatched by Ling Hong, conceded defeat, while Ling Song, recognizing Ling Yunfan's prowess, also surrendered.

Thus, Ling Yunfan and Ling Hong stood on the Battle Platform, neither willing to strike the other.

Facing Ling Hong, who had only reached Body Refining Level Eight, Ling Yunfan hesitated. Even if he held back, she couldn't match his prowess at Level Eight. Besides, she was his dear cousin, and no matter his ambition to win the Clan Competition, he couldn't bring himself to harm her.

"Congratulations, Mr. Yunfan, on eclipsing your former peak and seizing first place in the Clan Competition," Ling Hong said, her face breaking into a smile after exchanging a meaningful glance with Ling Yunfan. She exhaled deeply, the tension leaving her body.

Ling Yunfan regarded her with a puzzled expression. "I won first place in the Clan Competition?" He mulled over her words, his confusion giving way to sudden clarity. "Ms. Ling Hong, are you suggesting that you want to..."

"Yes, exactly. With your cultivation now at Body Refining Level Nine, your strength is unparalleled. There's simply no point in proceeding with the fight," Ling Hong affirmed with a nod, understanding dawning on Ling Yunfan.

Turning to Ling Tianba, she declared, "Uncle Tianba, I concede."

The crowd, initially taken aback by her surrender, soon nodded in agreement, recognizing the vast gulf in strength between the competitors made the outcome inevitable.

"Very well, then it's settled. This year's Clan Competition champion is Ling Yunfan!" Ling Tianba proclaimed, rising from his seat, his voice brimming with excitement.

"Thank you, Ms. Ling Hong. I will find a way to repay your kindness," Ling Yunfan said softly, his heart filled with gratitude as he watched her descend from the Battle Platform. Gazing skyward, he vowed silently, "I will not squander the chance I've been given. In two years, I will emerge victorious from the Life Death Battle and ascend to new heights in my martial journey!"

The crowd erupted into cheers at Ling Tianba's announcement, while the elders looked on with pride, seeing Ling Yunfan as a true gem of the Ling family.

Ling Tianba, elated by his child's triumph, continued, "Ling Yunfan takes first place, Ling Hong second, and sharing third are Ling Song and Ling Xuan. The rewards will be delivered to your doorsteps tomorrow. Please await them patiently."

With the conclusion of the Clan Competition declared by Ling Tianba, the spectators gradually dispersed, leaving the arena empty and quiet once more.

After the Clan Competition concluded, the crowd dispersed, leaving only Ling Tianba, Ling Jiang, and Ling Yunfan alone in the plaza.

"Yunfan, you truly lived up to our expectations. You stand as the foremost of our family's younger generation," Ling Jiang said, approaching Ling Yunfan with a warm smile. He clasped Ling Yunfan's shoulders, his voice soft and reassuring.

He then produced a scroll from within his robes and handed it to Ling Yunfan.

Upon inspecting the scroll, Ling Yunfan was surprised to find three bold characters: "Fierce Flame Break."

"What is this?" Ling Yunfan, unfamiliar with the Fierce Flame Break technique, inquired.

"This martial skill was fortuitously acquired by the Third Elder during his youthful travels. It's a Profound Rank Middle Level technique. The Flaming Fist I previously gave you was derived from this very Fierce Flame Break," Ling Tianba explained before Ling Jiang could respond.

Gratitude filled Ling Yunfan's voice as he said, "Thank you for this generous gift, Third Elder."

"There's no need for thanks. You've earned it. I may not be able to assist you in the Life Death Battle two years from now, so I'm giving this to you in hopes that it will aid you on your path to greatness," Ling Jiang replied, steadying Ling Yunfan as he attempted to bow in respect.

To cut short their expressions of gratitude, Ling Tianba interjected with a booming voice, "Enough of that. Today is a day of celebration for Fann's victory in the Clan Competition. Let's head back and enjoy a well-deserved feast!"

Without waiting for further conversation, he firmly took hold of them both and led them briskly away.

Ling Yunfan and Ling Jiang, guided by Ling Tianba, offered no resistance and were swiftly escorted back.

At the Ling family mansion, friends and well-wishers gathered around the table, their conversations lively and joyful as they drank and dined together.

The celebratory banquet stretched on until the break of dawn.

After everyone had departed, a hush fell over the mansion. Ling Tianba approached Ling Yunfan, producing a token from within his robes, its surface etched with the character for "dragon."

Ling Yunfan accepted the token and examined it. Though it was wooden, he recognized the material as superior thousand-year-old peach wood. A single whiff of its fragrance was enough to invigorate the senses.

"Father, is this the Inner Sect Disciple Assessment Qualification Token from the Dragon Hidden Sect?" Ling Yunfan inquired, seeking clarity on the token's significance.

"Indeed," confirmed Ling Tianba. "The Dragon Hidden Sect typically recruits outer sect disciples only once a decade. This token, however, allows you to bypass that process, provided you've attained the Body Refining Level Nine. You've met this sole requirement, so the token is rightfully yours. I trust it will aid in your advancement within the sect."

"Remember, the opportunities within the Dragon Hidden Sect are vast, but so are the perils. Your greatest adversary there will likely be Lee Xueer. Exercise caution," Ling Tianba warned, offering his wisdom.

With a nod of understanding, Ling Yunfan pocketed the token and retreated to his room, silent in contemplation.