C8 Really Young Master!?

"He, Lin Xuan, may have lucked out in his victory over Lin Tong, but there's no way he stands a chance against the young master, Lin Tianyi!"

While these individuals were careful not to be overheard by Lin Xuan, speaking in hushed tones, his Spiritual Energy had grown significantly stronger than before, allowing him to pick up on every little sound within a twenty-meter radius.

Their whispered discussions were not lost on Lin Xuan.

This heightened awareness was something he had honed in preparation for his battle with Lin Tong, and it proved to be quite advantageous. His Spiritual Energy remained extended around him, not yet withdrawn.

"Lin Tianyi... Hehe, I, Lin Xuan, don't go looking for trouble, but that doesn't mean I shy away from it. Whoever dares to provoke me will soon realize they've gained no upper hand!"

Lin Xuan murmured to himself. He had been navigating this enchanting world for some time now and had fully embraced his circumstances. When in Rome, do as the Romans do!

With the upgrade system at his disposal, he was confident that he could carve out a reputation for himself in this realm!

Besides, Lin Xuan had grown fond of this dog-eat-dog world. The thrill of wielding power was intoxicating, a sensation utterly foreign to his past life on the planet Lan Xing.

...

What was meant to be a mere test unexpectedly brought Lin Xuan to the forefront as a dark horse. The family disciples were abuzz with talk about him, and even the observing elders took note of his remarkable presence!

The elder presiding over the test, Lin Yue, was not from Lin Xuan's branch of the Lin family but from the main house, one of the esteemed elders.

The Lin family, one of the four major families of Sky Star City, boasted a rich legacy.

Their visit aimed to identify and cultivate promising talents from the family's branches.

The original list of candidates selected for training in the main house was short, including Lin Tianyi, Lin Tong, Lin Yumo, and Lin Zifeng.

Yet, to Lin Yue's astonishment, the once-prodigy Lin Xuan had not only resumed his cultivation but had also made a stunning debut, showcasing exceptional aptitude and potential!

We'll need to make room for Lin Xuan on the list!

"I'm curious about the extent of Lin Tong's injuries. If he's incapacitated, that spot could go straight to Lin Xuan!"

Elder Lin Yue watched Lin Xuan's retreating figure and let out a soft chuckle. To him, favoritism between Lin Tong and Lin Xuan didn't exist. As an elder of the main family, his priority was the family's interests above all else!

With Lin Xuan's victory over Lin Tong, Lin Yue naturally leaned towards the victor, signaling that Lin Xuan's potential surpassed Lin Tong's.

In the martial arts realm, power is paramount. Defeat is a reflection of one's own shortcomings, not something to blame on others.

That's why he didn't dwell on Lin Xuan's excessive force. He even quashed the attempts of some branch family elders who were eager to step in and discipline Lin Xuan themselves.

Otherwise, how could Lin Xuan be so at ease?

Of course, should Lin Xuan face an adversary he cannot overcome, his potential would inevitably reach its limit.

"Hehe, who would've guessed that after nine years, Lin Xuan, the once-celebrated prodigy of Sky Star City, would shine brightly once more? It's anyone's guess how far he'll go this time!"

A young man in green had quietly joined Lin Yue's side, the one now speaking.

"Nine years ago, at the tender age of seven, Lin Xuan had already advanced to the fifth level of Spirit Cultivation. Hehe, at that age, I was still clueless about the concept of cultivation!"

"Lin Xuan was exceptionally clever, astonishing the whole of Sky Star City. He even caught the attention of the Weeping Blood Sect, who predicted his remarkable future and sought to take him under their wing for dedicated training!"

"Yet, before the Weeping Blood Sect could whisk him away, tragedy struck, and Lin Xuan suffered an accident that left him crippled, unable to cultivate ever again."

"Since then, he faded into obscurity, becoming the butt of jokes among the Lin family's branches..."

The man in green spoke of Lin Xuan's history with a hint of wistfulness.

After a brief silence, the clan elder addressed the young man, "Once the testing concludes, we'll release the selection list. They should prepare early. In a few days, we'll send them to the main family for their cultivation journey!"

"Yes, Uncle!"

The selection among the Lin family branches was well underway, with a considerable number of participants from each branch. It took the entire morning to assess everyone's spiritual cultivation levels!

Unsurprisingly, Lin Tianyi, a Spirit Cultivator of the Ninth Level, secured the first spot to train with the main family. Lin Tong was expected to be next, but due to Lin Xuan's circumstances, the clan elder decided to have Lin Xuan take Lin Tong's place!

Following them were Lin Yumo and Lin Zifeng, both of whom were promising talents within their respective branches. They were slated to join the main family for cultivation in the coming days.

Lin Xuan, too, was informed to start preparing for the transition.

"This is great. The main family sounds like it has a solid foundation. I'm sure I won't be short on spirit techniques and treasures, right?"

Back at his quarters, Lin Xuan basked in Qing Tan's admiration, feeling a wave of contentment wash over him as he spoke to himself.

But no sooner had he finished speaking than Qing Tan, who had been cheerful moments before, fell silent.

"What's the matter?"

Lin Xuan caught the change in her demeanor and was immediately curious.

"Young Master, if you're going to the main family... what will become of me?" Qing Tan's delicate face was tinged with sadness.

"You'll come with me, of course. I'm sure the main family will have a place for a maid like you," Lin Xuan reassured her with an amused glance. Qing Tan had been the only one kind to him since his arrival in this world, and he considered her family. He certainly wouldn't abandon her.

"Really, Young Master?"

At his words, Qing Tan's face lit up with relief and joy, as she eagerly sought confirmation.

"Absolutely. I wouldn't lie to you, Qing Tan. You've been like family to me, just as my parents were in my past life," Lin Xuan affirmed, his voice warm with sincerity. Having been an orphan before, the absence of parents in this life was nothing new to him; he was well accustomed to it.

The only difference now was the presence of a devoted little maid who brought a touch of joy to his life in this foreign world.

Over the next few days, Lin Tianyi made no moves against Lin Xuan. Instead, it was Lin Yumo, someone Lin Xuan barely knew, who approached him for a chat.

The congratulations poured in for Lin Xuan's renewed ability to cultivate and his newly acquired eligibility to train with the main family. Yet, Lin Xuan remained indifferent to the accolades. The only aspect that brightened his mood was the presence of a strikingly beautiful genius girl from a side branch of the family. Though she was his age and not particularly old, she carried herself with an elegant poise.

"Young Master, when your father and mother were alive, they always regarded Miss Lin Yumo as their own daughter. You and Miss Yumo used to be quite close, but the world has changed so much in recent years, leading to your estrangement," the young maid Qing Tan remarked, a hint of wistfulness in her voice as she watched Lin Yumo walk away.

Lin Xuan simply nodded in response, taken aback by this revelation of their shared history.