C49 Continuous Shock!

Merely uttering "Uncle Lin" had already revealed a multitude of issues.

Moreover, Lin Chongtian's tone with Chu Yan was now one of negotiation.

This marked a stark contrast to the previously tense and charged atmosphere in the council hall.

Now, it felt as if a refreshing spring breeze had swept through the room.

Lin Liqiang's father, Lin Chongzhi, and those of the Lin family who had been most agitated earlier, now wore expressions of extreme displeasure.

"Uncle Lin, the situation is quite clear," Chu Yan began, bowing respectfully. "Lin Liqiang, upon seeing the inscription on the silver scale spear in my possession, became covetous and demanded that I hand it over. However, my conviction was that this spear, a gift from you, Uncle Lin, embodied the hopes you have for me.

Thus, the silver scale spear is more than just a finely crafted weapon; it is a spear of hope, symbolizing your aspirations for me.

How could I possibly relinquish such a symbol of hope?

Despite my attempts to explain, Lin Liqiang wouldn't listen and even resorted to violence to take it.

Left with no choice, I had to rely on my cultivation at the fourth level of the Genuine Force Realm, honed through the trials of summer's heat and winter's cold..."

"What! You've reached the fourth level of the Genuine Force Realm?" Lin Chongtian exclaimed, shocked.

He had not taken note of Chu Yan's progress until now.

But Lin Chongtian clearly remembered that when Chu Yan had arrived at the Lin household, he was at the third level of the Genuine Force Realm.

And now, in less than half a month, he had advanced.

To think of such rapid progression!

Setting aside the astonishing speed of his advancement, being at the fourth level of the Genuine Force Realm at just sixteen placed him among the top three prodigies of the entire Lin family.

A collective gasp rippled through the council hall.

The dual auras of a one-in-a-million Inscription Apprentice and a top-three family cultivation prodigy now shrouded Chu Yan. In that moment, his brilliance seemed almost blinding to those around him.

Lin Chongzhi's face darkened to the shade of a charred pot, his teeth nearly shattering from the pressure: This little scoundrel, he must have come today just to make a fool out of me!

"In Uncle Lin's presence, I wouldn't dare to be dishonest," Chu Yan stated calmly. "Uncle Lin is welcome to verify."

He recognized that today presented an opportunity, a chance to solidify his standing in Lin Chongtian's esteem and within the Lin Family.

Lin Chongtian, ever so cautious, rose to his feet and in an instant, was by Chu Yan's side, seizing his wrist.

A chill ran through Chu Yan.

He couldn't dodge Lin Chongtian's seemingly effortless grasp.

Though Chu Yan had long known that Lin Chongtian was at the Pulse Condensation Stage, he hadn't anticipated his opponent's speed to surpass his expectations.

Lin Chongtian's fingers settled on Chu Yan's pulse for a moment, then he nodded, smiling. "Very good."

His response confirmed Chu Yan's honesty.

Indeed, he was at the Fourth Stage of the Genuine Force Realm.

In all of Evergreen Town, the number of sixteen-year-olds who had reached the Fourth Stage of the Genuine Force, even among the major families, could be counted on one's fingers.

And now, Chu Yan had joined their ranks.

But soon, the crowd remembered that this prodigy, also an Inscription apprentice, was now at odds with the Lin Family due to a relative's greed.

With this thought, Lin Liqiang, still sprawled unconscious on the ground, was seen as the one bad apple that spoiled the whole barrel.

Settling back into his seat, Lin Chongtian wore a smile as he addressed Chu Yan, "My dear nephew, you've managed to astonish your uncle yet again today."

This time, he dropped the formality of surnames, creating a warmer atmosphere.

"However, there's something I'm curious about. When did you learn Inscription, nephew? And as far as I know, only weapons of a medium grade or higher can be inscribed. Lower-grade weapons simply can't support it. So, my nephew, what is this about?" Lin Chongtian inquired, looking at Chu Yan with a smile.

"Responding to Uncle Lin," Chu Yan began, adopting a tone of familiarity as Lin Chongtian had, "back when I was in the central state, I chanced upon an elderly gentleman. We hit it off quite well, and he taught me a few techniques for etching designs onto bladed weapons. At the time, he didn't tell me that this was the art of Inscription, nor did we formalize a master-disciple relationship. That's why, initially, I was hesitant to reveal these skills.

The old man once mentioned that his methods could enhance the lethality of a weapon. Regarding Uncle's comment about the necessity of at least a mid-level grade for inscribing, he never brought that up."

"Nonsense!" Lin Chongzhi burst out, unable to contain his anger, interrupting Chu Yan, "Such a story full of holes—who do you think you're fooling?"

Chu Yan remained unflustered, his gaze steady as he looked at Lin Chongzhi and continued deliberately, "The old man also warned me that although he must keep his identity secret, should anyone doubt him and he becomes aware—even if they are thousands of miles away—he would pursue them to the ends of the earth to claim their life."

Lin Chongzhi's face flushed a deep red, his throat emitting a guttural sound, eyes bulging, yet he found himself unable to utter another word. He knew the veiled insult was directed at him, but the threat was one he dared not ignore.

With a dismissive sneer, Chu Yan turned his attention back to Lin Chongtian and spoke with gravitas, "Uncle, the pattern I've inscribed on the silver scale spear is known as the Heavy Equipment Inscription Pattern. Should you harbor any doubts, simply provide the materials, and I will demonstrate the process right here to verify its authenticity."

At Chu Yan's proposition, Lin Chongtian was visibly affected. The Lin family members present fell into a hushed silence, their hearts racing with anticipation. Chu Yan was offering to perform the Inscription in their presence!

It was undeniable that if Chu Yan succeeded, the Heavy Equipment Inscription Pattern would irrefutably become the property of the Lin family. Lin Chongtian had intended this outcome, yet he hadn't expected Chu Yan to volunteer himself.

Observing Chu Yan's self-assured smile, Lin Chongtian's eyes sparkled briefly before he nodded and spoke with composure, "Nephew, the matter of Inscription is of great importance. Since you've taken the initiative, rest assured, I have no doubts about your trustworthiness."

"Of course, I'm aware," Chu Yan said with a nod and a smile. "If Uncle Lin isn't concerned about the waste of materials, I can craft five Heavy Equipment Inscription Patterns today. Four would be for you, Uncle, and I'd keep the fifth. How does that sound?"

"You're quite the opportunist," Lin Chongtian couldn't help but laugh, despite his exasperation. He gave a quick nod of approval. "No problem, let's do it your way."

The Lin family members present didn't voice their thoughts, but internally, they all agreed. It might have looked like Chu Yan was getting a freebie by not supplying materials and keeping an inscription for himself, but in reality, the Lin family stood to gain the most.