C53 The News Was Announced!

Accompanying the letter was a gift certificate embossed with gold.

Lin Chongtian had only glimpsed such a certificate from a distance in the past.

That was all he was qualified to do.

This certificate was an invitation for the Inscription Master Li He to personally etch inscriptions without charging a fee.

In all of Evergreen Town, no more than three families had ever received such a voucher from the Wan Hai Chamber of Commerce!

Lin Chongtian's legs felt like jelly.

He was acutely aware that Li He wouldn't have sent him this certificate without good reason.

It was undoubtedly a favor granted because of Chu Yan!

At that moment, the elders behind Lin Chongtian were struck dumb, their eyes glued to the certificate, gleaming with an intense light.

They all felt a surge of excitement coursing through their veins.

Lin Chongzhi collapsed into his chair, his complexion pale, looking as if his soul had departed.

"What in the world is happening?"

"What's the matter?"

The Lin family members below exchanged puzzled looks, clueless about the unfolding events.

Chu Yan was equally mystified.

Judging by Lin Chongtian and the others' reactions, he could discern that the Wan Hai Chamber of Commerce had not set any traps for him, and the appraisal was undoubtedly accurate.

Indeed, showcasing his Inscription skills was Chu Yan's strategy for the day, aimed at bolstering his standing in Lin Chongtian's eyes.

Yet, the response from Lin Chongtian and his peers was more intense than he had anticipated.

Lin Chongtian took several deep breaths to steady himself, his cheeks still flushed from the emotional whirlwind.

Had it not been for his mastery in controlling his emotions, his blood vessels might have burst from the overwhelming excitement.

Lin Chongtian scanned the crowd below and announced, "Chu Yan's Inscription has been personally verified by Master Li He of the Wan Hai Chamber of Commerce and is confirmed to be flawless. Furthermore, Chu Yan's Inscription has earned high praise from Master Li He himself."

At his words, the room erupted into a buzz of astonishment.

The Lin family members stood with their mouths agape, so wide it seemed they could swallow ten eggs whole.

Li He—his reputation preceded him. Who in Evergreen Town hadn't heard of the man?

Without the backing of a family, yet no one dared cross him. He was a true heavyweight.

And now, this very VIP had made a personal appearance, not only vouching for Chu Yan but also singing his praises.

No one from any family in Evergreen Town had ever been bestowed with such an honor!

Chu Yan himself was taken aback by the news, a flicker of surprise lighting up his eyes.

"Master Li He... the name rings a bell, but I can't say I know him. Why would he go out of his way for me?" Chu Yan pondered inwardly.

But he kept his doubts to himself, as the reactions of those around him spoke volumes.

"Does anyone here still have doubts about Chu Yan?" Lin Chongtian's gaze swept over the crowd, challenging.

Now was not the time for anyone to speak ill of Chu Yan.

Sixteen years old, at the fourth level of the Genuine Martial State, with a remarkable talent for Inscription, and now with Master Li He's endorsement.

Speaking against Chu Yan now would be akin to courting death.

"Excellent, excellent! Chu Yan, you've truly amazed me today! The Lin family was right about you! I must inform my father and urge him to end his seclusion early. He'll be thrilled to meet you," Lin Chongtian said, pacing with excitement. "I'm at a loss for how to properly reward you."

Lin Chongtian's demeanor only soured Lin Chongzhi's mood further.

His grip on the chair's armrest was so intense, it seemed he might snap it in two.

Abruptly, Lin Chongtian halted and turned to Chu Yan, "Nephew, name your reward. Whatever it is, your uncle will grant it without hesitation."

Chu Yan's gaze briefly shimmered as he considered his response. "Uncle Lin, I haven't really made any significant contributions today. I've merely shown what I've learned so far, so I'm not sure why I should receive a reward."

"Hiss—"

A collective intake of breath echoed through the crowd.

Some had already discerned that Chu Yan was strategically retreating to advance. His ambitions were grand; he was angling for a greater reward.

Lin Chongtian pondered for a moment before speaking up: "Regarding today's incident, firstly, it nearly caused you undue hardship. As the patriarch, I owe you compensation. Secondly, your performance merits a reward from me. Since we are family, I won't mince words. With so many elders present today, I also have an announcement to make."

Chu Yan's heart stirred at Lin Chongtian's final words.

Lin Chongzhi felt a heavy drop in his chest.

Lin Chongtian then revealed, "In two months, the Profound Moon Sect will be selecting talented individuals from the outstanding youths of the great clans in Evergreen Town to become disciples. This honor will be determined through competition.

Our Lin Family will have two slots in that competition.

I've decided that these two spots will be awarded based on a family tournament among our younger generation, set to take place in fifteen days."

The news of the Profound Moon Sect's recruitment had been closely guarded, known only to Lin Chongtian and a select few Lin Family elders.

Most of the clan members present were hearing this for the first time.

Upon learning this, everyone perked up, their faces alight with excitement.

Lin Chongtian went on: "Any family member under the age of sixteen is eligible to compete for these spots. And of course, the top two contenders will receive the full support of our clan. Even access to the third level of the Martial Arts Pavilion to study Earth Level Martial Skills will be granted!"

The crowd erupted in excitement once more!

With only two Earth Level Martial Skills in the Lin Clan's possession, the opportunity to learn one was not just a symbol of strength, but an emblem of status within the clan.

In essence, those qualified to learn Earth Level Martial Skills could expect to hold positions of high esteem within the clan, even if they were not destined to be the future clan leader.

Lin Chongtian's eyes settled on Chu Yan, a smile playing at the corners of his eyes as he spoke, "Though Chu Yan isn't a blood member of our Lin family, he is betrothed to Miaomiao. I believe no one would object to his participation in our family's selection process."

His statement hung in the air, and the atmosphere turned tense in an instant.

The joy that had just begun to spread across everyone's faces now seemed frozen in place.

Yet Lin Chongtian appeared oblivious to the shift in mood, turning to Chu Yan with a steady gaze, "My dear nephew, on the path to immortality, would you be willing to strive on behalf of the Lin family?"

Before Chu Yan could respond, Lin Chongzhi leapt to his feet, his voice booming, "Big brother! This isn't right!"

His excitement was palpable; the veins on Lin Chongzhi's forehead stood out, writhing like a thick, pulsating earthworm.