C80 I Want to Beat You Until You Can't Get out of Bed

The elder, keenly aware of the crowd's anticipation, didn't keep them in suspense and made the announcement directly.

"The clan member who secures first place in our Family Competition will be granted the opportunity to enter the Martial Skill Pavilion and select an Earth-Level Martial Technique."

"What!"

"Earth-Level Martial Skill!"

"Can he really learn Earth-Level martial skills?"

"Our Lin Family possesses only two Earth-Grade martial skills!"

"And it's not just that. There are rumors that only individuals of at least elder rank are eligible to learn Earth-Level martial skills. By that logic, this is essentially reserving a spot for someone of at least elder rank!"

The announcement of the first reward set the crowd abuzz like a pot boiling over.

Chu Yan's face remained impassive, for he knew well that among the martial skills he had mastered, the Raging Dragon's Bind and Slaughter Technique was certainly superior to any Mortal-Level skill, and the Seven Stars Tornado Steps was no Mortal-Level technique either.

Besides, the value of martial skills lies in mastery, not quantity. A martial artist proficient in Mortal-Level skills could defeat one who is less skilled in Earth-Level techniques. Therefore, the grade of a martial skill is not the sole measure of a person's strength.

For this reason, Chu Yan wasn't particularly concerned about Earth-Level Martial Skills.

His demeanor, a stark contrast to the exaggerated reactions of those around him, drew attention once again.

This time, even Fu Rui took notice.

The young girl couldn't resist muttering, "Miss, look at this guy. Is he playing coy, or does he truly not grasp what Earth-Level Martial Skills signify?"

Lin Miaoran gave a slight shake of her head, "Just keep watching, and all will become clear."

"Miss is starting to play it cool," Fu Rui grumbled, her pout so pronounced it looked as though she could hang an oil bottle from it.

After a moment, the Lin Family members present came to the realization that only the first-place reward had been announced, and the chatter subsided.

The elder then added, "Furthermore, the first-place victor will also be awarded a superior-grade weapon."

The announcement sent waves through the crowd once more.

Even Lin Miaoran couldn't help but steal a glance at her father, surprised by the clan's unexpected generosity in offering such a high-grade weapon as a prize.

A high-grade sharp weapon is typically beyond the reach of those in the Pulse Condensation Stage, yet the Lin Family has generously offered one as a reward for their Genuine Force Stage members—a move that has left many speechless at its lavishness.

Lin Miaoran glanced at Chu Yan, and as she anticipated, he was visibly affected by the announcement. However, his expression was contemplative, setting him apart from the astonished reactions of the other clan members, which puzzled Lin Miaoran.

"The final announcement is upon us," declared the elder, instantly capturing the rapt attention of everyone present.

The first two prizes for securing first place were already impressive enough to overshadow the subsequent rewards, but there was still more to come. The anticipation was palpable, with many in the crowd breathing heavily, nostrils flaring like agitated bulls.

"The clansman who secures first place will also receive two bottles of spirit pulp."

This revelation was met with silence rather than shouts of surprise, as all eyes instinctively turned to Lin Ao. Spirit pulp is crucial for warriors seeking to attune themselves with the spiritual energy of the universe, greatly aiding the transition from the Genuine Force Stage to the Pulse Condensation Stage.

Lin Ao, already at the fifth level of the Genuine Force Stage, was a prime candidate for advancement given his age and talent. It was an open secret within the Lin Family that his ascension to the Pulse Condensation Stage was only a matter of time.

Thus, the third reward seemed to be custom-made for Lin Ao. Upon further reflection, with his current mastery of an Earth Ranked Martial Technique and wielding the sixth-ranked Fire Ripple Sword, winning first place would mean mastering both of the Lin Family's Earth Ranked Martial Techniques by the age of sixteen, and upgrading his weapon to at least a seventh rank.

The three rewards for first place appeared to be tailor-made for him.

"Lin Ao is bound to take first place this time," someone remarked.

"Indeed, the Patriarch and the Elders' Guild have high hopes for him," another agreed.

"It's only to be expected. To reach the fifth level of the Genuine Force Stage at sixteen is unparalleled," added a third, nodding in admiration.

"The top prize is clearly meant for Lin Ao."

In an instant, every member of the Lin family present silently acknowledged that Lin Ao was destined for first place.

Even Lin Ao himself couldn't suppress the fiery glint that sparked in his eyes.

He had intended to spend years acquiring these three rewards, but now, he saw a chance to secure them all in one fell swoop.

He gave a subtle nod to the assembly on the dais, thinking, "They're still convinced I'm the frontrunner."

Lin Ao's gaze finally rested on the pavilion where Lin Miaoran was seated, his eyes sharpening with intensity. "Lin Miaoran, don't think your jade-like body will be enough to best me. I, Lin Ao, will surpass you, and you will be mine!"

Meanwhile, Lin Ao's father, Lin Chongzhi, couldn't stop smiling.

As Deputy Chief, he wasn't privy to the specifics of the rewards discussed by the Elders Guild.

But now, with the details revealed, his joy was palpable as he exchanged pleasantries with the elders, laughing as if Lin Ao had already clinched first place.

Chu Yan stood amidst the crowd, running the numbers in his mind: "First place comes with two bottles of spirit pulp, worth sixteen thousand Spirit Money, while second place's three bottles of blood essence total six thousand Spirit Money—mere pocket change in comparison. At the fifth level of the Genuine Force Stage, I need that spirit pulp to advance, so I'm setting my sights on first place."

As the crowd settled down, it was time to draw lots.

Chu Yan drew number five, placing him towards the front among the sixty-four competitors.

The names of all participants were recorded on a nearby board, with losers marked by a cross and the winners' next opponents clearly indicated.

Chu Yan noted that Lin Ao had drawn number sixty-three, meaning if they were to clash, it would only be in the final showdown.

Lost in thought, Chu Yan was jolted by a sardonic voice at his ear.

"Ah, let's see what number our dear Chu Yan has drawn. Ah, number five—isn't that fortunate? It looks like we'll be crossing paths quite soon."

Chu Yan turned just in time to catch sight of Lin Yun's irritating face.

In his hand, Lin Yun brandished a wooden token emblazoned with a bold "one."

It seemed they only had to defeat two more challengers before they would face each other.

The stakes were high; if they did indeed clash, the victor would advance to the top eight and earn a prize, while the loser would walk away empty-handed.

Lin Yun's gaze bore into Chu Yan, searching for signs of the panic he had hoped to see. Finding none, his irritation deepened, and he sneered, "This time, you're going to end up with more than just an empty basket—you'll be so beaten, you won't leave your bed for at least three months! Don't you dare lose before our showdown!"