C82 You're Very Popular

Behind the curtain, Fu Rui, with the poise of a miniature adult, stroked her chin and looked in Chu Yan's direction. "I hadn't noticed before, but you're quite adept at dealing with people."

At that moment, Lin Miaoran's eyes sparkled with a sharp brilliance, reflecting a tumultuous mix of emotions—doubt, astonishment, suspicion, shyness, and anger.

Her cultivation level was higher than Fu Rui's, granting her a far superior sense of hearing. Although Chu Yan had only spoken a few brief sentences, Lin Miaoran had caught every word with crystal clarity.

She had been hearing his voice every day for the past ten days; it was unmistakably familiar. Yet now, Lin Miaoran found it hard to reconcile that the man she'd been sparring with daily, so unremarkable in appearance, was actually Chu Yan!

"Transformational inscriptions, of course! He's skilled in inscribing them, and having transformational inscriptions would certainly explain a lot." This line of thought made everything fall into place, but it left Lin Miaoran's heart in turmoil.

The emotions swirling within her were complex, and even she struggled to articulate them. Initially, she had vehemently opposed the marriage arranged by her grandfather, which extended to a dislike for Chu Yan, whom she had never met. But now, the man she'd found so irritating had, over the past ten days, made a profound impression on her and had significantly aided her in advancing her cultivation. Her heart was a whirlwind of confusion.

Fu Rui chimed in, "He does seem to have a beef with Lin Yun, though. There's bound to be some drama soon enough. Lin Yun has considerable strength among the clan's younger generation, not someone Lin Xue, who's just entered the Genuine Force Stage, can hold a candle to. Miss, if Chu Yan ends up losing to Lin Yun, it would be the perfect opportunity to call off this engagement."

Lin Miaoran, her thoughts a jumble, responded absentmindedly, her gaze intermittently darting towards Chu Yan amidst the crowd.

What to do? If Fu Rui found out, she'd never hear the end of it. She'd surely tease, "Miss, you claim to dislike him, yet these past days, you've allowed embraces and closeness. Despite your protests, it seems your actions tell a different story." With that thought, Lin Miaoran's cheeks burned with embarrassment, and she couldn't resist scolding Fu Rui beside her, "You're so irritating!"

"Huh?" Fu Rui was completely bewildered, her face a picture of utter confusion.

Meanwhile, the competition on the stage raged on.

Aside from a select few, the younger members of the Lin Clan didn't possess high cultivation levels. Their battles were swift, often decided within mere moments. It typically took just a few dozen breaths to determine a winner.

The first round of the competition concluded within a couple of hours.

The quickest bout was Lin Ao's. He hadn't even stepped onto the stage before his opponent conceded.

After a brief intermission, the second round commenced.

Lin Yun's adversary this time was on par with him in terms of cultivation level. It took some effort and the execution of the Heaven Swamp Sword Art for Lin Yun to claim victory.

A single sword strike sent his opponent's weapon flying, followed by a kick that sent the challenger tumbling off the stage. Only then did Lin Yun feel a sense of relief from the pent-up pressure as he glared venomously at Chu Yan, who was spectating below.

But this time, Chu Yan ignored him completely, as if he were invisible.

"You're tough! Your turn is coming up next!" Lin Yun bellowed at Chu Yan with a fierce scowl.

"Idiot." Chu Yan uttered quietly, just loud enough for Lin Yun to hear, before leaping onto the stage to face his own opponent.

His contender was a chubby young man wielding a single-edged blade, his cultivation at the second tier of the Genuine Force Stage.

For someone his age, reaching the second tier was considered average talent.

The plump youth was well aware of his standing and harbored no illusions of victory. As Chu Yan stepped onto the stage, the youth greeted him with a nervous bow, "Please, Big Brother Chu, I would be honored to receive your guidance."

Chu Yan offered a gentle smile. "You'd like some pointers?"

"Yes!" The youth's face turned beet red as he nodded earnestly.

"Go ahead, make your move."

Encouraged by Chu Yan, the youth inhaled deeply and announced, "Then please bear with me, Big Brother Chu. My technique is the low-ranked Mortal Realm water cutter."

No sooner had he finished speaking than he lunged forward, blade slicing through the air towards Chu Yan.

Shua shua shua!

Although the chubby youth was significantly stronger than Lin Xue, he still couldn't force Chu Yan to so much as shift his stance.

Every time his opponent's blade came slashing down, Chu Yan effortlessly waved his hand to deflect the attack.

But this didn't mean the effort was in vain, as each repelled strike was accompanied by Chu Yan's instructive feedback.

"Engage your core."

"Advance your foot three inches."

"Raise your arm."

"Power through your shoulder, not your arm."

...

The chubby youth, though drenched in sweat, had eyes that sparkled with increasing brightness, clearly reaping substantial benefits.

He wasn't alone; the other Lin family members standing around the stage were equally engrossed, thoughtfully analyzing each move.

Many of them practiced the water cutter technique and had a profound grasp of it. Chu Yan's insights left them feeling enlightened, eager to find a spot to practice immediately.

Even the elders seated on the high platform nodded in approval, their smiles betraying their admiration for Chu Yan.

Lin Chongzhi, however, was not pleased. Chu Yan was not only stealing the spotlight but also winning over many in attendance.

After completing the demonstration, the plump youth didn't linger. He bowed to Chu Yan and said, "Thank you for the lesson, Brother Chu! I concede. May you continue to triumph in your battles."

Lin Chongzhi's face darkened at these words, looking as if it could drip with gloom.

Descending from the stage, Chu Yan noticed the warm looks from the Lin family members, a clear shift from their earlier indifference.

Initially, Chu Yan's low status and lack of demonstrated ability meant he was overlooked by the Lin family.

His defeat of Lin Liqiang in the family council hall, showcasing his martial arts and inscription talents, had earned him more attention and a measure of fear.

But today's guidance on the stage had transformed the Lin family's perception, earning their affection and respect.

Several Lin youngsters, thirteen and fourteen years old, eagerly approached Chu Yan, calling out, "Brother Chu!"

The boy wore his heart on his sleeve, his face awash with admiration. It was clear that he had come to idolize Chu Yan.

Chu Yan offered a warm smile and a nod, exchanging pleasantries with the crowd before his gaze settled on Lin Yun.

At that moment, Lin Yun was seething with envy over Chu Yan's newfound popularity. Out of the blue, Chu Yan's eyes met his, and his lips seemed to mouth the words: "You're done for."

"Bastard! I'm going to kill you!" Lin Yun panted, his fists balled up, his features twisting into a menacing snarl.