In Martial Universe, Signed in at the Start with Yao Lao's Ring

As Lin Xia approached him, Lin Yan stopped in his tracks, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

"Oh, it's Sister Lin Xia. I was wondering who it was."

He greeted her with a smile.

"So? What brings Sister Lin Xia here?"

Lin Xia finally caught up with him. After running all the way over, she was slightly out of breath.

She took a moment to recover before rolling her eyes at Lin Yan in mock annoyance.

"What? Can't I come find you without a reason?"

"You're so cold-hearted!"

Lin Yan chuckled and shook his head.

"Of course, you can come find me anytime."

"But that's for other people."

"As for Sister Lin Xia, your personality isn't the type to come all this way without a good reason."

He gazed at Lin Xia with a knowing look, as if he had completely seen through her intentions.

Seeing this, Lin Xia scratched her head awkwardly and sighed.

"Alright, alright, you got me. Seriously, do you have to call me out like that? At least let me keep some dignity!... Actually, I came to thank you."

Lin Xia extended her hand, revealing a faint layer of blue Yuan Power swirling around her fingertips.

Seeing the energy pulse and shimmer, Lin Xia couldn't help but grin with pride.

"Look! I've reached the sixth layer of the Tempered Body stage."

"And it's all thanks to your medicinal liquid! With its help, I successfully broke through and even feel like I'm on the verge of reaching the seventh layer soon!"

Lin Yan smiled toward her.

"That's wonderful news, Sister Lin Xia! Now you're definitely one of the strongest among the younger generation of the Lin family."

Lin Xia immediately caught the flattering tone in his words and gave him a look of disdain.

"Oh, cut it out."

"Two months ago, you were already at the sixth layer. By now, I bet you've already reached the seventh layer or even higher! Compared to you, I'm way behind."

Lin Yan simply smiled without responding, choosing not to reveal that he had already broken through to the Earth Yuan Stage.

Instead, he changed the subject.

"By the way, Sister Lin Xia, do you still have any of the medicinal liquid left?"

Lin Xia hesitated for a moment before answering awkwardly.

"Actually… I ran out a while ago."

Lin Yan's gaze turned playful.

"So that's why you've been looking for me! Sister Lin Xia, I see right through you!"

Hearing this, Lin Xia's face flushed red.

She had indeed been trying to find Lin Yan for more of the medicinal liquid, but having her true intentions exposed so bluntly made her feel both embarrassed and frustrated.

Blushing, she protested—

"Hey! Don't make it sound like I'm trying to take advantage of you!"

"I wasn't planning to take it for free! I was ready to pay for it!"

Lin Yan teased her for a few more moments before handing her a few bottles of the medicinal liquid.

"Here, take these. But use them sparingly—I'm running low as well. As for payment, forget it. We're family, no need to talk about such things."

Lin Xia was taken aback.

Originally, she had planned to buy the medicinal liquid from Lin Yan. After experiencing its incredible effects, she knew how valuable it was.

Taking it for free didn't sit well with her. She was just about to insist on paying when Lin Yan, already anticipating her response, waved his hand dismissively.

"Don't even think about giving me money."

"If you do, I'll be upset, just take it and go."

With that, Lin Yan turned around and walked away, leaving behind a casual yet confident silhouette.

Lin Xia stood there, watching his back.

She then glanced at the bottles in her hands and couldn't help but sigh with a helpless smile.

"This guy… still as stubborn as ever... Oh well, I'll take them for now. We see each other all the time anyway."

"I'll just remember this favor and help him out when the opportunity comes."

Having made up her mind, Lin Xia took the bottles and returned home to train.

Meanwhile…

Just as Lin Yan had planned, he made his way to the pharmacy to purchase medicinal ingredients.

As he browsed through the selection, something unexpected happened elsewhere in the Lin family—

Inside the Lin Family Estate

Lin Hong slowly opened his eyes, his gaze sharper than ever.

His perception had greatly improved, allowing him to notice subtle details he had never picked up on before. Rising to his feet, Lin Hong threw a powerful punch, the force distorting the surrounding air slightly.

At the same time, he could feel that his Yuan Power had grown thicker and stronger.

A surge of excitement filled his heart.

Just then, Lin Shan quickly ran over.

"Brother, did you… break through to the seventh layer?"

Lin Shan's eyes were filled with surprise and joy as he looked at Lin Hong's aura.

Lin Hong nodded with a confident smile.

"Yes… I've broken through!"

Lin Shan was ecstatic.

Even though it wasn't his own breakthrough, the fact that his older brother had advanced meant great things for him as well.

Most importantly—

Lin Hong was now undoubtedly the strongest among the younger generation of the Lin family!

"Brother! At the family competition, you must help me get revenge!"

Lin Shan quickly pleaded.

Lin Hong chuckled and nodded.

"Don't worry."

"The humiliation I suffered last time… I will get it all back at the family competition."

"And I'll make sure that everyone in the Lin family understands—"

"Among the younger generation… I, Lin Hong, am the strongest!"

Elsewhere…

"Finally… I've broken through."

"Tempered Body Fifth Layer."

"In addition, Piercing Fist has reached Eight Echoes, and I've also mastered the 2 level martial art, Eight Desolations Palm."

Inside a wooden hut, Lin Dong sat cross-legged, feeling satisfied with his progress.

However, after a moment, he quickly regained his composure.

"I need to keep training."

"If I can break through once more before the family competition…"

"If I can reach the sixth layer, with my two martial arts, I won't just be able to handle Lin Hong—"

"I might even be able to challenge Brother Lin Yan."

"I can't let them leave me too far behind!"

Determined, Lin Dong closed his eyes and continued cultivating.

Meanwhile, back at Lin Yan's residence…

Having finished purchasing medicinal herbs, Lin Yan returned home.

Yao Lao immediately summoned his cauldron into the air.

Floating beside it, he picked up one of the herbs Lin Yan had bought.

He then began teaching Lin Yan the basics of alchemy, explaining everything step by step.

"Alright, little friend."

"I've just explained some fundamental theories to you."

"Take some time to absorb the information. Once you've understood the basics, we'll begin practical alchemy training."

"You'll personally attempt to refine your first pill."

After finishing his lesson, Yao Lao waited patiently for Lin Yan to process everything.