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

Outside the house, Lin Xiao stood still, taking in his surroundings with a wave of nostalgia.

Having been away from the Lin family for so many years, returning to this place brought back countless memories of his youth, filling him with a deep sense of reminiscence.

He thought of his late friend, and as he reflected on Lin Yan's kindness, a bold idea suddenly surfaced in his mind.

"Come to think of it, Qing Tan is still unwed..."

"And from what I can see, she seems to have feelings for Lin Yan. This boy also has a clear background, so why not…?"

Lin Yan, however, remained oblivious to Lin Xiao's thoughts. Seeing them approach, he took the initiative to greet them with a warm smile.

"Uncle Xiao, Aunt Liu, Qing Tan, Lin Dong—what brings you all here?"

Lin Xiao's thoughts were interrupted by Lin Yan's voice, but upon seeing him, he couldn't hide his excitement.

"Lin Yan, you've grown so much!"

"Strong build, sharp features—an impressive young man! Just as expected from Lin Quan's son!"

Lin Xiao did not hold back his praise for Lin Yan.

Then, without hesitation, he openly expressed his gratitude.

"Lin Yan, I truly appreciate your help."

"After taking your pill, my internal injuries have completely healed."

"If it weren't for your medicine, I don't know how much longer I would've remained crippled."

Lin Dong also stepped forward, his expression serious as he cupped his hands in a formal gesture of gratitude.

"Brother Lin Yan, I will always remember this kindness. If you ever need anything in the future, even if it means walking through fire and blades, I, Lin Dong, will never hesitate!"

Lin Yan simply waved his hand with a smile. Despite the deep gratitude from Lin Dong's family, he did not let it get to his head. Instead, he responded with humility and warmth.

"Uncle Xiao, there's no need for such words. You and my father were the closest of friends—like brothers. If my father were still alive and knew that you were in trouble, he would've done everything in his power to help you."

"Since that's the case, how could I, as his son, turn a blind eye?"

Then, he patted Lin Dong's shoulder and added with a chuckle, "And as for you, Lin Dong, since you call me 'brother,' do you really think I'd let you charge into fire and blades while I sit back and watch?"

"We're family—there's no need for formalities."

Lin Yan's words carried a natural warmth, putting everyone at ease.

Hearing this, Lin Dong's family couldn't help but be impressed.

Lin Dong himself was silently in awe of Lin Yan's way with words. The way he spoke—his choice of words—made his sincerity feel genuine and heartfelt.

Even someone as composed as Lin Dong felt a surge of respect and kinship toward him, as though they truly were blood-related brothers.

Meanwhile, Lin Xiao and Liu Yan exchanged glances, their appreciation for Lin Yan deepening.

They had already learned from Lin Dong and Qing Tan that Lin Yan possessed considerable strength, but now that they had met him in person, they realized he also carried himself with remarkable maturity.

Such wisdom and steadiness at a young age—how could they not be impressed?

There was an old saying: The student surpasses the master!

This child, Lin Yan, was truly exceptional.

After this exchange, Lin Yan invited Lin Dong's family inside for tea and conversation.

As the minutes passed, Lin Xiao and Liu Yan became even more convinced of Lin Yan's excellence.

Especially Liu Yan—her gaze toward Lin Yan had subtly changed.

It was the look of a mother evaluating her future son-in-law.

"Qing Tan, you seem to be at the age where you should start thinking about relationships, don't you?"

Liu Yan whispered softly into Qing Tan's ear.

Hearing this, Qing Tan's cheeks immediately turned bright red. She instinctively stole a quick glance at Lin Yan, then quickly averted her gaze.

"Mother, you're just teasing me!" she huffed.

Liu Yan chuckled melodiously. Though she didn't press the topic further, in her heart, she truly felt that these two children were becoming more and more compatible.

After chatting for a while longer, Lin Xiao's family eventually got up to leave.

After all, they had arrived rather abruptly, and since it had been years since their last visit, they didn't want to impose by staying for a meal.

"Lin Yan, if you have time, you should visit Uncle Xiao's house more often."

"You and Dong'er are about the same age. Spend more time together, build your bond, and even spar with each other during training."

"For now, we'll take our leave."

Lin Xiao quickly bid farewell to Lin Yan.

Then, taking his family with him, he headed home.

Lin Yan watched them leave, and after they disappeared from sight, Yao Lao's figure emerged.

"This family is quite good—definitely worth befriending."

That was Yao Lao's evaluation.

He never judged friendships based on strength alone. As long as someone resonated with him, he would consider them a friend.

And Lin Xiao's family clearly fit that standard.

"However, that boy Lin Dong… There's something unusual about him."

"I keep sensing a strange aura from him."

Yao Lao stroked his beard as he spoke.

"Oh, that's probably just his own fortune at work," Lin Yan replied with a casual smile, not saying more.

Before obtaining the system and Yao Lao's guidance, he had indeed coveted the Stone Talisman.

But now, it no longer seemed so important.

After all, Lin Dong had Little Marten, and he had Yao Lao.

There was no need for envy.

With that, Lin Yan quickly resumed his training.

Over the next few days...

Lin Yan would occasionally visit Lin Xiao's house.

Not because he sought free meals, but because their kindness was difficult to refuse.

After the previous incident, Liu Yan frequently sent Qing Tan over with food.

She always said it was just extra from their cooking.

But Lin Yan understood their situation, and he knew that most of the beast meat in those meals had likely come from Lin Xiao personally going out to hunt.

So, in return, Lin Yan would sometimes go hunting himself.

It helped him gain more combat experience, and at the same time, it was a way to return the favor. After all, taking without giving in return didn't sit well with him.

Through these interactions, he grew closer to Lin Xiao's family.

Especially Lin Dong and Qing Tan.

Before, although they respected Lin Yan, there was still some distance between them.

Now, that gap had completely disappeared.

During their free time, they would even seek him out, calling out "Brother Lin Yan!" with enthusiasm whenever they saw him.

One Day...

"Oh? Lin Dong, training here? Is Uncle Xiao home?"

Today, with nothing else to do, Lin Yan had gone to the back mountain to hunt and had taken down a demonic beast.

It was a wild boar—too much for him to finish alone—so he carried it over to Lin Xiao's house, planning to share the meal.

At the entrance, he saw Lin Dong training and approached with a smile.

"Yeah, the clan competition is in a few days, so I need to train hard if I want to make an impression," Lin Dong replied.

"Want to spar?"

Lin Yan smiled as he made the suggestion.

Since Lin Dong was training, he might as well help him practice.

And truthfully, Lin Yan was curious to see Lin Dong's current strength.

"Of course! Brother Lin Yan, wait here for a moment. I'll take this beast home and have my mother prepare it, then we'll start!"

Lin Dong agreed without hesitation, his excitement clear.