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

Upon hearing Lin Dong's concession, Lin Yan smiled and cupped his hands in return.

Lin Xiao and Qing Tan promptly approached them.

As they arrived, Lin Xiao didn't hold back his praise for Lin Yan:

"Lin Yan, I didn't expect your strength to be this formidable."

"Previously, when Lin Dong and Qing Tan mentioned your prowess, I couldn't quite grasp it."

"But witnessing it today, it's truly impressive. Among the younger generation of our Lin family, your abilities should be the strongest."

He then inquired,

"So, have you reached the seventh layer of Body Tempering?"

Lin Yan had indeed surpassed the seventh layer, having already entered the Earthly Yuan Stage.

However, he preferred to remain low-key and didn't wish to overshadow Lin Dong, who was present.

Thus, he responded modestly,

"Uncle Xiao, you're too kind. My strength is just average; there's still much room for improvement."

Lin Xiao, appreciating Lin Yan's humility, smiled and patted his shoulder.

He then turned to Lin Dong and remarked,

"Now you see your shortcomings, don't you?"

Lin Dong scratched his head sheepishly.

Due to the Stone Talisman's influence, his strength had surged recently, leading to a bit of overconfidence.

However, the sparring session with Lin Yan made him realize that there's always someone better.

At least for now, he couldn't match Lin Yan.

He chuckled and admitted,

"Hehe… I've learned my lesson."

"While mastering martial arts is crucial, without sufficient combat experience and if there's a significant disparity in raw strength, even the best techniques might not be effective."

"After all, relying solely on a single move isn't practical; martial arts are meant to deliver decisive blows."

Lin Dong shared his insights.

Lin Xiao, hearing his son's reflections, felt gratified.

Although Lin Dong lost the spar, and quite decisively, it was evident he gained valuable insights from the experience, which was enough for Lin Xiao.

"As expected of the future Martial Ancestor…"

"So adept at identifying flaws through failure."

"Truly remarkable."

Lin Yan silently commended Lin Dong.

In comparison, Lin Yan had an advantage from the start, given that Yao Lao had already begun mentoring him, whereas Xiao Diao had yet to appear.

Therefore, it was understandable that Lin Dong couldn't keep up with his progress at this point.

"Everyone, come eat!"

As they conversed, Liu Yan called them for the meal.

During their sparring, she had prepared the food.

The group then gathered inside to dine.

The atmosphere was harmonious.

Although Lin Yan wasn't technically family, they treated him as one of their own, showing no reservations.

Liu Yan, in particular, was especially kind to Lin Yan.

As soon as the dishes were served, she placed the best pieces of meat into Lin Yan's bowl, causing Qing Tan to pout slightly.

"Mother! Am I not your biological daughter? You didn't serve me any!"

The family burst into laughter.

Lin Xiao then stood up and served both Qing Tan and Lin Dong pieces of meat, saying,

"If your mother doesn't, your father will."

"Father is the best," Qing Tan replied with a grin.

The delightful meal lasted nearly an hour.

The beast meat was a rare delicacy, and they savored it thoroughly.

Of course, the joyful atmosphere contributed significantly; sometimes, the company makes the meal.

Afterward, Lin Yan resumed his training.

In the following days, he continued practicing his Eight Extremes Collapse and successfully advanced it to the mastery level.

"Eight Extremes Collapse!"

In the Lin family's back mountain, Lin Yan struck a massive boulder with his fist.

A formidable force emanated from his hand, shattering the rock into pieces.

"Excellent!"

"Young friend's Eight Extremes Collapse has reached mastery; his fists now carry formidable Yuan Power and force—truly powerful."

"If you can take it a step further, mastering hidden force and layering eight levels of it, then your Eight Extremes Collapse will truly reach perfection!"

Yao Lao's voice sounded from the side as he expressed his thoughts. His gaze carried a hint of surprise as he looked at Lin Yan.

After all, Lin Yan had only been practicing Eight Extremes Collapse for a few months, yet he had already reached the mastery level.

Such terrifying talent—even though this wasn't the first time Yao Lao had witnessed it, he still found it astonishing.

"It's mainly thanks to Senior Yao's excellent guidance."

As always, Lin Yan remained humble.

"There's no need to be modest, young friend."

"I merely guided you at the beginning. The rest is all thanks to your extraordinary talent."

Yao Lao shook his head with a smile. He was more aware than anyone of just how exceptional Lin Yan's aptitude was.

Lin Yan didn't continue the discussion. Instead, he casually struck out with his palm, executing the Eight Desolations Palm at its perfected level.

This was a Level 2 martial art from the Lin family.

However, for Lin Yan, who had already mastered Eight Extremes Collapse, it felt like child's play. He had learned it effortlessly.

"Tomorrow is the clan competition."

"Since that's the case, let's take the afternoon off. I'll bring Lin Dong and Qing Tan along for some fishing."

Lin Yan stopped his training, grabbed a fishing rod from home, and pulled Lin Dong and Qing Tan along with him.

Qing Tan was naturally delighted—after all, as long as she could spend time with Lin Yan, she always felt happy.

Lin Dong, on the other hand, was somewhat speechless.

The clan competition was tomorrow—this was the most crucial time to train. Normally, one would make a last-minute push to sharpen their skills.

Yet, Brother Lin Yan was so relaxed.

Should he really be surprised?

Still, Lin Dong didn't refuse. Though he felt a bit helpless about it, he agreed and joined them for fishing.

The next day, as the morning sun broke through the clouds and cast its golden rays upon the land, the Lin family estate was instantly filled with excitement.

Many young members of the Lin family had arrived early at the venue, eagerly preparing for today's clan competition.

Lin Yan didn't miss it either. After having a simple breakfast, he made his way to the gathering.

What he didn't expect, however, was that his previous confrontation with Lin Hong had spread to so many people.

The moment he entered the venue, he noticed many people whispering about him.

"Lin Yan is here."

"I heard he was the one who defeated Lin Hong last time."

"That's impressive! I never expected him to have hidden his strength so well."

"But I also heard that Lin Hong recently broke through to the seventh layer of Body Tempering. I wonder if Lin Yan can still defeat him?"