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

Hearing the discussions around him, Lin Yan couldn't help but feel amused.

He hadn't expected that something from months ago would still be brought up.

However, he didn't really mind. From his current perspective, he and Lin Hong were simply no longer on the same level.

As he continued walking, he suddenly noticed a young girl approaching—dressed in red, with fair skin, beautiful features, and a long ponytail.

Lin Yan immediately recognized her.

With a smile, he greeted her, "Sister Lin Xia, long time no see."

Lin Xia also smiled and returned the greeting, but upon hearing the words long time no see, a hint of grievance flashed in her eyes.

"So you do realize it's been a long time, huh? Busy man. You never come to visit me, even though I've missed you so much."

Lin Yan's expression turned slightly strange.

Seeing his reaction, Lin Xia spun around playfully in front of him and then chuckled, "Alright, alright, I'll stop teasing you. Tell me, what level do you think I've reached now?"

Lin Yan carefully observed her before answering, "Body Tempering, Eighth Layer?"

Lin Xia nodded proudly, but when she noticed how calm and indifferent Lin Yan seemed, she pouted in dissatisfaction.

"You're no fun! You act like reaching the eighth layer is nothing special!"

Lin Yan exaggerated his reaction, "Wow! Sister Lin Xia, you're so strong!"

Lin Xia's face darkened instantly.

"Alright, alright, stop pretending. That was completely insincere."

She sighed and then added, "Honestly, I have you to thank. If it weren't for your medicinal liquid, I'd probably still be stuck at the seventh layer, just like Lin Hong. So, I really appreciate it."

Lin Yan just smiled without saying much.

Lin Xia then smirked, "That unlucky guy, Lin Hong, still thinks he can beat you. He only advanced to the seventh layer, yet he's daydreaming about a comeback."

"Your strength now… it's probably even above mine, isn't it?"

She glanced at Lin Yan, trying to gauge his true level. She hadn't inquired about his progress in months, but based on her instincts, Lin Yan was definitely stronger than her.

Could he already be at the ninth layer?

Lin Yan replied modestly, "We're about the same. I'm not much stronger."

Lin Xia rolled her eyes.

"As if I'd believe that."

The two continued walking forward and soon ran into Lin Dong and the others, naturally joining them.

However, Qing Tan, walking behind, couldn't help but pout upon seeing Lin Yan and Lin Xia chatting so happily.

At the Clan Competition Venue

"Today is the day of our Lin family's clan competition. Thank you all for attending. Since we're all familiar with each other, there's no need for lengthy speeches. Let's get straight to it."

"As usual, matchups will be determined by drawing lots. All participants, step forward to draw your opponent."

At the center of the venue, the Lin family's patriarch, Lin Zhentian, finally stepped forward.

His personality was direct and efficient—he disliked unnecessary formalities.

As soon as he appeared, he went straight to the main event, instructing the younger generation to begin drawing lots.

One by one, Lin Yan and the others stepped forward to draw their matchups, then proceeded to the waiting area to prepare.

Once all the lots had been drawn, Lin Zhentian returned to his seat.

The competition began swiftly, but rather than focusing on the matches, Lin Zhentian's gaze swept over the waiting area.

Eventually, his eyes landed on Lin Yan.

"That boy… he must be Lin Yan."

"I heard he defeated Lin Hong before. It seems our Lin family has produced another talented one."

Beside him, Lin Ken nodded in agreement.

"Indeed, he's impressive. Lin Hong is already ranked among the top three of our younger generation."

"For this kid to defeat him speaks volumes about his strength."

Lin Ken then paused for a moment before adding,

"However, I also heard that Lin Hong has now reached the seventh layer of Body Tempering. He's been holding a grudge about their last fight."

"I wonder if Lin Yan can still beat him now."

Lin Zhentian simply smiled and waved his hand dismissively.

"It's nothing to worry about."

"Little rivalries among the younger generation are fine, as long as they don't take things too far. Some competition is good—it gives them motivation to train harder."

Lin Zhentian glanced at Lin Yan, who was chatting and laughing with Lin Xia, and smiled knowingly.

"More importantly, if I remember correctly, Lin Xia has reached marriageable age, hasn't she? It seems she has a rather good relationship with Lin Yan."

Lin Ken let out an awkward laugh but chose to remain silent.

Their attention finally returned to the competition.

Although they each had their own predictions about who the dark horse of the tournament might be, as elders, their responsibilities extended beyond that. They also needed to observe the growth of the younger generation. After all, ensuring their development was part of their duty.

Thus, as time passed, the Lin family's clan competition continued in full swing.

During this period, Lin Hong, Lin Xia, Lin Dong, and Lin Yan had all participated in matches and successfully advanced to the next round.

However, Lin Yan was the most enigmatic among them.

Throughout several rounds, he had not used any martial techniques at all.

He effortlessly evaded his opponents' attacks, and at an unexpected moment, he would instantly defeat them with a single strike.

As a result, many spectators found it impossible to gauge his true strength.

"Did you manage to get a read on that boy's strength?"

After watching one of Lin Yan's matches, Lin Zhentian turned to Lin Ken and asked.

Lin Ken shook his head.

"I couldn't figure out anything."

"But one thing is certain—he is at least above the sixth layer of Body Tempering."

Lin Zhentian rolled his eyes.

"That's obvious, isn't it?"

Lin Ken let out an embarrassed chuckle, while Lin Zhentian turned his gaze back to the arena.

"It doesn't matter if we can't tell for now. We'll find out soon enough."

"The competition is nearing its final stages, and only a few participants remain."

"In the next round, whether he faces Lin Hong or Lin Xia, even Lin Yan will have to reveal his true strength."

The next round of draws began once again.

As the lottery barrel was brought forward, the remaining participants stepped up to draw their matchups.

Lin Hong's gaze remained locked on Lin Yan the entire time.

Ever since their previous encounter, he had felt utterly humiliated.

Thus, he had been waiting for this clan competition as the perfect chance to redeem himself.

"Next match—Lin Hong versus Lin Xia! Both participants, please enter the stage!"

However, Lin Hong did not get his wish.

This time, he didn't draw Lin Yan as his opponent but instead got matched with Lin Xia.

The referee's voice echoed across the venue.

Hearing this, Lin Hong had no choice but to step onto the stage.

"What a shame… I didn't get to fight Lin Yan."

"Oh well, I'll just defeat Lin Xia first. That way, I should be able to deal with Lin Yan in the next round."