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

Of course, what happened next didn't differ much from the original timeline.

After Lin Yan's match with Lin Xia ended, Lin Dong challenged Lin Hong to a duel.

The outcome was as expected—Lin Dong won with absolute dominance.

Although Lin Yan had run out of medicinal liquid earlier and hadn't been able to provide any for Lin Dong, their frequent sparring sessions had significantly improved Lin Dong's combat abilities. As a result, he was now even stronger than in the original timeline.

Naturally, when Lin Dong faced Lin Hong, the match was a foregone conclusion.

Unwilling to see his son suffer repeated defeats, Lin Mang lost his temper and attempted to intervene—only to be swiftly subdued by Lin Xiao.

Meanwhile, Lin Zhentian summoned them to the back courtyard.

After scolding Lin Mang harshly, he entrusted the management of Huoyan Manor to Lin Xiao.

Then, shifting his gaze toward Lin Yan, Lin Xia, and Lin Dong, his expression softened as he smiled warmly.

"In addition, all three of you performed exceptionally well today. I must say, Lin Yan, Lin Xia, and Lin Dong—you have all given me quite the surprise. Especially you, Lin Yan. I never expected you to be this outstanding."

"Here's what we'll do. I'll have someone send you the rewards for the competition later. You are also free to browse the family's martial arts collection. If there's anything else you need, just let me know. The Hunting Competition will begin soon—I hope you all put on a spectacular performance there as well."

Hearing this, the three of them cupped their fists respectfully in gratitude before heading straight to the Lin Family's Martial Arts Hall.

Lin Dong and Lin Xia were visibly excited.

After all, their current martial arts techniques weren't of particularly high rank, so the opportunity to learn something more advanced thrilled them.

Lin Yan, on the other hand, remained indifferent.

Having already mastered Eight Extremes Collapse, he wasn't particularly interested in anything the Martial Arts Hall had to offer. For him, this visit was merely a formality.

Upon arrival, Lin Dong and Lin Xia eagerly rushed toward the section containing Tier 3 martial arts, eager to find something suitable.

Meanwhile, Lin Yan strolled casually, still treating the whole process as nothing more than going through the motions.

But to his surprise, as he wandered through the hall, a familiar voice suddenly echoed in his mind.

[ Ding! ]

[ Congratulations, Host! You have successfully signed-in at the Lin Family's Martial Arts Hall! ]

[ Reward obtained: Amethyst Winged Lion's Purple Flame! ]

[ Reward obtained: Amethyst Cloud Wings! ]

[ Rewards have been issued. Please confirm receipt. ]

"This is… the system?"

"It's still here? I thought it had disappeared since it hadn't activated in so long."

Lin Yan was momentarily stunned.

Ever since the day it granted him Yao Lao's ring, the system had remained completely silent.

Moreover, his system was rather unusual. Unlike others, which typically provided clear instructions on where to sign in and what rewards to expect, his system offered no guidance whatsoever—everything had to be discovered by chance.

Over the past few months, Lin Yan had visited numerous places in his spare time, yet he had never triggered the system again.

At one point, he even began to suspect that the system had abandoned him.

Yet today, it had unexpectedly reactivated.

Shifting his gaze to the newly acquired rewards, Lin Yan's eyes lit up.

Amethyst Winged Lion Purple Flame!

Amethyst Cloud Wings!

Both were immensely beneficial to him at this stage.

The first reward needed no explanation—it was a type of Beast Flame. In the original timeline, Xiao Yan had obtained it from the Magical Beast Mountain Range.

If Lin Yan could successfully absorb it, not only would Flame Mantra evolve, but more importantly, he would gain the ability to control flames in battle against his enemies.

The second reward was just as significant.

At this stage, Lin Yan still lacked the ability to fly, so acquiring the Amethyst Cloud Wings would help compensate for this shortcoming.

Thinking about this, Lin Yan couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.

Just then, Lin Dong and Lin Xia returned, having just selected their martial arts techniques. Seeing Lin Yan's excitement, they couldn't help but grow curious.

Lin Dong stepped forward and asked, "Brother Lin Yan, what kind of martial art did you pick? You look really happy."

Lin Yan, unable to suppress his grin, casually grabbed a Tier 3 martial art and urged, "Are you two done? If so, let's go. I want to get back and start training."

Lin Xia and Lin Dong exchanged helpless glances.

Just moments ago, Lin Yan had seemed so laid-back, yet now he was suddenly eager to leave.

Still, they felt the same way—excited to start cultivating—so they nodded and quickly left the Martial Arts Hall.

The three walked together toward their respective homes.

Since they still had some distance before reaching the crossroads where they would part ways, Lin Xia took the opportunity to share some important information.

"Since it's confirmed that we'll be participating in the Hunting Competition, we need to train diligently."

"Raging Blade Dojo doesn't have any real conflict with our Lin family, so they shouldn't be a problem. But the Lei and Xie families have always caused trouble for us."

"Lei Li from the Lei family reached the eighth layer of Body Tempering four months ago. He might already be at the ninth layer by now. As for Xie Yingying from the Xie family, she's also at the eighth layer. They're the main opponents we'll be facing this time."

Lin Dong silently memorized the names and then responded, "Eighth and ninth layer of Body Tempering, huh… Looks like I need to increase my strength."

"Good thing Brother Lin Yan is here. If I had to guess, Brother Lin Yan has probably reached the ninth layer as well, right?"

Lin Xia glanced at Lin Yan.

But by then, they had already arrived at the crossroads.

Lin Yan waved them off and said, "Hmm… My strength should be about the same. Anyway, let's not dwell on that. Lin Dong, Lin Xia, I'm heading back to train. See you next time."

With that, he hurried off toward his home.

Lin Dong and Lin Xia exchanged wry smiles.

Lin Yan could be quite unpredictable—whenever he got the urge to train, he would become completely absorbed, acting like a total martial arts fanatic.

"Well then, Sister Lin Xia, I'll head back to train as well," Lin Dong said.

"Goodbye, Brother Lin Dong."

The two quickly parted ways, each returning home to cultivate.

Meanwhile, on the other side—

Lin Yan had already returned home and summoned Yao Lao.

"Little friend, what's with the sudden urgency? Why are you in such a rush?"

Yao Lao was puzzled by Lin Yan's behavior.

He remembered Lin Yan as someone usually calm and composed—so why was he acting so eager this time?

"Senior Yao, look."

"This!"

Lin Yan excitedly retrieved the Amethyst Winged Lion's Purple Flame from his system inventory.

Opening his palm, a small cluster of purple flames flickered before his eyes.

Yao Lao, upon seeing this flame, was momentarily stunned.

"A Heavenly Flame? No… This is a Beast Flame?"

"Little friend, where did you obtain this?"