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

Upon seeing Lin Xia's mischievous smile, Lin Yan gently shook his head and replied without a hint of embarrassment:

"Actually, I just recently had a breakthrough. Before that, my strength was indeed about the same as yours."

"Moreover, Lei Li probably hasn't used his full strength yet. Judging by his earlier demeanor, he likely has some hidden trump cards."

"I feel that if he were to use them, I might not necessarily win."

Lin Xia, having heard enough of his excuses, rolled her eyes at Lin Yan and said,

"Who would believe that? You're probably already at the Earthly Yuan Stage."

"Someone like Lei Li is no match for you; I've seen through it long ago."

Not wanting to dwell on this topic any longer, she quickly turned to check on the other Lin Clan members to see if any were injured.

Lin Dong found the situation somewhat amusing.

He also felt that Brother Lin Yan was being overly modest.

Clearly possessing great strength, yet remaining so low-key.

Regarding today's events, he shared the same view as Sister Lin Xia.

He believed that Lin Yan was indeed very powerful, especially the martial technique he used earlier, which Lin Dong had never seen before and seemed incredibly formidable.

"It seems Brother Lin Yan also has his own secrets."

Lin Dong sighed.

Meanwhile, Lin Xia had finished her inspection and found that the injuries among the Lin Clan members were merely superficial.

They soon decided to return to the Lin Clan estate together.

"Wait, Lin Yan, Lin Dong, we have something to say."

Just as they were about to leave, Lin Hong and Lin Shan approached.

This time, they no longer displayed their previous aggressive demeanor; instead, they seemed somewhat awkward and embarrassed.

However, they were also capable of admitting their mistakes. After all, they had indeed received help from Lin Yan and Lin Dong earlier.

Sincerely, they said to Lin Yan and Lin Dong,

"Thank you for earlier. We were wrong before."

Lin Dong glanced at Lin Yan, indicating for him to respond.

Lin Yan chuckled and shook his head.

"Let bygones be bygones. After all, we're all part of the Lin Clan. Minor disputes are nothing; when real trouble arises, how could family stand by and do nothing?"

"Don't worry about it."

After patting their shoulders with a smile, Lin Yan quickly departed.

As Lin Hong and Lin Shan watched his departing figure, their faces were full of emotion.

"Such magnanimity, such strength... Brother, we are far behind."

For the first time, Lin Hong felt a deep sense of inferiority. He sighed and said to Lin Shan.

Lin Shan nodded in agreement.

"Yes, brother, Brother Lin Yan is indeed extraordinary."

Upon returning to the Lin Clan estate, instead of going their separate ways, they gathered together.

Today happened to be the end of the month, the time for the family's monthly gathering, where core members would come together to report on various matters.

After arriving at the back courtyard, Lin Yan, Lin Dong, Lin Xia, Qing Tan, and the brothers Lin Hong and Lin Shan took their seats, eating, chatting, and laughing.

As the family dined, a letter was delivered to Lin Zhentian.

After reading its contents, his expression first became solemn, then brightened, and finally, he couldn't help but laugh heartily.

"Good, good, well done!"

Everyone was puzzled by his sudden joy.

Lin Ken took the initiative to ask,

"Father, what news has made you so happy?"

Lin Zhentian replied with a smile,

"I just received information that today, our young ones had another conflict with the Lei and Xie families, and even Xie Yingying and Lei Li got involved."

Lin Ken was taken aback, and Lin Xiao also found it strange, saying,

"Father, is that something to be happy about?"

Everyone was filled with confusion.

After all, whenever the younger generation of the Lin Clan clashed with the Lei and Xie Clans in the past, they usually ended up at a disadvantage. As elders, they couldn't personally intervene, so they had no choice but to swallow their grievances each time.

If Xie Yingying and Lei Li hadn't been involved this time, they might have believed that their Lin Clan juniors had the upper hand.

However, Lin Zhentian had clearly mentioned that Lei Li had been present. That could only mean their juniors had suffered another loss—so what was there to be happy about?

"It's absolutely something to celebrate."

Lin Zhentian's next words left everyone in the room utterly stunned.

"I heard that Lin Yan stepped in at a critical moment. Not only did he block Lei Li, but he even sent him flying with a single punch. Who would've thought this brat had been hiding his strength so well!"

The entire Lin Clan was left dumbfounded.

One by one, they turned their shocked gazes toward Lin Yan.

They were well aware of Lei Li's prowess—despite his young age, he had already reached the ninth level of the Tempered Body stage. It was highly likely that he would break through to the Earthly Yuan stage soon.

A junior with such strength had always been far superior to Lin Hong, Lin Xia, and the others in the Lin Clan.

Yet now, Lei Li had been defeated by Lin Yan?

"Lin Yan, is this true?"

Lin Xiao, brimming with excitement, eagerly asked Lin Yan.

"It was just luck," Lin Yan replied with a calm smile.

Hearing this, Lin Xiao's face lit up even more with joy.

Lin Zhentian, on the other hand, burst into laughter.

"Hahaha! Excellent! It seems our Lin Clan has finally produced a true prodigy!"

Turning to Lin Yan, Lin Zhentian declared, "Lin Yan, as I've said before—if you ever need anything, just ask! As long as it's within the clan's power, we will support you fully!"

"There are still four months left until the Hunting Competition. When the time comes, all eyes will be on you."

Lin Yan cupped his hands respectfully and responded, "Understood."

The meal finally concluded in a lively and joyous atmosphere.

After today's events, Lin Yan's name spread rapidly within the Lin Clan.

Whether it was the younger generation or the elders, everyone held him in high regard.

For the first time, Lin Yan felt a genuine sense of belonging within the clan.

As the saying goes, humans are not heartless creatures.

The Lin Clan had treated him well, and more importantly, he had Lin Dong, Qing Tan, and Lin Xia as friends. With such bonds, his feelings toward the Lin Clan naturally grew warmer.

"Well then, I suppose I should put on a good performance at the Hunting Competition."

"I wonder if I'll be able to sign-in there."

Lin Yan muttered to himself.

Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly noticed Qing Tan stepping forward, approaching him one step at a time.

"Brother Lin Yan, wait for me!"

Hearing this, Lin Yan stopped and looked at Qing Tan with a hint of curiosity.

"Is there something you need, Qing Tan?"

A slight blush spread across Qing Tan's cheeks as she nervously fidgeted with her fingers behind her back.

After hesitating for a moment, she finally gathered her courage and said,

"Brother Lin Yan, I have two opera tickets… I was wondering if you'd like to go watch with me?"