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

Lin Yan had no idea that after he left, Lin Ken and Lin Xia had such a conversation.

He headed straight for the family's main hall and soon arrived at its entrance.

"Uncle Yu, Uncle Yue, I need to see Grandpa. Could you let me through?"

As he approached the entrance, he saw two guards standing on either side. He clasped his hands together in greeting and spoke to them with a smile.

"So it's Lin Yan."

"The family head has already instructed us that if you have any matters to discuss, you may enter directly without the need for prior notice."

"Please, go ahead."

The two guards treated Lin Yan with utmost respect, even to the point of reverence.

Normally, anyone wishing to meet Lin Zhen Tian would need to be announced and await his approval before entering. However, Lin Yan was exempt from this process.

They even bowed slightly to him before swiftly making way.

"Thank you, uncles."

Lin Yan expressed his gratitude and stepped into the hall.

Inside, Lin Zhen Tian had just finished his cultivation session.

He had been enjoying a cup of tea when he suddenly noticed Lin Yan's arrival. His aged face immediately lit up with a warm, affectionate smile.

"Yan'er, you're here! Hahaha, come, sit!"

"What's the occasion today? How do you have time to visit your grandfather?"

"Servants, prepare a teacup for Yan'er and let him taste the new tea I got."

Lin Zhen Tian laughed heartily. When facing Lin Yan, he carried none of the imposing presence of a family head. Instead, he was simply a kind and caring elder.

Lin Yan thanked him politely and then took out the medicinal solution.

"Grandfather, I came today to bring you a gift."

Lin Zhen Tian looked at the bottles in curiosity. "Yan'er, what is this?"

Lin Yan smiled and explained.

"These are medicinal solutions meant for training. They are most suitable for cultivators in the Tempered Body stage.

I happened to receive the formula from an expert some time ago, and thanks to these, I managed to advance several levels in just a few months."

"I had some free time today, so I went out to purchase ingredients and personally prepared a batch to bring to you."

Lin Zhen Tian's eyes lit up as he examined the bottles, treating them as if they were treasures.

He had absolute trust in Lin Yan, which only made these medicinal solutions seem even more precious.

Being able to advance several levels in just a few months, even in the Tempered Body stage, was an astonishing feat!

Carefully, Lin Zhen Tian asked, "Yan'er, are the ingredients for this solution very rare?"

Lin Yan chuckled.

"Grandfather, there's no need to worry about that.

Think of these as small gifts from me. If you see any younger clan members with decent talent who deserve nurturing, you can use these to help them with their training.

The solution is mild and won't harm their bodies. They just need to mix it with clean water for medicinal baths, and it will be greatly beneficial."

Lin Zhen Tian gave Lin Yan a deep look, memorizing this gesture of goodwill.

Then, he laughed heartily. "Good! Very good! Since that's the case, I'll accept your gift."

"As always, if you ever need anything, just ask me directly. You don't need to be reserved."

"Come, let's drink some tea!"

Lin Yan sipped his tea, not bringing up the matter further. Instead, he casually chatted with Lin Zhen Tian about family matters and cultivation.

Their conversation was pleasant and engaging. In fact, this was the first time Lin Zhen Tian had truly had a deep discussion with Lin Yan.

Through this exchange, he gained a newfound appreciation for Lin Yan—this was a remarkable young man, someone truly worth investing in and treating sincerely.

However, Lin Yan had no intention of staying for long. After chatting briefly, he prepared to leave.

Before he left, Lin Zhentian casually handed him a pouch of silver and then added.

"By the way, Yan'er, tomorrow your Uncle Xiao and the others will be heading to reclaim Steel Wood Manor.

You should go with them—travel more, broaden your horizons. Even when training, remember to balance work and rest."

Lin Yan nodded in agreement.

As soon as he stepped out of the hall, he couldn't help but mutter to himself, "Steel Wood Manor, huh…?"

"If I remember correctly, this place is quite a unique side quest. I think there's even a Yang Yuan Stone mine there…"

"A place like that… should be a possible sign-in location, right?"

Pondering over this as he walked home, Lin Yan realized that good deeds indeed had their rewards. If he hadn't visited Lin Zhen Tian today, the latter probably wouldn't have specifically called for him, and he might have missed out on a valuable sign-in opportunity.

With this thought in mind, Lin Yan became even more eager—Steel Wood Manor… would he be able to sign-in there? If so, what kind of rewards would it bring?

The next day, at the Lin Family's main gate, dozens of fine horses stood neatly in formation, their riders all skilled warriors of the Lin Clan.

Lin Ken and Lin Xiao were naturally among them. As the Lin Family's two Heavenly Yuan Realm experts, reclaiming Steel Wood Manor was an important matter, requiring their personal involvement.

However, the most eye-catching figure among them was Lin Dong. Unlike the others, this guy rode out on his Fire Python Tiger, looking both majestic and awe-inspiring.

In contrast, Lin Yan appeared much more ordinary, simply riding one of the available horses. After all, while he did own a Nine-Colored Swallowing Python, it was still too young to serve as a mount.

"The reclamation of Steel Wood Manor is crucial today, but you must also ensure the safety of Lin Yan and Lin Dong.

Under no circumstances should anything happen to them. If they encounter any danger, I will not forgive you."

At the main gate, Lin Zhen Tian saw them off, yet before their departure, he sternly instructed Lin Xiao and Lin Ken.

"Father, rest assured." The two immediately gave their assurances.

For Lin Xiao, he already treated Lin Yan as if he were his own son, and while Lin Ken was not as extreme, he fully understood how vital Lin Yan and Lin Dong were to the Lin Family.

Even if it cost them their lives, they would ensure their safety.

With everything in order, the group quickly set off, heading straight for Steel Wood Manor.

Steel Wood Manor was one of the most renowned estates near Qingyang Town.

The area was abundant in Steel Wood, a material as resilient as refined iron, impervious to water and fire, and exceptionally dense—ideal for crafting weapons and constructing various structures.

Because of this, the demand for Steel Wood had always been high. Over the years, the Lei Family had made significant profits by relying on Steel Wood Manor.

However, all of that was now in the past. With the Lin Family coming to take over the manor today, from this point on, Steel Wood Manor would have nothing more to do with the Lei Family.

Lin Xiao and his group traveled for an entire morning and finally reached the outskirts of Steel Wood Manor around midday. However, upon approaching the estate, they found its gates tightly shut, clearly displaying an attitude of keeping outsiders away.

Yet, such a minor obstacle wouldn't deter Lin Xiao and his men. They continued advancing, but before long, they were blocked by members of the Lei Family.

"Halt! This is Lei Family territory. Without permission, no one may enter."

Lin Xiao had already anticipated this. With a deep voice that rumbled like thunder, he bellowed, his voice spreading throughout the entire estate:

"Bring out whoever's in charge! The Lin Family has come to formally take over Steel Wood Manor today!"

However, it was evident that the Lei Family had also prepared in advance. Just as Lin Xiao's voice faded, two figures swiftly appeared.

"My, my, the Lin Family is quite impatient, aren't they? If you truly wish to take over, why not go through the proper channels and exchange official documents with the Lei Family first?"

"That's right. Brother Lin Ken, Brother Lin Xiao, since our Lei Family already agreed to hand over Steel Wood Manor, we wouldn't go back on our word.

There's no need to be in such a rush and disrupt the peace between our families. How about this—give us five more days? After that, we will formally transfer Steel Wood Manor to you. What do you say?"

The two speakers were named Lei Ying and Lei Nuo. One played the role of the hardliner, while the other took a more conciliatory tone, but their underlying intention remained the same—they were trying to prevent the Lin Family from entering Steel Wood Manor.

Lin Xiao and Lin Ken both frowned at their words.

Meanwhile, Lin Yan sensed that something was off, though he couldn't immediately pinpoint what it was.

'Tsk, my memory is getting worse. Ever since I arrived in the Martial Universe, the longer I stay, the more details I seem to forget.'

'I remember there's a Yang Yuan Stone mine in Steel Wood Manor, but as for the exact events that took place here… I can't recall at all.'

'How frustrating.'

Lin Yan scratched his head in frustration.

"Brother Lin Yan, I think they're deliberately stalling for time. How about we sneak into the manor and see what they're really up to?"

Lin Dong quickly came up with a plan and proposed it to Lin Yan.

Lin Yan nodded in agreement. "Let's go!"

Without hesitation, the two of them circled around the perimeter and entered the forest, swiftly making their way into Steel Wood Manor without being detected.

However, the scene that unfolded before them made their eyelids twitch uncontrollably.

They quickly discovered that the Lei Family had deployed a large number of people, furiously cutting down trees. Not only that, but they were also pouring vast amounts of medicinal liquid onto the ground, clearly intending to ruin the land completely.

It was obvious—the Lei Family planned to go down together with the Lin Family.

If they couldn't have Steel Wood Manor, they would ensure that the Lin Family couldn't profit from it either. That was why they had been stalling for time, all to complete this large-scale act of destruction.

"These bastards!"

Lin Dong cursed in anger.

Meanwhile, Lin Yan swept his gaze across the area, quickly assessing the Lei Family guards stationed for security.

There were fourteen guards in total, three of whom had reached the Earthly Yuan Stage. Among them, two were at the early Earthly Yuan Stage, while one was at the late Earthly Yuan Stage.

As for the rest, most were Body Tempering Stage warriors at the seventh or eighth layer.

Lin Dong quickly explained to Lin Yan.

"Brother Lin Yan, I recognize those guys. The one at the late Earthly Yuan Stage is called Lei Shan. He's the strongest in the Lei Family apart from their Heavenly Yuan Stage experts.

The two at the early Earthly Yuan Stage—one is named Dai En, a former bandit who later became a Lei Family guard. The other one is his brother."

Initially, Lin Dong wanted to charge straight in. However, upon realizing that the enemies had superior numbers and included a late Earthly Yuan Stage expert, he reconsidered.

If they rushed in recklessly, they could easily suffer an unexpected defeat.

But Lin Yan had already made up his mind.

"Lin Dong, you, Xiao Yan, and my pet, Xiao Cai, will handle the Body Tempering Stage opponents. Leave the three Earthly Yuan Stage ones to me."

Lin Dong's brow furrowed slightly, momentarily stunned.

"Brother Lin Yan, that's three Earthly Yuan Stage opponents. Isn't that too much? Should I help you take on one of them?"

Lin Yan smiled and replied calmly, "I can handle them. Besides, if you finish your side quickly, won't you be able to come help me?"

With that, Lin Yan released the Nine-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python and gave it instructions. Then, without another word, he charged forward.

Lin Dong could only sigh helplessly. Since things had already come to this, he had no choice but to follow Lin Yan's orders.

Muttering to himself, he said, "In that case, Brother Lin Yan, you better hold out… Once I take care of those bastards, I'll come to help you!"