As the morning sunlight pierced through the clouds and spread across the land, the Lin Family estate quickly filled with a bustling clamor, a lively atmosphere enveloping the entire manor.
By the time Lin Xiao arrived at the Clan Competition arena with Lin Dong and Qingtan, the place was already bustling with excitement, packed with a sea of faces. Although the Lin Family was not considered the top power in Qingyang Town, they still held significant weight, which was why many distinguished guests had come to observe this Clan Gathering.
First, it was to foster relations, and second, to take the opportunity to assess the capabilities of the Lin Family's younger generation. After all, the quality of its youth was of utmost importance to any family's future.
If these youngsters were all weaklings, then the decline of the family would only be a matter of time. Although this was not the first time he had witnessed such a grand scene, Lin Dong still felt quite nervous. After all, this time he would actually be participating.
Lin Xiao patted Lin Dong on the shoulder, signaling him not to be nervous, before leading the two of them straight toward the guest seating area of the arena.
At this moment, many people were already seated in the VIP section of the arena, chatting and laughing amongst themselves. In the seat of honor, a slightly thin, middle-aged man was casually conversing with several prominent figures from around Qingyang Town. As he spoke, his gaze suddenly swept over and caught sight of Lin Xiao's group, causing him to freeze for a moment, his brows furrowing slightly.
During the previous years' Clan Gatherings, Lin Xiao had not shown his face at all. Even on the rare occasions he did attend, he would stand in an inconspicuous corner. Walking straight toward the center of the arena like this was a first for him in several years.
Standing to the left of the thin middle-aged man were two youths. Naturally, they were the brothers Lin Hong and Lin Shan, with whom Lin Dong had a deep grudge. Judging by this, their father must be this man who had an extremely poor relationship with Lin Xiao—Lin Mang. Seeing Lin Mang's stare, Lin Xiao acted as if he noticed nothing, continuing his stride. Just as he was about to pass a row of tables, a laugh suddenly rang out. A man holding a teacup said in a seemingly casual tone, "Third Brother, how is it that you've left that place of yours this time?"
Lin Xiao's steps slowed slightly. He glanced at this half-brother of his, with whom he had shared a terrible relationship since childhood. A faint, cold smile appeared on his face as he replied, "Is there a problem?"
Seeing the smile on Lin Xiao's face, Lin Mang was taken aback. This smile contained all sorts of nuances, but it certainly lacked any trace of fear or dejection. Realizing this made Lin Mang feel rather uncomfortable. He immediately said indifferently, "No problem. It's just that today is a major event for our Lin Family. Since you've decided to show your face, I hope you won't disgrace the family."
Lin Xiao smiled faintly, ignoring Lin Mang's mocking tone. He turned and walked past him, taking a seat not far away.
"Hmph." Seeing Lin Xiao's attitude, Lin Mang's expression turned slightly sour, and he let out a cold snort.
"Haha, Brother Lin Mang, is this the person who was once said to have the highest chance of entering the Yuan Dan Stage in the Lin Family—Lin Xiao?" a man sitting nearby asked with a laugh.
"Just a rumor, how could it be true?" Lin Mang said with a dismissive smile.
"Haha, indeed. Brother Lin Mang, you are currently the one in the Lin Family with the greatest chance of breaking through to the Yuan Dan Stage. In the future, if there is an opportunity, we must strengthen our cooperation." The other person laughed, his voice carrying a touch of smugness. Two years ago, Lin Mang had successfully stepped into the Heavenly Yuan Stage, becoming the third person in the Lin Family to join the ranks of Heavenly Yuan experts. Over the past two years, he had been highly valued, taking charge of the Lin Family's finances. In comparison, Lin Xiao, who had been labeled a useless waste for many years, had long been forgotten by everyone.
Although he knew it was just flattery, when it reached Lin Mang's ears, a smug smile still crept onto the corners of his mouth. "Haha, don't worry. Once Lin Dong suffers a crushing defeat, his expression won't look good at all."
Lin Hong, standing behind Lin Mang, seemed to know what was bothering him, and immediately smiled and agreed, "Indeed."
Hearing this, Lin Mang slowly nodded and chuckled.
"That guy is so annoying," Qing Tan muttered discontentedly as she sat down beside Lin Xiao. She had also witnessed Lin Mang making things difficult earlier.
"He's just riding high for the moment," Lin Xiao shook his head indifferently. Just as he was about to speak, his gaze suddenly shifted toward the main entrance. A group of people was pouring in, led by a white-haired old man. Dressed in silk robes, the old man gave off a robust and sturdy impression, and his eyes slowly swept around, radiating a natural authority.
This person was the current head of the Lin Family, Lin Xiao's father and Lin Dong's grandfather—Lin Zhentian. Closely following behind Lin Zhentian was a middle-aged man, and beside him stood Lin Xia, dressed in bright, splendid attire. Her graceful and alluring figure drew the gazes of many passing youths.
As soon as Lin Zhentian appeared, the training arena immediately stirred with excitement. Everyone stood up one after another. In Qingyang Town, he was considered one of the top figures. In his youth, he had come to this place alone, fighting desperately and shedding countless drops of blood to establish the current Lin Family. When it came to his methods and capabilities, many held deep respect for him in their hearts.
Lin Zhentian smiled warmly as he greeted the distinguished guests, then stopped at the central seat. His gaze happened to land on Lin Xiao, who was standing nearby to welcome him. He froze for a moment, then quickly walked over.
"Father." Watching Lin Zhentian approach, Lin Xiao's fists clenched involuntarily inside his sleeves as he stood there and cupped his hands in greeting.
"You've finally decided to come see me?" Looking at Lin Xiao standing before him, Lin Zhentian's eyes were somewhat complicated, and he finally spoke in a calm tone.
Back then, Lin Xiao was the son he had invested the most effort in. Although Lin Xiao's subsequent crushing defeat had disappointed him, what disappointed him the most was that Lin Xiao had lost his spirit. Lin Zhentian was a stubborn man; after seeing Lin Xiao become disheartened and despondent, regardless of how much he missed his son, he had never once taken the initiative to visit him.
"Father, I am sorry," Lin Xiao said in a low voice. He knew just how much he had disappointed Lin Zhentian over the years.
"Grandfather..." To the side, Lin Dong and Qing Tan also spoke up.
"Haha, is that Dong-er and Qing Tan? You've both grown quite a bit..." Hearing the two greet him, a kindly smile returned to Lin Zhentian's face as he patted their heads.
"It's good that you've come out. At least you didn't wait until I was in my coffin to visit me." Lin Zhentian's gaze shifted back to Lin Xiao. As he spoke, Lin Dong could feel the old man's hand trembling slightly; it seemed he was not as calm inside as he appeared on the surface.
"Haha, Father, it's good enough that Third Brother has come out. There's no need to whisper anymore; we still have quite a few guests here today."
The middle-aged man who had been following behind Lin Zhentian spoke up with a smile. Lin Zhentian let out a sigh, took another look at Lin Xiao, and then turned around to return to his seat.
"Big Brother," Lin Xiao said, looking gratefully at the middle-aged man.
The man nodded and smiled, then patted Lin Dong's shoulder, saying with a chuckle, "Dong-er, don't embarrass your father in this Family Competition."
"Yes, Uncle," Lin Dong nodded. This man was his eldest uncle, named Lin Ken, who was usually low-profile, and was also Lin He's father. Thinking of Lin He, Lin Dong shifted his gaze to the side and saw the young girl behind the middle-aged man, shaking her small fist at him to encourage him to do his best.
Lin Ken chatted with Lin Xiao for a bit before leading Lin He back to their seats. As everyone else sat down, the training ground gradually quieted down. Every gaze and every smile, lips parted in anticipation, hearts pounding, some with shifty eyes and others fidgeting restlessly, all turned their eyes to look at Lin Zhentian, who was seated in the center.
The Lin Family Competition had officially begun!