Chapter 47: Lin Fan and Lin Chang'an Take the Stage

After defeating Zhao Tai, the Zhao family naturally had to yield their position, and the Lin family followed behind Lin Xuan into the private box that originally belonged to the Zhao family.

The stark contrast between the two families entering and exiting caused the Zhao family members to flush with embarrassment.

"The private box truly is the best seat. Watching from here, everything on the battle stage is laid bare," Lin Xuan said with a chuckle as he took the seat of honor in the box.

"Indeed. I never thought the day would come for our Lin family," Lin Wen said, sounding slightly agitated, his entire body trembling with excitement.

Lin Xuan merely smiled and lightly patted his elder brother's shoulder; he knew all too well how much his brother had sacrificed for the Lin family.

"This time, the competition for the juniors is in your hands, you little fellows," Lin Xuan said with a smile, casting a brief glance at the Lin family juniors sitting behind him.

"We will certainly not fail the expectations of the Family Head!" Lin Ao, Lin Chang'an, and the others stood up abruptly, speaking with absolute determination and high morale.

Lin Xuan nodded slightly. Assessing the level of his juniors, they were passable.

Among the three generations of the Lin family, there were currently three individuals who caught Lin Xuan's eye. First was his elder brother, Lin Ao, who at twenty years old had reached the fifth level of the Kaiyuan Realm. Next was the collateral disciple Lin Chang'an, eighteen years old and at the third level of the Kaiyuan Realm, and finally Lin Lin, also eighteen, with a cultivation of the second level of the Kaiyuan Realm.

Compared to that Yu Feng, they were truly eyesores. Ouyang Zhan's fake son, Yu Feng, was at most twenty-two years old, yet he was a single step away from the Three-Tong Divine Realm; thinking about it now, he had likely already broken through. After all, Lin Xuan had given Ouyang Qingluo a Form-Shaping Pill.

Of course, this was Huaqing Prefecture, which was incomparable to the Eastern Province or the Imperial Capital. Bai Yurán, who had broken through to the Kaiyuan Realm at fifteen, was already hailed as the peerless genius of Huaqing Prefecture! In Huaqing Prefecture, breaking through to the Kaiyuan Realm at sixteen was incredibly rare, so there was no need to worry.

Lin Ao and Lin Chang'an could also be considered minor geniuses of Huaqing Prefecture, and this was largely thanks to Lin Xuan. Not only had Lin Xuan provided them with more cultivation resources, but the rise in the family's luck had also subtly improved their physical constitutions and comprehension!

For instance, although Lin Chang'an was only at the third level of the Kaiyuan Realm at eighteen, his comprehension was excellent. He had easily mastered the martial arts Lin Xuan provided, and his combat awareness was also quite remarkable. Once the family's luck was further bolstered, Lin Chang'an's achievements would likely be significant.

As for his own son, Lin Xuan himself found it somewhat difficult to read. Lin Fan was hiding his strength far too deeply; Lin Xuan suspected that the boy might already be at the fourth level of the Kaiyuan Realm.

Thinking of this, Lin Xuan cast a brief glance at Lin Fan. Seeing his father looking at him, Lin Fan flashed a wide, bright grin, causing Lin Xuan to smile and press a hand to his forehead.

"The grand competition begins today! For the first match, we invite all geniuses aged eighteen and below to the stage!" Xia Yi stepped forward and announced loudly.

As soon as the words fell, a figure flew onto the stage first.

"That is Sun Ziya of the Sun family, the son of Patriarch Sun. At eighteen, he has already reached the fifth level of the Kaiyuan Realm. He has great prospects for the Three-Tong Divine Realm in the future!"

"No wonder he has such an aura; so he is the son of Patriarch Sun!"

"The first to step up is such a genius. It seems this grand event will be very exciting!"

The crowd discussed animatedly, whispering as they watched Sun Ziya on the stage.

In the Sun family's seating area, Sun Qianlong looked at his youngest son and nodded slightly, clearly quite satisfied with him.

Sun Ziya gave a cocky smirk, acting as if he were a genius from the Dragon-Phoenix Rankings.

"Heh, Brother Sun, I didn't exactly beat you fair and square."

Suddenly, a figure darted out from the direction of the Cui family. It was the Cui family genius, Cui Wu, also eighteen years old with a cultivation of the fifth level of the Kaiyuan Realm.

As Cui Wu took the stage, geniuses from various families and sects also leaped onto the battle stage one after another: Bai Yuxiang of the Bai family, Shangguan Chan of the Shangguan family, Wu Shan and Qiu Chen of the Dragon-Tiger Gang, Zhao Kuang of the Zhao family, Xu Wanwan of the Xu family, and Jian Shiyi of the Sword Worship Sect.

Looking at the stage filled with young geniuses, Lin Xuan narrowed his eyes slightly, casting extra glances at Shangguan Chan and Jian Shiyi.

This Shangguan Chan was no simple person; she was hailed as the second most beautiful genius of Huaqing Prefecture, second only to Bai Yurán. At only sixteen, she had already reached the third level of the Kaiyuan Realm, which was truly impressive. Furthermore, not only was she the apple of Shangguan Jian's eye, but she also possessed a very gentle temperament. Throughout Huaqing Prefecture, people said that whoever could marry Shangguan Chan would truly hit the jackpot!

Lin Xuan raised an eyebrow and looked back at the people behind him. "You all go up as well. Chang'an, Fan'er, remember one thing: as long as the green mountains remain, there is no fear of running out of firewood. I am still able to do this even in my sixties; you are still young, so do not act too impulsively!"

"Understood, Family Head."

"Yes, Father!"

Both Lin Chang'an and Lin Fan cupped their fists respectfully toward Lin Xuan before exiting the box and jumping onto the stage.

As soon as Lin Chang'an and Lin Fan stepped onto the stage, they drew significant attention. Among them were Cui Sheng and Cui Wu of the Cui family, Sun Zihann and Sun Ziya of the Sun family, and Zhao Kuang of the Zhao family, who stared intensely at the two, looking as if he wanted to slaughter them.

"Lin Hao of the Lin family from Shuiyun City! I challenge the two of you!"

Suddenly, a loud voice rang out as a youth leaped onto the stage, pointing directly at Lin Fan and Lin Chang'an.

Everyone turned to look. Lin Hao appeared extremely agitated, and there was a hint of greed in his eyes as he looked at Lin Fan.

Lin Xuan frowned slightly, glancing toward the Lin family of Shuiyun City. It was likely that the Shuiyun City Lin family had received instructions from the Cui family again. Otherwise, they certainly wouldn't dare target him, a powerhouse of the Form-Shaping Realm.

"Prefect, the competition hasn't officially started. Is a challenge permitted?" Lin Fan turned to look at Xia Yi, gave a respectful bow, and then asked.

A "competition" did not necessarily have to be a martial duel; sometimes, it could be replaced by other forms of testing, such as an endurance test, a combat power test, or something else entirely.

"Hehe, for personal grievances, you may either accept or refuse," Xia Yi replied. She was very satisfied with Lin Fan's attitude and looked at him with a hint of appreciation.

"Thank you for clarifying, Prefect!" Lin Fan bowed again, then curled his lips into a smile, his eyes flashing with battle intent.

"Uncle, why use a butcher's knife to kill a chicken? Leave this guy to me," Lin Chang'an said with a smile, suddenly stepping in front of Lin Xuan.

Lin Chang'an had always been somewhat indifferent toward Lin Fan. However, ever since he had exhausted all his methods a few days ago only to lose to Lin Fan, his gaze toward Lin Fan had shifted from indifference to fanatical admiration.

His young master, who was also his uncle, was the true genius. That so-called Bai Yurán was ignorant of what truly mattered; she would surely regret her foolish and ignorant behavior in the future!