The golden light surrounding Lin Yan's body slowly faded, but the terrifying aura of the Golden Core realm still permeated the entire training ground. Every disciple present could feel the pressure like a mountain, making it hard for them to even breathe.
Whispers erupted once more, this time filled with awe and reverence instead of mockery.
"He's in the Golden Core realm! At such a young age!"
"A true prodigy! The Lin family hasn't had a Golden Core cultivator in the younger generation for a hundred years!"
"I can't believe I mocked him earlier… I was so stupid!"
The elders on the high platform hurried down to the stage, their faces brimming with excitement. The head elder, Lin Yan's grandfather, grabbed his arm tightly, his hands trembling with joy.
"Yan'er! You've surpassed all expectations! The Lin family's future is in your hands!"
Other elders echoed in agreement, showering Lin Yan with praises and promises of the best cultivation resources the family could offer.
Lin Yan nodded calmly, accepting their words without arrogance or complacency. He knew that the Golden Core realm was just a new starting point, not the end of his journey. His gaze swept across the crowd, pausing briefly on Liu Mei—who stood with her head bowed, her face a mix of shame and regret—before moving on to the medical disciples carrying the injured Lin Feng away.
No mercy flickered in his eyes. Lin Feng's betrayal in his past life had cost him everything, and a broken arm was merely interest on the debt he owed.
Just as the celebrations were about to escalate, a loud voice boomed from the entrance of the training ground.
"Congratulations to the Lin family for producing such a talented young man!"
A group of strangers dressed in luxurious purple robes walked in, led by a middle-aged man with a goatee and a cultivation base at the late Golden Core realm. His gaze locked onto Lin Yan, filled with obvious appreciation.
"I am Elder Mo from the Azure Cloud Sect. We've heard of the Lin family's competition and came to scout for talented disciples. Young man, your performance today is truly impressive."
The entire Lin family fell into an uproar. The Azure Cloud Sect was one of the top three sects in the entire Xuanwu Domain—far more powerful and prestigious than the Lin family, a mere aristocratic clan. Being accepted into the Azure Cloud Sect was a dream come true for any young cultivator.
Lin Yan's grandfather hurried forward, bowing respectfully.
"Elder Mo, it's an honor to have you visit our humble Lin family. Please, take a seat!"
Elder Mo waved his hand, his eyes still fixed on Lin Yan.
"No need for formalities. Young man, I'll cut to the chase—would you like to join the Azure Cloud Sect? We'll give you the status of a core disciple, with unlimited access to our sect's cultivation manuals and spirit stones!"
Core disciple status in the Azure Cloud Sect was an unimaginable privilege. The Lin family elders looked at Lin Yan with eager eyes, hoping he would accept—this would not only elevate Lin Yan's status but also bring the entire Lin family closer to the Azure Cloud Sect.
Lin Yan fell into brief thought. In his past life, he had begged to join a minor sect just to escape the Lin family's infighting, only to be rejected due to his low cultivation. Now, a top sect was offering him core disciple status on a silver platter.
But he knew the Azure Cloud Sect was not as perfect as it seemed. Power struggles, sectarian infighting, and hidden dangers lurked everywhere. Moreover, his Supreme God System was his greatest secret—staying in the Lin family for a while longer would allow him to consolidate his strength and deal with the remaining enemies in the clan first.
Just as he was about to speak, the Supreme God System's cold voice echoed in his mind.
[Ding! New mission triggered: Reject the Azure Cloud Sect's invitation and establish your dominance in the Lin family!]
[Mission reward: Golden Core realm perfect foundation consolidation! 300 system points! A random divine artifact fragment!]
A faint smile tugged at Lin Yan's lips. The mission reward was exactly what he needed. He raised his head, meeting Elder Mo's gaze calmly.
"Elder Mo, I appreciate your kindness and the Azure Cloud Sect's generosity. But I have unfinished business in the Lin family. For now, I choose to stay and protect my clan."
The entire training ground fell silent again. Everyone stared at Lin Yan in disbelief—he had just rejected the Azure Cloud Sect's core disciple invitation? Was he crazy?
Elder Mo's expression flickered with surprise, then quickly turned to admiration.
"Not swayed by temptation, with a strong sense of responsibility—you're even more impressive than I thought! Very well, I respect your decision. This token is for you."
He tossed a black jade token to Lin Yan.
"Whenever you change your mind, bring this token to the Azure Cloud Sect. The core disciple position will always be yours."
After Elder Mo and his entourage left, the Lin family erupted into even louder cheers. Lin Yan's refusal had not only won him respect but also made the Lin family realize his unwavering loyalty.
That night, the Lin family held a grand banquet in Lin Yan's honor. Disciples who had once mocked him now toasted him incessantly, and elders vied to offer him the best cultivation resources. Lin Yan accepted it all with a calm demeanor, his mind already focused on his next move.
Back in his room, Lin Yan sat cross-legged on the bed and activated the system reward. Waves of pure spiritual energy surged into his body, refining his Golden Core realm foundation until it was flawless. A warm current flowed through his meridians, making his cultivation more stable and powerful than ever before.
A small, glowing fragment appeared in his palm—its surface carved with mysterious runes, exuding a faint divine aura.
[Ding! Random divine artifact fragment obtained: Fragment of the Supreme Sky Halberd!]
[Effect: Increases attack power by 20% when using melee weapons! Can be fused with other fragments to restore the complete artifact!]
Lin Yan clenched the fragment tightly, his eyes shining with determination. The Supreme Sky Halberd—one of the top ten divine artifacts in the cultivation world in his past life. Even a single fragment was an invaluable treasure.
Just then, a soft knock sounded on his door.
"Brother Hao, it's me… Can I come in?"
The voice was familiar—Liu Mei's. Lin Yan's eyes turned cold. He knew why she was here, but he had no interest in seeing her.
"Leave. I don't want to see you."
A faint whimper came from outside the door, followed by the sound of footsteps fading away. Lin Yan paid no attention, closing his eyes to continue cultivating.
He knew that tonight was just the calm before the storm. Lin Feng's resentment, the hidden enemies in the Lin family, and the countless challenges in the cultivation world—all of them were waiting for him. But he was no longer the weak Lin Yan from his past life.
With the Supreme God System, a Golden Core realm cultivation base, and a divine artifact fragment, he was ready to face any enemy.