"Qingyao," a kind-faced elder with a profound aura approached and gently asked his granddaughter, "Are you confident about the Grand Competition?"
"Yes." Lin Qingyao's lips curved slightly as she said proudly, "Even those two won't be my match. I've already reached Second Rank."
"Hehe… don't be careless. You should know that there are always stronger people out there."
The Grand Elder reminded her, then took out a Gu and handed it to Lin Qingyao, saying, "Take this Rank 2 Fireball Gu. It can be used as a trump card."
Lin Qingyao frowned, clearly unwilling. In her opinion, this was close to cheating, but she couldn't refuse her grandfather's insistence.
In the center of Flame Lake, the largest of the three lakes, a sturdy city stood. It was also the Clan Chief's residence, storing the Huang Family's richest foundation.
In the council hall, Huang Ming, the current Clan Chief of the Huang Family, sat upright. He had a tall physique, fiery red eyebrows, and a domineering presence. Looking around, his five children were all present, and the atmosphere was solemn.
Shan Xia was among them. She softly reported on the caravan's situation and mentioned Lin Yan's performance. A Rank 1 Gu Master killing the King of Beasts left a deep impression.
Huang Ming showed some interest, "Not bad. His combat talent is outstanding. In recent years, our Clan has seen a continuous emergence of outstanding talents. This is truly gratifying."
Regarding this evaluation, the eldest son, Huang Yi, stood by, as if it had nothing to do with him. The eldest daughter, Huang Qin, said with interest, "My sister has good Luck Path. She has gained another capable subordinate."
The second son, Huang Ke, was a little jealous and said neither warmly nor coldly, "It's just good Luck. A Rank 1 Gu Master could never defeat the King of Beasts in a direct confrontation."
Shan Xia smiled faintly, not debating. The youngest son, Huang Xin, remained silent.
The Huang Family Clan Chief did not show much reaction. He looked at his youngest son and asked, "Xin'er, the Grand Competition is about to begin. There are many talented people in the clan. Are you confident you can take first place?"
Hearing this, Huang Xin was slightly stunned. He recalled his mother's words, "You were born too late. Most resources have already been taken by your elder siblings. If you want to compete for the position of Clan Chief, you must endure and wait, and benefit when others clash."
He thought for a moment, then cupped his hands and said, "I will not bring shame to Father."
On the central island of the last turbid lake lived Huang Feng, the youngest Rank 5 Family Elder of the Huang Family. He stood by the shore of the murky yellow lake. Though middle-aged, his features were still handsome, and his bearing was refined. Behind him stood a handsome young man with his head lowered.
"My disciple, the Huang Family mainly cultivates Fire and Earth Paths, but I walk the Wind Path and am subtly excluded among the elders. Today, I will give you a Rank 2 Water Arrow Gu. It restrains Fire and Earth. I hope you can defeat strong opponents and uphold my name."
The handsome young man, Huang Xi, replied calmly, "I understand Master's teachings. Using Gu should not be limited by paths. Adaptability is the true way. I will prove Master's path…"
---
As the Grand Competition approached, the atmosphere within the Family grew lively, and everyone was discussing the Geniuses who had appeared this year.
Lin Yan continued to cultivate tirelessly, but for now, he could not break through to Second Rank. He shifted his focus to improving his combat power, making use of the remaining one thousand primeval stones he had.
He did not dare to underestimate others. Even Fang Yuan, after being reborn, was not invincible among his peers on Qing Mao Mountain.
As a large peak force, the Huang Family occupied a vast oasis on its own and had several affiliated Gu Master Families. Its foundation was deep, and talented individuals emerged continuously.
Take Grade A talents as an example. On Qing Mao Mountain, the three clans would only produce one every few decades, but the Huang Family had them in almost every generation. This generation was especially strong, with as many as three.
Fang Zheng, the younger brother of the Fang Yuan in the original novel, was a Grade A Genius. He cultivated diligently for a year and advanced to Second Rank and with the Huang Family's foundation, how could they not obtain Liquor Worm and Green Copper Relic Gu? That was impossible.
Even a Rank 3 Family Elder on Qing Mao Mountain had the means to acquire these two Gu. How could Rank 5 experts of the Huang Family lack them? It was very likely that those three Grade A Geniuses had already reached Second Rank.
There was nothing Lin Yan could do about this. His aptitude and resources were still somewhat lacking. Fortunately, his advantage lay in dream realm training. His combat experience and Gu control had already reached a terrifying level, and he could continuously develop killer moves and trump cards.
But even so, it was not completely safe. After returning to the Family, he carefully examined the Gu available and set his eyes on a Rank 1 Gu—Fire Pattern Gu.
This Gu was a unique specialty of the Huang Family. Its original secret recipe was not sold to outsiders, and only verified Huang Family disciples could obtain it. It was connected to a Rank 5 killer move of the Flame Path true inheritance—Flame Demon True Body.
"The Huang Family itself is the strongest Legacy," Lin Yan sighed.