Not long after, Huang Ming, the Family Head, appeared along with the three Rank 5 Family Elders and more than a dozen Rank 4 Family Elders. They sat high on the viewing stands of the training ground, looking down at the young generation.
The three in the front exuded powerful auras. Behind one of them, a crimson sun seemed to hang high, illuminating layers of red clouds. Above another's head, a thick yellow auspicious cloud gathered, heavy like a mountain. The last was surrounded by murky green wind, filled with sharp killing intent, making his figure hard to see clearly.
Everyone looked at them with respect. These were the peak powerhouses of the mortal world. A Rank 4 Family Elder with a strong aura presided over the Gu battle. The rules were simple—arena fights, two participants at a time, until only one remained.
Each young Gu Master whose name was called stepped onto the stage, nervous yet eager, and began their battles.
Lin Yan also stepped onto the stage. He looked at his opponent, a Rank 1 Middle Stage youth, and felt speechless. The other party was not even skilled in using Gu, standing stiffly and focusing only on controlling it, as if Gu battles were just about exchanging attacks.
Lin Yan casually raised his hand. A fire line flashed, its power deliberately reduced, and instantly defeated the youth.
A healing Gu Master quickly came forward to treat him. The first round ended as soon as started.
At the training ground, the Newcomer Grand Competition was in full swing.
Lin Yan instantly defeated his first opponent, and the following rounds were no different. Whether they were at Rank 1 Middle Stage or Upper Stage, he defeated them all in a single move, using only Fire Line Gu. His strength was difficult to gauge.
He had gone through countless brutal battles in his dream. Now, facing this level of competition, everything felt easy, like cutting through water.
Most of his opponents were far slower in both thought and reaction. By the time they finished channeling primeval essence into their Gu, his attack had already arrived.
For Lin Yan, in real combat, using Gu had to be fast. A slight delay could cost one's life. Compared to that, the young Gu Masters here were clearly lacking.
Only three others showed the same overwhelming strength—Lin Qingyao and the other two top geniuses backed by Rank 5 experts.
However, their way of fighting was different from Lin Yan's. They relied on their Second Rank Initial Stage red steel primeval essence, activating three or four Rank 1 Gu at the same time and crushing their opponents with pure force.
After all, red steel primeval essence was three times more durable than bronze primeval essence. For a Rank 1 Gu Master, continuously activating three Gu was a desperate gamble, while for a Rank 2 Gu Master, it was only a basic method.
Lin Yan's performance quickly attracted the attention of the Huang Family experts on the stands.
Family Head Huang Ming's eyes lit up as he laughed, "This is the talent my second daughter recommended. Truly outstanding."
The surrounding Family Elders, with their sharp perception, could see that Lin Yan's experience was far beyond his peers. They nodded and said, "This child is worth nurturing. He has the potential to reach Rank 5."
On the training ground, the other three top geniuses began to pay attention to Lin Yan. Lin Qingyao frowned slightly and murmured, "This person…"
They had already revealed three or four Gu, while Lin Yan used only one move from beginning to end, yet still dominated his opponents. The difference in skill was obvious. Those in the same realm were clearly not his match.
In the end, Huang Xin thought it through. His own aptitude and cultivation were still his advantages, and there was no need to overestimate others. His expression gradually eased.
On the other side, Lin Yan's expression remained calm. Participating in the Newcomer Grand Competition was to show his value to the Family and obtain more cultivation resources. As long as his methods were not as extreme as Fang Yuan's, the Family would naturally invest in talented individuals.
Of course, Fang Yuan's situation had been different. First, his aptitude was limited, so he had to rely on ruthless methods to seize resources and maintain his growth. Second, he had no strong backing.
Lin Yan suddenly realized that the path he was walking was completely different from Fang Yuan's. Just then, a loud voice sounded from ahead. "Lin Yan, remember my name! I, Huang Xi, am the one who will defeat you!"
Hearing this, Lin Yan came back to his senses and looked over with slight surprise. The young man before him was not weak—he had already reached Rank 1 Peak and was one of the top ten contenders.
Buzz, buzz, buzz!
Almost the moment the battle began, Lin Yan raised his hand, and a scorching fire line shot forward.
But Huang Xi reacted quickly. The ground beneath his feet rippled with an earthy yellow glow. Layers of waves carried him backward, allowing him to narrowly dodge.
Huang Xi laughed, "Haha, I have the movement Gu, Earth Wave Gu! You won't be able to hit me!"
Hearing this, Lin Yan nodded. Good, that confirmed his initial judgment. Now it was time to test his next approach.
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