After the conflict in the back mountain, Lin Xuan's life returned to its usual rhythm, almost as if nothing had happened.
Every day, he continued cultivating alone in his small courtyard.
This kind of repetitive life might seem boring to others, but to Lin Xuan, who possessed the task system, it was deeply fulfilling.
As long as he cultivated, there would always be visible progress.
No effort was wasted, no drop of sweat shed in vain.
Lin Xuan wished that each day could last three times longer so he could train even more!
However, while his courtyard remained calm and quiet, the entire Lin clan was buzzing with discussion.
Lin Xuan's name was gradually spreading throughout the clan.
Reaching the sixth level of Body Tempering was a huge milestone....a clear dividing line separating the mediocre from the truly talented.
Among the younger generation, only three people had reached this level: Lin Xia, Lin Hong, and now Lin Xuan.
Lin Xia and Lin Hong were both from powerful branches of the family, supported by abundant resources and guidance.
Lin Xuan, on the other hand, was an orphan, relying only on his own hard work.
The fact that he managed to catch up to them amazed everyone.
Many clansmen now saw him as a symbol of talent and perseverance.
Not only that, but word spread quickly about how Lin Xuan stood up for Qing Tan and punished Lin Shan, the notorious little tyrant.
This act won the admiration of many clansmen and, of course, earned a special place in Qing Tan's heart.
Lin Xuan was usually quiet and solitary. When he took action against Lin Shan, everyone believed it was because he couldn't stand injustice and was a righteous person who despised evil.
Who wouldn't admire and respect such a person?
The very next day, Lin Dong and Qing Tan personally came to thank Lin Xuan.
The two siblings didn't have much to offer, so they decided to give him the Crimson Yang Grass, a valuable spiritual herb.
But Lin Xuan firmly refused.
He didn't help Qing Tan for a reward....he simply couldn't stand seeing a young girl being bullied.
Especially when that girl was so innocent and cute.
Instead of taking their gift, Lin Xuan treated the two siblings to a hearty meal of roasted wild boar.
During the meal, he also gave Lin Dong some pointers on cultivation and encouraged Qing Tan to learn martial arts herself so that she would never be bullied again once she grew strong.
His words touched both of them deeply, making them even more grateful to Lin Xuan.
As the days passed, Lin Xuan's intense training continued.
The repetitive practice of his fist techniques had started to take a toll on his hands, leaving them sore and slightly overworked.
Practicing the same moves thousands of times also made his mind feel numb and restless.
But Lin Xuan didn't plan on slowing down.
When he grew tired of punching, he would practice kicking techniques instead.
If your hands are tired, use your legs. If your mind is tired, change the type of challenge.
During past hunting trips, Lin Xuan realized that while his strength was solid, his speed was slightly lacking when chasing prey.
To fix this weakness, he decided it was time to learn a movement technique.
Training both attack and mobility would balance his body and give him an edge in future battles.
The Lin Family Martial Arts Hall was located in the family's rear courtyard. It was a sacred place, filled with precious martial arts manuals.
Only direct descendants of the main family could freely enter.
For everyone else, special permission from a high-ranking elder was required.
Currently, only three people could grant that permission:
The family head, Lin Zhentian.
Lin Ken of the first branch.
Lin Mang of the second branch.
Lin Xiao of the third branch, Lin Dong's father, had long since withdrawn from clan affairs after being crippled by Lin Langtian during a past clan meeting.
As a collateral relative and an orphan, Lin Xuan obviously didn't have free access.
He needed to request permission.
Lin Mang was known to be selfish and narrow-minded, always looking down on others. He also happened to be Lin Shan's father....the very boy Lin Xuan had beaten recently.....so approaching him would only cause more trouble.
That left only Lin Ken.
Lin Ken was a fair and respected man, someone who valued the bigger picture and had high prestige within the clan.
Years ago, Lin Xuan's parents had died on an external mission led by Lin Ken.
Because of that tragedy, Lin Ken felt a lingering guilt and had quietly looked after Lin Xuan over the years.
The last time Lin Xuan borrowed the Penetrating Back Fist manual, it had been thanks to Lin Ken's approval.
Determined, Lin Xuan headed to Lin Ken's courtyard.
When he arrived, Lin Ken wasn't there—but his daughter, Lin Xia, was.
"Sister Lin Xia!" Lin Xuan greeted politely.
"Lin Xuan? You're always locked up cultivating. What brings you here today?" Lin Xia asked curiously, her bright eyes studying him.
Lin Xuan explained honestly, "I've been hunting outside lately and failed a few times. My speed just isn't enough, so I wanted to ask Uncle Ken for permission to borrow a movement technique from the martial arts hall."