"As expected of the Family's top genius. After discussion among the high-ranking officials, we have decided to fully support your cultivation."
"The Flame Path True Inheritance will be open to you. You may also select three Gu from the Family's inner treasury, with no restriction on rank—Rank 4 or Rank 5 are both acceptable. As for Family missions, you are exempt from them. Geniuses deserve different treatment; exceptional promotion is necessary."
Lin Yan was moved. Even though he had prepared himself mentally, he was still surprised by Huang Ming's generosity.
He looked at Huang Ming, the stern Family Head, fully aware that the outcome of this competition was not entirely simple. But this was not the time to dwell on such matters. In the Gu world, everyone calculated for their own benefit. If he were in the same position, he would do no differently.
Huang Ming continued in a warm tone, "If you have any other requests, you may speak freely."
Lin Yan remained silent for a moment before saying, "I heard that within Flame Lake, there is a Gu room that stores the Family's largest collection of Gu recipes and secret manuals."
"Gu room?" Huang Ming understood immediately. His expression remained calm as he said, "Very well. From today onward, the Flame Lake Gu Chamber will be under your management. All Gu recipes below Rank 3 may be viewed freely without permission."
Hearing this, Lin Yan felt a surge of satisfaction. What he lacked most was accumulated knowledge. If he could study a wide range of Gu and refinement recipes, he would be able to develop more killer moves and even create new Gu in the future.
The more than a dozen Family Elders in the distance showed no reaction to this arrangement. To them, this was a natural level of treatment for someone of his talent.
A moment later, Huang Ming publicly announced the appointment. The entire hall stirred with discussion. This was a meteoric rise.
Lin Yan looked at the Family Head, his thoughts turning. To be honest, his request for the Flame Lake Gu room, although valuable, was likely exactly what the other party had intended to grant.
At present, his talent was too outstanding. He was already being treated as the future pillar of the Huang Family. This naturally raised a deeper question—who would become the next Family Head?
The Family system was common in the Gu World, but the method of inheritance varied. For example, the Shang Family of the Southern Border emphasized direct bloodline succession, with multiple heirs competing, where only one would ultimately remain.
The Tie Family, on the other hand, valued strength above all, allowing talented members of the younger generation to rise, even if they did not become the Family Head.
The Huang Family was somewhat unique. Due to historical reasons, it was divided into two lineages: the main Huang lineage and the Shan lineage.
The main Huang lineage traced back to a Rank 5 Flame Path expert who founded the Huang Family in Shajing Oasis and became its first Family Head. For generations, authority remained within this lineage, passed down from father to son. However, over time, the Family declined and nearly faced destruction.
At that critical moment, a Rank 5 Earth Path expert from a collateral branch rose to prominence, turned the tide, and rebuilt the Huang Family. From then on, that branch family became known as the Shan lineage.
Because of this, the Huang Family possessed two Rank 5 True Inheritances—one belonging to the main Huang lineage, and the other to the Shan lineage.
The Shan family followed a slightly different tradition. While inheritance usually remained within their branch, after learning from past failures, they allowed exceptionally talented individuals to rise, even if they were not direct descendants.
If Lin Yan traced his roots, he belonged to the main Huang Family.
As for the current Family Head, Huang Ming, his intentions were unclear. His children were all capable, and his eldest son had already reached Rank 4. The fact that no successor had been openly chosen suggested deeper plans.
Lin Yan did not care about such matters. The present stage was far more important. Once he fully absorbed the Huang Family's foundation, he was confident he could reach Rank 5 and establish his own True Inheritance, even without relying on the Family.
After the battle ended, Lin Yan returned home alone. No one dared to approach or disturb him along the way, as they no longer felt qualified to even associate with him.
He packed his belongings and soon moved to take up residence at the Flame Lake Gu room, choosing to develop quietly.
After his departure, news of the battle spread throughout the entire Family. It caused a great stir. At only sixteen years old, possessing such strength was already shocking, and his ability to replicate the Family's killer moves made his talent stand out even more. Some people had already begun to give him a title.
He was called "Little Flame King" Lin Yan, a name echoing the legendary Flame King who had once founded the Huang Family.