Chapter 12: Lin Family Annual Clan Competition (2)

He is somewhat lanky with a well-built slim body with dark brown hair flowing down in a small side ponytail with two bangs, one on each side framing his face. His lips are set as a flat line and his eyebrows are in a relaxed position. He stands with his back straight and rigid and at attention towards Lin Dong with his arms by the side as he states in a serious tone, "Lin Dong, I am at the sixth level of the Tempered Body Realm, and you are at the fourth level of the Tempered Body realm. Though I am stronger than you, let us fight. This would increase your experience in the battle against higher realms."

On seeing the welcoming and serious demeanor of his opponent Lin Dong decided to be respectful and somewhat honest during the match and show the cultivation realm of the seventh level of the Tempered Body realm to everyone. He bowed his head slightly and replied in a leisurely manner, "Lin Yun, you are right. This would be a good chance to experience fighting higher realms. However, in this match, I will teach you as I am in the seventh realm of the Tempered Body realm."

As soon as he said that, he released an aura of the seventh-level Tempered Body realm without restraint, causing a wave of pressure to sweep across the arena. The air around him seemed to vibrate as his muscles bulged slightly.

"GASP"

Many surrounding them gasped upon seeing the realm which Lin Dong showed. Almost everyone was shocked as was Lin Yun given the slight widening of his eyelids and his slight step backward with his mouth opening slightly.

"How…how is this possible? He…he is in the seventh level? When did he break through? How did he do it? Many similar murmurs broke out amongst the crowd.

Lin Yun was also shocked by Lin Dong's revelation, but, not even a second later, he got back into his previous position while placing his left palm against his right fist with his thumb upward "Lin Dong, please guide me!"

Lin Dong nodded slightly and raised his right arm in a gesture of 'Please' to respond to Lin Yun. He admired his fellow clansman's courage and attitude and decided to provide some insight to Lin Yun on the Falling Rock Fist martial art during this match as he himself was too strong for Lin Yun to pose any real threat or challenge to him.

The two of them then dashed toward each other, exchanging blows and kicks with great speed and power. Lin Dong had the upper hand in terms of cultivation and martial arts. Lin Yun used the Falling Rocks Fist, a simple but effective technique that could unleash powerful punches that resembled falling rocks while Lin Dong countered with the Penetrating Fist, a martial art that can create nine echo-like sounds once completely mastered.

The two of them fought for several minutes, causing the ground to crack and the air to explode. Many of the spectators in the crowd were amazed by their skills and spirit, cheering and shouting for their favorites. However, Lin Dong soon started to mix the Penetrating Fist with the Falling Rock Fist, creating some new variations and combinations surprising both the crowd and Lin Yun.

Lin Yun found that once Lin Dong added the Falling Rock Fist martial art moves, the combination of the two arts became more unpredictable and effective. He gained a whole new respect for Lin Dong as he realized that Lin Dong completely mastered Penetrating Fist but also Falling Rocks Fist martial arts.

As Lin Yun dodged and blocked Lin Dong's moves, his eyes' narrowed and locked onto Lin Dong's every movement trying to catch the subtle details and variations of his punches. His breathing quickened slightly as he tried to apply his insights to his own understanding of the Falling Rocks Fist technique.

The spectators around them can see visibly how Lin Yun's muscles circled between stiffening, flexing, and relaxing while soaking the wisdom and experience departing from Lin Dong like a sponge. His aura fluctuated as he mimicked and reflected Lin Dong's skills with his own style.

Lin Dong admired Lin Yun's skills, spirit, and persistence, and felt a sense of respect and friendship towards him. He was happy he decided to provide hints and tips on how to improve his martial arts and help him grow stronger and become a better fighter.

Ten minutes into the match, both stopped as they exchanged smiles and nods with great respect and friendship for one another.

Lin Yun especially felt a mix of emotions: gratitude, admiration, and respect. He bowed deeply with his left palm straight leaning against his right fist with his thumb out upward "Lin Dong, thank you for your guidance. Your insight into your martial arts is amazing. I gained a lot from this fight."

Many of the older generation, especially Lin Zhentian (Clan Patriarch), Lin Xiao (Father), and Lin Ken (Judge) were thinking proudly this is how the competition between clan members should be.

Lin Mang (Lin Hong and Lin Shan's father) himself thought 'It is a good decision I made previously to reconcile with my Third brother. Seeing Lin Dong's attitude, I am sure as long as Lin Hong and Lin Shan do not antagonize him and instead treat him civilly, they will benefit from gaining guidance in future spars just like Lin Yun. In fact, my sons may very well gain some insight once they face Lin Dong in the competition.'

Lin Ken announced to everyone "Second Match: Lin Dong wins!"

Lin Zhentian hummed a bit before standing up and stating loudly "For all those remaining with lower cultivations than Lin Dong, you are to fight him, Lin Xia, and Lin Hong individually to gain some guidance. While Lin Xia, Lin Hong, and Lin Dong can fight each other in the final round for the title of Champion of Clan Competition."

The remaining matches before the final battle royale were conducted in the same manner as the battle between Lin Dong and Lin Yun.

…

The final round of the clan competition was about to begin. The three remaining contestants were Lin Dong, Lin Hong, and Lin Xia. They were the strongest and most talented members of the younger generation, and they had defeated all their opponents with ease. They were also the only ones who had reached the seventh level of the Tempered Body realm, making them stand out from the rest.

They stood on a large circular arena, facing each other in a triangular formation. Lin Dong wore a simple white robe with a black belt, showing his modesty and elegance. Lin Hong wore a blue-black Han Zhifu cotton fabric with embroidered designs featuring plant patterns and long blue ankle-length pants, showing his refinement and grace. Lin Xia wore a red silk dress with golden embroidery and a red veil covering her face, showing her beauty and mystery.

They looked at each other with different expressions and emotions. Lin Dong looked calm and confident. He had no fear or doubt in his mind, as he knew he was the strongest among them. He had also reconnected with many of the clan members who participated in the competition and plans to gain a sort of friendship with both Lin Xia and Lin Hong as he did with Lin Yun.

Lin Hong looked serious and determined, as he had always been a diligent and ambitious martial artist. He had worked hard to reach his current level, and he had learned some powerful martial arts along the way. 'Now that Father decided to stop looking down on Third Uncle, I just need to focus on sparring to the best of my capability in this round. If I win, great. If I lose, try to gain as many insights on my martial arts as well as weaknesses to improve my strength further.'

'Father stated that since Lin Dong did not offend Lin Hong previously and Lin Hong did not bully Lin Dong during the incident that happened previously. That means that there will be no need for me to worry about Second Uncle trying any underhanded means with Third Uncle's family from now onwards. This is especially true after seeing Second Uncle's expression when he saw Lin Dong's prowess against Lin Yun. ' Lin Xia looked curious and playful, as she had always been a clever and adventurous martial artist. She had learned fast to reach her current level, and she had mastered some unique martial arts along the way. She felt that this was her chance to have some fun with the clan and surprise her opponents.

The three of them waited for the signal to start the fight, while the spectators watched them with anticipation and excitement. They wondered who would win the final round, and what would happen next.

Finally, Lin Ken announced, "Final Match: Lin Dong vs. Lin Xia vs. Lin Hong!" The fight began.

The three of them moved at almost the same time, dashing toward each other with great speed and power. They, in the case of Lin Xia and Lin Hong, did not hesitate or hold back as they knew that this was a battle royale where only one could emerge victorious.

Lin Dong was the first to attack, aiming at Lin Hong with a powerful punch that embodied the Penetrating Fist with ten echoes sounding out surpassing the limit of nine echoes to the crowd. He knew from the previous rounds that Lin Hong mastered the Falling Rocks Fist martial art so thought to just use the Penetrating Fist, Eight Desolations Palm, and the incomplete version of the Wondered Gate Seal Martial Arts.

Lin Hong and Lin Xia were both surprised by the fact that ten echoes sounded out but were able to regain their composure fairly quickly. Lin Hong defended himself using the Eight Desolations Palm martial art. Though he did not master it completely, he had a deep understanding of its essence.

He used his palm to deflect Lin Dong's fist, creating a shockwave that shook the air. Many of the spectators' mouths opened widely while releasing a gasp or a mutter when they saw him utilize this technique to deflect Lin Dong's technique.

Lin Xia was not idle either, as she joined the fray with her own attack. She aimed at Lin Dong with her fingers, using her Spirit Finger Sword, a level 2 Martial Art that contains techniques revolving around the fingers, making them sharp and deadly. She has mastered this martial art which her father had bought in the market when he was younger. She had also learned another martial art, Penetrating Fist, which she used with nine echoes instead of the ten like Lin Dong signifying that she completely mastered the Clan's version of the technique.

She used her fingers to slash at Lin Dong's neck, creating a flash of light that cut through the air. Several of the older members of the crowd had their bodies trembling as they witnessed Lin Xia using her fingers to cut through the air like blades.

Lin Dong was not caught off guard by Lin Xia's attack, as the seventh level of the Tempered Body realm was not his true realm. He was ready to dodge or block her fingers, using his improved version of Penetrating Fist or his Eight Desolations Palm, which he got from the Ancestral Stone.

He used his fist or his palm to parry Lin Xia's fingers, creating a spark that lit up the air.

The three of them continued to exchange blows and kicks with great speed and power, creating a storm of force and energy that swept across the arena. They used their martial arts with skill and creativity, showing their strength and talent. They also used their aura and energy with control and efficiency, showing their cultivation and insight.

The spectators were amazed and thrilled by their fight, as they witnessed a display of martial arts at a high level. They, apart from Lin Xiao, Liu Yan, and Qing Tan, saw that they were evenly matched in terms of cultivation, but they had different advantages and disadvantages in terms of martial arts. They wondered who would gain the upper hand, and what would be the decisive factor.

They watched attentively for the final result, hoping to see something spectacular and memorable.

The three of them were standing apart from each other taking a breather for a moment. Lin Hong and Lin Xia were both thinking 'I gained so many insights on the Eight Desolations Palm/Penetrating Fist during this fight. However, why does it feel like Lin Dong is holding back? It's like he is deliberately extending our fight so that we can gain guidance and improve our strength.'

Lin Dong eventually opened his mouth, "Get ready Lin Xia and Lin Hong, I am going to send my final strike." As soon as he stated that, he makes a strange hand seal and circulate his Yuan Power.

Lin Zhentian along with several others stood up with their auras spiked as they witness Lin Dong utilizing an incomplete Level 3 technique, Wonder Gate Seal expertly. They also realized that Lin Dong was actually in the Earthly Yuan realm as that was one of the requirements for learning the Martial Art.

Both Lin Xia and Lin Hong try to counter with their respective attacks but end up flying off stage losing the match.

Cultivation Ranks:

Rank 1: Tempered Body – 9 Stages – (1-9)

Rank 2: Earthly Yuan – 3 Stages – (Early, Middle, Late)

Rank 3: Heavenly Yuan – 3 Stages – (Early, Middle, Late)

Rank 4: Yuan Dan – 3 Stages – (Initial, Advanced, Perfect)

Rank 5: Form Creation – 2 Stages – (Initial, Advanced)

Rank 6:

Rank 7:

Rank 8:

Rank 9:

Rank 10:

Rank 11: Samsara – 3 Stages – (Ordinary Samsara, Ultimate Samsara, Reincarnation Enlightened Samsara)

Mental Energy Ranks:

Rank 0: Beginning Training – NiWan Palace opened

Rank 1: Seal Symbol Master – 4 Stages – (1st-4th Seal Symbol Master)