Xianxia: Establishing an Immortal Clan Through Simulation (Patreon)

Chapter 21: The Overconfident Wang Jinglun

However, what they didn’t know was this:

Their ability to fight ten opponents at once or even defeat a veteran first stage Postnatal Realm squad leader wasn’t solely due to their advancements in Martial Skills during their time with the threefold cultivation speed boost. 

A large part of it was because their opponents hadn’t dared to fight them with full strength.

In a genuine battle, while they might stand a chance against guards with lower cultivation levels, those challenging a squad leader would undoubtedly face a crushing defeat.

Veteran first stage Postnatal Realm fighters may lack the natural talent of these young Lin family prodigies, but they had trained for years. 

Their battle experience was extensive, and their Martial Skills, honed over time, were often at the Major Mastery Level for Postnatal-grade Martial Skill. 

The difference in combat effectiveness was stark.

It was like comparing a fully grown man to a teenager still in development.

While the latter might pose some level of threat, in a head-on confrontation, the gap in strength would be immediately apparent.

"Let’s go find the Young Master."

Unaware of the hidden truths and brimming with confidence in their newfound strength, Lin Zitao and his group of Lin family prodigies didn’t hesitate. They led their entourage towards Lin Zichen’s residence.

However, they hadn’t gone far before they learned from a servant that the Young Master had taken Miss Lian’er out to relax in the city streets.

This news made them halt their steps.

Without much deliberation, the group decided to march grandly towards the city market.

Upon seeing this, the hidden guards shadowing them promptly reported the news to the family elders. Before long, a powerful figure flashed out from the depths of the Lin family estate.

These teenagers represented the future of the Lin family, and with so many of them gathered together, any unforeseen incident could lead to disastrous consequences. 

The Lin family leadership naturally wouldn’t leave them without protection, even if it meant allowing them a bit of mischief.

<+>

"Fifth Elder, isn’t Lin Zitao your grandson? I can’t believe how grown-up he’s gotten."

"Indeed. Time flies—decades have passed in the blink of an eye. We’ve grown old."

Trailing behind Lin Zitao’s group were two elders hidden among the crowd, silently following while communicating through a secret technique. Their words were tinged with nostalgia.

From their conversation, it was clear that these two were elders of the Lin family’s Wei-generation, contemporaries of Lin Zichen’s grandfather, Lin Weiquan.

The Lin family, founded over two hundred years ago by the ancestor Lin Juntian, had passed through five generations by the time of the Wei-generation. After that came the current Shou-generation, which included the clan leader and elders. Lin Zichen and his peers represented the youngest Zi-generation.

According to tradition, as a new generation matured, the previous generation would step back to become clan elders, holding a status just below the clan leader and on par with family elders.

Both Lin Weiquan and the two elders tasked with protecting the younger generation were retired high-ranking members of the Lin family from the Wei-generation. They were the fifth-generation elders of the Lin family.

In the Lin family, the rank of an elder is determined by strength and merit. Meeting either criterion qualifies one to advance as a fourth- or even third-generation elder.

For instance, Lin Siyu and Lin Sihuang, the two Masters, were originally fourth-generation elders. However, after their breakthroughs, both were promoted to third-generation elders.

<+>

Qingfeng City was neither too large nor too small, but its commerce thrived due to the presence of spirit herbs. 

Just a few kilometers from the Lin family estate lay a bustling commercial street lined with various stalls. 

At the far end of the street was a vast plaza, filled with higher-quality stalls and shops showcasing superior goods.

Lin Zichen, taking Lian’er on a leisurely outing, was currently in one of the more opulent shops within the plaza. The shop specialized in all sorts of elegant dresses.

“Big Brother, do I look pretty?”

While Lin Zichen was idly observing the shop, Lian’er’s crisp and sweet voice rang in his ears.

Turning to look, he saw her walking lightly toward him, dressed in an exquisitely embroidered outfit. Her bright black eyes shone like gemstones, and her delicate features made her seem like a blooming flower.

"Wow! I thought a little fairy had descended, but it turns out it’s my dear Lian’er!"

Lin Zichen smiled warmly, patting his sister’s head affectionately. He then turned to the shop attendant.

“Wrap this one and all the others she tried earlier. I’ll take them all.”

“Yes, Young Master,” the attendant replied cheerfully. 

Judging from Lin Zichen’s and Lian’er’s refined attire, as well as the guards accompanying them, she could tell they were from a wealthy family. 

There was no doubt they could afford the purchase.

Just as the attendant bent down to gather the dresses, a mocking voice suddenly echoed through the shop.

“Well, well, look who it is! I wondered which noble young master I’d run into, and it turns out to be the Lin family’s own Young Master. What’s this? After hiding like a turtle for so many days, you finally decided to show your face?”

A young man dressed in luxurious brocade stepped through the door, clearly harboring ill intentions.

“Wang Jinglun, the Wang family’s Young Master?”

Lin Zichen frowned as he recognized the newcomer. In an instant, he understood the situation.

Previously, Lin Zichen had shocked Qingfeng City by single-handedly defeating the top ten young talents of the Lin family and revealing his second stage Postnatal Realm cultivation. This achievement earned him the title of the “Number One Below the Three Great Young Masters.”

This newfound fame had overshadowed Wang Jinglun, who had been considered the top talent of their generation.

Unwilling to accept this, Wang Jinglun spread rumors discrediting Lin Zichen, claiming he was unworthy of his newfound title and challenging him to a fair fight.

However, before the rumors could spread widely, the Lin family announced that they were entering collective seclusion to focus on cultivation. 

By the time the Lin family emerged, the rumors had lost their momentum, leaving Wang Jinglun bitter and eager for a rematch.

Today, hearing of Lin Zichen’s outing, he had wasted no time in bringing his guards to confront him.

"That’s right, it’s me," Wang Jinglun sneered.

"I’ve heard you showed off your second stage of the Postnatal Realm cultivation and claimed the title of Number One Below the Three Great Young Masters of Qingfeng City. I don’t accept that. As the Wang family’s Young Master, I challenge you formally. Do you dare to fight me?"

Wang Jinglun exudes confidence.

Half a month ago, he had already reached Peak Second Stage of the Postnatal Realm, just a step away from the third stage.

On top of that, he had mastered a middle-level low-grade Martial Skill from the Wang family to the Minor Mastery Stage, giving him a significant edge in combat.

To him, Lin Zichen was merely a sixteen-year-old boy who had spent all his time on internal cultivation, is no match for him in actual battle.