Tonight was doomed to be an eventful night.
…
Inside a massive main hall located deep within the Lin Clan Sect Residence.
Boom!
A powerful shockwave exploded.
"Hahaha!"
A burst of manic laughter suddenly rang in the air.
"Big Brother, have you had a breakthrough?" Lin Shi who was standing near the side of the main hall was filled with a surge of wild joy.
"That's correct! After consuming the Element Condensation Pill sent over by Father, I've finally succeeded in breaking through to martial arts fifth tier!"
At the minute, Lin Lang was high-spirited and full of mettle. He looked at his residual limb and a hint of bitter resentment flashed across his eyes. "I'll shatter that rascal, Lin Han, into a million pieces at tomorrow's Outer Residence Competition as revenge!"
…
Inside a vermilion tower in the Outer Residence of Lin Clan Sect Residence.
Both Lin Juedao and Lin Meier were drenched in sweat after a round of fierce and intense sex.
Right now, Lin Meier coquettishly rested her head against Lin Juedao's chest. A hint of jealousy and resentment flashed across her charming eyes as she said, "Brother Dao, please teach Lin Han a lesson at tomorrow's competition on my behalf. He's nothing but a lowly scum and don't you allow his cultivation base to be more superior than mine!"
"Rest assured."
The corners of Lin Juedao's lips turned upward into a smirk as he declared, "I'll cripple that Lin Han tomorrow and turn him into your loyal dog!"
…
Inside a remote courtyard house in Lin Clan Sect Residence.
Under the hazy moonlight, Lin Ruyan's lithe and graceful demeanor resembled that of a moon fairy.
Divine, but cool and magnificent.
"Miss, you should retire to bed as it's getting late. With your strength and ability, you'll definitely get a placement among the top twenty among Inner Residence of Lin Clan Sect Residence in tomorrow's Outer Residence Competition, perhaps even the top ten," a frail voice rang in the air.
An unusual black-robed figure appeared behind Lin Ruyan out of the blue.
"Uncle Ghost, how much longer do you think I can stay in this place?" asked the desolate Lin Ruyan suddenly.
"Old Nu has no idea too, but it'll be soon. Miss, you can return safely when Master has thoroughly rooted out the traitors. Miss, this small place and all of its inhabitants are not from the same world as you," the black-robed figure named Uncle Ghost said.
"Is it really true that everyone… is not from the same world as me?" whispered Lin Ruyan.
For some strange reasons, Lin Han's green shirt and his calm silhouette appeared in her mind…
…
Gong!
Early in the morning, a sound of the bell that came from deep within the Lin Clan Sect Residence made the whole Outer Residence boil over with excitement.
It was finally time for the long-awaited Outer Residence Tournament!
Creak!
Lin Han pushed the door open abruptly and filled his lungs with fresh air.
"All the best, Young Master, in getting into the top twenty-five. Otherwise, both of us would be sent back to Changyun village!"
Xiao Nu the maidservant walked over to offer a few words of encouragement.
Top twenty-five?
Lin Han smiled silently.
He was sure to be the champion of this Outer Residence Competition!
An hour later, the combat arena that would determine the livelihoods of the Inner Residence was already surrounded by a massive crowd.
The top twenty-five talents of this Outer Residence Competition would be determined in this Inner Residence survival arena.
This was the first time Lin Han had ever stepped foot into the Inner Residence of Lin Clan Sect Residence.
The surrounding scenery dotted by verdant hills and limpid water accompanying the forest of pavilions melded together into a wonderful view.
He turned his attention towards the survival arena situated in the center.
The whole survival arena looked as if it was made by a huge slab of bluestone. It was glazed over with a layer of molten iron and it reflected a cold metal luster under the sunlight.
It was near impossible to destroy the survival arena that was protected by a layer of molten iron, even for a Grandmaster that killed via the transmission of True Element.
As expected, the buildings in the Inner Residence were much more sumptuously furnished than the ones in Outer Residence.
Two hours later, a massive crowd made out of Outer Residence disciples surrounded the survival arena.
Lin Han quickly scanned the room and noticed there were almost two to three hundred people present.
Today's Outer Residence Competition was going to be ruthless and merciless.
This was because only twenty-five out of these three hundred people would be qualified to participate in the upcoming Martial Arts Tea Party and compete against the Inner Residence disciples.
By now, numerous Inner Residence disciples had also arrived at the scene.
However, the few Inner Residence disciples that topped the list did not appear in the arena. They did not have to probe because they had already acquired tremendous strength and abilities.
Perhaps, they assumed that they were more superior and were not interested in the competition of Outer Residence disciples at all.
This created some awkwardness in the air but those Outer Residence disciples could only remain silent once they were reminded of the terrifying capabilities of those top Inner Residence disciples.
"It's rumored that there are several strong contenders among the Outer Residence this year and they ranked quite high in the estimated results."
"It's only a prediction. Those Outer Residence disciples can't go far without sufficient resources, at most there'll be several that are gifted with some talent."
"Lin Tian, Lin Xue, Lin Ruyan, and Lin Juedao are some powerful candidates."
Afar, a few of the Inner Residence disciples that came to watch the competition were in a heated discussion.
"They're all nothing but scums. Maybe the first three people would be an interesting match, but they're still nothing but scum in my eyes!'
All of a sudden, a scornful remark was thrown into the air by an indifferent voice.
The Outer Residence disciples at the scene were enraged at that comment. Their expressions turned extremely furious.
However, as soon as the source of that voice was revealed, their infuriating temper was replaced with terror.
"The person who ranked third among the Inner Residence disciples – Lin Duanjian!"
One of the Inner Residence disciples whispered in awe.
"What? The number-three powerhouse of the Inner Residence?"
"Why would such a strong presence like him come to watch this battle?"
"I heard that Lin Duanjian has a younger brother in the Inner Residence but I have no idea which one. It seems like he's here to watch his brother's performance?"
At this moment, every Outer Residence disciple was discussing quietly among themselves about that figure that appeared out of nowhere.
'Lin Duanjian? The number three powerhouse of the Inner Residence!'
Immediately, Lin Han locked his eyes on the slim figure that was carrying a black longsword on his back.
'Is this him – Lin Duanjian?"
Lin Han secretly circulated the Art of the Ancient Dragon Emperor right away. The glistening gold layer hidden beneath his eyes was something he utilized to probe into someone's cultivation base boundary.
He had performed this unique technique before to probe into Lin Ruyan's cultivation base.
'Martial arts sixth tier!'
Lin Han's expression changed when he "saw" the forceful True Element inside of Lin Duanjian.
The Inner Residence was indeed the place where talent amassed!
The actual Martial Arts Tea Party was approaching and time was running short. Lin Han decided that after the Outer Residence Competition, he must advance his cultivation base into the next boundary by any means available.
Otherwise, his goal to reach the top three in the Martial Arts Tea Party would become nothing but fantastic nonsense.
Just when Lin Han was planning and considering his next steps quietly, a dignified voice sounded from the middle of the survival arena.
"I hereby announce; the Outer Residence Competition has officially started! Next, I would like to invite all of the Outer Residence disciples to receive your competition number from me for the elimination round!"