Chapter 10, Jin Yuzhi

The withered branches are entirely golden, yet within that gold, one can see a faint green liquid slowly flowing, resembling jade.

Is this the second-grade spiritual medicine? Lin Dong also curiously glanced at the golden withered branch, then subtly curled his lips. Although this item appeared extraordinary, the spiritual energy contained within it seemed to be inferior to the mysterious liquid that seeped from the stone talisman.

Beside him, Liu Yan, upon seeing the cheerful Lin Xiao, couldn't help but smile gently, her gaze filled with affection for Lin Dong. She understood in her heart how much effort Lin Xiao had invested in Lin Dong. In his view, he had lost a genius for the Lin family in the past, which had also buried the family's hopes. Therefore, with his somewhat stubborn personality, he had been striving for years to restore a genius to the Lin family, and the genius he most eagerly anticipated was naturally Lin Dong.

"Brother Lin Dong, I am sorry. I will never sneak off to gather herbs again..." As the two walked along the mountain path home, Qing Tan tugged at Lin Dong's clothing corner, speaking in a pitiful tone.

Is it because Dong'er’s body has an exceptionally strong absorption of spiritual medicine? I have heard that some people are naturally gifted, and their bodies can absorb spiritual medicine several times more effectively than ordinary individuals said Liu Yan with a smile

Upon seeing the sudden change in Qing Tan, Lin Dong's expression also changed abruptly

Oh no... the cold symptoms have flared up again

I also do not know... ever since I consumed that red ginseng last time, I feel that the effects during my usual practice with the * diagram * book seem to have improved significantly. Upon hearing Lin Xiao inquire about this, Lin Dong's heart skipped a beat. After hesitating for a moment in his mind, he ultimately maintained a calm demeanor and fabricated a small excuse. For some reason, he always felt that the secret of the stone talisman should not be casually exposed; otherwise, it might bring about great calamity.

Looking at Lin Xiao, who was laughing so heartily, Lin Dong also breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that he would not be scolded after all

Oh..." Qing Tan frowned, her elongated voice echoing along the mountain path

Lin Dong brushed his hair back and could only force a smile and nod his head

Indeed. Lin Dong once again forced himself to nod.

Yes

Indeed, I understand. Lin Dong did not pretend to be strong; at this moment, he is certainly not a match for Lin Hong. However, he is confident that he will surpass him

Hehe, I went to the mountains yesterday and was fortunate enough to encounter this thing, Liu Yan. Tomorrow, I will have Dong Er brew the Golden Jade Branch. Lin Xiao said with a smile, but before long, his expression slightly paled, and he coughed violently twice

Upon hearing these words, Lin Dong and the nearby Qing Tan immediately tensed up, while Liu Yan beside them could only shake her head helplessly and cast a reproachful glance at the two.

You have advanced to the third level; it seems it has only been about ten days, right? How could it be so fast? Amidst his joy, Lin Xiao suddenly expressed some confusion, noting that achieving the fourth level from the third level in just ten days is an extremely rapid pace. However, Lin Dong did not rely on any spiritual elixirs, so how could he have such speed?

Indeed, perhaps this is partly the reason. Lin Xiao also nodded; he had heard of such matters. However, if Lin Dong truly possesses such a peculiar constitution, then with that rate of cultivation, it would not be entirely far-fetched.

Watching Lin Hong and the others depart, Lin Xia then approached Lin Dong and the others, smiling as she said, "Cousin Lin Dong, are you alright"

"Father, I do not need it; you should keep it for healing instead," Lin Dong said hastily upon seeing this

Where is it? Look at Sister Lin Xia, she is still so beautiful. If I could be like her, then Lin Hong wouldn't dare to bully Brother Lin Dong

"Did you get into a fight with Lin Shan again this afternoon?" During dinner, Lin Xiao put down his chopsticks and said淡淡地道.

It seems that your father's talent for cultivation has indeed been inherited by you Lin Xia chuckled lightly, then immediately became serious and said However, the current you is still quite far from Lin Hong As far as I know, he probably reached the sixth level of the Emerald Body three months ago and has generated a seed of primordial energy within him Therefore, you should try not to confront him head-on to avoid suffering losses

Oh? Upon hearing this, Lin Xiao also frowned. How could a mere first-grade spiritual herb like Red Ginseng have such a significant effect?

Thank you, Sister Lin Xia. Lin Dong nodded slightly, as Lin Xia and her father had treated him well since childhood, thus their relationship remained relatively good. However, in recent years, Lin Xia had been diligent in her cultivation, resulting in significantly less communication compared to their childhood.

Looking at the smile on Lin Xiao's usually stern face, Lin Dong felt his eyes redden slightly. He then said nothing more, gently nodding his head. In his heart, he murmured to himself: "Father, rest assured, I will not let you down"

Lin Dong responded with a sound, then got up from the table with Qing Tan. After walking out of the room, he could still hear Lin Xiao's hearty laughter from inside. Such laughter was something they had not heard for a long time

Lin Xiao glanced at the two individuals, his expression showing little change. His gaze was fixed solely on Lin Dong as he said: "I heard that you defeated Lin Shan?"

It seems that I had overlooked this in the past. If Dong'er truly possesses this talent, achieving good results in the clan competition is not an impossible task. Lin Xiao smiled with relief, reached into his bosom, and then took out a roll of cloth. He carefully spread it out on the table, and immediately a fragrant aroma wafted through the air, revealing a withered branch that appeared in a light golden color before the eyes of several people

"I saw you just spar with Lin Shan; you must have reached the fourth level of body tempering, right?" Lin Xia said with some surprise. She was aware that Lin Dong had been cultivating for less than a year, and to achieve the fourth level in such a short time was indeed quite impressive.

... ...

Aren't you afraid that practicing will make you ugly?" Lin Dong said with a smile

Ha ha, good! Having received confirmation, Lin Xiao finally burst into laughter, his laughter filled with a sense of relief and joy.

"It's nothing. Once I become stronger in the future, no one will dare to bully you." Lin Dong, who initially wanted to scold her, found his anger dissipating upon seeing the girl's pitiful appearance. He shook his head helplessly and then patted his chest, laughing.

I also want to cultivate myself," Qing Tan said, straightening her delicate nose suddenly

"It is merely your own laziness." Lin Dong shot him a glance, and then without lingering any longer, he turned around with Qing Tan and left. Lin Changqiang followed for a short distance, and seeing the sky darken, he had no choice but to leave reluctantly.

"It is a matter of luck." The fourth level of body tempering is not easy to conceal, as it is manifested on the outermost part of the body. Therefore, Lin Dong did not hide it and nodded in agreement.

Although Lin Dong and Qing Tan had never mentioned the events of the afternoon, it was evident that this had not successfully concealed the past

The fist gently clenched, and Lin Dong turned his head. Just as he was about to suggest that Qing Tan return to rest, he noticed that the latter's delicate, porcelain-like face had suddenly turned pale. A visible chill slowly seeped out from her body, causing fine shards of ice to appear on the ground nearby

Father, it has nothing to do with Brother Lindong, it is I..." Qing Tan said timidly

Lin Dong smiled and shook his head at the librarian, flicking his finger against the smooth forehead of the young girl, and said: "You must not speak of today's events when you return, do you understand?"

"It's nothing. I encountered a troublesome beast while fetching medicine, and I just got a bit worked up. It's not a big deal. Moreover, my father's injury has been there for so many years that these spiritual medicines no longer have much effect. " Lin Xiao waved his hand and said, "In a few months, it will be the clan competition. During this time, you should focus on your cultivation. As for the spiritual medicines, I will find a way to handle it."

Hehe, then you should work hard. I also need to head back; the clan competition is approaching in half a year, so you must put in more effort. Your father places great importance on this clan competition. Lin Xia playfully patted Lin Dong's head, then greeted Qing Tan and the other person beside her before turning around with a swish of her ponytail and leaving gracefully

It is getting late, so let's rest for now; we still need to practice tomorrow. Lin Xiao waved his hand and said

This is ... ... a second-grade spiritual medicine, the Golden Jade Branch? Upon seeing the golden withered branch, Liu Yan immediately covered her mouth and exclaimed in surprise

Hehe, Sister Lin Xia is truly impressive; even Lin Hong does not dare to act arrogantly in front of her. Grandfather is quite fond of her and sometimes personally teaches her martial arts. Looking at Lin Xia's slender and graceful figure, Lin Changqiang said with a hint of envy

"Give me your hand." Upon seeing Lin Dong nod, a ripple of emotion suddenly appeared in Lin Xiao's eyes. He extended his broad palm and directly grasped the former's arm, giving it a gentle flick. A hint of joy that was hard to conceal finally emerged on his otherwise calm face: "Have you reached the fourth level of body tempering?"