Chapter 9: Clan Competition Rewards, Refining Yang Essence Stones!
After the clan competition ended, the little hill where Lin Fan and Lin Xiao's family lived became noticeably livelier. That very day, people came one after another to offer their congratulations.
By the time Lin Xiao and Liu Yan finished receiving the many well-wishers, night had already fallen.
Liu Yan prepared dinner, and the five of them gathered once more to share a meal.
After they finished eating, Lin Xiao set down his chopsticks and offered high praise to both Lin Fan and Lin Dong. He also asked a few questions about their rapid improvement.
Lin Fan and Lin Dong brushed his questions off with vague answers, and Lin Xiao didn't press further.
After a pause, Lin Xiao's expression turned serious. "Although you two performed well in the clan competition, don't get cocky or slack off in your training."
"In a few months, Qingyang Town's hunting event will take place. Young elites from all the other powers will attend—especially those from the Lei and Xie families. Their strength should not be underestimated. Don't let the Lin family lose face."
Lin Fan and Lin Dong exchanged a glance, then responded in unison, "Uncle (Father), don't worry. We won't slack off!"
Lin Fan, well-versed in the story, naturally hadn't forgotten about the Qingyang Town hunting competition.
In fact, during that event, the Lin family would engage in a wager with the Lei family and win control over Tiemu Manor, where a Yang Essence Stone mine would later be discovered!
Thinking of this, Lin Fan recalled the massive pile of Yang Essence Stones in his system space. It was time to have Lin Dong refine them.
Lin Xiao, pleased with their response, nodded in satisfaction. After a few more words of encouragement, he suddenly produced two ornate boxes and handed one to each of them.
"These are gifts from your grandfather. Lin Fan, you get two third-grade spiritual herbs. Lin Dong, you get one."
"In addition, you both now have access to the martial arts hall and may choose any technique you wish to study."
"Third-grade spiritual herbs?"
Lin Fan and Lin Dong looked at each other, joy flashing in their eyes before they each took their respective box.
"Alright, it's getting late. Head back and rest. I'll be visiting Huoyan Manor for a while. Take responsibility for your own training in the meantime."
Seeing them accept the boxes, Lin Xiao waved casually.
"Okay."
The two responded and walked out with their boxes in hand.
"Wait for me!"
Qingtan called out as she hurried after them.
"Let's go to my room first," Lin Fan suggested once they left Lin Xiao and Liu Yan's room.
Lin Dong and Qingtan nodded without hesitation.
Soon, the three arrived at Lin Fan's room.
He locked the door behind them, then walked over to the table and opened his ornate box.
Lin Dong followed suit and opened his as well.
"Three third-grade herbs, and they're all Fireblood Ganoderma," Qingtan said in surprise, inhaling the enticing aroma from the bright red mushrooms inside the boxes.
"Heh, doesn't matter what type they are, as long as they help with cultivation," Lin Fan chuckled, then turned to Lin Dong. "Use your stone talisman to refine them."
"Alright," Lin Dong replied, placing his palm near one of the herbs.
The Fireblood Ganoderma quickly withered, and before long, the talisman in Lin Dong's palm produced three fiery red pills.
He placed the pills into the box, then repeated the process for the other two herbs.
All three Fireblood Ganodermas yielded a total of nine pills.
Lin Fan thought for a moment, then took five and gave the remaining four to Lin Dong.
Lin Dong tried to decline, but eventually accepted them, his gratitude toward Lin Fan growing even deeper.
After they divided the pills, Lin Fan said, "There's something else I need your help with."
"Whatever you need, Lin Fan-ge, just say the word—I'll definitely do it," Lin Dong replied immediately.
"I can help too!" Qingtan chimed in, raising her hand and blinking eagerly.
"Heh, this time I need Lin Dong's talisman. But next time, I'll have something for you," Lin Fan said with a smile, then reached into his robe and pretended to pull out three Yang Essence Stones, handing them to Lin Dong.
"Alright," Qingtan responded obediently, sticking out her tongue playfully.
"These are… Yang Essence Stones?" Lin Dong looked at the red crystals in surprise.
"That's right. I've got a bunch more," Lin Fan nodded. "I want you to use your talisman to refine them into Yang Essence Pills."
"Yang Essence Pills?" Lin Dong asked curiously.
Lin Fan smiled and explained their use, then added, "Normally, ten Yang Essence Stones produce one pill. But your talisman is far more efficient."
Lin Dong nodded and took the three stones into his hand. His talisman suddenly pulsed.
The faint red glow from the stones quickly faded, and moments later they crumbled into powder.
Then, beams of light shot from the flesh of Lin Dong's palm, interweaving into a fiery red pill the size of a thumb.
"This is a Yang Essence Pill?" Lin Dong asked, intrigued by the glowing item in his hand.
"Exactly," Lin Fan smiled. "I've got nearly six thousand more of those stones. Over the next few days, whenever you're not cultivating, help me refine them."
"So many?" Lin Dong was shocked, but then nodded solemnly. "Don't worry, Lin Fan-ge, I'll do my best."
Lin Fan nodded in return. "Good. I'll stash the stones in that cave we always go to. It'll be more private for refining them there."
Lin Dong had no objections.
"Alright, it's getting late. You two should head back and rest."
With the serious talk done, Lin Fan sent them off.
"Goodnight, Lin Fan-ge," Lin Dong said as he handed over the newly refined Yang Essence Pill, then left with his box of pills.
"I'm going too, Lin Fan-ge," Qingtan said sweetly.
"Wait," Lin Fan said suddenly, remembering something. He reached out and gently patted her shoulder.
[Ding! You touched Lin Qingtan and obtained ten Yin Pearls!]
"Lin Fan-ge, what is it?" Qingtan blinked, confused.
"Nothing," Lin Fan smiled. "I just noticed a bit of Yang Essence dust on your clothes. I brushed it off."
"Oh, okay!" Qingtan responded without suspicion, said goodbye again, and then left.
After Lin Dong and Qingtan left, Lin Fan didn't go to sleep right away. Instead, he retrieved the seventh-grade martial art, Five Element Seal, that he had earned earlier that day from touching his grandfather Lin Zhentian.
The Lin family's highest martial art, Pure Origin Finger, was only fourth-grade. Lin Fan was definitely looking forward to trying out this new one…
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