WU DONG QIAN - KUN
Chapter 20: The Family Competition Begins

Just as the first rays of dawn broke through the clouds and shone to Earth, a hustle buzzed in the Lin Family as a rowdy atmosphere enveloped their manor.

When Lin Xiao brought Lin Dong and Qing Tan to the Family Competition training room, it was already a crowded place, filled with people.

Although the Lin Family could not be considered a first-rate faction in Qingyang City, they still held considerable power. Therefore, there were some VIPs who had come specially to watch this Family Competition to use this opportunity to build a relationship with the Lin Family. Moreover, this competition had also given them the opportunity to assess the abilities of the younger generation in the Lin Family. After all, the abilities of the next generation were essential to the continued prosperity of any family.

If the younger generation in the Lin Family proved themselves incompetent, then the Lin Family would fall sooner or later.

Although this was not the first time witnessing the Family Competition, Lin Dong could not help but feel a little tense. After all, this time, he was the one who would be in the spotlight.

Lin Xiao patted Lin Dong's shoulder convincingly, trying to ease the latter's nerves. Soon after, he brought the two of them and approached the VIP section of the training room.

Currently, there were already many people already sitting in the VIP section, chatting happily amongst themselves.

Sitting in the middle of the VIP section, was a rather thin middle-aged man who was cheerfully talking to another guest. Suddenly, he caught a glimpse of Lin Xiao and his children, causing him to freeze on the spot. Although he quickly recovered as wrinkles formed on his face.

In the previous competition, Lin Xiao would normally never appear. Even on the rare occasion when he appeared, he would stand in a corner quietly where no one would notice him. This was the first time in many years, he had directly approached the VIP section.

On the left side of the skinny middle-aged man were two young people, brothers Lin Hong and Lin Shan. Interestingly, the man sitting next to them was likely their Father, Lin Mang, who had a bad blood relationship with Lin Xiao.

Lin Xiao paid no heed to Lin Mang's gaze. Without hesitation, just as he was about to walk past the latter, Lin Mang suddenly smiled. A cup of tea in his hand, he casually asked: "Third brother, what finally brought you out of your house?"

Lin Xiao stopped and glanced at his half-brother, who had a bad relationship with him since young. A smile appeared on his face as he replied: "Is that a problem?"

As he watched Lin Xiao's smile, Lin Mang was shocked when he realized that he could not find the usual trace of sadness in that smile. This discovery made him feel uncomfortable, yet he commented nonchalantly: “No problem. It's just that today is an important opportunity for my Lin Family. Since you have appeared, I just hope you don't embarrass us. ”

Lin Xiao chuckled. Ignoring the humiliation hidden in Lin Mang's words, he immediately passed by before sitting on a nearby chair.

“Huh.”

Lin Xiao's actions caused Lin Mang's face to be slightly distorted as he gave a cold snort.

“Ahh, Lin Mang - xiong. Was this the man who had once had the best chance among the members of the Lin Family to advance to the stage of Yuan Dan, Lin Xiao?” A man sitting beside Lin Mang casually asked with a smile.

“It's just a rumor. How can you trust them?”. Lin Mang replied with scorn.

“Ah, of course. Right now, brother Lin Mang is the prime candidate among the Lin Family to advance to the Yuan Dan stage. In the future, let's look for more opportunities to collaborate.” The man replied cheerfully, a tone of obedience in his voice. Two years ago, Lin Mang successfully rose to the Heavenly Yuan level and became the third Heavenly Yuan practitioner in the Lin Family. During these two years, he had been well-liked by the family and he was now in control of the finances of the entire Lin Family. In comparison, Lin Xiao, was almost forgotten after being invalid for so many years.

Although Lin Mang knew those words were only flattery, the corner of his mouth still formed a smile.

“Dad rest assured. Later when Lin Dong was hit in public, third uncle's expression would definitely deteriorate.” Feeling the unhappiness of his father, Lin Hong, who was sitting behind Lin Mang, told his father convincingly.

“En.”

After hearing these words, Lin Mang smiled again as he slowly nodded his head.

"That guy's a bitch."

Qing Tan, who was sitting beside Lin Xiao, sadly complained after he saw Lin Mang's deliberate provocation.

“They are on the winning side, for now.”

This man, was the current head of the Lin Family, and also Lin Xiao's father plus Lin Dong's grandfather, Lin Zhentian.

Following behind Lin Zhentian, was a middle-aged man. Beside him, stood Lin Xia, whose slender and elegant figure naturally attracted the attention of several youths.

The moment Lin Zhentian appeared, the commotion in the training room increased as everyone hurriedly got up to pay their respects. After all, Lin Zhentian was considered a legend in Qingyang City. After he arrived here, he single-handedly built the Lin Family. Hence, his methods and abilities had left a strong impression on many people.

Lin Zhentian cheerfully greeted the VIPs before stopping in the middle of the VIP area. However, right when he stopped, he saw Lin Xiao not far away, causing the former to be startled for a moment. Lin Zhentian quickly recovered and quickly walked over

"Dad."

As he saw Lin Zhentian approaching, Lin Xiao's fist involuntarily tightened, as he stood up and respectfully greeted his father.

"You finally want to come and visit me?"

As he looked at Lin Xiao, who was in front of him, Lin Zhentian asked just like that, complicated emotions in his eyes.

In the past, Lin Xiao was the son that Lin Zhentian had worked for the most. Although defeat had finally disappointed him, the most disappointing fact was Lin Xiao's descent into grief after defeat.

The old man was stubborn like his son. After Lin Xiao fell into grief, the desperate Lin Zhentian had never started a meeting as well regardless of how much he missed his son in his heart.

"Dad, I'm sorry." Lin Xiao muttered softly. He knew that Lin Zhentian was very disappointed with his years of grief.

"Grandfather…"

Qing Tan and Lin Dong, who were standing to one side, also hurriedly greeted their grandfather.

“Ahh, it's Dong-er and Qing Tan. You kids have really grown.” After hearing their voices, a smile reappeared on Lin Zhentian's face. As he gently stroked their heads, he gave a rather kind and loving grandfather a look.

“Good that you are now finally out. At the very least, you bothered visiting me before I had to enter my coffin. ” Lin Zhentian said, as he turned his gaze back to Lin Xiao. As he spoke, Lin Dong could feel a slight trembling from the old man's hands. It seemed that in that old heart, he was not as calm as he seemed.

“Haha, Dad. Now that Third Brother has finally decided to show up, let him not nag. After all, there were still many guests around. ” The middle-aged man following behind Lin Zhentian commented with a smile.

Lin Zhentian sighed, glancing at Lin Xiao once more, the first one finally went to his own seat.

"Da-ge (big brother)." Lin Xiao thanked the middle-aged man.

The middle-aged man smiled as he nodded his head, before proceeding to pat Lin Dong on the shoulder and saying: "Dong-er, make sure you don't embarrass your father in today's competition."

"Yes, first uncle."

Lin Dong nodded in response. This man was his oldest uncle and his name was Lin Ken. Besides, he was also Lin Xia's father.

As he recalled Lin Xia, Lin Dong immediately turned to look at the young lady standing behind the middle-aged man waving her small hand towards him to show support.

After Lin Ken and Lin Xiao made small talk, Lin Ken brought Lin Xia back to their respective seats. Soon after, the crowd finally returned to their respective seats and the noise in the training room gradually began to subside.

Everyone was attentively staring at the Clan Head, Lin Zhentian.

The Lin Family competition has officially begun!