This time, Lin Yan went along with Lin Mingye. Since it seemed so simple, he saw no reason to delay—he would just take first place among the rookies and claim his reward.
The Combat Platform in front of the Lin Family’s Ancestral Hall was also the largest one in the clan.
When Lin Mingye arrived with Lin Yan, two people were already sparring on the platform. Both were at the Blood Exchange First Transformation, sending arcs of Blood Gang flying everywhere.
However, Lin Yan could tell with a single glance that their Blood Gang was too insubstantial. It gave him the distinct impression that they were all style and no substance—like their special effects were great, but their actual power was lacking.
It didn’t matter if they were strong, as long as they looked cool.
Below the stage, aside from the youths of the Fifth Branch, there were members from various other branches as well, totaling several hundred people.
’Those two can’t even break into the top ten. They’re just up there showing off,’ Lin Mingye grumbled to himself.
Lin Yan stopped and looked at him curiously. "What’s your rank?"
"Humbly speaking, I’m currently in tenth place."
As Lin Mingye answered, his face was filled with pride. He had only just entered the Blood Exchange Realm this year, yet he was already able to break into the top ten. His rate of improvement had already surpassed more than half of the other clan members who had recently reached the same realm.
"Then if I get up there, doesn’t that mean you’ll be eleventh?"
Lin Mingye: "..."
In his excitement at seeing Lin Yan, he had completely overlooked that problem.
Eleventh place meant no reward.
But he didn’t really care. While the rewards for the top three were quite generous, and the prizes for the next seven places might tempt other clan members, he had his older brother to rely on. He wasn’t hurting for the few Contribution Points this reward offered.
Just as the two of them reached the front of the stage, the battle on top of it came to an end.
"Mingqiang, you’re truly stronger than I am. I’m impressed!"
"Haha, only by a little bit. You forced me to go all out, Mingxiao. You’re not bad yourself."
Watching the two of them put on airs, Lin Mingye, who was in the crowd below, couldn’t take it anymore. He scoffed, "Forget about who’s stronger. The real powerhouse is here!"
As soon as he said this, dozens of gazes from the crowd below shot toward them. When they saw Lin Yan standing beside Lin Mingye, their eyes lit up with anticipation.
"Lin Yan from the Third Branch is back!"
"Now we’ve got a real show to watch! I heard Lin Yan has already reached the Blood Exchange Second Transformation, but why can’t I sense the pressure from his Blood Gang?"
"You think he just broke through? Anyone can gain full control over their power some time after a breakthrough. Lin Yan reached the Blood Exchange Second Transformation two months ago. The Third Branch confirmed it themselves."
"Blood Exchange Second Transformation two months ago? Then he should definitely be able to make the top ten in this tournament."
"I think he can make the top three. After all, he was taken in as a disciple by Uncle Jiu. Don’t forget, he has Perfect Level Sword Intent."
The two fighters on the Combat Platform had initially wanted to snap back at Lin Mingye, but after seeing Lin Yan, they sheepishly stepped down.
The main event had arrived; there was no reason for them to keep showing off on stage anymore.
On one side of the Combat Platform, five young men were seated. Upon seeing Lin Yan’s arrival, they exchanged glances. These five were the current top five in the rookie competition.
Lin Yan had already reached the Blood Exchange Second Transformation and mastered Perfect Level Sword Intent. His strength had earned their acknowledgement; he was qualified to challenge them.
Their shared glances were a silent negotiation over who should go up to accept Lin Yan’s challenge.
"I’ll go."
Lin Minghuan stood up. He was currently ranked third in the rookie competition.
If Lin Yan defeated him, he would earn the right to challenge for first and second place. If Lin Yan lost, he would have to compete for fourth and fifth.
"Fifth Branch, Lin Minghuan."
Lin Minghuan walked onto the platform. He knew that Lin Yan, coming from a branch family, might not recognize the younger generation of the main family. Thus, he introduced himself as soon as he stepped up.
"Third Branch, Lin Yan."

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