My father is the main character, but the female leads want to kill me.

Looking at the list, Li Yuhan realized it didn't seem to be for just one person; it was enough for several people, enough to arm a mercenary squad.

Lin Ran took a sip of tea and continued, "Because I'm also going out to train, but under a different identity. Otherwise, why would I have asked you to find the mask?"

"Ah, why?"

Upon hearing this, Li Yuhan was so startled that she stood up abruptly, her face showing a hint of anxiety. Perhaps she herself didn't know why she was so nervous at that moment.

"Because I need to become stronger. It's hard to improve my strength if I stay in this small place. Besides, there are some things I have to do. I used to run away from them, but now I have to face them." Lin Ran sighed softly. Who doesn't want to give up? But some things you still have to work hard for.

Just as the atmosphere in the council hall became rather silent and tense, a bold guard suddenly shouted loudly from outside: "Clan leader, the Grand Elder is calling you. He says everyone is here and they are just waiting for you to arrive so that the coming-of-age ceremony can officially begin."

"Ok!"

Lin Ran responded to the guards outside, then looked at Li Yuhan and smiled, "Let's not talk about such sad topics. After you help me find all those things, I will thank you properly."

Since you're here today, how about I come with you to take a look at this coming-of-age ceremony?

Although Li Yuhan's smile was somewhat forced, she still stood up and gave a slight bow, saying, "Since Clan Chief Lin has extended such a warm invitation, then I will respectfully accept."

.....

At the Lin family's training ground, as far as the eye could see, there was a dense crowd of people. Some young people were chatting and laughing with their friends, while others were alone in a corner, quietly waiting for the ceremony to begin. Some were trembling with fear, terrified of the coming-of-age ceremony, while others were full of fighting spirit, determined to achieve an excellent ranking in the ceremony and become a "showpiece" of the family.

Lin Chong, on the other hand, was resting alone under a large tree, closing his eyes to relax and quietly waiting for the start of his coming-of-age ceremony.

Today is just a formality. Not long after this coming-of-age ceremony ends, he will go out to gain experience and strengthen his power as soon as possible.

Lin Chong used to have many friends around him, but now he is all alone. In the past, he could have Jia'er by his side, but now Jia'er has gone back, leaving him all alone, which makes him seem rather lonely.

"Hey, Lin Chong, where's Jia'er? Why are you all alone?"

A voice that sounded extremely infuriating reached her ears. She opened her eyes and saw her famous "washboard" war goddess cousin. She glanced at her and then ignored her.

Seeing Lin Chong ignoring her like this, Lin Xi was furious and was about to teach him a lesson when her clever younger brother, Lin Lan, quickly pulled his hot-tempered sister aside, pointed to the entrance of the training ground, and said, "The clan leader is here!"

Lin Xi glanced at the entrance of the training ground and saw that it really was the clan leader. She snorted and didn't continue to cause trouble for Lin Chong. She found a place to sit down near Lin Chong.

There were an unusually large number of people today, so only the area around Lin Chong had a clearing function, leaving quite a few empty spaces.

Lin Ran led Li Yuhan into the training ground. Many people greeted the clan leader, and Lin Ran smiled and waved in response. Behind them followed the graceful and charming Li Yuhan.

Many people were saying "Greetings, Clan Leader" but their eyes were all fixed on Li Yuhan behind Lin Ran, who was smiling and charming with every smile and frown, especially when they saw her alluring white legs that were faintly visible as she walked.

One word—"Absolutely amazing!"

……

Chapter Forty-Nine Coming-of-Age Ceremony

Everyone only dared to admire Li Yuhan from afar, at most whispering among themselves. As for the kind of thing they were pursuing, they could go to a teahouse or a small shop on the street and buy a copy of "The Tragedy That Happened at the Entrance of Jinling Chamber of Commerce" to savor it carefully.

Many suitors, including quite a few rich young men, have spent a lot of money on her, causing quite a few scandals. This has become a major attraction in Linshan City. Such a beautiful woman with a good figure and an extraordinary status can only be coveted by powerful men.

Li Yuhan's arrival naturally caused quite a stir. Lin Chong even glanced at her a few more times, though his attention was focused on Lin Ran. He thought to himself, "Father seems to have quite a bit of contact with this woman. I wonder if he's fallen for her. But this woman is too alluring."

Moreover, her strength is weak. Although her status is not bad, she is still far inferior to my mother. It's fine to play around with her, but I hope Father won't consider making her his principal wife. How about we find some for Father in the future? Father has been lonely for so many years, and I've never heard of him going to brothels..."

Even Lin Ran himself probably didn't expect that his good son would actually have the idea of ​​helping him find a woman. If Lin Ran knew, he would probably be both amused and exasperated. He had inexplicably gotten together with his son's future leading lady, and now his son was thinking of helping him find a woman. What kind of nonsense is this?

Lin Ran led Li Yuhan to the high platform. After Li Yuhan greeted the Lin family's senior executives, Lin Ran went to the railing and looked down at the bustling crowd below, beginning her speech as the leader of the day.

The traditional coming-of-age ceremony was so complicated that it gave Lin Ran a headache. So he decided to be bold and innovate, changing the cumbersome ritual. After he proposed it, the entire Lin family leadership fully supported his reform and innovation, and there were no objections.

The original ceremony was similar to a blessing. Each person would go up on stage, and a bunch of random spices, powders, and some kind of water would be sprinkled on them. Then they would have to chant something else, and it would take a long time before moving on to the next person.

This time, Lin Ran changed it. She still offered the blessings as they were meant to, recited the blessings passed down in the clan, wore a red scarf woven with the blessings, and took a bouquet of flowers symbolizing adulthood. The ceremony was then over.

Because it was so novel, many adults in the clan found the coming-of-age ceremony very interesting and not complicated. They couldn't help but feel a little envious, since the coming-of-age ceremonies of the past were really annoying and quite embarrassing, making them stand on the stage like wooden figures.

The coming-of-age ceremony was conducted by the older members of the clan. Although these elders were unhappy that Lin Ran had abandoned the traditions of their ancestors, they had to admit that their workload was indeed reduced, and it wouldn't interfere too much with their subsequent tasks.

After the coming-of-age ceremony, it's time to decide the future fate of these little ones who have just stepped into adulthood.

First comes the realm test, followed by the battle. The realm test is the same as before; you just need to be called up and go on stage to take the test. You can only take the test twice. If your strength is lower than the eighth level of the Body Refinement Realm, you will be assigned to an industry outside the family and will not be able to obtain any cultivation techniques.

However, Lin Ran later changed the rules again. If someone performed exceptionally well outside the clan, the clan would hold a competition regularly. Those who performed exceptionally well could enter the clan to obtain good cultivation techniques and martial arts skills, and they could also apply for a good position within the clan.

This is also to ensure that the Lin family remains as dynamic and competitive as possible, so that it can continue to grow bigger and stronger.

This realm test is much stricter than previous tests. In addition, given the two guys who smashed the testing platform twice, several testing platforms have been specially prepared this time so that if another genius comes and smashes it, a new one can be replaced in time.

The same middle-aged man with an icy expression mechanically called the young people up for the test.

This test can only be described as a major test in their lives. Some were happy while others were sad. Many people still failed to pass the eighth level of the Body Refinement Realm. As for those who were only one step away from the eighth level of the Body Refinement Realm, they can't blame anyone but themselves for not working hard enough back then.

There are also quite a few people who were originally unknown, but who have shown amazing talent and strength in this test.

Lin Ran had these things specially recorded so that they could be nurtured as promising talents for the family.

The Grand Elder's grandson, Lin Lan, and that girl named Lin Qing'er have both broken through to the first star of the Daoist Realm. This is not surprising. If they had the Dao Condensation Pill and still couldn't reach the first star of the Daoist Realm, that would be a bit unreasonable.

Of course, the most anticipated result is the test result of the clan leader's son, Lin Chong. Lin Ran's reputation is now known to everyone in Linshan City and even the surrounding towns. As members of the Lin family, they are proud to have such a leader.

His son, it is said, has made great strides since his talent returned. It is unknown how far he has progressed or whether he will have the opportunity to surpass his father, Lin Ran, in the future.

At this moment, Lin Chong calmly walked onto the stage and, following the middle-aged man's instructions, punched the black stone tablet with all his might. Everyone's eyes were focused on the black stone tablet, and when they saw the large characters that appeared on it, they were all dumbfounded.

"Three-star Daoist Realm!"

This left many people in the audience speechless for a moment. Lin Xi, leaning against a big tree, looked at the dazzling numbers under the sunlight and felt a little dizzy. After more than a year of practice, they were already on par with her. If only she hadn't wasted those years...

Listening to the tester announce the results from the high platform, Li Yuhan was a little stunned. If she remembered correctly, Lin Chong was a little over seventeen years old this year. A seventeen-year-old Daoist at the Three-Star Realm was much better than her own back when she was still lingering in the Body Refining Realm.

Li Yuhan came to her senses and immediately congratulated Lin Ran, saying, "Congratulations, Clan Chief Lin Ran, on having such an outstanding son. I'm sure the young master will become a renowned powerhouse in the future."

"Hahaha, this kid will definitely surpass me in the future. He's a force to be reckoned with!" Lin Ran felt that if it weren't for the six months he was delayed, Lin Chong would definitely be even stronger. What's more, little Chong has the Taiqing Spirit Body. Judging from the quality of the fighting spirit stored in that spirit body, little Chong should probably be a six-star Daoist now.

But when they saw Lin Chong’s outstanding performance, they suddenly remembered that Lin Hongjia, the daughter of the clan leader, would also have such excellent results.

Unfortunately, it was said that Lin Hongjia had gone out to train, which disappointed some of his admirers within the clan.

After the realm test is over, those who have passed the test will compete.

However, Lin Chong decided not to participate. Among the current younger generation, only Lin Lan, Lin Qing'er, and Lin Chong had reached the Daoist realm. The reward for this competition was the qualification to enter the family and obtain better cultivation techniques. Lin Chong already had a cultivation technique, and the other two had long been qualified to choose their own techniques. Continuing to participate in this competition would be meaningless.

Therefore, with these three not participating, the remaining competition will be among the younger generation of Body Refinement Realm cultivators.

After the competition ended, the coming-of-age ceremony came to a successful conclusion. Lin Ran specially invited a team of chefs who specialize in preparing banquets to set up a feast on the training ground, giving the young people a chance to have a meal together.

Lin Chong originally didn't want to attend, but since Lin Xi, that woman, kindly invited him to sit down, he decided to stay and join the banquet.

There weren't many people at Lin Chong's table, only four including Lin Chong. The other three were Lin Xi, Lin Lan, and Lin Qing'er. These four could be considered the most talented among the younger generation of the Lin family.

Lin Xi poured tea for the group, then looked at Lin Chong. Her attitude was much better than before; at least she no longer had that fierce, livid look. She said, "Lin Chong, what are your plans for the future? Why don't you participate in the academy selection competition to be held in the capital next year? With your talent and strength, you're sure you can get into the academy smoothly, right?"

"Sister Lin Xi, how is the academy selection competition?" Lin Qing'er suddenly interjected and asked.

Lin Xi, having been a student at the academy for a year or two, certainly had the authority to speak on this matter. She explained with a smile, "The academy selection competition is held every year or two in Anling, the imperial capital. Anyone under the age of twenty can participate, but the number of places is not fixed and depends entirely on the academy's mood. Our Li Dynasty has a good quality of students, so those academies will recruit quite a few. Some academies don't recruit at all."

However, the top two academies, Azure Dragon Academy and Holy Sky Academy, have a very fixed enrollment policy, only admitting the top two students, depending on their choices.

The remaining three academies recruited more students. Tianli Academy, ranked third, seemed to consistently recruit around one hundred students, Songling Academy recruited a little more, around two to three hundred, and Linghua Academy mainly admitted girls who performed well.

"What are the special features of each academy?" Lin Chong asked abruptly.

"I don't know much about that. Our Linghua Academy only accepts girls, which is a unique feature, but as for others..." Lin Xi racked her brains, then suddenly clapped her hands and looked at Lin Chong and the others, saying, "If you are interested in swords, or want to become a swordsman, then Tianli Academy should be your first choice."

I heard that Tianli Academy has produced many outstanding swordsmen, and they were eventually recommended by the academy to a very powerful sect in the Central Region.

Do you know about the Central Region? It's home to many powerful individuals; everyone says it's a place where hidden talents abound…”

When it came to the Central Region, Lin Xi spoke with great enthusiasm, even attracting the young people at the next table to listen to her story. After all, many members of the Lin family might not even be able to visit the capital of the Li Dynasty once, and leaving Linshan City was considered a big deal. Lin Xi, on the other hand, had gone to Jiezhou, which was next to their Liezhou, to study at the academy. In terms of knowledge, she was definitely superior.

This is like everyone else has traveled abroad while you haven't even left your city. Is that a tragedy? Perhaps, but some people might like it, while others might be forced into it.

However, if you have the chance, it's always better to go out and explore more.

As Lin Chong listened to Lin Xi's eloquent speech, he couldn't help but feel a longing in his heart. His father had told him many stories about the outside world since he was a child, and every time he heard them, he felt an urge to go and see for himself.

"Tianli Academy? And that mysterious sword-wielding sect in the Central Region, I must go and check them out someday!"

Lin Chong clenched his fists involuntarily; he was increasingly looking forward to the trials to come…

……

Chapter Fifty Before Departure

After the coming-of-age ceremony, Lin Ran rested for a day or two before taking the group of young people who had passed the ceremony and the realm test to the library to retrieve cultivation techniques. For those who performed well in the competition, Lin Ran personally selected some higher-level cultivation techniques and martial arts skills that were quite suitable for these young people, and strictly warned them not to pass them on.

After all, if others know that you have a lot of high-level cultivation techniques and martial arts skills, you can run away if you are alone, but if it is a family, you will be targeted and the whole family will be wiped out. The incident with the Celestial Clan last time is still fresh in our minds.

Moreover, he was planning to go out and gain experience, and he didn't want to come back with his family gone. So before he left, Lin Ran pulled aside the core members of the Lin family and gave them a good talking-to, afraid that they would cause him a lot of trouble. In particular, he would strictly educate and supervise the younger members of the family who were usually arrogant.

During this time, an interesting thing was discovered in Linshan City. The ancient ruins that had caused such a stir in Linshan City a few years ago finally resurfaced. A huge ancient palace maze, a blue stone tablet with ancient characters, and a red demon giant ape with the strength of the Spirit Core Realm were also discovered nearby.

With the help of those who were interested, the news quickly spread throughout the entire Li Dynasty. The royal family, including the three great families, all sent people into the Southern Wilderness Mountains and deliberately blocked the news from spreading.

Many forces even came up to invite Lin Ran to explore together, saying things like, "We only need to achieve one or two successes."

However, Lin Ran refused them all with an excuse. He had already emptied the place, so what was the point of going there? But just like before, everyone went. If you didn't go, you would seem like an oddball. Lin Ran still sent some people over to join in the fun and have some fun.

After a period of commotion, someone discovered that the ancient ruins had been completely emptied. They were so angry that they almost fainted on the spot. A large group of people had been busy in the Southern Wilderness Mountains for so long, causing chaos and confusion, only to end up with nothing.

This amused Lin Ran greatly. It was quite amusing that happiness was indeed built upon the suffering of others.

……

One morning, sunlight streamed through the window, casting dappled patterns of light into the room, where Lin Ran was talking to Lin Chong.

Lin Chong had changed into a simple, comfortable, and easy-to-move training outfit. Lin Ran solemnly handed Lin Chong a low-level spatial ring, giving him her final instructions before leaving.

“Xiao Chong, this may be the first time in your life that you have stepped out of Linshan City.” Lin Ran patted Lin Chong’s shoulder, looked at Lin Chong who was about the same height as her, and said seriously, “You have been talented and insightful since you were little, but if you want to become a true strongman, you must break away from this lukewarm state of cultivation.”

Use life-or-death battles to unleash your potential. Only through the tempering of blood and fire can you truly transform into a strong person. Do you understand?

"I understand, Father!" Lin Chong said firmly, gripping the ring tightly in his hand.

Lin Ran was still a little worried. Although he would follow Lin Chong, he would not set off for a while. At this moment, he was like a mother hen, constantly instructing Lin Chong, such as what was in the spatial ring, how to use it, and what to do outside, explaining everything in detail.

Lin Chong showed no impatience. His eyes were red as he listened quietly, firmly remembering his father's admonitions.