Gao Wu: Oh no! Young Master Zhen is a cultivator!

"Look at you, so impatient." Lin Ran's lips curled up slightly. "I was just joking."

Lin Zhiyao took a deep breath: "So, do you have any other cultivation techniques?"

"Yes, I do." Lin Ran paused briefly, then looked at Lin Zhiyao: "But why should I give it to you?"

When he gave the martial arts manual to Zhao Yanran, his intention was to spread the misinformation about the ancient martial arts techniques.

Unfortunately, Zhao Yanran kept her mouth shut and did not cause any trouble.

It wasn't until yesterday, when he passed on another cultivation technique to Chu Xining, that the matter was finally brought to light.

The reason for releasing this information is, of course, to prevent others from questioning the source of his cultivation when he truly reveals his strength in the future.

If a quick-learning martial arts technique were available on the market, it wouldn't be so surprising that he could grow to the point where he could fight against a Transcendent Realm martial artist in a short time.

Only in this way could he continue to conceal his identity as a cultivator.

Lin Zhiyao was momentarily speechless, but forced herself to say, "I'm your older sister!"

"Hehe..." Lin Ran said nonchalantly, "We're not that close."

He gave Zhao Yanran the martial arts technique because Zhao Yanran gave him an ancient sword.

He gave Chu Xining the cultivation technique because Chu Xining could provide him with emotional value.

As for Lin Zhiyao, she doesn't seem to have any outstanding qualities in Lin Ran's eyes.

Lin Haozhe couldn't help but speak up: "Brother Ran, actually, Third Sister just doesn't speak very nicely, but she doesn't mean you any harm."

"Haozhe! You don't need to explain for me!" Lin Zhiyao bit her lower lip and looked at Lin Ran again: "Give me a straight answer, what are your conditions for giving me the cultivation technique?"

Lin Ran remained calm: "I don't intend to make any demands, nor do I intend to give you any cultivation techniques."

"How could you do this?" Lin Zhiyao was slightly on the verge of losing her guard.

Lin Ran shrugged: "Why can't I do that?"

It wasn't that he was heartless; it was just that there was no real human connection between him and Lin Zhiyao.

If Lin Zhixia were to bring it up, Lin Ran would likely actually set conditions.

Lin Zhiyao's chest heaved violently, her eyes reddening: "If you don't give it to me, I don't even want it!"

She turned and left the restaurant, going up to the second floor.

Shortly after, the sound of a door being slammed shut came from upstairs.

The restaurant was silent for two seconds.

Lin Haozhe feigned concern, saying, "Brother Ran, isn't it a bit unfair of you to treat Third Sister like this?"

"What's wrong with it?" Lin Ran finished the last bite of bread and patted the bread crumbs off his hands. "I think it's fine."

After saying that, he picked up the backpack he had prepared and turned to walk towards the door.

Lin Haozhe looked at Lin Ran's back and revealed a sinister expression.

Just then, Song Yishu happened to be passing by the restaurant entrance and casually asked, "What just happened?"

Lin Haozhe quickly composed himself, revealing a helpless expression: "Third Sister wanted the cultivation technique that Brother Ran had, but Brother Ran refused to give it to her, and his attitude was a bit... not very good."

Upon hearing this, Song Yishu sighed, "Alas... this child is quite stubborn."

Not long after Lin Ran left the Lin family, the first wave of guests arrived.

The head of the Li family in the east of the city came to visit with his daughter.

The girl was pretty with delicate features and a slender figure, and had a well-behaved appearance.

Song Yishu welcomed the person in and instructed the servants to serve tea.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Li Maocai steered the conversation towards Lin Ran.

"Yesterday, Young Master Lin casually wrote down a Transcendent Realm cultivation technique at the Chu family banquet, and then helped Miss Chu break through to the Innate Realm in a short time. Such methods are truly admirable."

"Sigh! That kid was just lucky, and it just so happens that Xi Ning is also exceptionally talented." Song Yishu waved her hand, her smile reserved.

Li Maocai quickly shook his head: "Oh? Madam Lin, you're too modest! Isn't luck also a part of ability?"

At this point, he changed the subject: "By the way, isn't Young Master Lin home today?"

Song Yishu thought to herself, "As expected, the real intention is not what it seems."

"Master Li's timing is unfortunate; that child can't stay still and went out early this morning."

"Ah...hahaha...what a coincidence. I was actually hoping to get to know Young Master Lin."

Li Maocai gave an awkward but polite smile, glanced at his daughter beside him, and looked slightly helpless.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the father and daughter got up to take their leave.

Song Yishu had just seen the person off and hadn't even had a chance to sit down when the doorbell rang again.

This time it was Madam Zhou from Nancheng. She was even more direct than Li Maocai. Before she had even taken two sips of tea, she asked if Lin Ran was home.

Upon learning that Lin Ran was not there, she couldn't even hide the disappointment on her face.

Miss Zhou was more composed than her mother, remaining seated on the sofa until it was time to leave before asking, "What time does Young Master Lin usually come home?"

Song Yishu carefully chose her words: "This child's schedule is not very regular, so I can't say for sure."

Miss Zhou nodded and left with her mother.

From morning to afternoon, three or four more groups of people arrived, all of them well-known local families from Xinhai.

Everyone who came brought a daughter with them, ranging in age from sixteen to twenty.

They all have different appearances, but they have one thing in common—these girls are all martial artists.

Song Yishu's initial politeness and attentiveness gradually turned into a mechanical, repetitive smile.

When Lin Hongbo returned from the company in the evening, he saw the fruit basket and gift boxes next to the coffee table and raised an eyebrow: "What day is it today?"

"Your son's good day." Song Yishu leaned back on the sofa, rubbing her temples.

"Since this morning, six groups of people have come to visit, all of them with their daughters. They kept asking about Lin Ran, as if they wanted to just push their daughters into our house."

Lin Hongbo took off his coat, hung it up, and sat down next to her: "Why don't you just tell them that Lin Ran's engagement is already set, and the engagement banquet will be held after the martial arts exam? Wouldn't that solve the problem?"

"I already said that," Song Yishu said helplessly. "People say that engagement isn't the same as marriage, and it's always good to make more friends."

"Some people are saying that with such a large family fortune as the Lin family, and with Young Master Lin being such a talented and handsome young man, it's not unreasonable for him to have a few more women around him, right? What kind of nonsense is this!"

Hearing her say that, Lin Hongbo couldn't help but burst out laughing: "Hahahaha... these guys, they really are..."

Song Yishu pinched his waist: "You can still laugh? The mess your son's made has made some people lose all sense of shame!"

"Oh dear! Madam, have mercy!" Lin Hongbo quickly begged for mercy. "Alright, I'll have someone hang a sign at the door tomorrow that says: Young Master Lin is engaged and not considering taking a concubine for the time being!"

Song Yishu slapped his arm again: "You're so unserious!"

The day before the martial arts exam arrived.

In Class 1, Martial Arts, Grade 12 at Xinhai No.1 Middle School, you could hear a pin drop.

Thirty-odd people sat in their seats, each with their backs straight.

Zhou Zhengping stood in front of the podium, dressed in a black suit with the Xinhai No.1 Middle School badge pinned to his left breast.

His gaze swept across every face as he slowly spoke: "Gentlemen! The time has come to truly test your strength!"

"Tomorrow is the martial arts exam that will determine the course of your lives. Three years of arduous training have led to this day!"

"The examination room is a battlefield; there is no second chance, so never take any chances."

He paused slightly, then continued, "Of course, don't be too impatient in the examination room. Avoid recklessness during the battle; stay calm and adapt to changing circumstances..."

After giving some instructions, he straightened up and straightened his collar.

"I don't care whether you go on to study at a martial arts academy or join the Special Affairs Bureau to serve the country, give it your all in tomorrow's exam!"

The group of over thirty people responded in unison, "Understood!"

Zhou Zhengping waved his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet: "I have a few final things to tell you."

"Meet at the school gate at 6:30 tomorrow morning, and we will take a bus together to the examination venue. Your admission ticket, ID card, and spare training clothes are all required."

"During the exam, you must obey the examiner's instructions, may not leave the examination room without permission, and may not use any medication. Do you understand?"

"Listen carefully!" the crowd responded loudly.

Zhou Zhengping nodded: "Finally, I wish everyone can deliver a satisfactory result without regrets!"

"We will definitely live up to our teacher's expectations!"

With class monitor Liu Ming taking the lead, the other students echoed, "We will definitely live up to the teacher's expectations!"