As Lin Xuan accepted the Chief Golden Token, the monthly strength assessment came to a complete close. He tucked the token into his robe, a smile on his face, and descended the high platform under the gaze of everyone present. This strength assessment had been remarkably fruitful. Not only had he replicated numerous treasures, enhancing his strength and talent, but he had also secured the position of the Lin family's chief disciple, ensuring a steady supply of cultivation resources for the near future. More importantly, he had accumulated a considerable number of energy points, which were set to skyrocket in the coming days. It could be said that everything was perfect.
Before long, he arrived beside Lin Shiyun. The two chatted and laughed as they left the training grounds. As Lin Xuan and Lin Shiyun departed, the crowd snapped back to reality, sighed in reflection, and dispersed one by one, including the spectators from various major forces. They hurried off, eager to relay today's major news back to their respective organizations.
Lin Xuan and Lin Shiyun lingered together for a while before parting ways. Lin Shiyun's father was Lin Qiyuan, the Third Elder of the Lin family, yet he was also the strongest expert in the entire Lin family and even Qingyu City, holding an exalted status. His residence was off-limits to anyone, including the family head, without permission. After separating, Lin Xuan headed toward his own small courtyard. Though he was a member of the main lineage, his parents had died in an accident, leaving him an orphan. Fortunately, he was a talented disciple of the Lin family, and with his engagement to Lin Shiyun, backed by Lin Qiyuan, he had never faced oppression or humiliation.
However, as Lin Xuan reached the courtyard gate, he saw a gray-clad middle-aged martial artist with an aged appearance, along with several servants, waiting for him. "Steward Lin, is there something you need?" Lin Xuan asked with a bow. This gray-clad man was the old steward of the Lin family estate, overseeing most routine affairs, and held considerable status. "Chief, you flatter me, please rise," Steward Lin said hurriedly, helping Lin Xuan up with a respectful demeanor. "You are now the chief disciple of our Lin family and can no longer live in such a humble place. I've come to handle your relocation—you should move to the chief's courtyard." Though he was the head steward managing most external matters, he was ultimately a servant, his Lin surname bestowed upon him. He could put on airs with ordinary Lin disciples, but facing someone like Lin Xuan, a chief disciple equivalent to a regular elder, he dared not show any arrogance and had to be utterly deferential.
"I see," Lin Xuan said, rising with a slight daze. In the past, when he encountered Steward Lin, they had been on equal footing, and he had even had to show some respect to the steward. After all, the steward was the head of the entire Lin estate and a close attendant of the family head, someone who could speak directly to him. As disciples, they rarely even got a chance to see the family head. But now, in just a few days, the roles had completely reversed. The steward was now the one showing him respect, even reverence. Such a dramatic shift in status left Lin Xuan deeply moved. And all of this was brought about by strength. A newfound desire for power welled up in Lin Xuan's heart. He then added, "Alright, let's proceed with the move."
The courtyard for the chief disciple was more luxurious and comfortable, located in the Lin family's core area with higher security. Lin Xuan had no reason to refuse. "Yes," Steward Lin replied, then ordered the servants behind him, "Quickly, go and handle the chief's relocation." Following Lin Xuan, they entered the small courtyard. Inside, many pieces of furniture and items were left behind by his predecessor, carrying memories and attachments. Lin Xuan didn't mind taking them along. The commotion of the move was considerable. Since Lin Xuan's courtyard was in the area where the main lineage members of the Lin family gathered, the noise drew many people out to watch and gossip.
"Isn't this Lin Xuan's courtyard? Why is he moving?" "Don't you know? My kid told me—Lin Xuan is a big shot now; he's become the chief disciple!" "How is that possible? Lin Xuan is still at the seventh level of Body Tempering, right? How could he become the chief disciple? Lin Yun, the young patriarch, is at the peak of the ninth level!" "Could it be false? My son Cheng also said Lin Xuan challenged Lin Yun and won, becoming the new chief disciple!" "So he's moving to the chief disciple's residence?" "That must be it." "..."
The area buzzed with noise. As word spread that Lin Xuan had become the new chief disciple, the main lineage members present were stunned, their eyes filled with disbelief. It took them a while to snap out of it. The looks they cast at Lin Xuan were no longer indifferent or casual as before, but filled with awe, respect, and envy. The chief disciple held a rank comparable to an elder. Moreover, anyone who had ever become a chief disciple in the past had shown great potential and would inevitably rise to the family's high ranks, far surpassing them. This naturally inspired awe and envy.
Soon, the servants packed up the items Lin Xuan valued from the courtyard and left together, heading toward the chief's courtyard in the Lin family's core area. The main lineage members watched from a distance, sighing inwardly. From this moment on, Lin Xuan would completely leave them behind. They were no longer on the same level. Many felt a pang of regret. Who would have thought Lin Xuan could become the chief disciple? If they had known he was such a genius, they would have curried favor with him earlier, perhaps reaping benefits in the future. But now that Lin Xuan had moved to the core area, the chance to ingratiate themselves was lost.
In less than ten minutes, they arrived at a residence in the core area—the chief's courtyard. Steward Lin quickly instructed the servants to arrange the brought items properly. It took a few more minutes to finish everything, and then he respectfully took his leave. Lin Xuan wandered around the courtyard, a smile spreading across his face. This residence was far larger than his previous small courtyard—more than twice the size—and much more luxurious. It had a hall, study, bedroom, training room, woodshed, and other rooms, practically everything one could need. Lin Xuan felt a surge of excitement. In this martial world, he finally had a decent place to live. More importantly, from here, he could see the residence of the Lin family's Third Elder, Lin Qiyuan, making it much more convenient to meet with Lin Shiyun.
After tidying up, Lin Xuan headed to the training room. He planned to use the treasures he had replicated from the Lin family's high-ranking martial artists on the high platform today to enhance his strength and talent. Today's events had driven home the importance of strength in this world. Status, wealth, power—all of it was illusory, mere byproducts of strength. Only one's own power could endure forever and serve as the ultimate guarantee.