Chapter 14: Lin Zhen's Revelation - Shocking Talent

Lin Ziang chuckled as he watched his grandfather's suspicious expression. "Grandfather, I promise you, I wasn't lying when I said my cultivation has improved."

Lin Zhen, stroking his beard, raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Oh? Is that so?"

"It's true!" Lin Ziang affirmed, his face a mix of amusement and sincerity. "Actually, my talent isn't as poor as everyone thinks. The lack of progress before... it was just an act."

Lin Zhen snorted, his eyes narrowing. "An act? Are you really that clever?"

Lin Ziang scratched his head, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Come on, Grandfather... how can you talk about your own grandson like this?"

Lin Zhen chuckled. "Then, how will you prove to me that you're telling the truth?"

Pausing for a moment, Lin Zhen stroked his long beard, pretending to be deep in thought. "Alright, let's see your cultivation base. If you can make this old man see something truly remarkable, I might just believe you."

"Very well!" Lin Ziang responded with a grin.

He closed his eyes and slowly released a fraction of his concealed aura. It was only a trace, just enough to reveal his cultivation level—the first level of the Spiritual Accumulation Realm.

The moment Lin Ziang released his aura, Lin Zhen, who had been leisurely watching with an amused expression, suddenly froze. His eyes widened, round as saucers.

"Spiritual ... Spiritual Accumulation Realm?!"

The shock was so intense that Lin Zhen's voice trembled, his words stammering in disbelief.

Lin Ziang nodded calmly. "Yes, Grandfather. I've reached the Spiritual Accumulation Realm."

"You little rascal! You truly entered the Spiritual Accumulation Realm?" Lin Zhen's eyes widened further, his heart pounding. He stepped forward quickly, grabbing Lin Ziang's arm with a fervent grip. "Are you telling the truth?"

"Of course! You felt it yourself, didn't you?" Lin Ziang replied, amused by his grandfather's disbelief.

Lin Zhen's old face turned red with excitement. He roared in exhilaration, "It's true! It's really true! There's no mistake in your aura! My grandson... has truly reached the Spiritual Accumulation Realm!"

The old man burst into hearty laughter, his joy echoing through the courtyard. "Heavens have eyes! I, Lin Zhen, never imagined I would have such a promising descendant!"

Lin Ziang smiled, watching his grandfather's ecstatic reaction. He felt a little worried, seeing Lin Zhen's face turn red with emotion. "Grandfather, is it really necessary to get this excited? It's just the Spiritual Accumulation Realm. You yourself are already at the peak of the Spirit Sea realm. Isn't this too much of a reaction?"

"Too much? What do you know, boy?" Lin Zhen retorted, half-amused and half-annoyed. "You're only seventeen, and you've already reached the Spiritual Accumulation Realm! Your future potential is limitless! How can this not be significant?"

Lin Ziang shrugged nonchalantly. "Isn't this normal? Ever since I felt my cultivation speed increase a year ago, advancing realms has been almost effortless. Breaking through to the Spiritual Accumulation Realm was no great difficulty."

"So, your talent was suddenly awakened a year ago?" Lin Zhen asked, his eyes narrowing in curiosity.

"Yes," Lin Ziang nodded. It was a plausible explanation.

Lin Zhen burst into laughter again, this time with an even broader smile. "A hidden dragon emerges from the shadows! I'm certain now—your talent far surpasses that of Lin Fan! You are the true prodigy of the Lin family!"

Lin Ziang's expression turned disdainful. "The Lin family? Grandfather, I have no interest in being compared to them."

Lin Zhen was taken aback for a moment, then chuckled as if a thought struck him. "So, you've been hiding your true strength all this time?"

Lin Ziang nodded slightly. "Yes, Grandfather."

"Haha! You've done well. As the saying goes, 'A tall tree in the forest attracts the wind.' It's wise to conceal your strength until you are ready. I'm proud of you for knowing when to hide your edge."

"But..." Lin Zhen paused, his voice growing stern.

"But what?" Lin Ziang asked, his curiosity piqued.

Before he could react, Lin Zhen struck him on the forehead with a swift flick.

"Ouch!" Lin Ziang yelped, clutching his head in pain. "Grandfather! That hurt! Aren't you supposed to be a martial arts master? Why did you sneak attack me?"

"Hmph!" Lin Zhen snorted, crossing his arms. "You dare hide your cultivation from your own grandfather for so long! Do you not trust me, boy? Shouldn't I give you a good beating for that?"

"I was afraid you might let it slip," Lin Ziang mumbled, still rubbing his head. "Besides, I'm telling you now, doesn't that prove I trust you?"

Lin Zhen's face softened, but he wasn't ready to let him off so easily. "And you think I'm some clueless brute who can't keep a secret? I am the chief elder of the Lin family, after all!"

Lin Ziang remained silent, knowing better than to argue further. He couldn't help but think to himself, If I had said that I kept it hidden for another three or four years, this old man might have cracked my head open with a few more strikes!

"Still," Lin Ziang continued, "it's always wise to be cautious."

Lin Zhen nodded. "True enough. But cultivating requires resources. Had you informed me earlier, I could have used this upcoming clan competition to secure more resources for you."

Lin Ziang felt a twinge of regret. "But it's too late now, Grandfather. The preparations for the clan competition are already complete. We've missed our chance."

Lin Zhen sighed, but his gaze remained gentle. "I see. But know this, boy—I will always have your back."

Hearing these words, Lin Ziang felt a warmth spread through his chest. His grandfather's care was meticulous, and his support unwavering.

For a moment, the courtyard was quiet. The gentle breeze swayed the leaves, and the faint chirping of birds filled the silence.

Lin Ziang finally broke the calm, his voice carrying a hint of resolve. "Grandfather, I have big ambitions. I will not only surpass the Lin family... I will surpass everyone."

Lin Zhen's eyes shone with a mixture of pride and anticipation. "Good! That's the spirit! Aim for greatness, boy. With your talent, even reaching the level of a Great Emperor is not a mere dream!"

Lin Ziang nodded. His eyes were calm, yet there was a fire deep within them. "I will walk this path to the end, no matter the obstacles."

Lin Zhen laughed heartily. "Then go, grandson! Go and show the world your worth. The heavens have chosen you, and I, Lin Zhen, will stand by you every step of the way!"

With those words, Lin Ziang felt his heart swell with determination. The road ahead was long and filled with countless trials, but he knew one thing for certain—he was destined for greatness. And with his grandfather's unwavering support, he would face whatever came with courage and resolve.

The wind blew gently through the courtyard, carrying with it the promise of a bright future.