Chapter 17: The Awakening of the Flame King's Body

After a moment of contemplation, Lin Ziang decided to tell Lin Fan the truth. He had no particular reason—just a whim.

"You want to know about the special spiritual energy that you've been cultivating, don't you?" Lin Ziang asked with a sly grin.

Lin Fan's heart skipped a beat. 'So he does know,' he thought to himself.

"That's right," Lin Fan replied. "I was going to ask you about it, but it seems you already know."

Lin Ziang chuckled. "Of course. I sensed it the last time I saw you."

"Then do you know what's going on?" Lin Fan pressed.

Lin Ziang nodded. "Do you remember when I told you that in this world, a cultivator's talent and physique are directly linked to their cultivation speed?"

Lin Fan nodded thoughtfully. "So, this is because of my constitution?"

"Exactly," Lin Ziang affirmed. "I've seen how you've progressed in just one month—reaching the level you were at three years ago. You must have noticed that your cultivation speed has greatly increased."

He paused for a moment, watching Lin Fan closely. "In truth, both the enhancement in your talent and the fiery aura you now possess are due to your unique physique."

Lin Fan quickly performed the Gentle Gale Cultivation Method, channeling his spiritual energy. A fierce, fiery aura soon enveloped his hands.

"So it's because of my physique..." Lin Fan murmured, his excitement barely contained.

Lin Ziang smiled slightly. "Indeed. Your physique naturally grants you a special spiritual energy—something most people can only dream of."

Lin Fan nodded, though doubt still lingered in his mind. "Then why didn't I feel anything like this before?"

"It's simple," Lin Ziang explained. "While your physique is innate, it only awakens under certain conditions. Perhaps it's because you're nearing your eighteenth year that the Flame King Body has finally begun to awaken."

"The Flame King Body?" Lin Fan repeated, a spark of realization dawning in his eyes.

"Yes," Lin Ziang replied with a yawn, waving a hand dismissively. "There are different grades of physiques. Yours is a King Body, which is quite formidable."

Lin Fan's eyes lit up with excitement. The revelation left him feeling both surprised and thrilled. 'So, I have a King Body…' he thought, his confidence swelling.

'If I didn't already have a better one myself, I might've tried to claim his for my own,' Lin Ziang thought silently, his expression amused.

"Thank you for the explanation, Lin Ziang," Lin Fan said earnestly, bowing slightly.

Lin Ziang's words had given him hope. Though he had wasted three years, he felt the awakening of his King Body more than made up for it. 'Within a year, I'll prove myself to the Lin family,' he vowed.

Lin Fan's thoughts then turned to Lin Ziang. "You also seem like someone with a special physique," he said. "Could you tell me what kind you have?"

Lin Ziang raised an eyebrow. "Me?"

"Yes," Lin Fan insisted, his curiosity evident.

Lin Ziang could see the eager glint in Lin Fan's eyes and couldn't help but smile. 'He's still young, caught in the trap of comparing himself to others,' he thought. After a pause, he replied casually, "There's no need to talk about mine; it's nothing compared to yours at the moment."

'But who knows about the future,' he added silently in his mind.

Lin Fan's face lit up with joy at Lin Ziang's admission. He tried to hide it, but Lin Ziang could see through his facade easily.

'How amusing,' Lin Ziang thought, suppressing a chuckle. 'I should give him something to focus on.'

He leaned forward, his tone becoming serious. "Have you heard about the clan competition?"

Lin Fan blinked, momentarily caught off guard, then nodded. "Of course, I know about it. Why do you ask?"

"In a few days, the competition will begin," Lin Ziang continued. "Since you've regained your ability to cultivate, why not take this chance to prove to everyone that you're no longer the 'trash' they think you are?"

Lin Fan hesitated. "Do you think... I can?"

"Why not?" Lin Ziang replied confidently. "Most of the Lin clan children, even those with higher cultivation levels, are stagnant. With your current progress and the awakening of your King Body, you have a fighting chance."

Lin Fan's eyes gleamed with interest, clearly moved by Lin Ziang's words.

Seeing this, Lin Ziang pressed further. "Don't forget, Lin Fan, about your status and your enemies. You won't be able to defeat the First Lady or her allies alone. But if you prove your worth, the outcome could be different."

He continued, "Once your talent is revealed, the clan patriarch will have no choice but to take notice. After all, you are still a young master of the Lin family. This competition is a golden opportunity for you."

Lin Fan's expression grew determined. "I understand," he declared, his voice firm. 'With my newfound strength, I can at least make it into the top ten,' he thought. 'Why not seize this chance to prove myself?'

Lin Ziang smiled, seeing the resolve in Lin Fan's eyes. "Good," he said with a faint smile. "That's the spirit."

Lin Fan nodded, a newfound confidence brimming within him. "This time, I won't back down. I'll participate!"

Lin Ziang's grin widened, his expression like that of a proud mentor. "That's what I wanted to hear."

'Ah, the old man would be so surprised,' he thought to himself, chuckling inwardly at the thought of what was to come.