Three months of secret cultivation transformed Lin Xuan's existence. Twelve meridian points became forty-eight. His dantian, previously empty as a beggar's cup, now held a whisper of spiritual energy—enough to enhance senses, strengthen body, attract attention.
Attention he couldn't afford.
The Lin Clan's hierarchy operated on visible cultivation rank. Third young master showing unexpected progress would trigger investigations, jealousy, elimination. Lin Xuan remembered how his half-brother, Second Young Master Lin Feng, had murdered three promising cousins before age twenty.
So he hid. Feigned illness. Cultivated only during deep night, using techniques that left no external traces. The Heavenly Spirit Breathing Method's genius lay in internal transformation—no golden light, no energy fluctuations detectable without direct physical examination.
His body grew stronger silently. His mind remained the true weapon.
Today, however, required public appearance. The quarterly family gathering—mandatory attendance for all direct bloodline members. Lin Xuan dressed in appropriate grey robes, face powdered to suggest lingering weakness, and limped to the main hall.
Forty-three family members occupied ranked seating. Clan Head Lin Tianxiong sat highest, flanked by legitimate sons. Lin Xuan's position—back corner, near servants—spoke volumes about his status.
"Third brother recovers from his illness," Lin Feng observed, voice honey over poison.
"Mother worried you wouldn't attend."
Lady Lin, clan head's principal wife, smiled with her mouth only.
"We've prepared strengthening medicines. A bastard child needs extra care, lacking his mother's nourishing influence."
Lin Xuan's mother had died in childbirth—a servant girl elevated briefly, forgotten immediately. He bowed deeply, hiding expression.
"Grateful for madam's concern."
The gathering proceeded through reports, resource distributions, marriage negotiations. Lin Xuan observed what others missed: Lin Feng's cultivation had stagnated at Qi Refinement sixth layer for six months. The clan head's vitality flickered—poison, subtle but detectable to experienced eyes. Someone was killing him slowly.
Lady Lin, Lin Xuan realized. She wants her son inheriting before the clan head discovers her affair with the sword instructor.
This information was currency. Dangerous currency.
He stored it, listening to elders discuss the upcoming Azure Cloud Tournament—city-wide competition determining which youths would attract sect attention. In his previous life, Lin Feng had placed third, joining the Iron Bone Sect, eventually betraying the Lin Clan to it.
"Will third brother compete?" Lin Feng asked suddenly. "Surely your... recovery... has inspired ambition?"
Laughter rippled through legitimate relations. Qi Refinement first layer—the assumed maximum for someone who'd been bedridden—couldn't qualify for tournament registration, which required third layer minimum.
Lin Xuan coughed wetly, leaning on a servant's arm. "This worthless body would only embarrass the clan."
Relief showed on multiple faces. They saw no threat. Good.
But Lin Xuan had already decided: he would compete, disguised. The tournament offered access to Azure Cloud City's cultivation library, where maps showed locations of unexploited treasures.
One year remained until the fractured ley line sealed. Every opportunity mattered.