Chapter 578 - 576: The Curtain Falls

Lin Xuan’s words shocked them. Were there really people out there stronger than him? The answer was yes. The world was vast, with countless legacies; it was no surprise that some possessed a more formidable heritage than his.

However, Lin Xuan was exaggerating slightly. While there were certainly geniuses in the outside world stronger than him, geniuses of his caliber were exceedingly rare and difficult to encounter.

They exchanged glances, his words striking them to their core. The shock was profound. ’If what Lin Xuan says is true, should we really venture into the outside world to gain experience, rather than staying cooped up here forever?’

Fortunately, Lin Xuan had taken first place. If he hadn’t, no one would have believed him. In fact, he would have been utterly ignored.

After all, if he couldn’t even take first place, it would imply that the people outside were only about on his level, rendering his point meaningless.

But now that he had won, his words carried weight.

Long Xingyun hadn’t expected Lin Xuan to use this incident to raise the issue. ’He’s quite clever.’ By framing it this way, his words gained immense credibility, proving that Medicine King Valley’s position wasn’t unassailable and that they could easily be surpassed by those from the outside world!

Only this could instill a sense of crisis in them, rather than letting them believe that Medicine King Valley was the ultimate King, reigning supreme over the outside world.

"It was precisely because she understood this that my mother chose to leave. It wasn’t a betrayal. She knew that the outside world was where one could truly shine, where she could become stronger. Staying here is like being a frog in a well, ignorant of worldly affairs and unable to learn the Martial Arts of the outside!"

"At the same time, she has always been concerned about the situation in Medicine King Valley. She understands the state of affairs here. If things continue like this, this place will eventually be overrun. Outside powers are eyeing this place covetously. To be blunt, you have always been in a precarious situation. You can choose not to believe me. Honestly, if my mother and grandfather weren’t from Medicine King Valley, your life or death would mean nothing to me!"

Lin Xuan said everything he wanted to in one breath, his gaze sharp and piercing. He knew his words couldn’t change things overnight, but they could at least begin to shift the current attitude and force them to seriously consider the issue.

"Xuan’Er..."

The rims of Long Yuwei’s eyes were red. She didn’t cry, but maintained a faint smile as she watched her son.

Lin Xuan was right. She had always been concerned for Medicine King Valley. After all, her parents were here, and it was the place where she had grown up. She would never forget this place, much less abandon it heartlessly.

Technically, she was the one who had abandoned this place, not the other way around. But there was no right or wrong in the matter; it was simply that the philosophy of Medicine King Valley no longer aligned with her ideals.

The Elders fell silent. They knew they needed to give this matter serious thought, but change couldn’t happen in an instant. It would be a process.

"Ahem. We will discuss this matter later. The competition is not over. Continue with the remaining matches, and don’t be distracted by this!" Long Xingyun stood up and said, feeling that was enough for now.

Medicine King Valley wasn’t going to change just because of a few sentences from Lin Xuan. So he had to step in to stop the discussion and let the competition continue. This also allowed the people of Medicine King Valley to save face and, more importantly, prevented an uproar.

Medicine King Valley had been secluded for so many years; how could it possibly change overnight? The pride in their hearts was not something they would relinquish so easily. They were stubborn and would absolutely not yield so readily.

Therefore, this had to be a gradual process, starting by winning over those whose convictions were already wavering. That was why he couldn’t let Lin Xuan say too much more; it would be troublesome if he incited outright resistance.

Sure enough, after Long Xingyun spoke, some who had been about to retort obediently closed their mouths. The competition wasn’t over, so it had to continue.

First place had been decided, but second and third had not. The competition had to go on.

Lin Xuan knew his job was done. He turned and smiled at Long Xingyun, who smiled back. An understanding passed between them in that shared smile, no words needed.

For the remainder of the time, Lin Xuan sat to one side and watched. After composing themselves, Long Bin and Long Fan threw themselves back into the competition. They might not be able to contend for first place, but second and third were still undecided.

Long Bin and Long Fan had both been vying for the top spot. Now that first place was unattainable, it didn’t stop them from battling to determine a winner between themselves.

Time passed in the blink of an eye, and the competition finally came to a close. Second place went to Long Bin, and third place to Long Fan... As for the subsequent rankings, Lin Xuan paid them no mind. All he needed to know was that he had won first place; the other results had little to do with him.

At last, it was time to award the prizes. For winning first place, Lin Xuan would receive a Sixth Grade Elixir and one Resurrection Grass!

"The first-place winner is Lin Xuan! The prize is a Resurrection Grass and a Sixth Grade Elixir!" Long Xingyun announced, taking out the rewards and handing them to Lin Xuan as he walked up. There wasn’t a trace of reluctance in his eyes, only admiration!

The surrounding crowd looked on with expressions of jealousy and fury. Even though Lin Xuan was the victor, they still felt deeply resentful. This was the Resurrection Grass, tantamount to Medicine King Valley’s most sacred treasure. And now, it was being given to an outsider—for in their eyes, Lin Xuan was an outsider, even if Long Xingyun was his grandfather.

However, they did not go back on their word. Since the rules had been established beforehand, they would not break them. They were proud, but they placed even greater importance on keeping their promises.

"Thank you, Valley Master..."

Lin Xuan excitedly accepted a Jade Box and a Jade Bottle, which contained the Resurrection Grass and the Sixth Grade Elixir, respectively. Forgetting about the Sixth Grade Elixir for a moment, the Resurrection Grass was what was most important to him.

Now that he had the Resurrection Grass, only the Essence Blood was left. Once he obtained the Essence Blood, his father would be able to awaken.

After receiving it, Lin Xuan handed the Resurrection Grass to his mother and said emotionally, "Mother, this is the Resurrection Grass..."

Long Yuwei took the Resurrection Grass, and tears immediately welled up and streamed down her face. They were tears of joy. She had never imagined they would obtain the Resurrection Grass in this manner—by proving themselves through strength! This meant she could go back, that she wouldn’t have to stay here, unable to ever see Lin Chenyun again.

"Good, good..." Long Yuwei clutched the Resurrection Grass tightly, unwilling to let go. This was the treasure that could save her husband; she would protect the Resurrection Grass with her life!

Seeing his mother’s emotional expression, he felt a surge of relief that he had been able to help. To do something for the Lin Family was what he most wanted right now. As the Young Master of the Lin Family, it was necessary for him to make a contribution. Otherwise, how could he ever lead the Lin Family to prosperity?