Lin Rui stood in the center of the room, his gaze sweeping across the surroundings, a sense of ease and pleasure blossoming in his chest. Since the ancestral spirit manifestation incident, the Lin family elders have ordered a complete renovation of his room and courtyard. This gesture wasn't just a display of the family's authority and care; it also imbued his status with a confident expectation.

  The room's décor, a stark contrast to its previous simplicity, now pulsed with the Lin family's traditions and culture. A wooden screen carved with exquisite auspicious clouds and serpent patterns radiated vibrant energy as if the carvings possessed spiritual power. The incense burner, crafted from superior spiritwood, released not ordinary smoke but faint, luminous spiritual energy that purified the air of impurities.

  Outside the window, the Lin family courtyard had been meticulously landscaped. The once-desolate bamboo grove was now neatly trimmed, its leaves rustling in the breeze with a refreshing, moist air. The pond water was crystal clear, with several koi carp swimming leisurely. Spirit herbs along the pond's edge shimmered in the sunlight, their tiny blossoms like miniature stars scattered across the water's surface.

  Lin Rui walked over to the mirror, gazing at his reflection. The mirror revealed a young, perhaps eighteen-year-old man with healthy, tanned skin and clear, bright eyes that sparkled with a unique vitality. His face was still youthful, but a vibrant energy replaced the weariness and listlessness that had once been there. His hair, slightly tousled, was jet black and lustrous, perfectly complementing his thick, sword-like eyebrows, exuding an undeniable heroic air.

  "This is such a huge difference from my old self! But then again, jumping from one strange world to another... it's really... bizarre." He murmured to himself, a subtle smile playing on his lips yet tinged with profound confusion and resignation.

  Then, Lin Rui pushed the window open, welcoming the cool morning breeze that swept away the lingering fatigue and worries. His mood lightened, becoming cheerful and carefree. He couldn't help but chuckle softly, the feeling of ease and pleasure growing more decisive in his heart.

  "While all this feels strange, maybe it's a new beginning." Lin Rui whispered to himself, a glint of profound insight flickering in his eyes.

  He took a deep breath and returned to his desk, his gaze settling on the stack of documents piled on the surface. These seemingly ordinary family files were closely tied to the Lin family's development over the next few years, their internal operations, and the allocation of resources – crucial matters all. Every decision involved the family's future, and the content revealed between the lines of the text caused Lin Rui to furrow his brow slightly. Even though Lin Rui's current status wasn't particularly prominent, the weight of these documents still made him feel a heavy sense of responsibility.

  "From now on, I've decided I can't just be an observer anymore." Lin Rui murmured inwardly, his fingers lightly tracing the paper's surface. His cultivation hadn't yet broken through the first level, still far from the role the family expected of him. But he knew deeply that the family's fate and his growth were now inextricably linked. These documents were undoubtedly a test from within the family – not of trust, but of surveillance. After all, the family harbored doubts about him, especially given the changes since his rebirth, making them even more cautious.

  "Perhaps, I'm just a pawn myself." Lin Rui pursed his lips, a flicker of coldness in his eyes.

  These documents were not a complete disclosure but selectively provided. The "core secrets" the Lin family had given him were intended to let him perceive the subtle nuances of the family's power struggles or to use this information to enhance his capabilities, preparing him for potential shifts in the situation. At the same time, these documents also had an implicit message: if Lin Rui could demonstrate his value through these materials, perhaps the family would offer more support. Conversely, if he failed to fulfill these tasks, he would remain trapped in the family's shadow, never to escape.

  He understood that the family's arrangements were not based on pure trust but more on strategic maneuvering. In the family's eyes, he was still an "object to be observed." All the arrangements and secrets were tests of his ability and loyalty.

  However, these documents also presented him with an opportunity—a chance to find a way to distinguish himself. Lin Rui was keenly aware of the family's schemes, calmly analyzing every word and phrase. He opened the documents, scanning each item, pondering how to find a breakthrough in these complex family affairs.

  The content of these documents involved the Lin family's collaborations and competitions with other families, as well as investments and resource deployments across various merchant guilds in Azure Mist Province. Behind every decision lay immense risks and opportunities. Lin Rui understood that if the family wanted to maintain its position in Azure Mist Province, it had to find a path forward in this intricate and chaotic situation, and he might become a crucial piece in that strategy.

  He paused, his hand stilling, his gaze fixed on the bamboo grove outside the window. The wind rustled through the bamboo leaves, making a sound. A flicker of determination flashed in Lin Rui's eyes. He knew what he needed to do—elevate his cultivation, earn the family's recognition, gradually break free from the family's constraints, and ultimately achieve his goals.

  "Then, I'll start by understanding the family's layout. Since I've already been reborn here, there's no turning back." Lin Rui mused to himself, continuing to open the documents, delving into the analysis of each piece of information, trying to unearth potential opportunities and challenges ahead.

  Just as Lin Rui was engrossed in perusing the family records, soft footsteps approached outside the door. Lin Rui saw an older woman, nearing ninety, entering the room. She was slender, her skin slightly pale, but her eyes shone with deep wisdom, radiating a composed aura honed by years of experience. This was Granny Su, the Lin family's most accomplished healing cultivator—a recognized genius in medical arts within the family, capable of detecting any anomaly in the spiritual energy fluctuations of countless cultivators.

  "Young Master Lin, by family order, Granny Su has come to conduct a comprehensive examination." Granny Su gave a slight nod, her tone gentle yet firm, brooking no refusal.

  "Please." Lin Rui nodded calmly, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. He wasn't worried that Granny Su could discern anything significant because even the most skilled healing cultivator couldn't possibly uncover the true secrets of his soul. After all, a modern detective's knowledge and deductive abilities had long imbued him with a perception far beyond the ordinary.

  Granny Su took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and gently formed a hand seal, beginning to guide her spiritual energy into Lin Rui's body. This energy, imbued with her soul force, seeped into Lin Rui's meridians and dantian-like fine silk threads, then gently wandered into the depths of his soul. The Lin family's healing cultivation techniques centered on soul probing, which can accurately determine a cultivator's physical and mental state, including cultivation progress, changes in aura, and even subtle fluctuations in spirit and soul.

  Lin Rui felt no discomfort as the spiritual energy entered his body. Instead, he sensed a warm power flowing through him, a sensation akin to being reborn in flames. His modern detective's keenness and observational skills allowed him to perceive every subtle shift in external forces with exceptional clarity, even to react swiftly to them. But now, he was merely sensing the changes within his body, recalling his past "rebirth" process.

  For cultivators, the flow of spiritual and soul force was not just a manifestation of cultivation level; it represented one's spiritual strength and, in a sense, the intensity of the soul itself. Each cultivator's soul had a distinct state—some brimming with spiritual energy, their aura gentle; those with profound cultivation possessed souls like vast star seas, steady and deep. However, someone like Lin Rui, whose soul concealed unknown secrets, radiated a unique aura that felt both fresh and foreign from his very being.

  "Hmm?" Granny Su's brow furrowed slightly. Her eyes remained closed, but she could sense that Lin Rui's soul aura was subtly different. It wasn't the typical aura of a reincarnated soul she had encountered before, but rather, as if he had been reborn, drawing completely new power from some unknown source. She sensed that the energy within Lin Rui's body had a distinct variance compared to normal soul fluctuations.

  "No anomalies detected." Granny Su slowly opened her eyes, her expression relaxed, though a hint of complexity lingered. "Young Master Lin's soul shows no signs of abnormality. While his soul aura is somewhat different from before, it doesn't indicate possession. On the contrary, this change is akin to soul repair and sublimation."

  The Elder beside her, upon hearing this, couldn't help but interject, "Granny Su, repair and sublimation? Does this mean Lin Rui's soul truly underwent rebirth? But..."

  "Repair and sublimation," Granny Su affirmed with a gentle nod, her voice filled with certainty. "This change isn't the typical resurrection, but rather a process of gradual sublimation, where the soul undergoes some special experience or tempering. The soul's original structure has been strengthened, and its aura has become purer. This phenomenon often appears when a soul has suffered immense trauma and is re-energized and repaired."

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  Lin Rui lowered his head, a cold smile playing at the corner of his lips. These older generation cultivators were likely unaware that their understanding of "resurrection" and "rebirth" remained rooted in traditional interpretations. Granny Su's diagnosis was undoubtedly accurate in its own way. Still, she could never perceive the secret hidden within him—he wasn't simply "reborn" from a past life like a conventional soul reincarnation. His soul carried the knowledge and memories of a modern world, bearing indelible traces. The experiences from that modern society were, in this cultivation world, seemingly resurfacing in some form.

  "I see." Lin Rui responded softly, with a slight upturn to his lips and a hint of amusement in his eyes as he looked up at Granny Su. His expression remained mild and composed, but inwardly; he was still concerned about what else Granny Su might deduce. He started thinking about how to steer the conversation preemptively.

  After a moment, Lin Rui spoke casually and calmly, "Granny Su is indeed deeply versed in the Dao of soul cultivation. As for this change, the ancestral manifestation in the family enlightened me. Perhaps this 'sublimation' and 'repair' is the Ancestor's power helping me stand in this world again."

  He casually mentioned "ancestral manifestation," as if everything was natural. Even in the cultivation world, many cultivators invoked the idea of "ancestral manifestation" to explain sudden breakthroughs or unusual soul changes. Lin Rui's words, though simple, were convincing enough, especially within the context of a hereditary cultivation family.

  He offered a slight smile as if there was nothing amiss. "If it's truly as Granny Su says, and my soul is somewhat special, then I must thank the Ancestors' blessings. If I encounter further difficulties, I should still seek guidance from the Ancestors."

  Upon hearing this, Granny Su's eyes flickered with a hint of surprise and curiosity, but she quickly masked it, nodding in agreement. "If that's the case, Young Master Lin's changes are indeed significant. If you have further questions, I will be available to assist you anytime."

  "Thank you, Granny Su," Lin Rui responded gently, inwardly resolving that the secret hidden within him must never be revealed to anyone in the family.

  He knew his real challenges were only beginning.

  Inside the meeting hall, the atmosphere was heavy. The core members of the Lin family had gathered, already seated.

  Lin Tianhua sat at the head of the table, his expression slightly grave. As the Family Head, his neutral stance had kept him from siding with anyone so far, but today's meeting was when he had to decide.

  Lin Tianhong, the Great Elder, spoke with an undeniable air of authority, "Even with the ancestral manifestation, Lin Rui is still just an empty shell with noble blood. If he wants to enter the inner hall, he must first prove he's qualified." His words dropped, and the atmosphere in the room grew even more tense.

  Lin Tiancheng sighed softly and interjected, "Great Elder, you also know that after the ancestral manifestation, expectations for Lin Rui are exceptionally high throughout the family. But that doesn't mean we should let him enter the inner hall directly. After all, his cultivation is still inadequate. We can't grant him power lightly because of the manifestation event."

  His tone was mild yet carried an unquestionable authority.

  "In that case, we should give him an opportunity," Lin Tiande suddenly spoke, his voice low and reserved. "Family tradition has always emphasized cultivation level and potential. If Lin Rui passes an assessment and reaches the first cultivation level, his status can be confirmed." He glanced across the room, seeming to hint at some unspoken plan.

  Lin Yuheng scoffed, "Assessment? He doesn't even have the first level of cultivation and wants to enter the inner hall. This is just making a show of things." His words were full of provocation, his gaze fixed on Lin Tianhong, clearly awaiting the Elder's direction.

  "Indeed," Lin Xuancheng's voice chimed in. "What benefit could such a baseless assessment bring to the family? If Lin Rui doesn't even have the basic aptitude for cultivation, wouldn't it be a waste of family resources? Why should we expend so much effort on him?"

  Lin Fengyang frowned slightly, looking at Lin Tianhong with a worried expression. "I'm more concerned about Lin Rui's impact on other aspects of the family, especially given the complexities of the business relationships in Bamboo Cloud Town. It could create unnecessary trouble if Lin Rui fails to cultivate and yet truly enters the inner hall."

  Lin Liechuan and Lin Zhaowu also voiced their opinions. The former argued that Lin Rui lacked sufficient combat strength and qualifications, while the latter contended that he wasn't even qualified to access the family's secret arts.

  Amidst such strong opposition, Lin Tianhong took a deep breath and finally looked up at the assembled family members. His voice was deep and resonant, "Everyone seems to be overlooking one crucial point. The ancestral manifestation has already shattered the family's traditional precedents. If we don't give Lin Rui a clear status, his existence will create immense instability within and outside the family. In any case, he must be brought into the inner hall, and this cannot be solely based on a fleeting manifestation."

  As his words fell, silence instantly descended upon the room.

  Lin Tianhong's imposing presence deterred anyone from easily refuting him. Though his words were authoritative, his proposal made everyone pause and think deeply.

  "In that case," Lin Tianhua suddenly spoke, his voice gentle yet authoritative, "let's do as Lin Tiande suggested and give Lin Rui an opportunity. The Elders of the inner hall can decide the content of the Assessment. But I propose that Lin Rui prove he's qualified to enter the inner hall and demonstrate the potential to bring tangible benefits to the family."

  His gaze swept across everyone, eventually settling on the name Lin Rui. "This Assessment, in addition to cultivation level, can include challenges related to family affairs or difficult problems involving family resources. In any case, Lin Rui's decision-making ability, adaptability, and even capacity to mobilize family resources will be crucial criteria for us to evaluate whether he can become a member of the inner hall."

  Lin Tianhong didn't immediately object, seeming to weigh the feasibility of this proposal. He slowly nodded. "If that's the case, we might as well have Lin Rui undergo a formal assessment. Besides examining his cultivation, this Assessment will certainly include his grasp of family resources and internal affairs. He can officially enter the inner hall if he can demonstrate sufficient wisdom and capability and his cultivation reaches the first level."

  Lin Yuheng sneered, "This kind of Assessment is too lenient. If Lin Rui passes, wouldn't that put all of us at risk?"

  Lin Tiande remained unfazed, saying calmly, "It's just an opportunity. If he can't pass, the outcome will still be his exclusion from the family. Nothing to worry about."

  Lin Fengyang remained silent momentarily, finally looking up and saying, "Since both the Family Head and the Great Elder have agreed, let's proceed in this direction. But I must also remind everyone that if Lin Rui succeeds, the allocation of family resources might become even more complicated."

  "Yes, everyone remembers, after the ancestral manifestation, Lin Rui's existence cannot be ignored," Lin Tianhua said slowly, his gaze profound, as if he already had his own plans.

  Lin Rui was sitting by the window, head bowed over the family records, occasionally idly turning the teacup on the table with his fingertips, his expression focused yet thoughtful. Suddenly, soft footsteps came from outside the door. He slightly raised his head and saw his Second Uncle, Lin Tiancheng, strolling into the room.

  Lin Tiancheng wore a light green robe with subtle plum blossom patterns embroidered on the collar. His sleeves fluttered gently, giving him an air of innate elegance. His steps were steady, and his face held its usual calm demeanor, yet a subtle depth flickered in his eyes, not easily noticed.

  "Lin Rui, the Family Head, and Great Elder has decided to give you an opportunity for assessment," he said in a measured tone, holding a crystalline jade token in his hand. He slowly placed it on the table, his gaze profound, as if awaiting Lin Rui's reaction.

  "Pass the Assessment, and you can become an inner hall member of the family. Your cultivation resources will be the same as inner hall members, and you can even enter the family academy to study cultivation and master the secret techniques," Lin Tiancheng paused, his eyes flickering slightly as if carefully choosing his words. "This is your only chance. Don't disappoint the family."

  Lin Rui couldn't help but chuckle, a thoughtful smile on his lips.

  "Oh? Sounds quite tempting," he raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of provocation in his eyes. "Assessment, inner hall, jade token... this whole series of rewards, it's practically like playing a 'Family Challenge Game.' But I suppose I have to pass the Assessment first to enjoy these perks."

  "If it's as easy to breeze through these assessments as it used to be, it shouldn't be too difficult. It's just that the family's power games always make things...uncomfortable."

  His gaze shifted slightly as if piercing through the superficial allure.

  He looked up at Lin Tiancheng, his tone light, "Assessment, huh? An opportunity? I don't refuse. After all, if I can easily pass even this kind of test, wouldn't that show them I'm not some 'useless' puppet to be manipulated?"

  Lin Tiancheng watched him, his brow furrowing slightly, seemingly alerted by Lin Rui's attitude, but said nothing. He just nodded, "You have one month to prepare."

  Lin Rui glanced around the room. The atmosphere was heavy and solemn as if everything was silently waiting for his every move. To him, this atmosphere felt just like a stage. Every gesture he made seemed like it could become the center of attention. he thought,

  "A month, huh..." He turned back to Lin Tiancheng, pretending to be serious. "Since it's an 'assessment,' I should prepare properly. After all, as a 'new blood' who's just been reborn, I've got to save some face."

  He paused deliberately, a hint of provocation in the smile at the corner of his mouth. "Who knows just how 'rigorous' this Assessment will be? Your Lin family rules aren't exactly 'light and breezy' entertainment."

  Lin Tiancheng's expression flickered slightly, his lips twitching, but he still replied calmly, "It's your decision."

  Lin Rui waved a hand dismissively, smiling easily. "Of course, it's my decision. I'm not the character who gets beaten down so easily." He quirked a smile, a sharp glint in his eyes. "Don't worry, I'll give it my all; I won't disappoint anyone."

  Lin Tiancheng seemed to want to say something more, but in the end, he said nothing further and turned to leave. The door closed softly, leaving Lin Rui alone in the room.

  His gaze deepened, and he lowered his head to touch the jade token, a cold smile rising in his heart.

  He chuckled softly, his eyes sharp.

  Lin Rui's lips curled upwards.

  He stretched languidly, relaxed, and composed like a free dancer on a stage.

  Meanwhile, outside, Lin Tiancheng looked back at the newly renovated courtyard, thinking,