After breaking through to the Spirit Infant Realm, Lin Yu experienced a massive surge in strength and gained even greater mastery over his spiritual power. He knew deeply that his path of cultivation was still long and that he needed to continuously accumulate experience and enhance his power. The upcoming family trial was undoubtedly a prime opportunity to do so.
The family trial was held periodically to select outstanding disciples from within the clan and provide them with better cultivation resources and opportunities. For Lin Yu, this trial was not only a chance to showcase his strength, but also a crucial step in firmly establishing his foothold within the family and acquiring more resources.
Thus, Lin Yu began actively preparing for the family trial. He first reviewed and upgraded his existing Spirit Skills and cultivation techniques. He discovered that after breaking through to the Spirit Infant Realm, the might of the Spirit Skills he had previously practiced had also significantly increased.
Take the Spirit Wind Blade, for instance. Boosted by the spiritual power of the Spirit Infant Realm, it had become sharper and more formidable, capable of easily slicing through hard rock. Meanwhile, the Spirit Rock Shield had also grown sturdier, with its defensive power experiencing a massive boost.
Yet Lin Yu was not satisfied with this. He knew that during the trial, other family disciples would also be going all out, and relying solely on his current Spirit Skills and techniques would be far from enough. He decided to master a new Spirit Skill before the trial to increase his chances of winning.
After some careful selection, Lin Yu chose a Spirit Skill called Spirit Shadow Illusion Kill. This technique specialized in concealing one's presence and attacks; during combat, the practitioner could use spiritual power to create illusions to confuse the enemy before launching a surprise attack.
Lin Yu found the manual for the Spirit Shadow Illusion Kill in the Library Pavilion and began practicing it diligently. The difficulty of mastering this Spirit Skill was extremely high, requiring the practitioner's control over spiritual power to reach a minute and subtle realm, coupled with keen perceptive abilities and fast reaction speeds.
Lin Yu spent a large amount of time every day practicing the Spirit Shadow Illusion Kill. He found a secluded spot in the back mountains of the family estate, repeatedly drilling the postures of the skill and the manipulation of spiritual power.
At first, the illusions he created were extremely vague and easily seen through. However, he did not get discouraged; instead, he continuously adjusted his spiritual power output and control methods. Gradually, the illusions he produced became more and more lifelike, to the point where even he himself had some trouble distinguishing the real from the fake.
While practicing his Spirit Skills, Lin Yu did not forget to improve his spiritual power cultivation either. Every day, he carved out time to absorb the spiritual power between heaven and earth, continually replenishing his reserves. At the same time, he also communicated and practiced with his nascent soul, allowing it to master the application of spiritual power with greater proficiency.
However, Lin Yu's actions once again caught the attention of Lin Hao and his cohorts. When they learned that Lin Yu was actively preparing for the family trial, a deeper sense of unease gripped their hearts.
"This Lin Yu is definitely trying to make a stunning impression during the trial. We can't let him succeed," Lin Hao said to his close confidants.
"Then what should we do?" one of his confidants asked.
"Hmph, I've already found out that near the trial grounds, there's a dangerous area filled with various traps and powerful ferocious beasts. We can find a way to lure Lin Yu there, making him exhaust a massive amount of his strength before the trial even begins, or perhaps even lose his life," Lin Hao said fiercely, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes.
"But will Lin Yu fall for it that easily?" another confidant asked with some concern.
"Rest assured, I have my own methods. We can find someone to approach him, pretend to be on good terms with him, and then lead him to that place right before the trial, claiming it's a secret cultivation spot where he can further boost his strength. Given Lin Yu's urgent desire to improve his power right now, he will definitely believe it," Lin Hao said with utter confidence.
And so, Lin Hao and his accomplices began scheming their plot. They found a family disciple named Lin Yu and offered him some benefits to get him to approach Lin Yu.
Lin Yu was a person driven by petty gains. Under Lin Hao's coercion and temptation, he quickly agreed.
That day, Lin Yu tracked down Lin Yu, wearing a beaming smile as he said, "Brother Lin Yu, I heard you've been preparing for the family trial lately? Truly impressive! I happen to have some news here, and I'm wondering if you might be interested?"
Lin Yu looked at Lin Yu with guarded eyes. He knew that Lin Yu usually walked very closely with Lin Hao and his crowd, and for him to suddenly show up meant he definitely harbored malicious intent. Still, he feigned curiosity and asked, "What news?"
"Near the family trial grounds, there is a secret cultivation spot. Not only is the spiritual power there extremely dense, but there are also insights left behind by predecessors. Originally, I wanted to go myself, but my strength is limited, and I'm afraid of danger. Seeing that your strength is so formidable, if you're willing, we could go together. Who knows, it might just elevate your power to the next level before the trial!" Lin Yu said.
A stir rippled through Lin Yu's heart; he indeed needed a better cultivation spot to enhance his strength. But he also knew that Lin Yu's words could not be fully trusted and that he had to proceed with caution.
"Oh? Such a place actually exists? How did you find out about it?" Lin Yu asked.
"I... I accidentally saw it in an ancient text, which recorded the location of that place along with some details. I swear, everything I'm saying is true!" Lin Yu said somewhat nervously, an unnoticeable flicker of panic flashing through his eyes.
Lin Yu sneered inwardly; he had already detected that Lin Yu was lying. However, he did not expose him. Instead, he decided to play along to see what Lin Hao and his crew were really up to.
"Alright, in that case, when do we set off?" Lin Yu asked.
Lin Yu never expected Lin Yu to agree so easily, and great joy welled up in his heart. "Let's go tomorrow then. We'll set off early and try to get a bit more cultivation in before the trial!"
"Good, see you tomorrow then." Lin Yu nodded and spoke.
After Lin Yu left, a cold smirk appeared on Lin Yu's face. "Lin Hao, since you want to scheme against me, I'll play along with you and see who gets the last laugh!"
The next day, Lin Yu met up with Lin Yu at the agreed-upon time and location. The two of them walked together in the direction of the family trial grounds. Along the way, Lin Yu put up a nonchalant front, casually chatting with Lin Yu, but in reality, his vigilance never dropped as he kept a close eye on the surrounding movements.
When they arrived near the trial grounds, Lin Yu led Lin Yu toward a secluded valley.
"It's right in that valley up ahead, we're almost there," Lin Yu said excitedly.
Lin Yu sneered inwardly; he could already sense a dangerous aura permeating the valley. He knew that the trap set by Lin Hao and the others was definitely inside.
As they stepped into the valley, the ground around them suddenly began to vibrate violently. Sharp stone spikes burst out from the earth, hurtling directly toward Lin Yu and Lin Yu.
"Oh no! It's a trap!" Lin Yu's expression changed drastically. He stared in terror at the surrounding stone spikes, completely at a loss.
Lin Yu let out a cold snuff. Activating his Spirit Rock Shield, he easily blocked all the oncoming stone spikes.
"Lin Yu, how dare you plot against me! Today is your day of reckoning!" Lin Yu gazed coldly at Lin Yu, his eyes blazing with fury.
Terrified out of his wits, Lin Yu collapsed to the ground and hastily begged for mercy, "Lin Yu, I was wrong! Lin Hao and the others forced me into this, please spare my life!"
"Hmph, begging for mercy now is too late!" Lin Yu shouted sternly. Deploying the Spirit Shadow Illusion Kill, he vanished from the spot in an instant.
The next moment, Lin Yu materialized directly behind Lin Yu. Condensing a blast of spiritual power in his fist, he ruthlessly smashed it into Lin Yu's back.
Before Lin Yu could dodge, he was struck squarely by Lin Yu's fist force. His body was instantly sent flying through the air, crashing heavily against a boulder before he vomited a mouthful of blood and passed out cold.
After dealing with Lin Yu, Lin Yu began to cautiously explore the valley. He discovered that the valley was indeed riddled with various traps and powerful ferocious beasts. Yet he did not retreat; instead, he viewed these perils as a rare opportunity for tempering himself.
Relying on his keen perception and formidable strength, he shuttled through the valley, evading the attacks of traps and beasts while simultaneously searching for treasures and opportunities hidden within the terrain.
Deep within the valley, Lin Yu discovered a secret chamber hidden inside a mountain cave. The door of the chamber was covered in intricate runes and patterns, radiating a mysterious aura.
Lin Yu could sense that something precious was undoubtedly concealed within this chamber. He stepped forward and carefully studied the runes and patterns on the door, attempting to figure out a way to open it.
After some effort, Lin Yu finally cracked the runes and patterns on the door, and it slowly swung open. A wave of dense spiritual power rushed outward. Stepping inside, Lin Yu saw precious medicinal pills, magical treasures, and cultivation manuals neatly arranged within.
"Ha ha, Heaven is truly helping me!" Lin Yu laughed excitedly. He swept all these precious items into his storage, and then left the secret chamber.
Following this adventure, Lin Yu's strength underwent a further elevation, and he grew even more confident about achieving stellar results in the family trial. As for the conspiracy hatched by Lin Hao and his cohorts, not only did it fail completely, but it also inadvertently handed Lin Yu a rare and invaluable opportunity.
Upon returning to the family estate, Lin Yu continued making his final preparations for the family trial, knowing full well that the true challenge was about to arrive...