As the duel between Ling Chen and Ling Hai came to an end, Ling Chen successfully ascended to become a direct lineral descendant. If this news spreads, it will undoubtedly cause quite a stir within the Ling Family, as there has been no branch family disciple who has been promoted to direct lineral descendant in just ten days after entering the Ancestral House.

Ling Chen is an exception.

When Ling Tingfeng announced Ling Chen's promotion to a direct lineral descendant of the Ling Family, he turned his palm over, and a golden token suddenly appeared in his hand.

He extended his finger, and a strand of sword qi extended from the tip. As his finger moved continuously in the air, the words "Ling Yu" were engraved in bold strokes on that golden token.

After engraving, Ling Tingfeng flicked his sleeve and tossed the token to Ling Chen.

"Ling Yu, here is your identity token. Every direct lineral descendant of the Ling Family has their own identity token."

Ling Chen received the token, confirming his status as a direct lineral descendant of the Ling Family.

"Congratulations, cousin Ling Yu." Ling Xue's pretty face was now adorned with a smile as she spoke to Ling Chen.

Some other direct lineral descendants also came forward, bowing to Ling Chen. If before they could maintain a superior attitude due to their status, now they completely shed that mindset. The impressive display of strength against Ling Hai made even them cautious, not daring to underestimate Ling Chen in the slightest.

Most of them probably couldn't match Ling Chen.

"I hope all of you cousins will guide me in the future."

In response to the goodwill shown by the direct lineral descendants, Ling Chen was also generous with his friendliness. He intended to stay in the Ling Family for quite a while, as he had a purpose for being there. Reducing conflicts was naturally beneficial. As for Ling Hai and Ling Feng, they were the ones who troubled him first. Ling Chen's principle was never to show mercy to enemies but always to be welcoming to friends.

"Second Brother, what do we do next? Are we just going to watch this kid grow stronger?"

Watching Ling Chen surrounded by many direct lineral descendants of the Ling Family, Ling Hai spoke with a sullen expression.

"Yes, Ling Yu luckily won against Brother Ling Hai this time, and he will definitely seize the opportunity to establish his own force to contend with you, Second Brother." Ling Feng also spoke up.

"There will definitely be opportunities."

Ling Yuxuan's expression remained calm, but there was a noticeable chill in his eyes. "A guy with an unknown background who rises so quickly is not a good thing for the family. I'll have the elder from the First Branch investigate his background."

"What if his background is clean?"

"Even then, he can't be allowed to stay."

A cold smirk appeared at the corner of Ling Yuxuan's mouth. "One peerless genius in the Ling Family is enough. More would only make the Ling Family unstable."

"Then it all depends on Second Brother's methods."

Both Ling Hai and Ling Feng relaxed into smiles. With Ling Yuxuan expressing intent to deal with Ling Chen, there was nothing more for them to worry about.

If they let Ling Chen continue to rise, and he eventually became the Family Head, where would that leave the two of them?

"Let's go."

Ling Yuxuan waved his hand and led the disciples of the First Branch away from the platform.

Meanwhile, after mingling with the direct lineral descendants of the Ling Family, Ling Chen followed Ling Tingfeng and Ling Lie off the platform, joining Ling Xue and other direct lineral descendants of the third branch in a nearby pavilion.

"Sister Ling Xue, this Treasure Sword is returned to you."

Ling Chen handed the Snow Spirit Sword back to Ling Xue.

"I'm ashamed."

Ling Xue sighed, "I never managed to unleash its true power after having it for so many years, yet in less than half an hour in your hands, it reached an unprecedented power."

"Cousin Ling Yu, I noticed you don't have a sword that suits you. Would you accept this Snow Spirit Sword as a gift? Only you can bring out its full potential."

"No, once the Sword Spirit of the Snow Spirit Sword is awakened, Sister Ling Xue just needs more practice to master it."

Ling Chen's expression was calm. While the Snow Spirit Sword's Sword Spirit power was activated and it had the potential to become a Holy Tier Treasure Sword, it didn't suit him. His expertise in the True Essence of Fire and Thunder Intent could not amplify their effects through the Snow Spirit Sword.

This Snow Spirit Sword was not the sword he needed.

"Ling Yu, the Heavenly Sword Tournament is just three months away. You just claimed in front of everyone that you could reach the top three in this tournament. Do you realize how challenging that is?"

Ling Tingfeng looked at Ling Chen and spoke calmly.

"There's no choice. If I hadn't said that, it would have been hard to win the respect of the direct lineral descendants."

Ling Chen shook his head. He wasn't the type to boast, and claiming he could reach the top three was simply a tactical move.

"But you've said it in front of everyone, so you must achieve results. The top three may be difficult, but you just need to reach the top ten, and that's enough to earn respect."

Ling Xue also spoke up.

The top ten in the Heavenly Sword Tournament might seem daunting to an ordinary person, but for a prodigy like Ling Chen, there was a possibility.

"The top three is a slim chance indeed."

Ling Tingfeng nodded, "However, if you can truly place in the top three of the Heavenly Sword Tournament, I'll do everything I can to ensure the family fulfills any condition you propose."

"Of course, that's only if you reach that level."

Upon hearing this, Ling Chen's eyes lit up. Ling Tingfeng's words sparked an idea—if he could make it to the top three, could he request for the Saint's Soul Niche?

Though the Saint's Soul Niche is extremely rare, he only intended to borrow it, not take it permanently, so it wasn't entirely hopeless.

"I will do my utmost to achieve it."

A glimmer of determination appeared in Ling Chen's eyes. He was committed to securing a top-three placement in the Heavenly Sword Tournament.

"Ling Yu, if you want to rise suddenly in the Heavenly Sword Tournament in three months, you must learn a top-tier secret art of the Ling Family."

Perhaps sensing Ling Chen's resolve for the tournament, Ling Lie also smiled and spoke.

"Yes, in the Heavenly Sword Tournament, opponents are the elite descendants from various Saint Families, all possessing their family's top-tier secret arts. To deal with them, you must master the family's strongest secret arts to compete."

Ling Xue agreed fully, having experienced the Heavenly Sword Tournament herself. She knew well its intense competition and formidable opponents. Even with Ling Chen's current strength, it's still quite challenging to break into the top ten.