"Library?" Upon hearing those three words, Lin Chen immediately snapped to attention. As a core disciple of the family, he was well aware that the techniques and martial skills within the library had already been carefully selected by them.
Now, the only thing in the entire library that could spark their interest was likely one particular item.
Breathing heavily, Lin Chen's eyes glowed with a hint of admiration. "Lin Mo, cousin, don't tell me you've managed to unleash six layers of hidden power?"
There was a rule within the Lin family: any disciple who could release six layers of hidden power using the Eighteen Layers before the age of sixteen would be allowed to cultivate the martial skills inscribed on the broken tablet. This had always been the goal for the younger generation of the Lin family.
However, in the entire Lin family, very few had managed to unleash six layers of hidden power before turning sixteen. Among the previous generation, only Lin Tian's father, the current head of the family, had achieved this feat at that age.
"You really can't keep anything to yourself," Lin Mo said with a dismissive tone, though a smile spread wider across his face.
Lin Mo had never been one for modesty, and the fact that Lin Chen had openly acknowledged his accomplishment made him feel immensely satisfied.
"Is it really such a big deal, releasing six layers of hidden power? Why the show-off?" Lin Xue, standing nearby, couldn't hide her annoyance. Clearly, she was fed up with Lin Mo's arrogant demeanor.
"Lin Xue, you're missing the point," Lin Chen responded with a hint of indignation. "In our Lin family, how many can achieve six layers of hidden power before the age of sixteen? It's a rare feat. If Lin Mo cousin has reached such a level, perhaps in the future he can fully master the technique on the broken tablet and make history. If you can't be happy for him, at least don't belittle him. Are you jealous of his talent?"
As Lin Mo's number one sycophant, Lin Chen would not tolerate anyone undermining his cousin at such a moment.
"Lin Chen, don't be like that. Xue'er didn't mean any harm, I just got a little too excited and showed off," Lin Mo waved his hand, signaling for Lin Chen to calm down.
Despite his words, the smugness on Lin Mo's face showed no signs of fading.
"Xue'er, I'm truly sorry. I just can't hide my emotions. I hope you won't laugh at me for it," Lin Mo said with a forced, apologetic smile.
"Lin Mo, cousin, you're already so amazing. How can you still be so humble?" Lin Chen replied, a sense of admiration in his voice. "It's clear I still have much to learn on the path of cultivation. I really need to follow your example."
A few simple words from Lin Chen made Lin Mo's smile grow even wider. "Actually, cousin, there's no need to be so hard on yourself. You're still young; you have plenty of time to learn."
"Are you two done yet?" Lin Xue interjected with a look of exasperation. "If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving."
"Xue'er, the reason I called you over isn't for anything else. I just wanted you to witness this historic moment with me," Lin Mo said, an edge of pleading in his voice as he stopped her from leaving.
Lin Xue furrowed her brow, sensing that something was afoot.
"Back when we were cultivating the Eighteen Layers, Lin Mo cousin was the first among our generation to unleash five layers of hidden power. Now that the first person to unleash six layers is you, it seems that Lin Mo cousin truly deserves the title of the strongest among the younger generation!" Lin Chen continued to praise, making Lin Mo beam with pride as they headed toward the library.
"By the way, cousin Lin Mo, I heard that the formation in the library can move the Star Pillar from the second level to the outside. Such a monumental occasion! Why not invite other younger disciples of the Lin family to join us and witness this historic moment as well?" Lin Chen suggested as they prepared to enter the library.
Upon hearing this idea, Lin Mo's eyes brightened with excitement. He had always enjoyed the spotlight, and with such an important event, he wanted the whole world to know. Lin Chen's suggestion was exactly what he had been hoping for.
With a mere glance, Lin Chen ran out to gather the rest of the younger generation of the Lin family. Soon enough, they had all gathered in front of the library.
Using the core token, they activated the library's formation, and soon a massive stone pillar from the second level, radiating intense energy, was moved to the front.
The young disciples of the Lin family stared at the spectacle, their faces filled with confusion. Clearly, they had no idea what was going on.
As for Lin Xue, her expression grew even more disdainful. If she could, she would have nothing to do with these two.
"Actually, the reason I called everyone here isn't for anything else," Lin Mo said with a proud smile. "I just wanted to share this historical moment with my fellow brothers and sisters."
With that, a streak of spiritual energy shot from his palm, and a massive stone pillar slowly began to rise. Lin Mo's smile only grew wider as he watched, imagining the envious glances he would receive when he illuminated six stars on the Star Pillar.
However, halfway up, Lin Mo's expression suddenly shifted. His eyes locked onto the Star Pillar, where he saw Lin Chen's name at the top, and to his horror, eight stars were already lit up beside it.
"Cousin, it's your turn to perform. I'm just dying to see it," Lin Chen said, rubbing his hands together with a look of eager anticipation.
Lin Mo turned to him with a forced smile, but his face flushed red with embarrassment, unable to hide his growing discomfort. If there were a crack in the ground right now, he would jump right in without hesitation.
"What's wrong, cousin? Why is your face so red?" Lin Chen asked, genuinely puzzled.
Had Lin Mo not seen the situation before him, he would have believed Lin Chen's words to be a genuine expression of concern. But now, those words were dripping with sarcasm, making the embarrassment even worse.
"What's wrong? I'll kill you!" With a swift kick, Lin Mo sent Lin Chen flying through the air like a projectile, crashing to the ground with a heavy thud.
"Cousin, why did you kick me?" Lin Chen sat on the ground, looking utterly wronged.
"Lin Chen, stop pretending! Do you really think I wouldn't dare to kill you?" Lin Mo growled as he grabbed Lin Chen by the collar, his anger boiling over.
In that moment, Lin Chen's peripheral vision caught sight of the Star Pillar once again.