Rise from a Low-class Family to Martial Artist

”Second brother invited Yuan Shengyao this time, who entered the top 500 in the last major competition. Five years have passed, and his alchemical skills must have improved, isn’t he stronger than that Xiao Yan?”

Li Qin listened to the words of several cousins, her expression unchanged. The Li Family needs to compete with other families externally, and there is competition between the branches internally as well. This is why the family can prosper for a long time. However, the elders ultimately decide the allocation of slots.

”Xiao Qin, what do you say?”

Upon hearing the question from the elder at the head, Li Qin replied, ”Third Elder, I am only taking two slots, and the compensation I offer is also the lowest.”

”Hmph, does the Li Family care about low compensation? We want someone who can enter the top 100 in the ranking competition. Do you not understand how significant the damage would be to our clan if we fail?”

”Does Second Brother dare to guarantee that Yuan Shengyao can enter the top 100? If Second Brother can assure that, I can relinquish my slot.”

Li Qin’s eyes shone as she looked at the young man who had spoken earlier. The young man’s face changed suddenly at these words and retorted, ”Do you dare to guarantee it yourself?”

”Naturally, I cannot guarantee it, but according to the rules, I have two slots. If Second Brother wants to take one, he must give me a convincing reason.”

Li Kai’s face turned cold. He certainly would not guarantee it. Although Yuan Shengyao’s alchemical skills were not lacking, this was the major competition, where any subsection gathered alchemists from across the entire Thousand Mechanism Domain and other domains. Even though the age was limited to under fifty, given the vast number of participants, every entrant in the top 100 would be an outstanding alchemist.

”Elder, I am thinking of the family’s best interests, without any personal bias.”

Failing to obtain a slot from Li Qin, Li Kai looked directly at the five elders at the head.

The five elders exchanged glances, and one of them slowly said, ”Our family has already used four slots for alchemy this time. It’s impossible to allocate more. However, since both of you are confident, let Xiao Yan and Yuan Shengyao compete. The winner will receive the slot.”

”Elder, this might make Xiao Yan feel that the Li Family is belittling him.”

Li Qin’s expression changed. Alchemists have pride, especially those confident in their alchemical proficiency.

”If Xiao Yan wins, our Li Family will further compensate him with resources as an apology, and Li Kai, you are responsible for ensuring Xiao Yan’s satisfaction.”

Li Kai, who initially had a smile on his face, suddenly had his smile freeze upon hearing this. Compensating Xiao Yan himself and having to ensure his satisfaction might cost him dearly.

”Are you not confident in Yuan Shengyao? What do you have to worry about?”

Facing the cold gaze of the elders, Li Kai’s heart trembled. The elders did not care about the disputes among the juniors, but it must genuinely be for the benefit of the family and not to suppress competitors.

”I... I am willing.”

”Very well, Li Qin, you are to explain the matter to Xiao Yan. Even if he loses, our Li Family will compensate him with five thousand Flame Coins.”

”Five thousand Flame Coins?”

Li Qin was startled. The elders were so generous?

The Third Elder, Li He, saw Li Qin’s puzzled expression and smiled faintly. ”Xiao Yan has hidden his strength, but it cannot escape our eyes. He is not at the Innate Second Realm but at the Innate Third Realm.”

If it were the Innate Second Realm, a thousand Flame Coins would suffice as compensation.

But for the Innate Third Realm, a thousand Flame Coins would be an insult.

For the Innate Sixth Realm, every advancement in realm brings a leap in status.