The Huang Family had dominated this oasis for too long. With Rank 5 experts appearing generation after generation, their ambitions had naturally grown higher.
However, the scattered oases and countless desert obstacles in the Western Desert made it difficult for ordinary forces to expand, though this also acted as a form of protection.
But for the Huang Family, it became a kind of restraint. It was not realistic to conquer other oases and accumulate strength step by step. The only true path was to break through to Rank 6, become a Gu Immortal, and only then gain the ability to cross the desert freely and unify multiple oases.
In recent years, the Huang Family had invested heavily in the younger generation. The rise of the Second Elder, Huang Feng, was a result of this. Unfortunately, most of these people exhausted their potential at Rank 4 or Rank 5.
This was the dilemma of most Families. They even doubted whether Gu Immortals truly existed, let alone understood the path to Immortal Ascension.
A talent like Lin Yan was different. He did not rely purely on aptitude. A Family Elder nodded and said, "Aptitude is important, but it is not everything. In ancient times, there were Gu like Man Conquers Heaven Gu, Pure Gold Gu, Root Wood Gu, and Source Water Gu that could improve aptitude."
"But true talent is the most valuable. None of the Ten Venerables had the Ten Extremes Physique, and Thieving Heaven Demon Venerable, who came from our Western Desert, only had D-grade aptitude."
Another Family Elder shook his head and said, "There's no need to rush. There have been cases before where someone was brilliant at Rank 1 and 2, but once they reached Rank 3 or 4, their talent faded. Besides, we still need to confirm Lin Yan's loyalty to the Family."
Second Elder Huang Feng frowned slightly. The words clearly carried another meaning, but he did not respond. His own position within the Family had become somewhat delicate.
On the arena, after the initial shock, Huang Xi repeatedly activated his Water Arrow Gu, but still could not break through Lin Yan's Four Elements Gu Formation. Instead, each attack only strengthened it.
In the end, he could no longer continue. He admitted defeat and sighed, "I lost this match. You are indeed the strongest among your peers."
Lin Yan smiled faintly. His Four Elements Gu Formation did not come out of nowhere. In the original work, Fang Yuan had once encountered a similar concept while exploring the dream of a formation grandmaster.
Any four Gu from Earth, Fire, Wind, and Water paths, combined with a Formation Core Gu, could form the most basic Four Elements Gu Formation.
In the history of Formation Path, the Four Elements theory once flourished for a time. Its greatest strength was its strong restraint over Gu Masters of those four paths.
Of course, the theory was simple, but the execution was extremely difficult. Lin Yan had tested it countless times in his dream training, building upon his earlier experience of developing killer moves using logistical Gu.
Through researching killer moves, he had gained a deep understanding of Rank 1 Gu like Cool Wind Gu.
"Looking at it this way, I should already be considered to have stepped into the Realm of Fire, Earth, Wind, Water, and Formation Paths."
Lin Yan felt a surge of excitement. Gu were raised, refined, and used, and they were also divided into paths and attainment: Ordinary, Master, Grandmaster, Great Grandmaster, and Supreme Grandmaster.
The strict requirement for becoming a Gu Immortal was to reach Master level in at least one path. Only then would one have the foundation for Immortal Ascension, meeting the minimum threshold.
What was having Master attainment meant?
It meant using Gu with flawless control, reaching a level close to art, and possessing an almost instinctive understanding of how to use Gu within that path.
With the same Gu, a Master could defeat ten ordinary Gu Masters. Creating Rank 5 killer moves would be as natural as breathing. In many ways, realm directly represented combat power.
At this moment, Lin Yan saw a clear path toward Immortal Ascension. He had trained day and night in his dream realm, endured countless trials, and his talent was not lacking.
As soon as Huang Xi admitted defeat, Lin Yan secured first place and became famous in a single battle. Defeating three A-grade geniuses, he completed a clean comeback. For a time, discussions spread throughout the arena, and even mortals across the oasis heard of his name.
Family Head Huang Ming personally met Lin Yan and encouraged him, "Continue to work hard. As the first-place winner, in addition to one thousand primeval stones, the Family will allow you to choose two Rank 2 Gu. Do not slack off."
Lin Yan was delighted and replied humbly, "Thank you, Family Head. All of this is due to the Family's support."
Hearing this, Huang Ming and several Family Elders smiled in satisfaction. The newcomer competition soon came to an end. The three A-grade geniuses were still unwilling to accept defeat and all challenged Lin Yan to a Rank 2 battle.
Lin Yan only chuckled. His Four Elements Gu Formation had only shown a small part of its power. It had four variations in total. The Water Path variation could neutralize Water Path attacks and even heal injuries, while the Fire, Earth, and Wind variations each had their own uses.
At first glance, the battle seemed dangerous, but in reality, he had controlled everything from the beginning. The three A-grade geniuses were not much of a threat to him.
This formation was enough for Lin Yan to use up to Rank 3. Achieving this with just five Rank 1 Gu was extremely cost-effective. Aside from the Formation Core Gu being somewhat difficult to feed, the rest were simple.
On the other side, Shan Shayuan was stunned for a long time after hearing the results of the competition. He had originally thought his nephew would do well just by entering the top ten, but he had not expected him to take first place.
He laughed loudly, "Good, good, good! Our line finally has someone to carry it forward!"
Shan Xia was also surprised and quietly pleased. With such talent, and their previous connection, it was almost certain that Lin Yan could be drawn into her side, becoming an important support in her future bid for the Family Head position.
Lin Yan received praise from many Gu Masters, but he did not get lost in it. He politely refused various banquet invitations, took the one thousand primeval stones rewarded by the Family, and returned to his residence.
He planned to enter seclusion, break through to Rank 2, and then choose two Rank 2 Gu. This would raise his combat power further, so he instructed Aunt Liu not to disturb him.
When this news spread, not only did it not lower his reputation within the Family, it actually increased it even more.