Martial World

by Srtyi

Lin Ming, a talented man for martial arts wanted to audition for Tian Yun Wu Fu with a girl named Lan Yunyue, she was his childhood friend since young and they both have a small crush on each other. But on the day of audition, Lan Yunyue did not come, which left Lin Ming in curiosity. He later found out that a guy who is rich and talented, named Zhu Yan helped Lan Yunyue.

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Chapter 91 – Challenged at Spear Point

At the Ten Thousand Kill Array ashlar square –

Zhu Yan narrowed his eyes towards Lin Ming. Without saying a word, his complexion had returned to normal, but in the glint of those narrow eyes was an icy chill.

Lin Ming and Zhu Yan looked at eachother with outwards indifference. Their conflict would end in combat sooner or later, but Zhu Yan had not thought that the day would be arriving so quickly.

Lan Yunyue was quietly standing in a corner of the sword bamboo grove. She was at a complete loss looking at that incomprehensible number on the Ranking Stone. She looked at the confrontation between Zhu Yan and Lin Ming and was totally confused. How could things come to this…?

Many people in the audience were still shocked silly by the result. By now, the deacon responsible for the Ten Thousand Killing Array opened his mouth and suddenly said, "Lin Ming, congratulations for reaching rank 62 in the Ten Thousand Killing Array. According to the regulations of the Martial House, as soon as you enter into the top 80 rankings among the disciples, you have earned the qualifications to challenge any disciple of the Heavenly Abode. The winner will enter the Heavenly Abode and the loser will be eliminated and enter the Earth Hall."

The Seven Profound Martial House's Heavenly Abode had exactly 72 people. These people were there because of their combat prowess, but their strength might not be ordered on the Ten Thousand Killing Array rankings.

Although the Ranking Stone rankings judged the basic strength of an individual, sometimes there existed discrepancies. For instance, specific specialties such as an assassin, who do not excel in the forward rushing fighting style of the Ten Thousand Killing Array. But in terms of killing a human, they can often surpass their ranking to defeat someone.

Therefore the Seven Profound Martial House regulations stipulated that once one entered the top 80 rankings of the Ranking Stone, they obtained the qualifications to challenge a disciple of the Heavenly Abode. Generally speaking, for this challenge, the one most often chosen was the worst ranking person in the Heavenly Abode.

Lin Ming look at the Ranking Stone. On the Ranking Stone, the names of the Heavenly Abode disciples were slightly larger than those of the Earth Hall. It was easy to see that the one worst ranked in the Heavenly Abode was a 17 year old girl named Bai Rongrong, rank 75.

Bai Rongrong just happened to be present during this ranking war. She looked extremely pitiful as she saw Lin Ming turn his eyes on the Ranking Stone. She knew that she had no chance at all facing him. To reach rank 62 in four incense sticks and a breathe of time; even if there were two of her, she had no fancy dreams she could overcome such a monstrously evil genius.

She had to at least symbolically fight him. She just couldn't throw in the towel and admit defeat. She had to fight him honestly and fairly. She could only hope that this abnormal fellow showed some mercy and wasn't too ruthless…

Bai Rongrong was self-aware of her own situation; she had already resigned herself to fate.

The eyes of many of those present fell on Bai Rongrong. They all expected that this Bai Rongrong would lose. A girl was able to win sympathy from others, especially this Bai Rongrong who was always diligent in her cultivation. If the one who met such a calamity this time was a boy, chances were that most people would have the feeling of taking pleasure in other's misfortune.

"Have you decided?" The deacon asked.

"Mmm, I've decided." Lin Ming replied. "I have a question though. Are there any restrictions on the time setting of this challenge?"

"The time is decided yourself, but preferably within a month. If your ranking falls out of the top 80, then you also lose the qualifications to challenge."

"I see… thank you Deacon Senior Apprentice."

"You've chosen? I need the name to report to the Heavenly Abode elder responsible for these matters."

"Mmm. I've chosen. The time is in one month. As for who…" Lin Ming turned his head. He lifted his spear and pointed it directly at a man who was staring at him with narrowed eyes, "I choose Zhu Yan!"

Zhu Yan!?

Everyone who heard this name froze. Especially Bai Rongrong, whose face filled with an incredulous expression of disbelief.

The entire ashlar square fell into absolute silence.

The one this Lin Ming chose was… Zhu Yan!?

Many people at first thought they heard wrong, but looking at who Lin Ming's spear was pointed at, it was clearly directed at Zhu Yan!

Provocation!

Challenging someone at spear point! This was simply unconcealed provocation!

Ranked 32, Zhu Yan! This Lin Ming just wouldn't stop astonishing everyone!

"This Lin Ming… he's just… he's gone insane!" Murong Zi's lips twitched. She mumbled, "No… I'm the crazy one. If this Lin Ming is crazy, and he does crazy things and creates crazy miracles, then if he is not crazy, I am crazy."

Bai Jingyun was also amazed. This Lin Ming was bold! What courage! He was prepared to surpass Zhu Yan in one month!

From 62 to 32, it had to be known that the ranking was exponentially more difficult the higher one went. From 162 to 132 would not be difficult, but from 62 to 32, the hardship would increase by several times!

She had used an entire year to go from 65 to 26.

This growth seemed high, but the truth was it was limited!

Because this year, 20 disciples who had been in front of Bai Jingyun had graduated from the Martial House. So Bai Jingyun had only actually advanced 19 ranks!

"This has become interesting." Ta Ku said with a wry smile. "I did not come today in vain. This Lin Ming seems to have a grudge with Zhu Yan. Otherwise, why would he aim so high?"

"Mmm, really a horrible relationship. I felt Zhu Yan's body flash a moment ago with murderous intent, but it was instantly hidden. Lin Ming challenged Zhu Yan at spear point. That in itself was also a kind of provocation." Ling Sen said. Although that moment when Zhu Yan had broken out in murderous intention was not obvious, Ling Sen was able to sense it from the many years he had spent on the battlefield. He also had his Ashura martial intent, so he was particularly sensitive to murderous intent.

"Zhu Yan is a ruthless person. Although he has an aristocratic background, he is actually someone who sinks his entire heart into diligently cultivating. He is very strong, and not only that, but this kind of person has no lack of ambition. In the future he will probably join the government. Even I have kept several points of attention on him. Now this Lin Ming challenged Zhu Yan, I really want to see!" Ta Ku licked his lips in excitement. He was a subordinate of the army, and would most likely return in the future. It was better for him not to be involved in these struggles.

What would the result be after one month? No one dared to guess.

If it was before, then they would say that Lin Ming was a fool who had bitten off more than he could chew. But at present, Lin Ming had created miracle after miracle, and no one dared to look down on a single hair of his.

"Mmm? What? Lin Ming challenged Zhu Yan? And he challenged him at spear point! Is it possible that he has some enmity with Zhu Yan?" In the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince had just gotten the news that Lin Ming had challenged Zhu Yan.

"He called out his name and also referred to him by spear point. It really is unusual. Between these two people, there should be some matters." Muyi also said.

"If there really is a grudge, then my chances just increased. This Zhu Yan is a cousin of my tenth brother. Zhu Yan is already joined together with my tenth brother as one. They share glory, and also defeat. I don't know what sort of relationship exists between Lin Ming and Zhu Yan. It seems there are some oversights in my information…"

For the matters between Lin Ming and Lan Yunyue, except Lin Xiaodong, few others knew. The intelligence that the Crown Prince collected was mainly about Lin Ming's background and parental situation, it wasn't a completely exhaustive report.

Peng! The teacup in the Cloud Prince's hand was crushed. He had received the sound transmitting talisman at the same time the Crown Prince had.

Naming Zhu Yan in a challenge, referring to him by spear point, this was definitely not a good sign. If there was no hatred between them, why would Lin Ming jump over so many people to find Zhu Yan?

"This Zhu Yan, he's really making trouble for me!"

The Tenth Prince's two eyebrows slanted upwards like scimitars and twisted together. Zhu Yan belonged to his mother's side. About relatives from the wife or mother's family, generally speaking, regardless if it were a prince or an emperor, they would exclude most from the mother's side.

Since ancient times, it had been far too common for the wife's family or mother's family to take power. For instance, the empress or empress dowager would entrust heavy responsibilities to their family and cause their power to skyrocket. But once their influence inflated, then there would also be conspiracies and plots to control the court. There would be rebellions and plots from the women's side to seize power.

But, this was a crucial phase for the Cloud Prince in his struggle. Anything that could give him a boost was good. Zhu Yan was a talented person, and the Cloud Prince was willing to let him work as his subordinate, but he would not take Zhu Yan as a trusted follower. Someone like Zhu Yan was simply too ambitious.

"Pass the order; I want Zhu Yan to come see me tonight!" The Tenth Prince wanted to inquire about the reason behind the feud between Zhu Yan and Lin Ming, and see whether he could convert Lin Ming from an enemy into a friend.

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Chapter 92 – Declined

Hu! After Zhu Yan returned to his residence, a ball of flame burst into sparks in front of him. This was a message sent by a sound transmitting talisman from the Tenth Prince, Yang Zhen. The Tenth Prince wanted him to come see him tonight at his palace.

Zhu Yan could hear his underlying tone. The Ten Prince did not sound happy!

Zhu Yan knew for certain that if the Tenth Prince wanted to see him, it was because of that moment when Lin Ming had openly challenged him. The scouts he had sent to observe the situation must have reported back to the Tenth Prince.

Win over Lin Ming? Stop dreaming!

Zhu Yan reached out a hand and crushed the smoldering ashes in front of him. The voice of the Tenth Prince came to a screeching halt.

Zhu Yan slowly rose up and poured himself a glass of wine. He raised the glass and drained the whole thing. Slowly, his eyes became quietly cold, like a placid lake.

"There is still a month. Do you think that Lin Ming has already won?"

As Lin Ming returned to his residence, he also received sound transmitting talismans simultaneously from the Tenth Prince and the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince's message was from Muyi.

In the sound transmitting talisman, Muyi sent his congratulations and invited Lin Ming to the Crown Prince's palace to visit and have a drink.

As for the Tenth Price, he also invited Lin Ming over and also asked if Lin Ming could take a view at a rare human-step manual that he had.

These two sound transmitting talismans, in truth, had already violated the regulations of the Seven Profound Martial House. The Martial House had stipulated that any and all outside influences could not disturb disciples in the middle of the school period, even if it was a sound transmitting talisman sent from the outside. However, the present events were of an important matter with the princes competing for the throne, so naturally the Martial House was able to bend the rules a little to accommodate them.

"It seems that both sides want to win me over… I have antagonized too many people and made too many enemies. My own strength is weak… I may be safe in the Seven Profound Martial House, but if I go out, I might be assassinated! Although I created a story that I have some formidable master at my back, this kind of fake thing might not necessarily deter others. If I take a side for the time being, then they can also protect me. Muyi has been gracious and generous towards me and we are friends, and the Crown Prince helped me one time so I owe him a favor. If I join them, that would be a good choice. As for the Tenth Prince, he is a child of the concubine empress of the Zhu Family…" Lin Ming didn't care much about politics, but he knew about the Zhu Family's situation, and that the Tenth Prince was Zhu Yan's cousin. The Zhu Family had used this relationship to climb up the ladder; their influence was growing day by day and rising in the ranks.

It was impossible for Lin Ming to take the Tenth Prince's side. He immediately declined him!

As for giving face to Muyi, that was something that he absolutely had to do, but now was not the time…

"I thank your highness the Crown Prince for your great and kind invitation, but I already have a promised date in a month and must seize every second and minute, thus I cannot keep my appointment with you. One month later, I will come visit and pay my thanks to your hospitality at that time.

In the Eastern Palace of the Crown Prince, Muyi received Lin Ming's sound transmitting talisman. He traced his beard and said with a smile, "Lin Ming said that he would come to visit in a month."

"Oh? This Lin Ming is really so diligent that he doesn't have a free evening?"

Muyi replied, "Your highness must know that the man that cultivates the path of martial arts must be fastidious and keep their thoughts and heart pure. Lin Ming wholeheartedly pursues the martial arts peak; if his heart doesn't have any distracting thoughts, then his growth will also be very fast. If he were to come for a drink even for a night, then there would be some unavoidable disturbances in his mind and it would take perhaps a day or two to adjust back."

"So that's how it is. No wonder this Lin Ming's cultivation progressed so quickly. His heart of martial arts must be make up a large part of the reason?"

"Yes. Normally if someone's heart of martial arts is weak, when they only have some achievements, they have major powers from far and wide trying to win them over. They are very easily tempted by things like wealth and beauty. This kind of person will always lack great talent, and can only be a follower! However, that Lin Ming's strength improved so quickly is not just due to his pure heart of martial arts, but also because he has a formidable master behind him."

Initially, Lin Ming had asked Muyi to keep his secret of being an inscription master private, but he had not said anything to Muyi about keeping this formidable shadow master of his a secret.

In fact, with Lin Ming's current reputation, even if he were to publicize his status as an inscription master, it would not be dangerous. It would even add to the chips in his hand! Not to mention that he had the Crown Prince and Muyi's protection now, his status of being a talented disciple of the Seven Profound Marital House was already an enormous deterrent.

"Of course… what sort of master is this behind Lin Ming? The Crown Prince asked as his eyes lit up.

Muyi saw this look of the Crown Prince and clearly knew what thoughts he had. He smiled and said, "Your highness should not expect to count on this person. I guess that this senior is at least at the Large Success of Xiantian stage. He might have even already surpassed the Xiantian stage; the height of the realms he has reached is already beyond our understanding. He would not meddle in the earthly matters."

"Surpasses Xiantian!" Yang Lin's heart shook as he heard this. "What sort of realm is above a Xiantian master?"

Muyi forced a wry smile. He said, "I do not know the martial arts path beyond that. For those that do not come from an ancient clan or sect, the martial artist who learns by themselves is just like living in a dense fog, they simply do not know where or what to explore. After the Xiantian stage, I am not clear what sort of realm it is…"

Yang Lin let loose a light breath and said, "Teacher, please do not belittle yourself. You already have such achievements though you are not from a sect or a clan; you are already a rare talent. I only have one point that is unclear; if this Lin Ming has such a formidable master behind him, why would he go to the Seven Profound Martial House?"

Muyi said, "Well about this I also have some doubts. To the martial arts path beyond the Xiantian stage, I do not completely understand. Perhaps if one wants to reach the higher boundaries in martial arts, they need to experience for themselves the world and accumulate life experiences, and that is why Lin Ming then came to Sky Fortune City."

"Mmm. Whether or not I can win over Lin Ming, I must at least become friends with him. Next month when Lin Ming comes, I will personally greet him and give him a proper banquet!"

"This Lin Ming, he actually rejected me!"

At the Cloud Prince's palace, the Tenth Prince Yang Zhen received the sound transmitting talisman that Lin Ming had replied with, and his face immediately sank. "Zhu Yan, you really did a good deed. For a mere woman you have offended such a powerful enemy, you have really disappointed me!"

Zhu stood in front, silent and without words. Originally when he had succeeded in snatching and obtaining Lan Yunyue, Lin Ming had only been a little unimportant guy, nothing more than a bug beneath his heel. No matter what happened, he could easily deal with him. To take a woman from such an useless person, what could go wrong? Who could possibly expect that Lin Ming would grow so quickly into such a powerful enemy?

Of course, he did not explain these matters nor did he need to. Yang Zhen had asked him here today to let loose his volatile temper. Zhu Yan was very clear; his current status and his Zhu Family's status was all because of the Tenth Prince. The Tenth Prince was his master, and in front of him, he could not revolt.

"I borrowed your Zhu Family's strength because I thought you could assist me in dealing with my hurdle, but now you have only added to the chaos! I had the absolute confidence to win over Lin Ming, but now!"

"Zhu Yan, you followed me because you wanted to do great things and have great accomplishments! Only the stupidest, the absolute stupidest people would kill the world for just a woman! That Lan Yunyue, you will divorce her!"

As the Tenth Prince said this, Zhu Yan's brow slightly wrinkled. He said, "Your highness, even if I divorce Lan Yunyue, it is impossible for me to ease my relationship with Lin Ming. Do you believe that Lin Ming will forgive this betrayal and join together with Lan Yunyue again? This battle of mine and Lin Ming's was because of Lan Yunyue, but now, it already has nothing to do with Lan Yunyue any longer."

"I do not need you to preach to me! I already know that Lin Ming will not want Lan Yunyue again. But, if you divorce her, it will be a sign of showing weakness and humbling yourself before Lin Ming. Afterwards you can apologize. Only like this can we possibly sit down and discuss the future together. Only like this will I have the possibility to offer him generous conditions and bring him to my side! No longer an eternal enemy, only eternal benefits. I will choose for him beauties that far outstrip Lan Yunyue, heavenly beauties who are as obedient as a cat. I will give him great wealth and top cultivation methods. How could he not side with me? What the Crown Prince can give him is nothing compared to what I can!"

"You want me to show weakness and humble myself before Lin Ming…?" Zhu Yan's mouth twitched and his fists clenched together until they were white. For someone like him who had an arrogant personality, to show weakness and humble himself, it was worse than killing him!

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Chapter 93 – Obstacle

"What, you aren't willing? A real man is resilient and can adapt to the situation. What is this matter of showing a little weakness? Could it be that you want to create problems for me, just because you and Lin Ming are complete enemies?"

Zhu Yan took a few deep breaths and then slowly relaxed his clenched fists. His eyes were cold as he slowly said, "Your highness. A dead genius is no longer a genius."

"Humph! You want me to assassinate Lin Ming? Zhu Yan, do you not know what sort of unparalleled existence the Seven Profound Martial House is in the Sky Fortune Kingdom? Lin Ming is a rare talent that hasn't been seen in a hundred years of the Seven Profound Martial House! I can't believe that you wish for me to assassinate him. Even if he left the Martial House, even if he hasn't grown, do not forget my elder brother, the Crown Price Yang Lin! Although Yang Lin is stupid, he is not stupid to the point of being retarded! How could he not send protection for Lin Ming? His side also has a master, he even has Muyi! Once I make a minor miscalculation, once just a little bit of my plans are exposed to Yang Lin that I have killed Lin Ming, then I have lost! Let alone when the time comes to take the throne, I won't even be able to preserve my life! The authority of the Seven Profound Martial House is inviolable. Even if it is my father the emperor, he would also be useless to do anything!"

"Just one Muyi is enough to give me a headache!! I have spent many resources to raise 18 people into the court that are willing to die, and this is just to barely deal with Muyi. If this Lin Ming grows up and is added to this already complicated situation, then my chances will be significantly reduced!"

Zhu Yan's mouth twitched and both of his fists felt heavy. He spoke slowly and clearly, "Your Highness, please give me some time. I will give you an adequate response!"

"Fine. I will believe you this one time. But what if you disappoint me once again?"

Zhu Yan took a deep breath and bit out the words, "If I am defeated, if Lin Ming can still grow with such a monstrously evil speed, then I will divorce Lan Yunyue and apologize to Lin Ming!"

"Humph. I hope it will not be too late at that time! Draw back!

In a guest room at the Great Clarity Pavilion, the ambiance was brilliant, and the prepared dishes were delicious, but Zhu Yan did not have the mind to eat the dishes as he stewed in his thoughts.

Seeing Zhu Yan not eating, Lan Yunyue hadn't dared to move her chopsticks. She had correctly guessed that Zhu Yan's worry today was related to Lin Ming's challenge. She was caught in the middle, embarrassed, and did not dare to even say a few words.

"Today, the Tenth Prince called me in to discuss some matters with me." Zhu Yan slowly said after being silent for a long time.

"Mmm? Discuss… what did you talk about?" Lan Yunyue felt a faint sense of unease. She had never known what Zhu Yan was thinking. She could only feel his dark and terrible mood, as if there was this gently roiling calm, just before he would explode with sudden violent rage and run amok. His look was just like a vicious beast lying in ambush; at first it seemed tranquil and calm, but it was actually containing an inexhaustible murderous intent.

When she was together with Zhu Yan, Lan Yunyue had always felt an invisible pressure pushing down on her as if she couldn't breathe. It was unlike the past; during the time when she and Lin Ming had been together. When she was with Lin Ming, she could randomly act like a spoiled brat, or randomly lose her temper, but that boy would always smile at her like sunshine and satisfy all of her unreasonable demands…

Unfortunately, those days were long gone and would never return. Lan Yunyue sighed in her heart. She did not dare to show any feelings, because she always felt as if Zhu Yan's eyes were like an eagle that seemed able to completely penetrate into her innermost feelings.

"He told me to…" Zhu Yan said, and then looked at her with both eyes and slowly continued, "He told me to divorce you…"

In that moment, Lan Yunyue became senseless. It was as if time had slowed down in that instant, and Zhu Yan's face suddenly seemed far off in the distance. All her senses, her hearing, her touch, all of it became blurred.

Although she had always maintained the purity of her body, she had already become engaged to Zhu Yan. In the Sky Fortune Kingdom, if a girl was divorced after being engaged, this was an extremely shameful matter, and their remarriage would be affected. If Zhu Yan really divorced her, what course was left for her to follow?

She looked at Zhu Yan with a twisted expression and clenched her lips, trying not to cry. Still, tears began to flow from her eyes. She knew what significance the Tenth Prince meant to Zhu Yan and the Zhu Family. His words held much weight to Zhu Yan.

"You… you have agreed?" Lan Yunyue choked on her words, almost sobbing.

"Not yet." Zhu Yan replied truthfully.

"It…why?" Lan Yunyue subconsciously held the chopsticks in her hand, but her knuckles had turned white.

"Because of Lin Ming. The Tenth Prince wishes to win over Lin Ming, but you… you have become an obstacle for him to win over Lin Ming."

"Ob… obstacle…" Lan Yunyue could finally not bear the pain, and the tears she was holding back began to tumble down like rain. She was just an ordinary girl. How was it that one day she would be involved in the struggles of the throne, and become an obstacle to the prince…

Why was this happening?

Zhu Yan said, "I have one month, maybe two. But I still don't know if, there might be a chance… you don't need to despair. This matter isn't necessarily a foregone conclusion."

After saying these words, Zhu Yan simply rose up, pushed open the door and left.

Lan Yunyue was left behind, sitting in her chair. She looked as if her soul had been lost. She knew her situation. Although Zhu Yan had said there was an opportunity, she was not naïve enough to believe this. If she ever became an obstacle in his path, even if just a little, he would not hesitate to get rid of her!

Thinking of this, Lan Yunyue felt a surge of inexplicable sorrow.

She absentmindedly rose, opened the door and left.

The main hall of the Great Clarity Pavilion always resounded with boisterous noise and chatter. A crowd of aristocratic sons indulged in their desires and were having fun, raising goblets to drink from. The delicate bronze goblets were covered with a lifelike design, as if it were the mouth of a monster that was opening its jaws wide to swallow her…

Luxurious halls, velvet rugs, the gentle sounds of lofty strings and wind instruments, fine jade plates and golden bowls filled with the best delicacies… she had once longed for these in her dreams and pursued them, but now they only made her feel desolate.

She walked down the staircase and out of the Great Clarity Pavilion.

The autumn night had a breezy coolness to it, and the blowing wind had a touch of dew; it was somber and wistful.

The truth was, Zhu Yan was not wrong… Lan Yunyue understood the reason he said those few words tonight, and did not feel any resentment towards him.

She had chosen Zhu Yan. She chose him because Zhu Yan brought to her great wealth, and thus a longer youth.

If one day Zhu Yan lost his status to women, then even his wife might leave him…

This truth, how could Zhu Yan not understand?

If one chooses splendor, then they have to be able to withstand the bitterness and pain behind that splendor, but… she understood this principle too late.

She suddenly realized how precious those missing things were that she once had. She regretted, not because Lin Ming had metamorphosed into a golden-scaled dragon, but her regret was not knowing that the happiness she had once felt was a true blessing.

The result that Lin Ming had created had shocked many people; the major powers had already set plans into action for Lin Ming. But even though Lin Ming had achieved such a great result, he had not even the slightest bit of complacency.

He chose one month of time before challenging Zhu Yan. The truth was, he did not have the absolute assurance that he would win.

Zhu Yan was the first decent enemy in Lin Ming's entire life.

Once, Lin Min had set surpassing Zhu Yan as a lifetime goal. But now, in only a short period of 6 months, Lin Ming would be facing off against Zhu Yan on the same martial stage.

Lin Ming could feel that Zhu Yan was tough and extraordinary.

Zhu Yan and Wang Yanfeng were the same. Both were proud and had their own unyielding will. It was just that Zhu Yan was not so hard-edged like Wang Yanfeng, and was more restrained at heart. If Wang Yanfeng was an unsheathed treasure sword overflowing with cold air, then Zhu Yan was a slender saber hidden in the sheath. It was difficult to tell when he would leave the sheath, and that first strike would be virtually impossible to guard against!

Zhu Yan would not be so easily crushed! He was the son of a concubine of the Zhu Family. He relied on his own strength and diligent efforts to crawl up, step by step, to his current position. He even had the possibility of inheriting the Zhu Family as the head of the household. Such a person, was like strong grass and just as tenacious!

Even if Lin Ming had the Crimson Gold Dragon Marrow Pill that was enhanced by the medicinal inscription symbol, he didn't have full confidence that he would win!

This month, Zhu Yan would definitely put in double the effort!

But even knowing this, Lin Ming had still issued a challenge! Not only did he have to challenge Zhu Yan, he had to challenge himself, and force himself into a corner to stimulate his potential!

This month, the resources that Lin Ming would obtain were increased. He would be able to practice for five full days at the seven major killing arrays, receive five Soul Gathering Pellets, and also five true essence stones.

The Soul Gathering Pellets were nothing, but the true essence stones, in particular the five full days of cultivation time, were crucial for Lin Ming.

Five full days was equal to 60 hours he could practice. That was an average of two hours every day for a month!

Although it wasn't indiscriminate practice, but the effects of two hours were already very rewarding.

This early morning, Lin Ming carried the Penetrating Rainbow and went to the Icy Pond Waterfall.

But just as he was about to enter the cold pond, a distant voice called out to him. "Young Cousin, wait a moment!"

"Mm?" Lin Ming paused his footsteps. It was Lin Wu.

"Young Cousin, congratulations! This time you have really gained face for our Lin Family!" Lin Wu cheerfully said as he ran over.

The Lin Family was one of the biggest families in Green Mulberry City, but at present it did not have the means to compare with the Zhu Family. This was because the Zhu Family had a concubine empress, and moreover the empress's son was awarded the title of prince.

This was not too bad; one could only blame fate. However, most of the Lin Family elders seethed with rage. The Lin Family was always pressured by the Zhu Family and Zhu Yan. They were like a mountain that stood in front of the Lin Family. The strongest of the young generation in the Lin Family was Lin Wu. He had already spent two years in the Seven Profound Martial House and had just barely entered the Earth Hall. Also, he was only in the lower-middle section of rankings. The other two of the younger generation had not even entered the Earth Hall; they could not catch up to even half of Zhu Yan. How could the Lin Family elders not be annoyed?

But yesterday, 12 long-range sound transmitting talismans had been used, and the great news had been sent a great distance that night to Green Mulberry City.

The common sound transmitting talisman could only reach several dozen miles in range, but the long-distance sound transmitting talisman could spread to several hundred miles. The price was of course far higher than ordinary; one slip cost several dozen taels of gold. To pass news from the Sky Fortune City to the Green Mulberry City required 12 sound transmitting talismans being sent in series. The cost to send this news was several hundred gold taels. If it were not important, then even a rich a respected family like the Lin Family would not be so wasteful.

12 sound transmissions were sent in succession, with an urgent pure gold color, they only had a few simple sentences. "Lin Ming has been at the Seven Profound Martial House for 34 days. During the second Ten Thousand Killing Array assessment, he reached rank 62 and obtained the qualifications to challenge the Heavenly Abode. He challenged Zhu Yan at spear point, and declared that their match would be one month later."

It is said that when the head of the Lin Family received this sound transmitting talisman, he jumped up from his chair on the spot and even used dirty words – "This is fucking great!"

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Chapter 94 – Martial Intent Reappears

Chapter title is a spoiler, highlight it to read it now, or see it at the bottom.

Of course this was great. Their Lin Family had always been pressured by the Zhu Family, and even the younger generation was being pressured by Zhu Yan. Now Lin Ming was able to mercilessly get justice for them, and even challenge Zhu Yan at spear point. To overturn this mountain that had always been suppressing the younger generation of the Lin Family, how could he not be feeling great?

There that night, 12 more long range sound transmitting talismans were used in succession to return news to the Sky Fortune City Lin Family branch. The instructions the Lin Family Head gave were, "Do not hesitate to use all supplies available to support Lin Ming. We must create the best and most ideal conditions for Lin Ming, so that he can defeat Zhu Yan one month from now."

So today, because of the instructions from the Head of the Lin Family, the Lin Family branch sent Lin Wu to bring Lin Ming resources to support him.

"This is…" Lin Ming looked at a small porcelain bottle and a small jade box in Lin Wu's hand.

"The Head of the Lin Family sent an urgent message through 12 long-range sound transmitting talismans to the family branch. He wants you to train well, and try your hardest to defeat Zhu Yan a month from now."

Lin Ming took the porcelain bottle and the jade box. He opened the porcelain bottle. Inside were ten pills. They were lustrous and round, with a delicate and gentle fragrance. As soon as one saw these, it was easy to tell they were superior medicines.

"High-level Soul Gathering Pellet?"

The main ingredient of an ordinary Soul Gathering Pellet was a 100 year old Yuan fruit. Its value was no less than a 100 year old Blood Lingzhi.

But a high-level Soul Gathering Pellet was made from a 300 year old Yuan fruit. Its value was at least 7 times more than an ordinary Soul Gathering Pellet. Moreover, it was not easy to buy!

A Soul Gathering Pellet could not directly increase a martial artist's strength, but it could enhance a martial artist's ability to condense true essence and thus increase their cultivation speed. Although these types of pills' effects of increasing strength were slow, they did not have any side effects, and one could take them constantly.

Because of this, of all the pills that martial artists had, the consumption of Soul Gathering Pellet was the highest. This bottle that the Lin Family gave of high-level Soul Gathering Pellets was worth nearly 20,000 gold taels.

The family had really used all their resources.

Lin Ming looked at Lin Wu and then opened the jade box. After opening it, he saw neatly placed inside were two layers of crystal clear stones that looked as if they were carved from ice. True essence stones!

Lin Ming could see with one sweep of his eyes that this box held 30 true essence stones!

30 true essence stones was not a small number! And these true essence stones were glittering as if they were carved from translucent glass. If compared to those given by the Seven Profound Martial House, they were somewhat purer.

These true essence stones; their value was also not low!

Seeing this bottle of Soul Gathering Pellets and this box of true essence stones, Lin Ming understood that if he received this great gift, it was equivalent to his tacit approval, and that he was willing to become a direct descendant of the Lin Family.

Lin Wu realized that Lin Ming's look had changed, and he faintly guessed in his mind what he was deliberating. He said with some embarrassment and a hint of apology, "Young Cousin, I know that this icing on the cake is not of a timely nature to truly help. I know that when you first came down to Sky Fortune City, not even a shadow of the family was here to help or assist you. Now that Young cousin has become a dragon among men, the family only then delivers medicine and true essence stones. It really does not honor you or do you justice, but there is also a reason we do the things we do. The family's resources are limited… there are just too many children of the Lin Family. If each generation equally divided the family property, then the Lin Family would have already disappeared."

Lin Ming understood what Lin Wu meant. Lin Ming's own great grandmother was the matriarch of the family office, Madam Fang. This relation was passed down to Lin Ming. The children of a large family tended to have many wives, and thus they flourished. The number of heirs and descendants exponentially increased with each new generation. The property had to be concentrated together in order to ensure that the family traditions could continue.

The family gave some businesses to the branch family juniors to manage, and to let these distant families earn a salary. This was already a kindness to the branch families. In fact, this was very generous. If it wasn't for Lin Ming practicing martial arts, his family's life could also be very wealthy.

To the Lin Family with which he shared the last name, Lin Ming felt a little thanks, but he did not have any real sense of belonging to them. But Lin Ming knew that his parents had very traditional and serious mindsets, and they had always dreamed that one day they could return to the main family. In his parents' eyes, recognizing their ancestors and returning to the main family was the orthodox.

This was because his parents' status in the family would rise, and they would even receive the respect and veneration of the family head!

To the parents, this was a glory, and this glory would be brought because of him. Which parents did not hope for their children to have great accomplishments in the future, and return home with riches and honor? Lin Ming was a rare talent that had never been seen in the last hundred years of the Seven Profound Martial House. His rising star was enough to bring honor to his ancestors, and to give shade to his descendants.

Thinking this, Lin Ming accepted the pills and true essences stones, and said to Lin Wu, "Thank the family head for me."

"Young Cousin is too humble. The Lin Family thanks young cousin, and we hope you win for us." Seeing Lin Ming accept these gifts, Lin Wu relaxed and let loose a deep breath. He also had feared that Lin Ming had a cold and lonely heart towards the Lin Family.

It was only a few more months until the end of the year. Lin Ming was already calculating in his mind. There was a vacation period at the end of the Seven Profound Martial House school year. The Martial House disciples usually went home to celebrate the new year. He himself had to take advantage of this opportunity to visit his parents. His father and mother had worked hard enough for a lifetime; they deserved an easy and comfortable retirement in old age.

Bidding Lin Wu farewell, Lin Ming took the pills and the true essence stones with him, and carried Penetrating Rainbow to the Icy Pond Waterfall once more.

"Junior Apprentice Lin." As soon as the deacon senior apprentice responsible for the Icy Pond Waterfall saw Lin Ming, his whole face had lit up with a welcoming smile. "Junior Apprentice Lin is truly basking in the limelight. But, ah, it is just too wonderful; Ranking Stone rank 62, terrific, terrific, and certainly unprecedented!"

Lin Ming smiled and didn't respond. These last two days he had heard far too much similar flattery.

"What difficulty does Junior Apprentice Lin want?"

"Nine levels!"

The highest difficulty in the Icy Pond Waterfall array was the twelfth level. The deeper one went, the higher the level one went, the more difficult the array would be. The only person capable of just barely withstanding the twelfth level of difficulty was Ling Sen. Even he could only last for an incense stick of time, and then he too had to surface and meditate. Therefore Ling Sen only practiced at the eleventh level of difficulty.

In one month, Lin Ming had jumped two levels of difficulty, and gone from the seventh level to the ninth level. This was a truly unbelievable matter, but Lin Ming's ranking spoke louder than words.

"Okay." The deacon senior apprentice said without hesitation, and immediately opened the ninth level of difficulty.

Lin Ming swallowed a high-level Soul Gathering Pellet to help him increase his cultivation speed, and then he carried the Penetrating Rainbow with him as he dove into the icy pond.

As soon as he entered the icy pond, Lin Ming felt once more a bone chilling cold that was like tiny ice needles piercing him from all directions. The difficulty had kicked up a notch!

Of the Seven Profound Martial House's resources, the Soul Gathering Pellets and true essences stones couldn't be considered true treasures. Only these seven major killing arrays could be considered such. Each second and each minute was incomparably precious; he could not even waste a smidgen of time!

He only had two hours of time. Lin Ming stood on the big rock underneath the waterfall. He kept Penetrating Rainbow even and steady. In the ninth level of difficulty, the waterfall's pulsing impact had increased tremendously. When Lin Ming had gripped his eight foot eight inch spear underneath the waterfall, he immediately felt the huge impact force of the waterfall, as if at any moment his arm would break under the weight.

Underneath the effects of the waterfall array, it was not easy to stand, and the water was also freezing cold. The unending flowing water constantly slicked off of the body's heat. Adding an 820 jin spear that he kept horizontally underneath the waterfall, even with his own thick true essence and amazing strength, he could only support this consumption for a blink of an eye!

Even if it was Lin Ming, he had to absorb the true essence in a true essence stone to support himself.

"Mm? The absorption speed of true essence went up by 50%!" Lin Ming was startled, but he immediately understood. This was the effect of the high-level Soul Gathering Pellet.

An 1800 gold tael high-level Soul Gathering Pellet, eating one was a true treasure. The effects of this kind of luxurious and amazing pill were especially good!

By relying on the true essence stone and the high-level Soul Gathering Pill that was difficult to buy no matter how wealthy one was, Lin Ming was unexpectedly able to persist in this extremely violent situation!

Originally, Lin Ming had thought he could hold his breath for two quarters of an hour at most, but now, even though his true essence was depleted, he could still rely on the high-level Soul Gathering Pellet and true essence stone to supplement his body and barely continue.

Although Lin Ming felt that the pain was difficult to endure, he was still standing.

The advantages were immense in maintaining this condition. Not only did it rapidly enhance his spear skills, but it also tempered his body with true essence, and increased the synchronization of the tiny units in his body!

Each point of his muscles and organs independently absorbed true essence. His body continually resisted against the severe cold. When a common martial artist practiced martial arts, it was inevitable that their body would have a spot that they did not cultivate. But when every inch of the body was independently absorbing true essence, then this situation would not occur.

Lin Ming's one breath had already lasted for half an hour!

Because of the biting ice-cold chill, Lin Ming's body temperature had already dropped to an acutely low degree. An average man would have already died, but a martial artist relied on the protection of their true essence to maintain their blood flow.

Because of the long time he had been under this condition, Lin Ming's consciousness began to fade away from his body. Slowly, the thunderous sounds of the waterfall began to fade away and vanish into nothing. Lin Ming's mind entered a completely quiet and tranquil time and space. Here, it was as if he could clearly feel the flow and sound of each impact, and he could hear his own slow heartbeat as if it were frozen. This heartbeat beat with a rhythm of a booming drum.

At that moment, Lin Ming felt his soul leave his body once more. In his body, he once more felt that elusive state that he had been in before. Because he was unable to consciously control his body, the true essence in his body moved in accordance of its instincts. This sort of circulation route, compared to when Lin Ming was controlling his true essence himself, was far more perfect!

Lin Ming didn't know, but this state was the rudimentary form of 'Martial Intent'.

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Chapter 95 – The Effect of a Heart of Martial Arts

Lin Ming didn't know, but this state was the rudimentary form of 'Martial Intent'.

The last time that Lin Ming had entered into this mysterious cultivation state, he had reached the Perfect first layer of the 'True Primal Chaos Formula'. Afterwards, Lin Ming had not been able to enter this cultivation state again. But this time, relying on the effects of the high-level Soul Gathering Pellet and true essence stone combining together, and having stayed in Icy Pond Waterfall's ninth level of difficulty for a long time so that his consciousness expanded, Lin Ming had once again entered this rudimentary form of martial intent.

Although Lin Ming's martial intent was imperfect and it wasn't so exaggerated as the 'sudden enlightenment' described in the ancient texts, but it was still able to bring great benefits to Lin Ming. Under this kind of martial intent, his cultivation and level were rapidly rising.

Martial intent itself was an evasive state, it had nothing to do with one's own intelligence or qualifications, it was only about one's own conscious will.

Lin Ming had an incredible and rare heart of martial arts. By virtue of this, he was able to slowly trace the opening method of martial intent…

Like this, two hours passed. The time of Lin Ming's appointment was up!

Xie Dong saw that Lin Ming still hadn't exited by the time his appointment was up, so he entered the array in order to remind him. As he entered the array, he only found Lin Ming was sitting quietly under the waterfall with both eyes shut tight. His breath was long, almost stagnant. He was motionless like the dead.

As soon as he saw this, Xie Dong eye's jumped. He had spent many years at the Seven Profound Martial House, and had read a great number of ancient texts that covered a broad variety of topics. He knew that Lin Ming should currently be cultivating martial arts to an extreme degree. In that case, if he cultivated martial arts under these circumstances, his growth would be exponential!

"No… something's wrong. Even if he cultivated martial arts so fervently, his breath shouldn't almost be stalled. This is definitely not normal. Junior Apprentice Brother Lin's situation is…" Xie Dong's eyes were sharp. If he didn't see the thick and rich true essence that emanated from Lin Ming's body, he would have thought that Lin Ming had frozen to death.

"Is this… martial intent?" Xie Dong suddenly remembered the records about martial intent in the ancient texts. In the legends, certain individuals were able to enter into their own state of cultivation called martial intent. When they cultivated in this state, they could progress ten thousand miles in a day!

Ling Sen had comprehended a martial intent. The kind of person that could, usually had a heart of martial arts that vastly outstripped that of a normal man's.

Thinking of this, Xie Dong was suddenly enlightened. No wonder Lin Ming's strength had progressed so rapidly; Lin Ming had his own martial intent! This was extraordinary! It had to be known that those who had comprehended a martial intent generally had a supreme heart of martial arts, but it wasn't guaranteed that someone with a supreme heart of martial arts could comprehend a martial intent.

"To comprehend martial intent, one must have the greatest luck. It must come to them, they cannot seek it!"

At this moment, another disciple had arrived outside of the Icy Pond Waterfall. "Thank you Senior Apprentice Brother. If the array is vacant, please trouble to help me open up the seventh level of difficulty. Hehe, my condition recently has been very good and I've made much progress. Today, I think I want to challenge a higher difficulty."

"This…" Even though he was responsible for the Icy Pond Waterfall, Xie Dong was a bit reluctant, "Junior Apprentice Brother Sun, the array has not yet been vacated…"

"Mm?" Sun Xing slightly frowned. Time in the seven major killing arrays was precious. An appointment was always exact, not a minute or a second could be missed, otherwise people would suffer a major loss. Xie Dong's prime task was to remind disciples so that they came out earlier.

"Senior Apprentice Brother, this is a bit too excessive. What am I going to do if I lose time? Who is inside?" Sun Xing asked with some dissatisfaction. It was obvious that this Xie Dong favored the opposite party, but he didn't want to show a bad side to him. Xie Dong was responsible for the Icy Pond Waterfall. If he offended Xie Dong, then he might have trouble in the future.

"This… inside is Junior Apprentice Brother Lin Ming." Xie Dong said.

"Lin… Lin Ming?" Sun Xing suddenly stared with eyes wide open, and he gulped. Lin Ming's name had spread through the entire Sky Fortune City like a heavenly thunderclap that reverberating in everyone's ears in the Seven Profound Martial House. He was even more famous that Ling Sen, Ta Ku, and the others! If he could really defeat Zhu Yan in one month, then he would be the most abnormally monstrous genius that the Seven Profound Martial House had ever seen in the past 100 years. Who would even dare to think about provoking this kind of person?

Sun Xing hurried to hide his discontent. "So it was Junior Apprentice Brother Lin, haha… if I may ask the Senior Apprentice Brother, when will he come out?" Although he was no longer angry, he was still inevitably anxious.

Xie Dong said, "I'm not clear about this. Junior Apprentice Brother Lin has probably entered into some strange cultivation state. Well, today I am very sorry for Junior Apprentice Brother Sun. How about when Junior Apprentice Brother Lin comes out, I have him recompense you for your time?"

Xie Dong did not mention the matter of martial intent. After all, he was not assured of his judgment.

Sun Xing nodded in agreement. Most people would be unwilling to abruptly change their appointment time, but since the person who was taking his time was Lin Ming, that was another matter. Sun Xing thought for a moment and then said, "Since Junior Apprentice Brother Lin is so ardently cultivating his martial arts, I should lend him my time. That… cough… if Senior Apprentice Brother could remember to mention my name later, that would be wonderful."

Sun Xing wanted to curry some favor with Lin Ming. To let Lin Ming borrow some practice time could only be regarded as a small favor.

"Haha, naturally." Xie Dong said; he certainly understood Sun Xing's thoughts.

In this way, Lin Ming continued cultivating in that special state. That one breath had been extended to four hours!

As he suddenly woke from that mysterious cultivation state, Lin Ming was surprised. How long had he been cultivating for?

As he exited the Icy Pond Waterfall, the sun was already high in the western sky. Was this the afternoon? At least three or four hours must have passed!

"Junior Apprentice Brother Lin, you've finally come out." Xie Dong hurried to greet him. "I saw a while ago that Junior Apprentice Brother Lin was in a deep cultivation state, so I did not call you. I didn't expect you to stay for three and a half hours."

"Three and a half hours? Then I passed my appointment time."

"Yes, I kept everyone back, but later Junior Apprentice Brother Lin has to repay the time."

"Like that? I see. I really must thank Senior Apprentice Brother for helping me out." Lin Ming didn't think that there would be a day where he would be given such preferential treatment. He sighed with emotion. In the Seven Profound Martial House, strength was everything. If you had strength, you had privilege. If you were weak, then everyone would step on you underneath their foot.

"Haha, it's just a minor matter, it's not worth mentioning. Junior Apprentice Brother Lin, it appears that a moment ago you… entered some peculiar state. I realized that Junior Apprentice Brother Lin's breath had almost stopped."

"Mm? Did it? I did not have much of a feeling of anything." Lin Ming did not have a complete understanding of that ethereal state he had been in a moment ago; he only knew that the cultivation state he was in had been of great benefit to his own cultivation.

Xie Dong hesitated for a bit before he said, "Junior Apprentice Brother Lin, if Senior Apprentice Brother did not guess wrong, then that strange state you were in might possibly be a kind of martial intent."

"Martial intent?" Lin Ming was slightly stunned. This was the first time he had heard of such a concept.

"Mm, martial intent. I am not very clear on this matter, but I know that there are very few martial artists who have martial intent. To comprehend it all depends on chance and opportunity. A martial artist with a strong heart of martial arts has a higher probability of comprehending it. Junior Apprentice Brother Lin has a truly unwavering and incomparably pure heart of martial arts, not even Junior Apprentice Brother Ling can compare with you. You must know that Junior Apprentice Brother Ling has also comprehended his own martial intent, and that is why he is so fierce!"

"Mm? Ling Sen can also enter this sort of cultivation state?" Lin Ming was surprised, but then he immediately became aware. No wonder! Although Ling Sen's talent was only an inferior fourth-grade, he had been the number one rank on the Seven Profound Martial House's Ranking Stone for a long time. Even the fifth grade talent Zhang Guanyu was steadily suppressed by him!

Lin Ming knew that a having a strong heart of martial arts was good for cultivation, but Lin Ming hadn't known that besides letting a person be more diligent and persistent in their training, it also had other substantial advantages. If it was solely allowing a person to work harder, then it seemed a bit lackluster and useless. The time of a day was limited, even if you cultivated as you ate, how much more time would you have over others?

Now he knew a bit more. A strong heart of martial arts would let one be able to comprehend martial intent. With this ability, one could greatly improve!

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Chapter 96 – Instructor Hong Xi

"Does Senior Apprentice Brother happen to know what Senior Apprentice Brother Ling's martial intent is?" Lin Ming didn't know anything about these strange cultivation states, so he asked now to gain a better understanding.

"I do not know much, I only know that Junior Apprentice Brother Ling's martial intent is named 'Ashura'. I think it is related to concepts of death and slaughter. He can willfully enter this state of cultivation, that's why his strength grows so quickly! He is much stronger than the second-ranked Junior Apprentice Brother Ta Ku! However, his cultivation is actually inferior to Junior Apprentice Brother Ta Ku. Junior Apprentice Brother Ta Ku has already entered the Bone Forging stage, but Junior Apprentice Brother Ling is only at the peak Altering Muscle stage."

So that's how it was… it seems there were many types of martial intents, and they varied from person to person. Lin Ming wondered how his 'ethereal' martial intent compared to Ling Sen's 'Ashura'. Would it be better or worse?

As he returned to his residence, Lin Ming felt as if his body was as light as a swallow. The three and a half hours of continuous high-strength cultivation hadn't left him with any feeling of exhaustion. Carrying the Penetrating Rainbow on his back also felt light, and didn't hinder any of Lin Ming's motions.

"During my three and a half hours of training, I wasn't able to break through to the second level of the 'True Primal Chaos Formula', but I felt I had touched the threshold. If I can enter the 'ethereal' martial intent state again, then I should be able to make a complete breakthrough! When that time comes, my strength will experience a huge leap, and I probably won't be too far off from Ling Sen!"

"Because I cultivate the 'Chaotic Virtues Combat Meridians', strength is my strong point, but strength does not represent the entirety of one's battle prowess. I wonder what Ling Sen's strong point is?"

"Since Ling Sen can enter into the Ashura martial intent state at any time, I wonder when I too will be able to enter into the ethereal martial intent state when I want to?"

As Lin Ming's cultivation increased by leaps and bounds, Zhu Yan was similarly carrying out a hellish cultivation regimen. It wasn't an exaggeration to say that the match he would have a month from now would be his life's most important battle!

He absolutely could not lose!

Zhu Yan held a longsword, and the sword light was like a bright spider web around him. In front of him, the golden soldiers formed from energy exploded one at a time as they came. From the seven major killing arrays of metal, wood, water, fire, earth, wind, and thunder, this array represented metal. This was the Golden Soldier Hall!

In the Ten Thousand Killing Array and the Exquisite Pagoda, the enemies one faced in the trials were only illusions. Outside, one wouldn't actually be disturbed or even moved. But the seven major killing were different, they were true killing arrays. All of the golden soldiers were real forms given shape by energy!

In here, if one was not careful, they could be injured!

The array itself had a limited conscious and ability to judge the situation in the array. If the they judged than the situation in the array was too dire, then it would automatically cease attacking. But in the history of the trials, there have been those that were severely wounded, and even those who were killed by accident!

Of course, those who died were in the minority. Therefore the Golden Soldier was not as effective in improving cultivation as Ling Sen's 'Ashura'.

"Senior Apprentice Brother is just too fierce! He was at the tenth level of difficulty, but he also persisted inside for such a long time! Mmm, it's already been three quarters of an hour. The array doesn't have any sign that it's weakening, which proves that Senior Apprentice Brother Zhu hasn't yet been injured, nor is he having troubles with his true essence!"

"This Lin Ming actually wants to defeat Senior Apprentice Brother Zhu in one month. I think it will be too difficult!"

"Mm. This Lin Ming is truly an monstrous genius, but Senior Apprentice Brother Zhu isn't some vegetable to be pushed around. I think Senior Apprentice Brother Zhu will win. This is the tenth level of difficulty! As soon as I entered, I would be killed!"

Time passed day-by-day. The ruckus over the match between Lin Ming and Zhu Yan in one month did not only not cool down, but the mood and atmosphere was increasingly fierce.

During this period, there were some interesting phenomena happening at the Seven Profound Martial House. The set of cultivation methods that Lin Ming had chosen at the Seven Profound Martial House depository had suddenly become the hottest items around town. Underneath the 'Foundation Spear Technique' was written four names, and underneath the 'Foundation Movement Technique' was written three names. Because of Lin Ming's amazing performance, there were four junior disciples of the Human Hall that had decided to take up a spear as their own weapon.

However, no one questioned the martial skill that Lin Ming had chosen, the 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist'.

This was because these new disciples had not seen Lin Ming use or practice the 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist'.

The 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist' was itself above a high-grade Earth-step martial skill. Even if it was complete it would still be extremely difficult to practice, not to mention that it was currently missing 70% of its contents. If Lin Ming had truly managed to cultivate this martial skill, then monstrously evil genius would be inadequate to describe him.

As the phenomena of some of the junior disciples choosing the foundation cultivation methods occurred, the depository elder could only nod at them with a forced smile. This stemmed from many junior disciples worshipping Lin Ming. As they said, love for a person extends even to the crows on his roof. These worshippers pursued Lin Ming's cultivation methods and had even chosen his weapon. However, Lin Ming was strong not because of these things, but because of himself. How many junior disciples would choose a spear, and how many would be able to display the true glory of a spear?

Early in the morning, the air in the world was rich with a fresh breeze. Lin Ming grabbed the end of Penetrating Rainbow with one hand. His arms stretched out horizontally to his sides and he closed his eyes. He opened his mind to the mountains and trees, and became calm and free of feeling.

He realized he could not use high-level Soul Gathering Pellets of true essence stones to help comprehend this 'ethereal' martial intent state. As long as he was able to enter the 'ethereal' state whenever he wanted, then that would be considered Small Success of Lin Ming's martial intent.

In this silent and peaceful state, Lin Ming suddenly opened his eyes. In that moment he had felt the presence of someone. Although he was in the relatively secure Seven Profound Martial House, Lin Ming still kept vigilance. After all, he had made too many enemies.

"Mm. Your alertness is good." A vigorous and deep voice came from nearby and resounded into Lin Ming's ear. A man carrying a spear and wearing red armor appeared like a ghost, and both his feet fell on Lin Ming's spear point.

As soon as the man fell on the spear point, Penetrating Rainbow curved downwards a bit. However, Lin Ming still held the spear end steady.

"Good arm strength!" The person exclaimed.

"Instructor Hong?" Lin Min asked with a hint of surprise. The man who fell on his spear point was his Earth Hall instructor, Hong Xi.

"You really gave me good face during the Ten Thousand Killing Array. Rank 62 and you challenged Zhu Yan! You really are bold!"

Lin Ming said, "Thank you Instructor Hong for the praise. But as for Zhu Yan, I'm not fully confident I can win against him."

"Mm. This Zhu Yan is not a simple character. When he had entered the Seven Profound Martial House, his display of ability was just like Wang Yanfeng. Although he is far inferior to your monstrous talent, he has still been in school longer than you by two and a half years. In these two and a half years, he dramatically rose from the same strength as Wang Yanfeng to his present ranking. In another one or two years, when Ling Sen and those others have graduated, Zhu Yan will undoubtedly be in the top ten of the Seven Profound Martial House rankings, and maybe even in the top five. Your opponent is a future contender for the top five ranks in the Seven Profound Martial House! You have chosen yourself a powerful enemy!"

Lin Ming naturally knew why Hong Xi was saying all this. He said, "Instructor Hong, I understand Zhu Yan's strength. I also know that to surpass him in one month will be decidedly difficult. It was only that when the Deacon Senior Apprentice Brother asked me who I wanted to challenge and when. In my heart I had an intense desire to challenge Zhu Yan. I did not want to suppress this idea, so I decided to follow my nature and challenged Zhu Yan."

"Haha, good! What a good 'go with my nature'! Those that practice martial arts must follow their nature and desires! Only when you are satisfied with your mind and thoughts will your meridians be cleared, and your true essence flow unimpeded! Your choice is good; it has boldness! Starting today, I will teach you spear skills! If I am your instructor, then I do not want to see any soldier under me lose to others!"

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Chapter 97 – Seven Kinds of Martial Intent

Lin Ming listened to Hong Xi's words and his heart filled with joy. Until now, he only had the 'Foundation Spear Technique', and could only study the foundation. If he were to have guidance, then his progress would be much quicker.

Hong Xi said, "I once joined the army for ten years. I only started learning the spear in my ten year career. Before that, I used the sword. The spear is the king of a hundred soldiers! I have not reached the stage of Large Success in spear play, but what I have learned, I can teach you. However, before we begin, I have a question. Were you able to comprehend a special cultivation state?"

Lin Ming paused. He didn't expect that Hong Xi knew about this matter. He nodded and said, "Yes."

"I thought so. Your perception is good. This cultivation state of yours can probably be compared to the best among its kind, otherwise with your talent, it would be impossible for you to have such great results in such a short time! This is a benefit of your pure and strong heart of martial arts. But even if you have an extraordinary heart of martial arts, you still might not have that lucky opportunity to comprehend such a cultivation state. This state is called martial intent!"

"Those who have a martial intent are very few. Even in the place like the Seven Profound Martial House where talents gather, in the last several dozen years there has only been Ling Sen! I did not expect that now there would be you also!"

"Oh? So few?" Lin Ming suddenly understood. No wonder he had never heard of this before.

"Yes, that is why the existence of martial intent is so mystical and mysterious, because there are too few people who are able to comprehend it. There aren't many descriptions of it in the ancient texts, and not only that, but each martial artist's martial intent is not the same; each has a different effect."

Lin Ming said, "Instructor, I don't understand. Since Senior Apprentice Brother Ling has comprehended such a rare skill like a martial intent, and his strength is known throughout the Sky Fortune Kingdom as being invincible within his cultivation stage, why was he not selected as a core disciple? What kind of monstrous geniuses are the core disciples of the Seven Profound Martial House?"

Hong Xi said, "Those of the Seven Profound Valleys have paid careful attention to Ling Sen. However, for him to be selected as a core disciple, he has to pass a test. Ling Sin was eventually unable to pass the inspection, so he was rejected. He had missed only one step."

"Mm? Test?" Lin Ming's heart moved as he heard this.

"Yes. Some do not conform to the rigid standards of the Seven Profound Martial House, and wish to become a core disciple through a test. When Lin Sen had faced the test, he had to defeat someone of the same age, or an older core disciple, and also reach the peak Fourth Stage of Body Transformation by the time he was 17."

"Ling Sen was able to defeat a core disciple who was half a year older than him. Unfortunately, his cultivation was unable to reach the peak Fourth Stage of Body Transformation before he was 17, and therefore he failed due to this."

"Is this because Senior Apprentice Brother Ling's cultivation talent was not good enough?"

"Yes. As I said, there are many different kinds of martial intent. Ling Sen's martial intent is 'Ashura'. In the Ashura battlefield, he can experience endless slaughter and battle. With this kind of martial intent, the main function is to enhance a martial artist's instincts, explosive force, and killing ability. However it is not really that useful for to improve a martial artist's cultivation. But, it does provide a few benefits in breaking through bottlenecks.

Hong Xi said this with a look of regret. A martial artist's combat prowess and cultivation were two different matters. Combat prowess was their strength, but cultivation was judged through stages, for instance, Body Transformation's First Stage, Second Stage, Pulse Condensation Period, and Houtian stage.

Cultivation was the most important factor in a martial artist's combat prowess, but it was not the only factor. Martial skills, fighting instincts, combat skills, field experience, the degree of true essence thickness, all of these could affect one's combat ability, therefore one could fight one above their cultivation realm.

But, to a martial artist, their cultivation was the fundamental basis for all. If they could not improve their cultivation, then whatever your combat power really was, it would not matter. A martial artist at the First Stage of Body Transformation would never defeat someone at the Pulse Condensation Stage. This was the absolute disparity that was created through cultivation!

Moreover, to a martial artist, their lives were inextricably linked to their cultivation. Ling Sen's main strength was his combat ability, his cultivation was actually not very high. If he had no chance of reaching the Xiantian stage, then to the large sects, he had no value whatsoever.

Therefore, Ling Sen was rejected!

Hong Xi said, "If Ling Sen's talent were increased half a step, for instance to a medium fourth-grade talent, then he would have an enormous chance of being selected to enter the Seven Profound Valleys. His 'Ashura' martial intent can let a person dance on the edge of life and death for a long time, and it also favors breaking through bottlenecks. This is of value to the Seven Profound Valleys. Unfortunately, the 'Ashura' martial intent has no advantages in helping one accumulate true essence."

Lin Ming asked, "Instructor Hong, does Senior Apprentice brother Ling Sen not have any more chances of being selected to enter into the Seven Profound Valleys?"

"There is, but it is just far too difficult. One possibility is that he must break through to the Pulse Condensation Period before he is 22 years old. This is the most rigid criteria of the Seven Profound Valleys. As long as you are able to break through to the Pulse Condensation Period before 22 years of age, you may enter the Seven Profound Valleys. However with Ling Sen's current cultivation progress, it is impossible. The second possibility is if Ling Sen is able to comprehend another kind of martial intent. It would be better if this was one which helped increase his cultivation progress. If such a thing happened, then the entire Seven Profound Valleys would value Ling Sen. A person that can comprehend two kinds of martial intent is just too rare.

"Two kinds of martial intent? You can also have two different kinds of martial intent?" Lin Ming was surprised.

"Mm. But it is very difficult, difficult enough to cause anyone to lose all hope. In the entire Sky Fortune Kingdom, or even the entire realm of the Seven Profound Martial House and its surrounding hundreds of thousands of miles, there isn't a single one. I have heard about them in the ancient texts, for instance, legends passed down that told of 'sudden enlightenment'. There is a story of a mighty power who was called Emperor Shakya, that had seven different kinds of martial intent! Three thousand years ago, he meditated under a Bodhi tree for seven days and seven nights. In his body these seven kinds of martial intent actually fused together, and Emperor Shakya underwent a great awakening and achieved supreme enlightenment. He broke the countless shackles of martial arts and reached nirvana to become a golden immortal, piercing through the martial void!"

As Lin Ming heard Hong Xi's story, he felt a great shock!

Seven kinds of martial intents!

What concept was that? Moreover, these seven kinds of martial intents had even fused into one! This kind of person was truly a mythical heavenly being!

As he listened to the legend of the Bodhi tree, Lin Ming held an ounce of disbelief. To sit in meditation for seven days and seven nights and achieve supreme enlightenment, break the countless shackles of martial arts and pierce through the martial void, that just seemed a bit too exaggerated.

It had to be known that in the path of martial arts; the higher you went, the more difficult it was! Some people often needed upwards of a hundred years to break through a bottleneck! But this Emperor Shakya had actually broken through the bottleneck of martial arts, and rose up countless stages at once. Wasn't this just nonsense?

But as he listened to Hong Xi's story, Lin Ming began to believe. To combine seven kinds of martial intent into one, that thought alone was just far too terrifying.

Hong Xi said, "Lin Ming, describe your martial intent to me, so I can determine what sort it is. This will be very important to your future development!"

Lin Ming nodded and began to describe his 'ethereal' martial intent.

Hong Xi mulled over this, and then said, "This 'ethereal' martial intent that you have should be a kind that increases your cultivation. Your consciousness leaves your body and your true essence begins to spontaneously revolve according to its own instincts. With this, the true essence can achieve a perfect circulatory path within your body. There are too many kinds of martial intent, and they are different from person to person and there aren't also many records. This is the first time I have heard of your kind of martial intent. I cannot judge its specific effects, but looking at how your cultivation increases by leaps and bounds, the effect should be very good. Your martial intent should also be superior to Ling Sen's. You maybe even have the possibility to be elected as a core disciple in the Seven Profound Valleys! Certainly, like Ling Sen, you must pass through the test. This test is difficult; it will depend on your martial intent to go against heaven's will."

Core disciple… Lin Ming silently thought.

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Chapter 98 – The Force of Vibration

Core disciple… Lin Ming silently thought.

Lin Ming felt that the Seven Profound Valleys was like a giant bloodsucking vampire that squeezed out all the cultivation resources in a radius of several hundred thousand miles. They caused the martial artists of small countries to be lacking in all cultivation resources, and thus a martial artist found it difficult to enter a tiny step into the Houtian stage.

After the Seven Profound Valleys had opened Seven Profound Martial Houses in all of the various countries under their control, with their superior position, they bestowed resources and they bestowed cultivation methods to the most outstanding talents so that they could use them.

But the royal families of these small countries knew this well. Even so, while they dreaded the specter of the Seven Profound Valleys, they simultaneously hoped for the support and protection of the Seven Profound Valleys. That is why they were willing to offer their countries' resources, bowing to them with both hands. This caused the remaining few resources in these countries to skyrocket in price. In Lin Ming's situation, even if he had talent, with his family circumstances he did not have the money to cultivate martial arts!

Between the parasitic relationship formed between the Seven Profound Valleys and the Sky Fortune Kingdom, Lin Ming had a fully uncomfortable feeling.

"If it were not for the Seven Profound Valley, then if I wanted to practice martial arts, it wouldn't have placed such a big burden on my family. The Seven Profound Valleys, so detestable…" Lin Ming thought. He wanted to say so, but he held his tongue.

"If I want to reach the higher realms of martial arts, I actually must become a core disciple! Otherwise, I will not have the resources to do so. All will wait until I have the strength to speak out."

"Well Lin Ming, the points that I wanted to remind you of have already been mentioned. Your superiority lies in your heart of martial arts, but, in terms of current combat ability, you cannot compare to Zhu Yan. Most importantly, you do not have a martial skill. You defeated Zhang Cang with the most basic 'Flood Dragon Goes to Sea'. At first I didn't want you to choose the 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering First', but you were very insistent. Now it is too late to learn another martial skill.

"But what's done is done. A martial artist should freely follow their nature and desires. No matter what, you should not regret your decisions. If you had changed your mind, then your heart would not be satisfied, then it will also not be open. Now, I want to hone your foundation spear skills, and have you use those foundation spear skills to defeat Zhu Yan! However, I will tell you this now. Zhu Yan has already mastered three kinds of martial skills! You must be prepared!

Lin Ming nodded and said, "Understood, Instructor Hong."

"Now attack me. Let me take a good look at your spear skills!"

"Then I shall be impolite." Lin Ming flicked his hand and Penetrating Rainbow jumped into his grip. With a shake of his power, the spear point began to unexpectedly tremble and hum. Dark purple elastic iron was immeasurably tough and resistant, even if it was only a slight tremor, it was enough to twist muscles and break bones!

"Oh? You can shake dark purple elastic iron so easily? Good strength!" Hong Xi laughed, and also flourished the long spear that he carried on his back.

"Flood Dragon goes to Sea!" Lin Ming shouted. Both hands held the spear, and with a sudden movement, he thrusted the spear forwards!

As this spear thrust went out, Lin Ming's imposing aura suddenly rose. The airflow around him began to change, as if there was an invisible current flowing around him and converging upon this aura and melting into Lin Ming's long spear.

Hong Xi exposed a look of appreciation. He leaned a step forwards, gripped his spear shaft and aimed his spear point at Lin Ming's spearhead, and then gave a fierce jab!

However, the power of this jab hadn't managed to stop Lin Ming's spear. That spear seemed to be cast from gold and iron, and did not change directions, still thrusting straight towards Hong Xi!

This was the result of Lin Ming practicing his spear thrust countless times underneath the Icy Cold Pond Waterfall. It had achieved the state of being immovably steady!

Hong Xi's eyes flashed with a glint of light. "Good spear!"

"Hoh!" Hong Xi suddenly burst with strength. The true essence in his long spear began to stir. Lin Ming's spear was stiffly swung aside by the brute force. He grasped his long spear and took a sudden step forward, and the spear point approached Lin Ming's throat like a poisonous snake!

Hong Xi's spear was twice as fast as Lin Ming's! By the time Lin Ming had used one spear move, Hong Xi had used two!

Hong Xi thought that this one move would be the finisher. With his cultivation at the peak Pulse Condensation of Body Transformation, to deal with the Third Stage of Body Transformation Lin Ming should have been easy. Even if he used 30% of his strength, it should have been a simple task, but he did not think that he would have been wrong.

Seeing this spear reflected in his eyes at it came at him, Lin Ming's long spear was out wide, and he would not have enough time to receive it and defend against this move. He immediately reached out with his right hand towards Hong Xi's spearhead! At that moment, all of the tiny units in Lin Ming's body began to breathe in unison. True essence began to vibrate in his body, and was concentrated into his right hand!

Hong Xi saw Lin Ming move his bare hand towards the spear point that was thrusting forwards at high speed, and he suddenly hesitate. This Lin Ming…

"Mmm?"

As soon as Lin Ming's palm touched the spear point, Hong Xi felt an intense vibration transmit down the spear shaft and cause his spear to be unsteady. This… what was going on?

Hong Xi had naturally heard that before when Lin Ming was fighting Zhang Cang, he had used his open hand to receive Zhang Cang's saber At that time, Hong Xi had thought Lin Ming had merely predicted Zhang Cang attack pattern and had avoided the saber's blade edge, so it had succeeded. But now it appeared that it wasn't so simple!

"Ho!"

Hong Xi was a master at the Pulse Condensation Stage. With a sudden effort of both hands, he jerked hard and counterbalanced the trembling of the spear shaft. But now, Lin Ming's second spear had arrived!

"Total Annihilation!"

Hong Xi had just enough time to dodge, and he leapt backwards from the strike. Even so, a strong heavenly wind followed Lin Ming's spear as it swept past. This strong wind contained a strange vibrating power. As Hong Xi was swept by this strong wind, he felt his heartbeat and blood flow be affected, and a tightness in his chest!

This move completely startled Hong Xi. He was a martial artist who had reached the Large Success stage of Pulse Condensation. His meridians had already been opened and connected, and true essence had tempered his entire body, without a single weak point. In this situation, he had still felt a slight uncomfortableness when Lin Ming's spear wind swept past him. Although he wasn't injured, if it were a Viscera Training stage martial artist who had been touched by this wind, they might have suddenly spat blood!

"This kid, what kind of cultivation methods has he been studying? I thought that I would catch him with one move, but he's managed to last three rounds. If I can't handle him, how would I have face as an instructor!" Hong Xi raised his strength by another 20%. He twisted in midair, and his long spear fell down like a wild rainstorm!

Peng!

Lin Ming lifted his spear to meet the approaching enemy, but this time he actually felt an inexhaustible strength contained in Hong Xi's spear, as if he was unable to even think of contending with it, and his spear was swept away!

The spear point appeared like an invisible ghost at Lin Ming's throat. The approaching icy coldness of the spear point made Lin Ming's hairs stand on end. The fight had ended.

Hong Xi withdrew his spear and said, "Good young man, your hidden skills are truly deep, no wonder Zhang Cang was defeated with just a palm, fist, and spear. My cultivation far surpasses yours, but today it seems I can still learn from you!"

Hong Xi looked Lin Ming up and down, sizing him up. He recalled that strange vibration he felt; where had Lin Ming learnt that from?

This kind of fierce fighting style was impossible to be self-taught. It was certainly from studying some jade slip. Thinking back to the three jade slips Lin Ming had selected from the depository, they were the 'Foundation Spear Technique', 'Foundation Movement Technique', and the 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist'…

Hong Xi had already seen the 'Foundation Spear Technique' before. In fact, every person who joined that army had to study the 'Foundation Spear Technique'. But even if the 'Foundation Spear Technique' from the army differed from that of the Seven Profound Martial House's depository, it was only some more concise ways of cultivating true essence; there was nothing different in the spear skills themselves. This kind of scary vibration did not originate from the 'Foundation Spear Technique', and it couldn't be anything from the 'Foundation Movement Technique'. That meant that…

"Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist!?"

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Chapter 99 – Fast Spear

This thought caused Hong Xi to suddenly freeze. He remembered glancing at the 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist', and recalled that the essence of this 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist' was… vibration!

Vibration!

Heavens! This boy!

Hong Xi's Adam's apple spasmed. This kid should not have learned the 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist'!

It… It was impossible. Although true essence vibration was mentioned in the 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist' jade slip, it had not said how to train this true essence vibration; it had lacked the most essential basic part! The 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist' was 70% incomplete, and it was also an Earth-step martial skill. Even an immortal would be helpless to do anything!

If Lin Ming was really able to cultivate this ability, then even those evil monstrous geniuses would be nothing but weak and pale in front of him; he would simply be the reincarnation of immortal gods and infernal demons!

"Boy, that vibration technique you had used a moment ago; where did you learn that from? Hong Xi's voice held a hint of trembling; obviously he was very disturbed and restless. He could not calm down after experiencing something like this. This meant that not only did Lin Ming have a superior heart of martial arts, but he was also able to comprehend his own martial intent. Not only that, but he was a beyond brilliant monstrous genius prodigy with perception that defied the will of the heavens!

To this kind of evil-doer genius, any talent was simply floating clouds!

That these monstrous geniuses could accomplish the impossible with their own hands, what sort of concept was that? Hong Xi did not even dare to imagine.

Lin Ming truthfully said, "They were some hints that I picked up from the 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist' jade slip." He had not planned to conceal anything to begin with. In fact, he could not even try to hide it. Sooner or later it would be exposed, unless he never used this skill.

But the truth was that even if he was exposed, it was impossible to teach or explain things like martial skills or cultivation methods without the jade slip. Only someone who has reached the Large Success stage of that martial skill or cultivation method would be able to copy it down, so Lin Ming simply did not worry that anyone would covet it.

Mentioning the 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist' would only increase the number of chips in his hand, and cause the Seven Profound Martial House and the Crown Prince to be even more protective of him. This way, he would be even safer.

After hearing Lin Ming's affirmation, Hong Xi could not speak for a long time. He merely stared at Lin Ming as if he was looking at a monster.

Whose mother would dare mention or look down upon Lin Ming's martial talent again?

This Lin Ming was the most abnormal talent in the last 100 years of the Seven Profound Martial House!

There was only Qin Xingxuan who could compare with Lin Ming; moreover, she wouldn't necessarily be better!

"Peerless monstrous genius…" Hong Xi finally gave his evaluation after he was speechless for a long time.

"Lin Ming, in my Hong Xi's entire life, you are the best and most outstanding and talented martial artist that I have ever witnessed! Although your talent is only a medium third-grade, you can make up this deficiency with your ethereal martial intent! With just that, you can be considered a fourth or fifth grade talent. Still, that would not be anything special enough to attract the Seven Profound Valleys' attention. But, your perception is just too terrifying; you can practice any skill with twice the result and half the effort. In addition, with your pure and strong heart of martial arts, you may even be able to comprehend a second martial intent. In that case, even the Seven Profound Valleys will not be able to hold you! You will at the apex of the entire Sky Spill Continent's younger generation!"

"Your future is limitless. What I can teach you is limited. All I am capable of at present is being your teacher. I was prepared to teach you the spear skills that I had learned, but it seems that it is not necessary anymore. You have your own understanding of spear-play, and I am afraid that my own comprehension will negatively affect you. All I can teach you now is the basis of spear skills, as well as the spear cultivation method!"

"A moment ago when I fought you, I discovered that your spear is already very stead. You could say that you've reached the boundary where your spear is still like a cast metal statue. But, your spear is not quick! In my two spear moves, you were only able to return one! With this kind of speed, you will be unable to catch up to Zhu Yan!"

"The steady spear that cannot catch up to an enemy's shadow is useless! Lin Ming, just watch! Hong Xi turned and punched a tree trunk. The autumn leaves that had already begun to turn yellow and wither immediately began to rustle and fall down.

Hong Xi's eyes flashed with a glint of light. The spear in his hand shot out just like a deadly snake!

Cha cha cha!

Spear shadows covered the sky!

Even with Lin Ming's excellent eyesight, he could not clearly see Hong Xi's spear point!

He could only use his soul force to catch up to Hong Xi's movements. With each stab of Hong Xi's spear, the spear point pierced a fallen leaf, rapidly turned back, and then pierced another leaf. Like this, there was a string of fallen leaves on the spear point!

As the spear shadows flashed everywhere, the fallen leaves began to rapidly disappear with a speed obvious to the naked eye. In the span of a few breaths, Hong Xi had strung together a thick stack of fallen leaves on his spear point!

Finally, there was not a single fallen leave that touched the ground.

Lin Ming could not help but exclaim at such wonderful spear skills!

It had to be known that Hong Xi's spear point was very wide; the widest part was four finger widths wide.

But these fallen leaves were elliptical in shape. Only the long axis was over four finger widths in length; the short axis was only two finger widths.

Thus, all the fallen leaves have been pierced by spear point through their long side; otherwise, the leaf would be cut in half!

Lin Ming looked at Hong Xi's spear point, and really did see that the several dozens of leaves that were strung together were in consistent order, it was as if they were especially organized to be that way!

The leaves were small, and their longest side was only a bit over 4 finger widths, but Hong Xi had managed to accurately pierce through all of the fallen leaves in this area, and did not cut any of the leaves apart. This control of strength caused Lin Ming to feel amazed!

Hong Xi's spear was not only quick, but he had great control of his strength!

As the saying went, a month to use a stick, a year to train a fist, and longer to practice a spear!

The difficulty in wielding a spear was high. It was meant to thrust, the shaft was long, it was hard to grasp and hard to control. If Hong Xi had been doing this with a sword, it would have been much easier!

The sword was faster than a spear, and it was also more accurate.

But a sword could not compare with the might of a spear.

For Lin Ming, this was an eye-opener.

Hong Xi said, "Cultivate your spear like this. Practice your spear skills so that you may use several dozen spear thrusts in the time of a few breaths. These several dozen spear thrusts must not be blind; but each and every spear move must be accurate! Control your strength until you can attack and withdraw freely! This fallen leaves are the appropriate practice method!"

"These falling leaves are very fragile, they will be cut apart if you use too much strength or if your aim is poor. If you can have these several dozen leaves completely strung together on your spear point, then your spear skills will have arrived at the Small Success stage. But you only have one month of intensive practice; it will take a much longer time to practice the spear. Do not irresponsibly talk nonsense and bite off more than you can chew. At this moment, do not seek to control the force, but instead you must do everything you can to maximize your spear speed to the limit, so you can chase down Zhu Yan's sword!

"I understand."

With this brief meeting with Hong Xi, Lin Ming had benefitted greatly.

"Good. Practice by yourself. This will be enough to have you occupied for some time. Later I will come back to teach you the next move."

"Thank you, Instructor Hong."

"Heh, no need to thank me. Right now I'm teaching you, but later I won't even be able to stand in line to teach you." Hong Xi laughed, launched a movement technique, and vanished into the forest.

After Hong Xi had vanished, Lin Ming watched the yellow leaves on the tree. He shook Penetrating Rainbow in his hand. His spear speed truly wasn't good. Even if his spear skills were swift and fierce, they would have no meaning if they weren't able to reach Zhu Yan.

Bang! Lin Ming punched the big tree, and thick leaves began to fall. Lin Ming looked at these leaves and the spear in his hand began to stab out rapidly.

The leaves were shredded apart by Lin Ming's spear!

Though he wanted to string these leaves on his spear, it was not a simple task to constantly do this. During the time when the leaves were gently falling, they were often tumbled around in circles. During that brief period of time, he had to thrust out his long spear in the center of a leaf, and have the spear edge pierce through the long axis of the leaf. Only then could he string them on the spear. But as of now, Lin Ming was far from reaching this stage.

After several dozen leaves had fallen, Lin Ming had split some in half, and some had fallen to the ground. There was only a few that hung on Lin Ming's spear point.

"Maybe I should start small. I should not use such a tiny elliptical leaf to practice…" Lin Ming thought. The small elliptical leaves were just too difficult right now.

He chose another, different tree. This tree's leaves were heart shaped, and were the size of a palm, Regardless of any angle, as long as the spear pierced through the center, he could string the leaves on the spear tip.

"This tree is good. I'll practice with the one."

Day after day, Lin Ming went to spend his mornings tempering his body at the Icy Pond Waterfall. He set the difficulty to the ninth level to push his body to the limit, so that he could experience his ethereal martial intent. During the afternoon he would spend his time training his spear, and in the evening he would train the 'Flow like Silk' boundary, and cultivate his 'True Primal Chaos Formula'.

Ten days had passed in the blink of an eye. Lin Ming's ethereal martial intent was becoming increasingly stable. To enter it at first, he would push his body to the limit, and then by supporting himself with the high-level Soul Gathering Pellet and true essence stones, he could slowly enter the ethereal martial intent under these harsh conditions.

Afterwards, as long as Lin Ming meditated under the Icy Pond Waterfall, he could spontaneously enter the ethereal martial intent state.

After cultivating in the ethereal martial intent state for a long time, Lin Ming's 'True Primal Chaos Formula' had finally entered the second-level. His true essence became even thicker, and his strength and speed also increased.

During that evening, Lin Ming sat alone in his room and meditated for a long time, He adjusted his mind to the most peaceful and tranquil condition he could achieve. Then, slowly, he pulled out the reward he won from taking first place in the entrance exam – the Crimson Gold Dragon Marrow Pill!

The Crimson Gold Dragon Marrow Pill was created by mixing the bone marrow of a Crimson Gold Dragon with many precious medicinal herbs, and then refining them all together.

The Crimson Gold Dragon's dragon marrow was inestimably precious and difficult to find. The other rare and precious medicinal herbs were also high-quality and rare. Not only had that, but to refine this pill required a top-tier alchemist. An alchemist of this level usually came from a large sect, it was impossible for a common person to even catch a glimpse of them, let alone ask them to come out create such a pill. Even if they did come out, the fees alone would be overwhelmingly expensive.

Therefore the Sky Fortune Kingdom had never produced a Crimson Gold Dragon Marrow Pill. Not even the Royal Family could buy it, as its value could simply not be measured with gold.

Then, Lin Ming took out a 'Lower Spirit Cure Symbol' symbol paper that he had prepared in advance. He had trained hard for a half month to create these two 'Lower Spirit Cure Symbols'. The first had already been used on the Golden Snake Scarlet Pill, and the second was to prepare this Crimson Gold Dragon Marrow Pill.

Normally a martial artist could only absorb a small part of a pill's efficacy, and the rest would dissipate. But the symbols that Lin Ming had drawn up could control and stimulate this pill. With it, the effects of the pill would not dissipate in a martial artist's body, and instead infiltrate and be absorbed. This way, the pill's efficacy would increase by several times!

Lin Ming crushed the 'Lower Spirit Cure Symbol' in his hand. The symbol paper turned into a bright red flame that immediately flew to the Crimson Gold Dragon Marrow Pill and began to integrate with it. In a few breaths of time, a flame-shaped inscription symbol had appeared on the center of the pill.

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Chapter 100 – Viscera Training, Large Success

Chapter title is a spoiler, highlight it to read it now, or see it at the bottom.

The Crimson Gold Dragon Marrow Pill was a potent and dangerous medicine. After having its efficacy increased several times over, it could be said to be poison to the body! So even after Lin Ming had completed the inscription symbol, he did not rashly take it.

But now, he had entered the second-level of the 'True Primal Chaos Formula'. The impure true essence of the Golden Snake Scarlet Pill that he had taken before had already been completely refined into his body. Lin Ming felt that he was ready to take the next step.

Taking a deep breath, Lin Ming placed the pill in his mouth, and swallowed it.

The pill quickly slid into his stomach where it settled down without a response.

But Lin Ming knew, this was only the calm before the storm. Once the efficacy of the pill melted, it would immediately attack his insides. That would be the beginning of the pain.

Lin Ming had prepared a bath barrel full of water. He jumped into it and began to revolve the 'True Primal Chaos Formula'. The water was able to help him feel relaxed and calm.

After half an hour passed, Lin Ming felt a feverish heat begin to form in his stomach. At first it was like drinking a full glass of strong liquor, but before long, it was similar to a lit flame. The heat fled in all directions in Lin Ming's body, and it was like he had fallen into a stove. The surface of his flesh began to steam, and it dissipated along his pores. At this moment, it was as if there was some invisible force shackling this angry heat, and stiffly holding it in Lin Ming's body!

This was the effect of the medicinal inscription symbol.

If not for the medicinal inscription symbol, the efficacy would dissipate. But, the medicinal inscription symbol was forcefully fettering these forces in Lin Ming's body. Another effect was that this increased Lin Ming's suffering!

The Golden Snake Scarlet Pill was cold like arctic ice, and eating it had made him feel like he had fallen into the ninth level of a deep, icy abyss. But this Crimson Gold Dragon Marrow Pill was hot like fire, and eating it made him feel like he was committing suicide by running into ten thousand raging infernos; the burning pain was difficult to endure!

Ling Ming felt as if his entire body was burnt until it was overcooked, and then he felt a pain like there was a hard brush brushing back and forth all over him. This excruciating misery nearly made him collapse.

At first, he was able to forcefully revolve the 'True Primal Chaos Formula', but now, he was actually unable to revolve the 'True Primal Chaos Formula'! Such a debilitating pain was not something a human could endure. Even if Lin Ming had a strong heart of martial arts, he was unable to forcefully exercise his strength under these conditions.

The water in the tub began to get hotter and hotter because of Lin Ming. Soon, it began to boil, and emit a massive white cloud of roiling steam.

The bath barrel of water was boiling.

In the throes of such searing pain, Lin Ming was unable to comprehend the situation he was in. But at this moment, the innumerable tiny units in his body began to spontaneously exhale and inhale to absorb Lin Ming's body heat.

The breathing of these tiny units quickly formed into the resonance of true essence. With this resonance, the trapped clouds of hot gas and heat in Lin Ming's body began to disperse due to vibration, and Lin Ming's pain began to lighten. "Mm? This is also…"

When Lin Ming had taken the Golden Snake Scarlet Pill, the tiny units in Lin Ming's body had also spontaneously entered into the 'Flow like Silk' boundary, and their vibrations had dispersed the masses of cold air and energy in his body. As the cold air and energy was shaken up, it was easily absorbed into his body. Under these circumstances, it seemed the Crimson Gold Dragon Marrow Pill was in the same situation.

The countless tiny units in Lin Ming's body had already formed a cohesive resistance against this foreign enemy. This was their instinct; Lin Ming did not need to consciously direct them.

Without a doubt, this was an advantage of Strength Training's 'Flow like Silk'…

"The 'Chaotic Virtues Combat Meridians' is truly a god-level cultivation method!" Lin Ming did not know how many times his heart had already given birth to such grateful feelings.

If it were not for the 'Flow like Silk' boundary, then the Crimson Gold Dragon Marrow Pill would have been so burningly painful that Lin Ming did now know if he could have endured that long. When that happened, even if Lin Ming had fully managed to absorb the efficacy of the pill, if the toxic heat was retained in his body for too long, then it would cause damage to his meridians, and Lin Ming would need to take a long time to recover from that.

But now, under the help of 'Flow like Silk', Lin Ming's body was able to absorb just like when he had taken the Golden Snake Scarlet Pill, and perfectly refine the efficacy of the Crimson Gold Dragon Marrow Pill.

All that was left over was the absorption and consolidation process.

As time passed slowly, Lin Ming had already been in the bath barrel for two hours. During this time, the barrel water had been steaming hot.

With the refining of the drug in his body, Lin Ming's inner true essence took a new step and permeated through all his organs. This was the Large Success stage of Viscera Training!

Lin Ming opened both his eyes and exhaled a long breath of steam. This breath mixed with the white steam that filled the room and formed a small whirlpool. With the whirlpool in the air, he kept breathing like this for several moments, and still did not show any signs of slowing down.

"To breathe like a snake and aspirate like an arrow was already the sign of Viscera Training's Large Success, but I had achieved that in the early Viscera Training Stage. Now that I have taken the next step and reached Large Success of Viscera Training, my breath is like a vortex. In the memories of that elder, the person who practiced the true 'Chaotic Virtues Combat Meridians' to the pinnacle was able to create storms that wreaked havoc with a single breath, and give a shout like the angry thunder of a god. They were truly a power that could pierce the heavens and shatter the earth.

After reaching Large Success in the Third Stage of Body Transformation, Lin Ming didn't forget to test out his fist strength. These days, whenever Lin Ming's strength had evolved further, he had checked his fist strength to compare how far he was from Ling Sen. This time was not an exception.

It was already late at night. The strength measuring room was empty. Lin Ming randomly picked a strength measuring stone pillar, and then shut his eyes and made a small prayer. He gathered his momentum, and then suddenly let loose a punch!

Peng!

There was a dull sound, and the stone pillar began to wildly rock back and forth. The light beam jumped crazily, passed five feet, and kept rising!

5000 jins!

5100 jins!

5200 jins!

Finally, the light beam stopped at a quarter to six feet. His strength was 5300 jins!

Seeing this number, Lin Ming let out a long breath. His free punch had finally surpassed Ling Sen!

The 'True Primal Chaos Formula' had broken through to the second-level, and matched with the Large Success of Viscera Training, Lin Ming's fist strength had finally passed the critical mark of 5000 jins!

"At first, when Ling Sen had demonstrated his strength on the stone pillar for new disciples to see, he had let loose a random fist that was 4900 jins. But with Ling Sen's personality, that fist he used to display his strength was at least 80% serious. Ling Sen's highest fist strength should be higher than 5300 jins."

"But regardless of how near my fist strength is to Ling Sen's now, Ling Sen's superiority doesn't lie in his strength. His terrifying aspect lies in his fighting instincts and killing ability that he had cultivated from his Ashura martial intent. But my superiority is actually my strength. Not only is my strength inferior to his, but my combat prowess is far short!"

Those who had resolved their determination to pursue the peak of the martial arts path would often run into other powerhouses who would take them as enemies. They would analyze these powerhouses' respective strengths and weakness, to see if they would win or lose if they were in a life and death battle.

Lin Ming was no exception.

Ten more days passed.

Bang!

Lin Ming punched the base of a thick, big tree. The leaves sprinkled down as they fell. Lin Ming flicked Penetrating Rainbow, and moved his hands like lightning!

Cha cha cha!

In several breaths of time, those dozens of leaves had been completely pierced by Lin Ming!

But Lin Ming could not be like Hong Xi, where the fallen leaves had been so beautifully strung on the tip of his spear. He was able to grasp speed, aim, but not yet control of his strength.

Lin Ming simply did not pursue the control of power, what he was pursuing was directly the ultimate destructive power!

He let the vibrations of 'Flow like Silk' travel up the spear. The true essence vibrations of the treasure spearhead touched the falling leaf, and directly pulverized the falling leaf!

He was able to achieve this step because he had reached the Large Success in Viscera Training. His true essence had become thicker, his strength stronger, and his speed quicker. During the short time that he had digested the Crimson Gold Dragon Marrow Pill's efficacy, Lin Ming had used most of the time shares he had left for the seven major killing arrays. All he had left was about 6 hours.

"Not bad!" Hong Xi said from his side. Not even the disciples that had requested the strict Hong Xi were able to make him feel such appreciation.

"In these last 20 days you have managed to reach the Large Success of the Third Stage of Body Transformation. Your ethereal martial intent really makes one envious."

The last time, Hong Xi had taught Lin Ming spear skills. After he had taught him how to improve his spear speed, he had left for ten days. After coming back, Lin Ming had unexpectedly reached the Large Success of Viscera Training. This made Hong Xi feel genuinely startled.

Lin Ming replied, "Instructor Hong, before now I had not taken the Crimson Gold Dragon Marrow Pill, I had only eaten the Golden Snake Scarlet Pill. Several days ago I ate the Crimson Gold Dragon Pill. That is why I have had such progress since then."

Hong Xi listened with a bit of surprise. It turned out that this Ling Ming had relied on just the Golden Snake Scarlet Pill to break through to the Third Stage of Body Transformation and defeat Zhang Cang. Everyone, including him, had thought that Lin Ming had eaten both pills together. This Lin Ming was just too difficult to explain with common sense.

Hong Xi said, "I would not have guessed that before now, you had only used a Golden Snake Scarlet Pill to break into the Viscera Training stage. If I'm not guessing wrong, then your body is very suitable to ingesting and absorbing valuable materials. Coupled with your ethereal martial intent, your future achievements really will be limitless. And that's only because your natural talent is poor. If your talent was increased by two levels, then I really can't dare to imagine what it would be like!

"Well, starting today, for ten days, I will always be accompanying you as you train your spear. Your basic spear skills are already fast, accurate, and stable, but you are stilling missing one point, and that is change! Although spearplay is not as tricky or crafty as swordplay, but a spear has many more moves and varieties than a sword! The main attack methods of a sword are nothing but stabs, cuts, and slices. But a spear can do much more. A spear can stab, divide, sweep, circle, dance, and so on. I will not teach you fixed moves and routines. I will only have you achieve faster foundation spear skills through comprehensive practice, so that they are constantly changing!"

"Begin! I will suppress my true essence to be on a similar level to you. I will not show mercy! As Hong Xi said this, he flicked his long spear, aimed it at Lin Ming's chest, and thrusted!

Hong Xi had only suppressed his true essence; he hadn't suppressed his volatile strength. Lin Ming could not compare with Hong Xi, whose body was at the Large Success of the Pulse Condensation Period. Hong Xi's spear speed was as fast as lightning. It instantly appeared in front of Lin Ming!

"Fast!" In that moment, Lin Ming had a clear feeling of the spear edge's dense chill wavering in the air. It made the fine hairs on his body stand up.

Peng!

Lin Ming grasped Penetrating Rainbow and swept out. His spear met Hong Xi's reckless attack and they collided. Even though Lin Ming's strength surpassed 5000 jins, his hand was still shaken numb by Hong Xi's strike!

The strength of a peak Pulse Condensation Period martial artist was just too abnormal and perverse! If Lin Ming hadn't channeled the vibrations of 'Flow like Silk' into Penetrating Rainbow, with just this strike, he would have already been defeated!

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Chapter 101 – Arrival of the Decisive Battle

However, Hong Xi was even more startled. Even though he had not used true essence, he had still used his full and complete strength in this strike; but Lin Ming was able to block it head-on!

Hong Xi had already known that Lin Ming's strength was otherworldly, but he did not think that after achieving Large Success in the Third Stage of Body Transformation, that his strength would undergo such a dramatic rise. This strength must be no less than 5000 jins! His body was simply like a vicious beast!

Although he was surprised, Hong Xi's movement hadn't slowed in the slightest. He took advantage of Lin Ming's blowback from his spear strike and aggressed on him. He thrusted his spear out three times, and each strike cut off all of Lin Ming's dodging paths. Lin Ming could only raise his spear to defend!

Dong!

As they collided, Hong Xi's spear fell upon the spear shaft of Penetrating Rainbow. The dark purple elastic iron spear shaft was hammered by Hong Xi and forcefully bent like a bow!

Lin Ming's feet sank into the ground, and his right foot was trapped in the thick soil. He pushed back with all his strength on Penetrating Rainbow, and just managed to force back Hong Xi's spear. But Hong Xi had backflipped into the air, and as he was airborne, his long spear drew a perfect arc, and he did a straight thrust from under his belly towards Lin Ming's throat.

The spear came flying at him too fast and too suddenly. With him having recklessly forced back two of Hong Xi's blows, he had exhausted his true essence, and the blood in his chest was roiling. He was not able to block this strike, and Hong Xi's one spear thrust came perilously close to Lin Ming's throat.

At that moment, Lin Ming could clearly feel the bone-chilling wind from the spear, painfully flowing against his skin. But in a flash, Hong Xi had withdrawn his spear, and the spear point stopped a half inch away from Lin Ming's throat, not injuring him in the least.

What accurate control of force!

Even knowing that Hong Xi's spear would not pierce him, Lin Ming's breath had stopped in that instant as the spear wind blew against his skin. This spear thrust that was like a bolt of lightning was just too scary.

Three moves. In just three moves, Lin Ming was defeated!

As Hong Xi received his long spear, he said, "Lin Ming, although I suppressed my true essence, I did not suppress my strength. Still, you were able to last until the third spear move, which is already far beyond what someone of your level can accomplish! Your strength really goes against heaven's will; I guess it must be more than 5000 jins!

"5300 jins." Lin Ming replied truthfully.

"5300 jins!" Hong Xi clicked his tongue, " A martial artist at your cultivation would have been thrown 18 streets away by you. Your strength is truly appropriate to wield the spear; using a sword would have been a waste! When you had received my three strikes, you were actually not at your best level. When you were defending, you had one very weak point. That is your momentum!

Momentum!

Lin Ming was slightly stunned. Early on, his moment had really been overwhelmed and crushed by Hong Xi's swift and fierce spear moves!

"When you had fought against Zhang Cang, you had used the most basic foundation moves 'Iron Bridge Blocks the River' and 'Flood Dragon Goes to Sea' to break apart Zhang Cang's 'Sunset Cut'. This was because your spear carried with it a tide of surging momentum! But a moment ago, because my spear moves were too quick, you did not have enough time to gather your potential! Yes, although the momentum of your spear is strong, but it actually has a fatal weakness, and that is that its start is too slow!"

"Zhu Yan uses a sword, and he has great attainments in swordsmanship. His attacks are extremely swift and aggressive. If you are suppressed by him, then his moves will be faster than yours, and you will not be able to gather your momentum. When that happens, you will be led into his rhythm, and finally be defeated!"

Hong Xi was indeed an instructor of the Seven Profound Martial House; he had quickly discerned and pointed out another weakness of Lin Ming's.

Indeed, no matter how good a skill was, if one did not have time to begin unleash it, then it would be useless!

"Now you must learn how to gather your momentum while you are attacking! Have you ever heard of some martial skills that are in a set, for instance, something something 18 palms, or whatever whatever 9 swords, or something silly like that?"

Lin Ming nodded.

Hong Xi said, "This set style often starts from the first, weakest move. A move will follow the previous move, and each move will be stronger than the last! You might ask; why would someone waste their energy doing this and not use their strongest final attack on the first move? The truth is, it is not that they don't want to, but that they cannot. This is a question of gathering their momentum. They need to begin at the start, and save up their potential, and finally explode with power in that last move! This is what it means to gather your momentum!"

Lin Ming was suddenly enlightened, "I understand."

"If you want to learn how to gather your potential, then it is very simple. All you have to do is fight! Starting from today, except eating and sleeping, the rest of the time we shall fight! I want to see how long you will be able to stand it!"

For the next ten days, Lin Ming started a hellish combat training routine.

Although Hong Xi had said that they would fight each other whenever they weren't eating or sleeping, but he hadn't thought that Lin Ming would be able to persist through it.

Although a Viscera Training martial artist had vitality and endurance, and their hearts and lungs were powerful, it was impossible for them to maintain such intense fighting for a long period of time. However, Hong Xi quickly discovered that he had once again underestimated Lin Ming.

This Lin Ming was simply a perpetual motion machine in human form. His endurance was abnormal and outrageous!

His true essence was thicker than other martial artists of his cultivation by several times, and it was also purer; it could almost be said to be growing without end!

Even Qin Xingxuan who cultivated the rare and forbidden cultivation manuals of the Seven Profound Valley was not as exaggerated as this. Hong Xi didn't have any words to comment, he only chalked up this sort of bizarre situation to Lin Ming's ethereal martial intent and inborn divine strength.

They could fight for an entire eight hours with only a single breath!

Even Hong Xi was sweating profusely. His armor had already been tossed off to the side, and he was shirtless. But Lin Ming's entire body was wet and sticky with perspiration, and he took great panting gulps of breath. Every time he exhaled, the hot air would form steam, and every time he inhaled, the air would form a mini whirlpool. Even flying leaves near Lin Ming were blown away.

Hong Xi noted this phenomenon of nature. This boy, his breath was so long, no wonder his endurance was so good. Were his lungs a pair of bellows?

"Instructor Hong, let's go again!" Although Lin Ming was dead tired, his eyes still shined brightly with fighting spirit. In merely one day, his progress had been beyond astonishing. At the start, he had only been able to meet three spears from Hong Xi, but now he could take 7 or 8 moves from Hong Xi and still not be defeated. One time, he even met 10 moves!

These were attacks from a martial artist at the Pulse Condensation Period!

By fighting in such a manner, Lin Ming began to gradually discover what it meant to gather his potential and momentum during a fight. If in the past Lin Ming had depended on his strength and superior thick true essence to defeat his opponents, then now Lin Ming's combat skills were gradually catching up.

"Good! Come again!" Hong Xi's spirit was also aroused by Lin Ming's hot-bloodedness. In this day of fighting, even though Lin Ming's strength was far weaker than his own, he was still fighting with his full strength!

For ten days, whenever Lin Ming wasn't eating or sleeping, he was fighting with Hong Xi. By relying on his second-layer of 'True Primal Chaos Formula', and the resiliency given by his long, bellow-like breaths, Lin Ming was able to adhere to this practice regimen every day.

From the beginning, he had only been able to persist up to three moves, but afterwards he was able to last for more than 20. Lin Ming's flow of momentum and potential was becoming more and more skillful; he could send his momentum out with every strike of his spear. Even the momentum of his old self was less imposing! Each move he made with his spear was able to constantly accumulate momentum, getting stronger and stronger!

At the same time, Lin Ming's movement also made considerable progress. The 'Foundation Movement Technique' was not some sort of profound movement technique. Its movement was very simple and basic. However, Lin Ming was able to forcefully rely on this technique to slowly catch up to Hong Xi's movements.

Bang!

After the continuous momentum of 20 moves had gathered, Lin Ming's spear cleaved downwards. It brought with it a surge of torrential rivers and streams, and hacked towards Hong Xi. Everywhere the spear wind touched was blown away like sand!

"Good spear!" Hong Xi lifted his spear to meet the oncoming blow. Although he was able to block this spear, he was forced back a step by the backlash from the formidable momentum and intense vibrations that ran up Lin Ming's spear.

This was the first time that Lin Ming had forced back Hong Xi!

A Viscera Training stage martial artist that could force back one at the Pulse Condensation Period? Even though Hong Xi had suppressed his true essence, this result was enough to frighten anyone!

And Hong Xi was not an ordinary Pulse Condensation Period martial artist!

"Lin Ming, no matter what happens to your body, I don't think I can ever be surprised again." Hong Xi smiled, and received his long spear. "This was only ten days. If there was perhaps a month, then I don't think I would be able to defeat you without using more of my true essence."

Although Hong Xi was praising him so, Lin Ming had no room for complacency. He knew that for a martial artist, the higher one's cultivation was, the more important true essence would be. Someone using true essence versus someone not using true essence; the gulf between them was too vast. Especially in the body of a martial artist, once they had connected their meridians and opened them, then their true essence would be incomparably smooth and unimpeded. Attacks with true essence were the strongest methods of attack. If Hong Xi had used his full strength, then there was no doubt Lin Ming would die in less than three moves.

Lin Ming said, "I fall far short from Instructor. If Instructor Hong was serious, then being able to withstand one move would already be the edge of my limits."

"Hey! You boy, you want to rely on your Viscera Training stage strength to whole-heartedly compare with someone at the peak Pulse Condensation Period? That you can force a Pulse Condensation Period martial artist to take a step back is already very good. Are you dissatisfied with that or something?"

Listening to Hong Xi say it like that, Lin Ming also smiled. His cultivation was simply too low; he was three stages worse compared to the Pulse Condensation Period! Moreover, for the boundaries of a martial artist's cultivation, the higher one went, the harder it became, and the bigger the gulf between each realm!

Hong Xi said, "Tomorrow will be the day of your match against Zhu Yan. Today we will stop here. You go and take a good rest, and adjust to your peak condition. If you lose, I won't forgive you."

Lin Ming grinned and laughed as he said, "At first when I challenged Zhu Yan, I really wasn't sure of my chances. But after practicing with Instructor Hong for so many days, I think my odds are pretty high now."

"Ha! I'll take this as you having learnt something!"

Lin Ming's Large Success of Viscera Training stage against Zhu Yan's early Altering Muscle stage.

Although there was only a difference of half a stage, this was a fight between the apex of talents. A half-stage difference was already amazing, and that wasn't even counting Zhu Yan having spent more time at the Seven Profound Martial House for two and a half years more than Lin Ming. In this time, he had been able to use the seven major killing arrays for much longer!

Zhu Yan was truly a formidable and daunting opponent. In the entirety of the Seven Profound Martial House, one could say his talent was only inferior to the three people; Ling Sen, Ta Ku, and Zhang Guanyu!

Time passed quickly, and it was soon to approach one month. This was the 64th day since Lin Ming had arrived at the Seven Profound Martial House. Today was also the day of Lin Ming's and Zhu Yan's duel. The location of this duel was the Seven Profound Martial House's Martial Stage.

In the Seven Profound Martial House, there were placed that were off limits to outsiders. For instance, those that involved secrets, heritages, and legacies; these were places such as the depository, the seven major killing arrays, the Ten Thousand Killing Array, the Exquisite Pagoda, and so on. All of those areas were restricted, and outsiders were not allowed to enter. When the servants of the Tenth Prince and the Crown Prince had entered the mountain valley to observe the ranking war at the Ten Thousand Killing Array, it was only because the stage was distant and it was hard to see clearly.

Outside of these places, the other areas of the Seven Profound Martial House were not so strict. For instance, the lecture hall, Martial House square, and so forth. When Lin Ming had borrowed a Pass Card to enter the Zither Department to look up information on materials, this was also a place that was generally open to outsiders.

As long as one had a pass or were of aristocratic status, they could enter these places.

The Martial Stage was also one of these places.

The disciples of the Martial House occasionally held martial arts contest, and there were a few people that often came to the Martial Stage to observe from the sidelines.

But today, the Martial Stage was packed to the brim with people. These people were all extraordinary characters; there were the talents and geniuses of the Seven Profound Martial House, the heroes of Sky Fortune Kingdom's martial artists, the nobility and aristocrats of Sky Fortune City, various famous and respected families, and important political figures.

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Chapter 102 – The Focus of All Eyes

But today, the Martial Stage was packed to the brim with people. These people were all extraordinary characters; there were the talents and geniuses of the Seven Profound Martial House, the heroes of Sky Fortune Kingdom's martial artists, the nobility and aristocrats of Sky Fortune City, various famous and respected families, and important political figures.

Lin Ming was an inestimably rare talent that would appear only every 100 years at the Seven Profound Martial House. His rising star and bright halo was enough to attract the attention of most martial artists. Zhu Yan was also a first-class master of the Seven Profound Martial House; he had the possibility to be one of the top ten future talents of the Seven Profound Martial House. These two people's match symbolized a duel between the top geniuses of Sky Fortune City's younger generation.

If it was just this alone, it would not have attracted the nobility of Sky Fortune City and the political figures to gather here.

They did not belong in the circles of martial artists. No matter how strong Lin Ming or Zhu Yan were, this would be of no relation to any of them.

The reason this match would cause them to pay special attention was because there was political significance behind it!

The news of Lin Ming and Zhu Yan's match had spread out far and wide long ago.

Everyone was aware that the Tenth Prince's mother, the imperial concubine, came from Green Mulberry City's Zhu Family. This Zhu Yan also had a very high possibility of being the next head of the Zhu Family. Zhu Yan was without a doubt a person of the Tenth Prince.

But Lin Ming had rejected the Tenth Prince's advances when the Tenth Prince had tried to win him over a month ago, and instead was in favor of the Crown Prince. Moreover, according to reliable sources, Lin Ming and Zhu Yan had some sort of enmity between them, and Lin Ming and Mister Muyi were friends between generations. By virtue of these points alone, Lin Ming had an almost absolute possibility of being a person of the Crown Prince!

This match, while being a duel between Lin Ming and Zhu Yan, also symbolized the struggle between the Crown Prince and the Tenth Prince. These past few years, the hidden conflicts between the Crown Prince and the Tenth Prince had occurred often, but the Crown Prince had lost nearly every time! Although most of these battles had not genuinely wounded the Crown Prince's strength, they had without a doubt weakened the Crown Prince's momentum!

It was not a secret that the Tenth Prince wished to snatch the throne away. In this case, the Crown Prince had repeatedly suffered setbacks, and all of this perpetuated the notion that the Crown Prince was inferior to the Tenth Prince. Therefore, the people who supported the Crown Prince unavoidably panicked and were flustered, and less and less people supported the Crown Prince. Instead, the Tenth Prince's influence only grew by the day!

Many of the nobility and aristocracy came today not to see the contest between Lin Ming and Zhu Yan, but the contest between the Tenth Prince and the Crown Prince! The sooner these people supported the man they thought would be the dragon who would ascend the throne, the larger the advantage they could obtain in the upcoming throne battle!

Because of the appearance of these nobles, there were special protections at the Martial Stage, and bodyguards to protect these important guests.

Due to too many important people attending, the disciples of the Seven Profound Martial House were pushed far away. This made them angry, and criticize these nobles in their hearts.

Lin Ming had already arrived. He stood quietly on the empty Martial Stage, his body as straight as Penetrating Rainbow.

Faced with the eyes of everyone looking at him, and so many of them being important people, Lin Ming closed his eyes and meditated, his mind calm and tranquil like a still lake.

In a battle between two of similar strength, one's state of mind became very important. Even a slight change would affect the outcome of the battle.

The best condition for a martial artist's mind before a battle was to be tranquil and still like water, not having even a single distracting thought. Though saying this was easy, a battle usually involved great significance; how could a martial artist settle down and keep their heart still under this condition? In addition to the disturbance from so many other possible factors, there were very few martial artists who were able to achieve this calm and tranquil mental state.

However, Lin Ming had comprehended martial intent and had achieved this state. To him, this was as easy as turning his hand over.

It was half an hour from the agreed match time. At this moment, a sharp, high-pitched voice suddenly called out; this was the unique sound of the palace court eunuch. "The Crown Prince arrives!"

Everyone was shocked; even Lin Ming who had been standing on the Martial Stage opened his eyes. His Highness the Crown Prince had unexpectedly come!

Accompanied by the clear clip clip clip sounds of hoofbeats, several Snow Dragon Horses appeared and started to come into view. They were led by a young man wearing a purple gold crown and a silk imperial robe. He wore a pair of Kirin styled boots, and delicate eyebrows framed his fair face. He had a broad forehead, and a very handsome face. His movements were filled with an innate, distinguished atmosphere.

This man was His Highness, the Crown Prince.

At the Crown Prince's side was an old man wearing green clothes. His face had a warm and friendly smile, yet it gave off an immeasurably deep and unfathomable aura. This person was the Crown Prince's teacher, the outsider from the Marshal's Quarters, Mister Muyi!

"His Highness, the Crown Prince!"

"Mister Muyi!"

Seeing these two famous figures come together in unison caused everyone present to feel awe. They cleared a path for these to come forward.

Muyi looked at Lin Ming with a smile and a nod, and Lin Ming smiled in return. There was much goodwill and friendship between Muyi and Lin Ming.

But good things came in pairs. Similarly, after a half quarter hour, the Tenth Prince, the Cloud Prince, also arrived!

The Cloud Prince's appearance and the Crown Prince's appearance were somewhat similar. His appearance was only more resolute, his eyebrows were like swords that angled towards his temples, and above the center of his forehead was a vague purple cloud hidden under his skin. This was the legendary Purple Air Comes From the East, the King of Air!

At the Cloud Prince's side was also a slender young man in silk clothes. This young man was Zhu Yan.

As soon as the Tenth Prince saw Lin Ming, he smiled with a 'haha'. "Little Brother Lin, you've come very early. This is our first time meeting; it's nice to meet you!"

Though his voice was loud, there was no arrogance in it. Instead, it was very comfortable and pleasant to listen to.

Lin Ming silently thought, "This Tenth Prince is also a character. I refused him at first, but he doesn't seem to bear a grudge. On the surface he talks and laughs joyfully with me, as if nothing had ever happened before."

"There seems to be some sort of silly misunderstanding between Little Brother Lin and Zhu Yan. The warriors of my Sky Fortune Kingdom have always resolved their hatred in a martial way. I happen to think that both of you are fine heroes among men. No matter what sort of misunderstanding or unhappiness occurred between you two, as soon as this fight is over, how about we sit down for a chat and see if we can put an end to these hostilities, and turn swords into plowshares?"

'Turn swords into plowshares? I'm afraid Zhu Yan wants to eat my meat and flay me alive.'

Lin Ming understood that the Tenth Prince had said these words because he didn't want to be his enemy. He politely responded, "I did not expect Your Highness the Cloud Prince to watch this match. It is my utmost honor and greatest pleasure to see you here."

Lin Ming's words were neither arrogant nor servile. He directly responded to the Tenth Prince. The Tenth Prince only smiled, and no longer said anything.

At this moment, Zhu Yan dismounted and slowly stepped up onto the Martial Stage. As soon he saw Lin Ming, he confirmed that this boy had made a breakthrough in this month!

Large Success of the Third Stage of Body Transformation!

Zhu Yan felt the enormous pressure, but did not feel that anything was wrong. When Lin Ming had challenged him with a deadline of one month, Zhu Yan had expected Lin Ming to make astonishing progress during this time. He had probably comprehended some kind of martial intent.

Zhu Yan arrived on the other side of the Martial Stage, and stood distantly opposite of Lin Ming.

There was a quarter hour until the decisive battle!

Lan Yunyue was among those in the crowd. She was distantly looking at Lin Ming and Zhu Yan on stage. Her heart had overturned, and it was like all the good and bad emotions and feelings in her life had mixed together.

She was the one who was most unwilling to see this fight happen. Regardless of who was victorious or who was the defeated, each option would be a knife to her heart! Her eyes still reverberated with a phantom echo of those words Zhu Yan had said to her one month ago, "He wants me to… divorce you!"

She did not even dare to think what would happen if Zhu Yan were to lose, and how she would face life afterwards. She did not even have a chance to regret…

Although Lin Ming and Zhu Yan had already arrived, the battle had not started. Zhu Yan closed his eyes and meditated, adjusting to his own peak condition.

To him, Lin Ming was a formidable and daunting opponent. He had to adjust his pre-battle condition to its maximum, and display 120% of his strength!

Only half a year ago, Lin Ming had been an irrelevant loser, unworthy of even mentioning. Even if Lin Ming had defeated that child of General Wang, Wang Yigao, it was nothing to Zhu Yan.

In Zhu Yan's eyes, Wang Yigao was a good-for-nothing playboy that was not fit to be called a martial artist.

Zhu Yan had not thought that there would be a day where he and Lin Ming would be standing against each other, and fighting on the Martial Stage in front of so many important people. Even the Crown Prince and the Cloud Prince had come to watch this fateful battle.

And beyond that, Lin Ming's strength had also grown to the point of threatening him!

To prepare for this battle today, he had tortured himself for a month, and had even caused the foundation of his cultivation to be a bit unstable by enhancing his strength as much as possible with precious pills!

In the face of this battle, he too wished for a calm heart to face critical situations, to adjust his condition in this quarter hour before facing this great enemy!

This was a battle he could not afford to lose!

The victory and defeat of this battle not only concerned Zhu Yan's future, but it concerned his dignity as a martial artist, and more so, his dignity as a man!

As the sundial shadow began to gradually move, it finally became noon. Lin Ming's eyes suddenly flashed open.

"It's time!"

Zheng–!

With a loud ringing sound, Lin Ming flourished his spear, Penetrating Rainbow. It was just like a dark purple flood dragon that shivered as it fell into Lin Ming's hand! At this moment, Lin Ming had not fought, but his indomitable aura had already been released and it billowed outwards. Everyone present, even if their cultivation was higher than Lin Ming's, felt an invisible pressure pushing down on them!

"This aura… is this really something that a martial artist at the Third Stage of Body Transformation can release!?"

"This Lin Ming is too strong, his imposing manner and aura are enough to make one feel breathless!"

Even the disciples of the Seven Profound Martial House were fearfully startled. This Lin Ming's power was rising too fast! They hadn't seen him in a month, and his strength had already risen to another level!

Zhu Yan took a deep breath and slowly drew out his treasure sword. This sword in his hand was a low-grade human-step treasure, one of the best among its kind. Its name was Scarlet Flare, and it had already accompanied him for many years. He had long ago been able to communicate with his sword.

Facing Lin Ming, it was impossible to count on his opponent being weak. He could only ask that his own strength was stronger!

Fu–!

With a light sound, Zhu Yan's sword lit with flames visible to the naked eye! Substantializing true essence and giving it tangible form! This was a stage that only those a step away from reaching the Pulse Condensation Period could achieve. Generally only those who were at the Large Success of Bone Forging were able to reach this realm, but Zhu Yan, who was only at the early Altering Muscle stage, had already achieved this!

Lin Ming and Zhu Yan had not fought, but with just a few random movements, they had already displayed their frightening strength as the pinnacles among talents. This was a fierce struggle between two evenly matched opponents!

The entire Martial Stage audience was silent; even the sound of a pin dropping could be heard. The audience was silent with bated breath, and they steadily looking, with unblinking eyes, at the stage that held two solitary figures, for fear of missing even a single thing.

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Chapter 103 – Gather Momentum

Layer upon layer of crimson air emanated from Zhu Yan's sword. The meaning of Zhu Yan's name was vermillion flame, and his true essence also shared this fiery property. Therefore Zhu Yan's sword skills were often associated with fire! By virtue of the characteristics of his true essence, if he used martial skills of the fire attribute, then their power would also increase!

As the crimson air waves surged from Zhu Yan's blade, the chilly autumn air that had enveloped the Martial Stage began to turn into a scorching wind. Zhu Yan made his move!

Fiery true essence flooded into the Scarlet Flame sword. Zhu Yan's sword light wove a big net in the air, as if it were a burning cloud of fire that blotted out the sky.

"Martial Skill – Limitless Sunset Shine!"

Waves of billowing heat flowed outwards and a sizzling, feverish swelter enveloped the entire Martial Stage as the temperature shot up. The disciples who were standing nearby were forced backwards. The important figures were protected by their guards, who had set up barriers of true essence to protect them.

This Zhu Yan, as soon as he started, had used a martial skill. He was using everything he had to win!

Surrounded by the burning hot clouds that dyed the sky red, the innumerable tiny units in Lin Ming's body began to resonate together. True essence began to spontaneously vibrate within his body. This was the thick true essence that Lin Ming had obtained from reaching the second-level of the 'True Primal Chaos Formula'!

As his thick true essence vibrated, the 820 jin spear, Penetrating Rainbow, also began to tremble, carrying with it a terrifying lethality!

This vibration became increasingly strong, and it began to fuse with Lin Ming's aura and turned into howling gales of strong heavenly wind that scattered in all directions!

As this crimson cloud front came towards him, Lin Ming stood motionless. Suddenly, he moved his right hand and thrusted out!

Peng!

There was a deafening sound of an explosion. The momentum of the spear was like an avalanche, and the limitless crimson flames were swept upwards by an indefatigable wind and became a flame tornado. At the center of this fire, among the circling embers, was a whirlpool of flames that concentrated at the tip of the spear. This current was suddenly thrown at Zhu Yan!

"Pah!" The swirling eddy was like a rotating cone that pierced Zhu Yan's body!

Before those watching had a chance to call out in alarm, Zhu Yan, who had been pierced by this cone of flame wind, had distorted into a shade that gradually disappeared.

"Afterimage?"

"It's 'God's Shadow Step'! This Zhu Yan, he actually managed to cultivate such a profound movement technique!

Zhu Yan had not publicly fought for over six months. The disciples of the Seven Profound Martial House only knew of his strength through his ranking on the Ranking Stone. But they were not able to look into the Ten Thousand Killing Array, and thus they could not see how Zhu Yan fought, or know what sort of skills and abilities he could use.

Zhu Yan was like a phantasmal ghost that faded into the wind. He instantly appeared at Lin Ming's side!

No, it was more accurate to say that it wasn't Zhu Yan that had appeared first, but his sword!

In that flash, his sword struck out 24 times!

Cha cha cha cha…

Sword light covered the sky in a tight and deadly net. Zhu Yan's skillful swordsmanship had already arrived at the point of perfection!

When he was just 14 years old, Zhu Yan had already been infamous for his swordsmanship in Green Mulberry City. He had later joined the army for one year, and then tortured himself practicing for two and a half years at the Seven Profound Martial House. In this three year period, he had even comprehended his own understandings of the sword. His sword was to the point where it seemed to melt into the emptiness. One could not see his sword; only the sword light!

Not even Zhu Yan could clearly see the path of his sword; how could it be blocked?

Even the top 40 disciples of the Seven Profound Martial House rankings and the Bone Forging stage masters who came to protect the important personages, felt a chill crawl up their spines as they watched this sword light. If it were them exchanging blows, then in the midst of such otherworldly sword light, even they would have been defeated! Lin Ming's movement technique was only the 'Foundation Movement Technique'. How could he dodge?

All of these thoughts occurred in an instant. Between the flashes of sword light, they all thought that it was too late. But at this moment, Lin Ming lifted his spear.

Penetrating Rainbow rushed out like a brilliant black dragon. In that strike, true essence vibrated like a sea of churning water, and scattered in all directions towards these sword lights.

Ding ding ding ding ding ding ding!

In a split second, it was unknown how many times Penetrating Rainbow hit Zhu Yan's sword. In that moment, Zhu Yan felt as if his sword was cutting at a mountain. Lin Ming's spear carried with it a vibrating true essence as if it were an angry earthquake occurring on a mountain, and forcefully scattered all of the sword lights.

Zhu Yan simply could not shake off Lin Ming's spear. If he did not withdraw his sword, he felt that he could possibly stab Lin Ming. But he had a feeling that if he was just a tiny bit slow, then his body would be torn apart by this intense vibration!

This strange vibration was putting an enormous pressure upon Zhu Yan's sword, as if it were a fish that was drowning in a quagmire.

Seeing even his body being affected by this vibration, Zhu Yan forcefully gathered his true essence and retreated.

Dong dong dong dong! Zhu Yan staggered and fell to ground. It was difficult to even take a few steps back. His movements had lost all of their previous light and lively elegance.

"Mm? What happened to Zhu Yan?"

"What just happened? Zhu Yan had put out so many sword strikes, how was he driven back by Lin Ming's spear?"

"How did he not stab him? His sword moves are fast enough that they have no shadow; it should be much faster than Lin Ming's spear!"

Of everyone present, almost no one was able to understand the mysteries contained in Lin Ming's spear. In their opinion, with Zhu Yan's superior movement and sword speed, he should have easily avoided Lin Ming's spear and pierced Lin Ming with his sword. However, what happened was that Zhu Yan had been placed into an exceedingly perilous situation by Lin Ming's spear. Lin Ming was like a calm, unyielding mountain that towered on the stage; he had not even taken one step!

Even those guards at the Bone Forging stage were unable to understand what had just happened.

Hearing all of these people's discussions, Hong Xi smiled with a 'hehe'. In his heart he secretly thought, "Lin Ming, this kid is really a monster. He managed to integrate the 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist' into his spear. If one hasn't tasted this scary spear before, they cannot understand just how terrifying that feeling is. At the start, this father also ate many invisible losses due to that move. Now this boy is also going to give Zhu Yan a taste of what it's like."

Zhu Yan managed to stop the rolling blood in his heart with great difficulty, and he was secretly cold sweating. In that moment, he had felt his heartbeat's rhythm change. It was as if the entire blood flow in his body had been blocked by a countercurrent. Just what was going on here?

He looked at Lin Ming. Lin Ming was standing straight, gripping Penetrating Rainbow in his hand and pointing it at him.

In this pose and figure, the eyes that he was looking at Zhu Yan with seemed deep and unfathomable. A feeling gripped Zhu Yan so that he couldn't move for a moment.

"Mm? Fear?" Zhu Yan startled. There had actually been a subconscious feeling of fear that had emerged from his heart! Fear was the death knell of a martial artist's heart of martial arts. The Dream Trial's first hurdle was to test courage to overcome their fear!

And this fearful feeling had come from Lin Ming!

"This boy!"

Zhu Yan's heart surged with an inexplicable anger. He was unable to accept this! He could not accept that his arrogant and vaunted pride had been trampled upon by this little child that he had regarded as nothing but an ant!

Zhu Yan's eyes flashed with a cold light. His anger made him cut apart this feeling of fear. His figure rushed out, and a series of afterimages followed him.

As Zhu Yan sprinted forward, a three foot crimson flame erupted around his sword. This flame image was created by Zhu Yan pouring a massive amount of true essence into his sword.

Since his speed wasn't enough, then Zhu Yan would win through strength!

Zhu Yan shouted, and he jumped upwards. He gripped his sword with both hands, and slashed down!

"'Falling Star Slash!'"

"That's the medium-grade human-step 'Falling Star Slash'! It is a martial skill stronger than the 'Limitless Sunset Shine'!

By the time the crowd had exclaimed a few words, Zhu Yan's sword had already absorbed all of the surrounding fire essence. The majesty of this sword was like a fiery, burning meteor from the heavens that smashed downwards!

Lin Ming's lips curved. Strength against strength? That was his favorite!

Lin Ming wielded his spear. Penetrating Rainbow scattered sparks into the air as it drew a circular arc on the ground, and a full moon pattern appeared on the hard surface of the Martial Stage.

Lin Ming aimed at Zhu Yan's sword point, and thrusted forwards!

To stab a master's sword point in the middle of a fight where both parties were using lightning quick moves was easier said than done. However, for many years Lin Ming had been practicing his accuracy as he deboned, and in that one month of crazy spear practice, Lin Ming had acquired a solid foundation of his skills. He could wield his spear like it was his arm. Even if it were a concealed needle or other hidden weapon, Lin Ming could use find it with his spear point!

Ding!

Lin Ming thrusted his spear at Zhu Yan's sword point!

This three foot Scarlet Flare sword, how could it compare to the 820 jin Penetrating Rainbow spear?

A screeching, teeth-aching sound of metal bending filled the air as the Scarlet Flame sword and Penetrating Rainbow spear met each other. Because of the huge pressure from both of them colliding, they even bent like a full moon!

As this happened, Lin Ming vibrated his true essence to counter Zhu Yan's 'Falling Star Slash'. The intense vibrations caused Zhu Yan's blood flow to well up once more!

Peng! The Scarlet Flare sword rebounded, and Zhu Yan was sent flying backwards!

But 'Falling Star Slash' was a medium-grade human-step martial skill after all; Lin Ming was forced back three steps by Zhu Yan's heat wave and momentum!

"This is the first time Lin Ming was forced back!"

"Not just a retreat, but from the time he came on stage to now, this was the first time he's made a footstep!"

Everyone had naturally noticed this detail. Before now, Lin Ming had not moved a single step.

"Words just aren't enough to describe this. Lin Ming's indomitable aura is steadfast like a mountain. To make him move just proves how much pressure there was in Zhu Yan's momentum." The old disciples present said. They were not willing to see Zhu Yan lose. To a famed old disciple losing to a rising new student; they felt as if they were in the same boat.

"Big Brother, do you think this match between Lin Ming and Zhu Yan looks somewhat similar to the one he had with Zhang Cang? Zhu Yan wasn't stabbed or pierced, but he is still under a tremendous influence." Ta Ku said to Ling Sen as they watched the match. They were standing at a corner of the Martial Stage.

"Mm. Lin Ming's spear thrust has a mystery inside. Before, I read some ancient texts and they have recorded that martial artists who had reached the Large Success of spear skills are able to comprehend rules of the world, and understand certain laws. They can place these laws into their spear, and form 'spear potentials'. Swords and sabers also have similar concepts. This kind of master does not need any weapon when facing the enemy. As long as they depend upon these 'potentials', they can completely kill their enemies! Lin Ming's spear skill reminds me of these records."

"Big Brother, the more you talk, the iffier you sound. Lin Ming is how old? How could he possibly comprehend this 'spear potential'?"

"Of course he can't, otherwise he simply wouldn't need a spear to deal with Zhu Yan. All he would need is a thought to kill his enemy. Lin Ming's spear hasn't even bumped Zhu Yan, but Zhu Yan has still been affected. This point really looks like spear potential!"

As Ling Sen and Ta Ku were talking, Zhu Yan was once again fighting Lin Ming. Zhu Yan no longer used martial skill; he didn't even use his magnificent and beautiful sword lights. All he used were simple, straightforward sword moves. However, even like this, he felt as if his sword was being pressed down by an invisible strength, and every stroke he made was restrained.

In contrast, Lin Ming's moves were becoming increasingly fierce!

He was gathering his momentum!

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Chapter 104 – Amazing Spear

This was the greatest harvest from the days that Lin Ming and Hong Xi sparred against each other. This was to use move after move, and gather one's momentum, and after accumulating all of the residual momentum, to have that last strike erupt out and sweep all away!

Lin Ming's spear seemed much slower than Zhu Yan. When Zhu Yan made three moves, Lin Ming only made one. But what was incredible was that Lin Ming's one spear was able to block all three of Zhu Yan's sword moves!

This made one have very contradictory feelings. Those martial artists whose cultivations were too shallow could not understand the complex mysteries and profound principles in these two young men's fight. They would only feel like Zhu Yan was making useless moves, and in every three moves he made, there might not even be one that was useful.

On the reserved seating area, a noble man over 30 years old was watching Zhu Yan and Lin Ming's fight, and shaking his head. "This Zhu Yan is just too mediocre. His sword moves are just too gaudy. All he has is looks without substance; it's not very practical. These kinds of sword moves look nice, but have too many flaws to connect. Ah Wei, what do you think?"

This noble himself was only a second-grade martial arts talent. He was over thirty years old, and was at the early Third Stage of Body Transformation. He had some small insights into martial artist, so he asked his guard this question.

"My Lord, Zhu Yan's sword has indeed lost its light and sublime feeling. This subordinate does find it strange. The sword light that Zhu Yan had displayed before was truly swift and fierce. Even if it were this subordinate facing that sword light, I would not have full confidence to grasp it."

This guard was also over 30 years old, and he was at the early Fifth Stage of Body Transformation. However when he saw Zhu Yan display his sword skills before, he could not help but acknowledge his skill. If he were against Zhu Yan, his assurance of winning would only be 30 or 40%.

"You cannot defend against that sword light?" The noble smiled, but thought otherwise in his heart. "Ah Wei, you think too little of yourself. These years in the Seven Profound Martial House, besides Ling Sen, Ta Ku, and a few others, the people there have been getting worse and worse with each generation. In the past, the martial arts of the Seven Profound Martial House were able to fight those a stage above them as if they were having a simple meal. But you just look at this Zhu Yan. If I remember correctly, he is in the top 30 rankings of the Ranking Stone, and the sword in his hand…" The noble was prepared to elaborate on a few more of these martial arts 'insights', when the smile on his face suddenly froze.

On the stage, Lin Ming and Zhu Yan's fight had already reached the edge of the platform. As Lin Ming thrusted out his spear, Zhu Yan moved sideways to avoid. Because Lin Ming's spear hit nothing, it continued thrusting until it hit a thick column at the edge of the stage.

He withdrew his spear, but at the same time, an incredible scene took place!

After being struck by Lin Ming's spear, that thick stone column broke apart with an explosion from top to bottom!

Along with the crashing sounds, numerous stone fragments rolled down like peas, and finally turned to a small pile of rubble. This stone column was completely destroyed!

It was as if that stone column was held together by tofu!

"This… what is going on here?" The noble's eyes were looking straight out. He had clearly seen a moment ago that Lin Ming's thrust had not hit, and he had only withdrawn his spear.

But before he had withdrawn his spear, that spear had lightly scratched a spot on the surface, and that had actually caused the 20 feet high stone column to explode into a pile of crushed rocks. And the biggest crushed rock was only the size of a fist!

It was not only this noble, but everyone present, including Ling Sen, Ta Ku, Muyi, and other masters were all equally shocked. Some people even subconsciously rubbed their eyes, thinking that they had seen an illusion.

Was that really caused by a spear?

To crush a stone column was actually very easy. Many of the masters and experts present had this strength, but to have a spear do it to a stone column and have the biggest rubble piece only be the size of a fist, none of those present were able to achieve this!

Even Muyi could not. Although he could send out countless sword lights in a flash and cut the stone column apart, resulting in almost identical effects, his sword actually could not create such an effect with just a touch.

Even the normally stable Crown Prince had lost his composure as he saw these scene. "Teacher, this is… what kind of spear skill?"

The Crown Prince had a certain understanding of martial arts, but he had never seen a martial skill like this before.

Muyi shook his head. "Your Highness, I am not sure."

As the last piece of crushed stone stopped rolling, the entire audience was silent at the Martial Stage. They were shocked and shaken by this scene.

But the various masters of the Seven Profound Martial House, like Ling Sen, Ta Ku, and several other old deacons, saw this pile of rubble and had a faint, blossoming suspicion in their hearts. Although it was reasonable, they did not even dare to believe this suspicion!

This skill, could it be…

Zhu Yan looked at this pile of rubble closely. His right hand gripped his sword tightly, and because of excessive force, his knuckles began to turn white!

"'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist!' You've cultivated the 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist'!"

Zhu Yan had specially gone to the depository before to look at the martial skills that Lin Ming had chosen. Now, he finally understood the reason why Lin Ming was able to contain him. This was because he had managed to cultivate the 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist'!!!

That he could keep hold of Zhang Cang's saber with his empty palm, and use only that fist wind to push back Zhang Cang, was because he had relied on this 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist'!

Zhu Yan also suddenly understood that it was the true essence vibration that was described on the jade slip of the 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist'. This was what had caused his insides to lose their normal rhythm, and cause all of his body's blood to want to flow in reverse!

How could this Lin Ming possibly have managed to learn the 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist'?

"'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist'?"

Those present were stunned. For most of them, this 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist' was just an unknown cultivation method. And listening to such a vulgar name, it couldn't be any sort of amazing or powerful martial skill.

However, to the disciples of the Seven Profound Martial House, the name of 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist' struck their hearts like a savage earthquake!

Before Lin Ming had become famous, most people had never heard of this incomplete martial skill. However, after he had defeated Zhang Cang and become the 62nd ranking disciple of the Ten Thousand Killing Array, the cultivation methods and martial skills he had chosen also became famous!

The pair 'Foundation Spear Technique' and 'Foundation Movement Technique' cultivation methods that normally no one would as for had suddenly become two of the most wanted manuals overnight. But the 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist' had been left behind. It was inevitable that people would see what was wrong with this cultivation method.

Low-grade Earth-step cultivation method. Loss rate, 70%!

Seeing these two points, even the fanatical fans of Lin Ming mania would not be so stupid or empty headed to choose this manual.

The 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist' was only deemed as a low-grade Earth-step manual because it was lacking the most important beginning section, so its rank was unable to be judged by the elder who was responsible for ranking these cultivation methods. Nobody actually knew its true ranking.

It had to be known that the higher a cultivation method was, the more difficult it was to practice! If the 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist' was complete, it would be far more difficult to cultivate than Zhu Yan's 'Falling Star Slash' and 'Limitless Sunset Shine'! Without the heaven defying perception of a monstrous genius, it would be a ridiculous dream for anyone in the Body Transformation Stage to want to practice an Earth-step martial skill!

Much less, this martial skill was incomplete!

Not only was it incomplete, but the beginning of it was incomplete! For most martial skills, if the later sections were missing, the beginning portions could still be practiced.

But if the beginning was incomplete, then a martial skill would have no value at all. Otherwise, how would the Seven Profound Valleys possibly place an Earth-step cultivation method like the 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist' in the Seven Profound Martial House's outer pavilion? That place was simply a garbage disposal for their unwanted jade slips!

The people who saw Lin Ming choose the 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist' had disagreed with him. Even if it was a crazy fan of Lin Ming's, they had not thought he would perceive anything from meditating on this cultivation method.

But Lin Ming, even in this situation, had relied on this cultivation at the Third Stage of Body Transformation to learn this 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist', that not even the hidden and mysterious Xiantian experts of the Seven Profound Valleys were able to understand!

Was this really a human?

Throughout the entire history of the Sky Fortune Kingdom, or even the entire history of the Sky Spill Continent, this Lin Ming had the most terrifying perception to ever exist!

This fellow, he was simply the reincarnation of a heavenly god or devilish demon!

No wonder Lin Ming had made such astonishing progress in just a few short months. With this kind of godlike perception, any talent was simply floating clouds, just nothing but trash!

The Tenth Prince had already been made aware of what sort of manual this 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist' was; he did not need his subordinates to explain it to him. The Tenth Prince had enough achievements in the martial arts aspects to know what it meant to be able to cultivate such a skill.

He looked towards Lin Ming's form on the stage, and his face began to darken, becoming increasingly somber and terrible.

He had not thought that he had underestimated Lin Ming! This young man was actually terrifying to such a degree!

The Tenth Prince's heart had a faint premonition. If he truly became enemies with Lin Ming, and was unable to annihilate him before he grew, then Lin Ming would become the biggest barrier on his road to snatching the throne!

As the fight had progressed to this stage, victory or defeat had already become secondary. It was possible that even if Lin Ming lost to Zhu Yan in this battle, his reputation would even be more resounding!

It would spread throughout the entire capital!

Facing Lin Ming who was like a reincarnation of some divine being, even though Zhu Yan's heart of martial arts was strong, he had completely lost the courage to fight. Zhu Yan knew that even if he defeated Lin Ming today, in just a few months, it would be reversed and he would be defeated!

He had annoyed an enemy which he absolutely should not have stirred up!

"Kill him!!!!"

Zhu Yan's heart suddenly gave birth to this idea!

Before Lin Ming grew, he had to kill him. This was the only solution!

However, to assassinate someone in the Seven Profound Martial House was too tough and too difficult. Moreover, once they were discovered, regardless of whom it was, the Seven Profound Martial House would take their life as recompense!

On the contrary, if he killed someone during a battle, even though it was serious and flagrant violation of the Seven Profound Martial Houses regulations, it was not a crime worthy of death. After all, in matches where both parties' strengths were similar, there were occasions that could cause death.

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Chapter 105 – Torrential River Rope!

"Even though I will be punished, it is far better than being surpassed by Lin Ming in the future!"

"Moreover, a dead genius is no longer a genius. The Seven Profound Martial House will not kill me over someone who is dead. With the Tenth Prince secretly helping me, the worst that will happen is I will be dismissed from the Martial House and banished or exiled to the frontier."

But to Zhu Yan, being banished didn't mean anything anymore. As for being dismissed from the Martial House, although it was a pity, it was absolutely worth it as long as he could kill Lin Ming!

This was the only chance he had to assassinate Lin Ming!

But, did he really have the ability to kill Lin Ming?

In his heart, Zhu Yan lacked confidence.

"I still have my strongest martial skill. But, this martial skill has an enormous toll on the body. I can usually only display 60% of its full might, but if I recklessly stimulate myself to force out 100% of its abilities, I might damage my meridians. If I damage these meridians, it will be difficult to connect and open them, and become a great barrier when I want to break through to the Pulse Condensation Period. But since it's come to this point, I have no other choices left.

Zhu Yan's face flashed with ferociousness as he triggered all of the true essence in his body to the limit. The Scarlet Flare sword in his hand began to issue out a shrill, keening sound.

"Zhu Yan's going to go all out!"

"What a terrifying true essence force! I'm afraid even a martial artist at the Bone Forging stage does not have such terrifying true essence!"

After everyone realized that Lin Ming had perceived the secrets of the 'Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist' through meditation, no one doubted Zhu Yan's strength again. That Zhu Yan could exchange blows for such a long time with a monstrous genius like Lin Ming was testament to his extraordinary skill.

Lin Ming faintly smiled as he felt a heavy murderous intent emanating from Zhu Yan. 'You want to go all out? Then I'll follow you!'

From the very start of the fight until now, Lin Ming had been gathering his potential!

Even though he had been using his full strength with every strike, he had been saving his momentum!

To constantly use moves and save momentum; this was the key to gathering one's potential in a fight!

Now all of Lin Ming's potential was poured into the Penetrating Rainbow spear, waiting for this last, final strike!

"This fight today, is the most important fight in my life so far. And Zhu Yan, he is also the most important opponent in my life so far. In the Seven Profound Martial House's entrance examination's Dream Trial, he was the cause for the flaw in my heart. Today, I and Zhu Yan will put forth our strongest moves, and I will defeat him to complete my perfect heart of martial arts!"

As Lin Ming walked forward step by heavy step, the hard floor tiles underneath him cracked and exploded into flying shards. Lin Ming's right arm was flat and smooth, and lay upon Penetrating Rainbow. This was the most basic spear stance, 'Iron Bridge Blocks the River'.

Yet in Lin Ming's hands, even such a simple stance gave off a boundless feeling of vigor. The dark purple Penetrating Rainbow was calm as if it were a cast iron statue. It was like a rope that stretched across a torrential river. No matter how the river flowed and surged, it was unable to shake that rope a single inch.

Unmovable no matter the force, 'Iron Bridge Blocks the River'!

"It's the 'Foundation Spear Technique' stance, 'Iron Bridge Blocks the River'!

"Heavens! I finally get to see Senior Apprentice Brother Lin Ming's 'Iron Bridge Blocks the River' in action again!" A little girl half a year younger than Lin Ming clenched her fists in excitement. Her face was ruddy with joy. She had just entered the Human Hall.

To many of the lower disciples in the Human Hall, Lin Ming and his 'Iron Bridge Blocks the River' stance were a legend!

Many of the lower disciples from the Human Hall came from a humble birth and background, and their worth was meager. In the Seven Profound Martial House, because they were the most basic and lowest of disciples, they did not have any nice cultivation methods to choose from. Although they had the glory and honor of being a disciple of the Seven Profound Martial House, they did not entertain high hopes for the future.

However, Lin Ming, who had also came from a humble birth, had used the 'Foundation Spear Technique' to defeat Zhang Cang, a master of the Earth Hall! And he had used the 'Iron Bridge Blocks the River' stance!

This was a miracle!

In Lin Ming's hands, the simple, minimalist 'Iron Bridge Blocks the River' stance had become tranquil and immutable like a mountain! Any magnificent or exquisite martial skill was broken by a single spear!

A lone strength to shatter 10,000 styles!

The only person in all of the Seven Profound Martial House who could use the 'Foundation Spear Technique' to resist Zhu Yan's finishing blow was Lin Ming!

Facing Lin Ming's 'Iron Bridge Blocks the River', Zhu Yan's complexion became filled with unprecedented dignity.

This was the most important match in his entire life. Even if Lin Ming used the 'Foundation Spear Technique', he would not look down on a single fine hair of his. Against such a monstrous genius of perception, any cultivation method in his hands could be turned into a divine miracle!

"Hah!" Zhu Yan shouted. The silk clothes that covered his upper body began to burn up in flames from the searing air waves that were condensed by his true essence. The charred fragments of his clothes fluttered down to the floor.

Zhu Yan ripped off his robe like a slip of paper and tore it to shreds. He revealed a toned, muscular upper body, but because of the high amount of true essence that converged on him, his skin was red like a fiery demon.

The Scarlet Flame sword in his hands combusted into a brilliant, shimmering flame. Zhu Yan could not yet feel the fiery true essence damaging his meridians, but the pain was like countless flame needles that gripped him. However, this pain had actually filled Zhu Yan with a bloodthirsty excitement.

"Die!"

Zhu Yan's still body suddenly soared upwards into the sky. Whistling flames in the air formed together into phantasmal illusions. Zhu Yan gripped his sword with both hands and lifted it high above his head. His spine curved like a drawn bow. Fire true essence began to gather all around Zhu Yan. It condensed together and turned into a blood-red lotus that began to quietly bloom in the air…

"Red Lotus Purgatory!"

The entire space seemed to flash black for a moment. This strange red lotus swallowed that dark light, and it was as if it contained not just true essence, but had also gathered the blazing sun!

Facing Zhu Yan's killing move, at that moment, Lin Ming's mind was calm like water. His ears had lost all outside noise, whether it was the sound of burning flames, or the cheers and shouts of the audience.

In his vision, he only saw Zhu Yan. In his heart, there was only the Penetrating Rainbow!

All of his momentum had gathered into Penetrating Rainbow. The strong true essence violently vibrated. Lin Ming thrusted out his spear, and it was like throwing down a mountain!

Bang!

Lin Ming's spear and Zhu Yan's 'Red Lotus Purgatory' frantically collided. There was a loud, deafening detonation like a rumbling thunderbolt. That intense collision of true essence sparked a fierce shockwave, along with a 'ka ka ka' sound as the Martial Stage was destroyed. Large broken pieces of tiles flew off everywhere in the air.

Peng!

A silhouette wrapped in crimson flames flew outwards and loudly hit a column on the Martial Stage. Along with a breaking sound, the stone column was smashed apart from the center!

This silhouette was Zhu Yan. At this moment his entire body was bathed in blood. He was unconscious on the ground, life or death unknown.

And Lin Ming was not feeling good. He was injured in the impact of that terrifying strike, and he had flown backwards several dozen feet before using Penetrating Rainbow to steady himself in the air and fall on the ground with the support of the spear shaft.

His blood began to roil, and he almost spat out blood, but by revolving the 'True Primal Chaos Formula', he was just able to press it down.

"What a ferocious move. If I had not learned to gather my momentum and set all of it aside for a final blow, then just that move a moment ago would have defeated me, the best case was both of us being wounded! The aftermath of the impact broke through my protection of vibrating true essence and only almost made me cough blood. This was thanks to my true essence from the Large Success in Viscera Training, otherwise that strike would have injured my internal organs and caused me to be severely wounded."

"Zhu Yan's last move had gone all out and overdrawn his strength. His injuries this time will not be light."

Zi zi zi…

As the fragments of flames still burned, the entire audience was dead silent.

This was the pinnacle of battle! Even two peak Bone Forging martial artists could not be so intense!

Zhu Yan was already a top-tier talent, but Lin Ming had actually jumped up half a realm to defeat him!

"Did Zhu Yan die?"

"That last move of of Zhu Yan's was an absolutely desperate one with his life on the line. 'Red Lotus Purgatory' is not a martial skill Zhu Yan can use. He has overdrawn his true essence."

"Overdrawing true essence will harm one's cultivation. For Zhu Yan to do that in order to win this match, his obsession runs too deep. But even so, Zhu Yan was defeated. This Lin Ming is truly terrifying!"

There were many masters and experts present; they had naturally seen how the final fight had played out.

Even several elders of the Martial House were present. They had seen the murderous killing intent contained in Zhu Yan's final move.

"I find it strange. Even though Lin Ming's perception is good, his martial talent is bad. It should be impossible for him to progress so quickly, and yet in these last two months his cultivation has leapt up an entire realm. How was this possible?"

"This… seems to be because Lin Ming has comprehended some kind of martial intent."

"Martial intent? What's that?"

"Well… I have only heard about it. I don't know the specifics, but it should be powerful."

Two of the low-level Human Hall disciples were having a casual conversation; however their conversation had been overheard by one of the top 50 disciples of the Ranking Stone. His eyes immediately widened, "What did you just say? Martial… martial intent? Lin Ming had comprehended a martial intent?"

"Uh, yes." That low-order disciple said with a look of bewilderment.

"Who told you that!?"

That Heavenly Abode disciple was suddenly all excited; this made the low-order disciple feel a bit of fear. Facing a top 50 ranking disciple of the Heavenly Abode, it was impossible for them not to feel pressured.

"This… this matter was said by the deacon of the Icy Pond Waterfall, Senior Apprentice Brother Xie Dong…"

"Xie Dong…" The Heavenly Abode disciple gulped. Although Xie Dong had not reached the Pulse Condensation Period, he was a deacon who had worked at the Seven Profound Martial House for many years. His experience was vast, and it was impossible for him to be so wrong.

This Lin Ming, had actually managed to comprehend a martial intent!

The perception of a monstrous genius, a pure and strong heart of martial arts that was a cut above everyone else, and he also had a martial intent!

It was just too terrifying!

At this time, the medical personnel of the Seven Profound Martial House hurried onstage to apply medicine to Zhu Yan. But Lin Ming had already stepped down from the Martial Stage. His true essence had already been depleted from the fight, and at present his combat strength had fallen by several levels. He might not even be able to hold off a normal Third Stage of Body Transformation martial artist.

But still, there was a hidden aura on Lin Ming's body that emanated. Along with his formidable strength and monstrous perception he had just displayed, this made those people looking at him feel bursts of pressure.

This was the dread that came from seeing a powerhouse.

When Lin Ming stepped down, several of those nearby pulled back. Even the martial artists that had been famous for a long time stepped made way with respect. And those low-order disciples who had idolized him, only worshipped him Lin Ming with more fanaticism.

"Mister Lin Ming! Congratulations!" Crown Prince Yang Lin stood up from afar and warmly greeted him. Among his words was just the right amount of veneration. This was the respect he demonstrated to a powerhouse, and had disregarded his status.

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Chapter 106 – Rise to Fame!

"Crown Prince, Your Highness. Mister Muyi." Lin Ming greeted with a smile.

"Haha, Little Brother Lin. Your growth is more and more astonishing!" Muyi's heart filled with many emotions. He had thought that he already overestimated Lin Ming, but now he discovered that Lin Ming kept exceeding his expectations time and time again to create miracles.

"Mister Lin Ming. If you do not mind, how about coming to my palace. I will host a banquet for you as a welcoming reception." Yang Lin said with warm enthusiasm.

Lin Ming let loose a light breath and said, "I'm sorry Your Highness, but in the fight just now I exhausted myself too much and must take some time to restore myself. I also attained some faint insights in this battle and would like to go back to digest them. I must decline the Crown Prince's kindness with thanks. In a few days, I will certainly pay a personal visit."

"Mm. That is also good. When Mister Lin Ming decides to pay a visit, send a sound transmitting talisman to inform me and I shall wait patiently for you."

Tenth Prince Yang Zhen watched the Crown Prince and Lin Ming speaking to each other from a distance, and his face began to darken.

At this point, Yang Zhen received a message via true essence. "Your Highness, Lin Ming has accepted the Crown Prince's invitation."

"Mm."

"Your Highness, Zhu Yan's wounds are too severe. We must take out the Millennium Stone Milk otherwise Zhu Yan's internal injuries will leave behind scars that will affect his future cultivation." Said one of the medical personnel that had treated Zhu Yan. His last move had overdrawn his true essence, created damages within his body and destroyed parts of the meridians that hadn't developed yet. In addition, he was struck by Lin Ming and sent flying. The degree to which he was injured could be imagined. The medical personnel of the Seven Profound Martial House naturally used high quality medicines, but these medicines could not actually be regarded as the best.

The Tenth Prince shook his head and said, "Don't use it."

Early on he had expected that this fight would be exceptionally intense. This was because Zhu Yan And Lin Ming had a grudge between them, and this fight would have no pulled punches; it would be normal for one of them to have severe injuries. Therefore he brought a special type of wondrous and precious medicine that could cure wounds, called the Millennium Stone Milk. This was found in the Millennium Limestone Cave, and flowed from a stone stalactite that contained the aura and spirit of the world. It took over a dozen years to gather a small vial of this liquid. Each drop was worth nearly 10,000 gold taels!

This stone milk could not only bring back those near death, but it also had advantages for the cultivation of martial artists!

The Tenth Prince had originally planned to give this to Lin Ming if he had been injured seriously enough to affect his cultivation. If he used this Millennium Stone Milk to win over Lin Ming, he believed that Lin Ming would not refuse.

After all, the one who had a grudge with Lin Ming was Zhu Yan. The Tenth Prince had neither bitter hatred nor enmity towards him. The Tenth Prince thoroughly believed that the strongest bonds between humans were not things like friendship, affection or love, but solely personal benefit.

But now, the one who had been severely wounded was Zhu Yan. Not only that, but Lin Ming had displayed an unprecedented and monstrous perception. This made the Tenth Prince feel a very heavy headache; he simply didn't know how to deal with Lin Ming.

To assassinate him, he dared not and could not!

And winning over; he could not win him over!

If he showed good will, they would not appreciate his kindness!

Moreover, his situation with Zhu Yan was tricky. If he continued to support Zhu Yan, then without a doubt, he would be standing opposite to Lin Ming.

This was something that the Tenth Prince absolutely did not want to see.

Sky Fortune Kingdom was a country that advocated the use of force. Lin Ming represented not only his own strength, but the glory and prestige of all martial artists. He was a genius of a century within the Seven Profound Martial House. This title was too amazing for a martial artist!

If the Sky Fortune Kingdom's martial artists saw that this person had pledged his loyalty to the Crown Prince, then where would they look, what would they think?

If he could discard Zhu Yan and trade him for Lin Ming, the Tenth Prince would absolutely 100% do this.

The key however, was that even if he discarded Zhu Yan, Lin Ming may not help him.

This gave the Tenth Prince a headache!

This Zhu Yan, he gave him a lot of trouble!

Bidding the Crown Prince farewell, Lin Ming immediately went to pay a visit to Hong Xi. Hong Xi's guidance was very important in defeating Zhu Yan this time. If he did not have Hong Xi teaching him the training method of piercing leaves, then his attack speed would have been a lot slower. He also would not have known how to save his momentum during a fight. At Zhu Yan's final strike, he might not necessarily have been able to hold it down.

"This fight played out so beautifully!" Hong Xi did not begrudge his appreciation of the fight.

"Thanks to Instructor's teachings."

"Haha, this is not because of my teachings. If you had a different instructor, you could also have won. I heard that you have some new comprehensions?"

"Mm. About the heart of martial arts."

"Good! Your results today are essential to your heart of martial arts. Hurry up and go back to ponder them; don't uselessly talk about it to me here."

"Okay then Instructor. I will go first."

After Lin Ming left, the people gathered at the Martial Stage began to disperse. Some martial artists had been discussing the fight with excitement. That single spear touch on the stone column had caused that 20 feet high stone column to turn into rumble from top to bottom! And the 'Foundation Spear Technique' had managed to defeat the 'Red Lotus Purgatory'!

These scenes were enough to make those martial artists exhilarated and excited.

His Large Success of the Third Stage had the strength of someone at the Bone Forging stage. If Lin Ming reached the Bone Forging boundary, how would it be then?

And most importantly, he was only 15 years old! He had been at the Seven Profound Martial House for only a mere two months!

Before then, Lin Ming had come from a humble birth and did not have many resources he possibly could have used. If he had the key cultivation methods and resources of the Seven profound Martial House, then his achievements would have been unimaginable. If he could keep this rate of grown, then that really would go against heaven's will!

Before, there were people that had paid attention to Lin Ming. After all, he was the first place new disciple. But at that time, most of them had thought that this was only because Lin Ming's luck was good, and he had managed to eat some valuable material. But now, they knew that Lin Ming had the unprecedented perception of a monster! He had depended on his cultivation at the Third Stage of Body Transformation to cultivate an Earth-step a cultivation method, and moreover, that cultivation method was incomplete!

With such a genius born, along with the sixth-grade talent Qin Xingxuan, this generation might be the most amazing one in all of Sky Fortune Kingdom's martial history.

The martial artists were excited, but those noblemen and dignitaries were more concerned with what Lin Ming politically represented. Without a doubt, Lin Ming would rise. Becoming a super master was only a question of time.

And a super master had immense weight and influence within the Sky Fortune Kingdom!

For instance, Muyi was a visiting official of the Marshal's Quarters and at the same time he was the teacher of the Crown Prince. He had a high and lofty status within Sky Fortune City. Even if the emperor saw Muyi, he would have to treat him with a certain amount of respect. Not only did Muyi not need to bow, but he also didn't need to be asked to sit.

Although a Houtian master did not have the strength or power to kill an army of 100,000, they were able to go in and out of fortified places without any resistance at all. It was not an exaggeration to say that if there was not a Houtian master at the Royal Palace, then the emperor might not be far from death. Because of the frequent wars between nations, it was possible that the emperor would be assassinated by the enemy masters!

Lin Ming was very likely to become such an amazing character like this in the future. This was someone that all of those dignitaries present had to woo and curry favor with. In fact, many of them were already calculating how to show good will to Lin Ming.

As everyone departed the Martial Stage, the news of the fight began to rapidly spread. Not only did Lin Ming become Sky Fortune City's most dazzling and splendid star, but this news had already spread over the nation, such as 'a genius only seen once a century at the Seven Profound Martial House', 'the future Sky Fortune Kingdom's number one master', and other such titles. The overwhelming blessings and aura of fame were all focused on Lin Ming!

15 years old, entered into the top 30 rankings of the Seven Profound Martial House's Heavenly Abode!

Cultivation at the Third Stage of Body Transformation, with strength comparable to a martial artist at the Bone Forging stage!

Had perceived an incomplete Earth-step martial skill by himself, and had integrated into his own spear skills!

It was even reported that Lin Ming had comprehended the extremely rare martial intent!

Each of these achievements could be considered legends by themselves, but Lin Ming had actually gathered all of these legends unto himself. He was at the height of power among the Sky Fortune Kingdom's martial arts world!

The local storytellers would write Lin Ming's famous history into their stories. In these stories, the storytellers would improvise and give exaggerated accounts to increase the hype. They even said that when Lin Ming was born, a brilliant sunset glow covered the sky. He had climbed a mountain when he was seven to capture a tiger. When he was nine he went swimming in the sea to seize sharks. Although these stories were all blown ridiculously out of proportion, the audience listened with gusto. After all, things like storytelling were naturally more exaggerated, and gave people a fresh feeling.

Suddenly, Lin Ming had become the idol among countless young martial artists, especially those who had come from a humble birth like he had. Who said you could not cultivate if you didn't have money? Lin Ming was their example, Lin Ming was their goal!

And In Green Mulberry City, as news arrived to the Lin Family by a sound transmitting talisman, all of the Lin Family seethed with excitement.

In Sky Fortune Kingdom, there was great importance attached to family honor! A family of heroes and masters, even if declining, was respected by the world.

For instance, Marshal Qin Xiao's family. Even several hundred years later, if the Qin Family was on the decline, they would still be a family that had produced an ancient hero, and in the family's blood would flow a hero's blood.

The Lin Family was also like this. There was not a single family that didn't wish that their family would have such a day where their family would flourish by their own hands.

Before, Lin Ming had obtained the title of first place among the new disciples in the Seven Profound Martial House, and this was already the great honor. It was like those scholars that went and became officials, bringing honor to their ancestors.

However, compared to the miracle that Lin Ming had created, this reputation of 'Seven Profound Martial House's number one disciple' was nothing at all!

To be the peerless talent that hadn't been seen in the several hundred years of history at the Seven Profound Martial House along with other glorious titles, was enough to have the Lin Family be recorded in the annals of Sky Fortune Kingdom's history!

If Lin Ming became a legend in the future, then the Lin Family would also become the family of a hero, and would be admired by the world.

And the one Lin Ming had defeated was the Zhu Family's number one talent, Zhu Yan. This caused the Lin Family who had been constantly suppressed by the Zhu Family, to feel proud and elated!

On the same day, everywhere at the Lin Family was decorated with lanterns and rainbow streamers. They held a large banquet inviting all guests to attend and celebrate. This was the most important day in the entirety of the Lin Family's history. The head of the Lin Family burnt incense and prayed to the ancestors. All these celebrations and ceremonies were more grand and wonderful than the New Year's celebration.

The Lin Family servants all obtained a heavy red packaged filled with money. The rice farmers who leased land from the Lin Family were all exempted from rent for three years. These people naturally knew why they obtained such luxurious gifts from the Lin Family. Lin Ming's name had already spread throughout the entirety of Green Mulberry City.

At this time, Lin Ming was meditating on a sea jade platform at the Seven Profound Martial Houses. He was unaware of everything happened outside, as he was immersed in comprehending the faint feeling he had in his heart of martial arts. When he had fought with Zhu Yan, Lin Ming's heart of martial arts had improved a bit.

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Chapter 107 – The Pass of Desire

With Lin Ming's current fame in Sky Fortune City, there were many major powers that wanted to show their good will to Lin Ming. However, because of the regulations and customs of the Seven Profound Martial House, they could not disturb Lin Ming's cultivation unless he left the Martial House or contacted them on his own initiative.

Under the jade stage, the lake was tranquil and shimmering deep green, as if it were a huge liquid emerald. As it was late in autumn, the rows of weeping willows surrounding the lake were already a dry, golden yellow. As the gentle autumn wind blew across the lake surface, the leaves swirled into the air like a golden moth before fluttering gently downwards. What was surprising though was that there was not a single leaf that fell into the lake.

Lin Ming sat cross-legged on the sea jade platform. This platform was the illusory magic array that was used in the entrance examination's Dream Trial. It was only open during the beginning of spring and fall when the two exams were conducted. However, it was not the start of fall anymore, so it was closed to the Martial House disciples.

However, Lin Ming's status was special now, so he was specially permitted to train and feel his heart of martial arts.

During the entrance examination of the Seven Profound Martial House, when Lin Ming was in the sea jade platform's dream land, he found that there was a flaw in his heart from the Pass of Desire. In the Pass of Desire, Lin Ming had seen a Lan Yunyue, ten years older. She had been exquisitely elegant, and humming a nursery song. She had been coaxing their child to sleep. When Lin Ming had seen this scene, he had nearly lost himself in the illusion.

Lin Ming knew that he no longer had any connection to Lan Yunyue. Even when he would pursue the pinnacle of martial arts in the future, his path would no longer cross with Lan Yunyue's. But Lan Yunyue's betrayal was still a knot in his heart.

This so-called 'knot' was a place in the heart that the mind could not reason with. In a martial artist's journey, they not only cultivated their bodies, but they also cultivated their hearts and minds. They had to be true to themselves, and follow their desires, whether it was love or hate.

Otherwise, what was the point? If they tortured themselves to cultivate, and practiced martial arts day and night, and felt the desolation and loneliness at the same time, and yet had to bear everything in life patiently even as they suffered countless humiliations, then what exactly was the point of practicing martial arts? Why not just be a normal, common person?

A martial artist had a proud heart. They would not keep things in their heart such as losing an important contest or fight. Things like that could not frustrate their proud hearts. However, there were some things that would, such as when Lan Yunyue had betrayed Lin Ming and followed Zhu Yan. Such a malicious act had severely impacted Lin Ming's pure heart, and no matter how strong and clear his heart of martial arts was, it would inevitably leave behind a 'knot' in the heart.

This was what the common folk spoke of when they mentioned 'spirit'. As long as the spirit was smooth, then they would have clear thoughts and ease of mind. Their true essence circulation would not be impeded and their meridians would be able to link together easier.

On the other hand, if their 'spirit' was bad, then their mind would be blocked, and they would be depressed. Not only would their true essence not move, but it would be trapped in their body and become an anger that would psychologically attack them. Not only would they not be able to cultivate, but they would also damage their own health. If their arrogant heart was too strong, then they might even go mad!

If their thoughts were clouded and their hearts uncomfortable, the cultivation of a martial artist would easily be restrained. During the essential period of breaking through a bottleneck, the 'knot' would change into a demon that haunted their hearts. This would cause the martial artist to fail, and become forever immersed with their obsession before finally turning into an idiot.

There was only one solution to clear this 'knot', and that was to rely on their own strength to destroy the knot and cut off the evil spirits in the heart. Their minds would be clear, their breath smooth, and true essence would easily flow!

For instance, like in the competition, Zhu Yan had been defeated by Lin Ming. He had lost his dignity and also sustained a serious injury. His meridians had been damaged and it would affect his future efforts to break into the Pulse Condensation Period.

That event would cause Zhu Yan's proud and arrogant heart of martial arts to be severely frustrated. Even if he wanted to stand up and recover his pride, hiring an assassin to kill Lin Ming was useless. He had to one day rely on his own strength to defeat Lin Ming, and overcome these demons in his heart.

However, this was already impossible for Zhu Yan. Not only did he experience a severe wound that would seriously influence his future cultivation, but even if he were completely cured, later on the disparity between him and Lin Ming would only increase.

In contrast, Lin Ming had defeated Zhu Yan at his strongest state and cut off this 'knot' in his heart. His heart of martial arts would only improve yet again, and although he could not achieve a perfect level, the time it took to pass the Dream Trial was reduced again. This time, it only took half an incense stick of time.

This time, he only needed half the time of Ling Sen.

As he awoke from the martial arts dream world, he closed his eyes and recalled what he had experienced in the Pass of Desire. Lin Ming's cheeks were an odd color. He no longer dreamed of Lan Yunyue again, but had instead dreamed of Qin Xingxuan. Not only that, but he had also dreamed of several girls that he didn't have too many impressions of. For instance, the talented, young inscription girl, Wang Yuhan, who he had met at the Inscription Association. There was also the cunning, rude, and totally unreasonable elder senior-sister who he had met at the Zither Department when he was looking up materials.

However, as soon as these two girls had appeared in Lin Ming's dream land they had instantly disappeared.

Lin Ming now knew that the Pass of Desire didn't necessarily show women that he liked in his heart, but also those that were capable of arousing the latent desire in his heart.

Desire didn't include only love, but also lust. A human's nature was that of an animal. An animal only existed for two goals; one was to survive, the other was to procreate.

To survive, eat, and reproduce; that was lust. Therefore the ancient scripts had recorded that the nature of man was food and s*x.

This instinct was imprinted in the very bones of every living human. Therefore the heart had evolved a wide range of potential desires. Some desires were suppressed by one's own truth of morality. The Pass of Desire was able to find these infinite lusts of the heart and magnify them, and finally cause someone to be lost inside of them.

As they say, there was no man in the vastness of heaven and earth who had no wants or desires.

Many martial artists practiced martial arts to satisfy their desire. Because they strove towards this goal, their martial arts cultivation would leap ten thousand miles every day. However, after they had fulfilled their desires, their strength of cultivating martial arts would plummet.

This was always a contradictory process.

There were martial arts sages, who in order to overcome the pass of passion, had even castrated themselves. There were certain marvelous and ancient skill manuals that had written in their introduction, 'In order to cultivate this art, one must first castrate themselves', and so on. This was because in order to reach the Large Success stage of these cultivation methods, they had to overcome the pass of passion. But if their heart held any lust, then their demons would overcome them and they would perish in the beautiful dream land, becoming a useless idiot.

Because of these reasons, some of the eunuchs of the palace had rapid advancement when they cultivated martial arts. This was because they no longer had that lustful desire, and their energy would be locked into their body and converted into strength and true essence.

Lin Ming was aware of these reasons, and did not persist in the Pass of Desire. After all, from ancient times until now, there was never a martial artist who did not have even a tiny flaw in their heart of martial arts.

As he peacefully meditated on the sea jade platform, Lin Ming revolved the 'True Primal Chaos Formula' and quickly entered into the ethereal martial intent state. His bond passed into a state of unconsciousness, and the true essence in Lin Ming's body began to circulate on its own instinct. Its speed began to run faster and faster, moving in lines that were more and more perfect.

Lin Ming was observing from an outsider's perspective. He felt that as the true essence flowed in his body, it was also much quicker than before!

Lin Ming was indescribably happy. Because of the improvement in his heart of martial arts, his ethereal martial intent had also stepped up a level, and the cultivation speed was enhanced even more. Like this, he would not too far away from reaching Small Success of the 'True Primal Chaos Formula's' second-level.

With one breath, Lin Ming let his true essence revolve by itself for three hours. Finally, Lin Ming opened his eyes. The day was getting late. He suddenly remembered the Crown Prince's invitation, so he lit a sound transmitting talisman and sent it to Muyi…

Sky Fortune City, the Crown Prince's Palace

At this time, the sun had just set, and the Crown Prince's palace front door was happily covered with decorations. A stream of luxurious horse-drawn carriages had formed a long line. All the celebrities and important figures of Sky Fortune City had gathered in their splendid attire at the Crown Prince's palace. The floor was covered with hundreds of meters of red carpet, and there were also hundreds of beautiful maidservants that carried around fine food, refreshments, and fruits that they shuttled between the numerous visitors. Exquisite and playful music flowed through every corner of every hall.

Today, the Crown Prince Yang Lin had hosted a grand banquet at his palace. Although the Crown Prince had said this part was only a simple congregation, all those with a discerning eye knew that this banquet and great political significance. This was because this banquet's main guest was the rising star Lin Ming, who was in the limelight of all of Sky Fortune City.

For this banquet, the Crown Prince's palace had done careful preparations and cleaning. The garden was refurbished, and the blue stone tile floor was spotless as if it were just cleaned. It was bright and appealing. The palace had also filled the fountain springs with clear water. The blue water sparkled under the moonlight as it shot up; it was truly beautiful.

"The Southern Martial Marquis has arrived!" As soon as the herald announced this, a fat, middle-aged man wearing a brocade gown walked into the main hall of the Crown Prince's palace with his entourage.

Although this man appeared bloated and fat, his steps were steady and his breath was even. His lazy gaze occasionally gave off a feeling that made the hearts of those watching him palpitate.

This middle-aged man was one of the ten great generals of Sky Fortune Kingdom, the Southern Military Marquis. The Sky Fortune Kingdom had several dozen generals in total. However, those that had genuine power and authority within the palm of their hands, and also had enormous prestige and fame within the army, were only ten people. These ten people were given noble titles. The Southern Martial Marquis was the youngest of these ten. This year, he was 69 years old.

"Southern Martial Marquis, he also came?"

Yang Lin heard this announcement and felt a great happiness surge in his heart! Although he had delivered an invitation to the Southern Martial Marquis, it was actually only a show of good etiquette; He did not actually believe that the Southern Martial Marquis would show up.

Although Yang Lin was Crown Prince in name, but as an official, his power and influence were far inferior to the Tenth Prince Yang Zhen.

When the elderly emperor died and the throne would change, it was unknown as to whose hands the throne would fall into. This was the critical period of time when people would choose who to support. If they chose the right person, their life would be filled with a lifetime of wealth and success. But with the wrong person, they would crash into the abyss and be beyond redemption.

However, the true attitudes of those people were elusive. The two princes mostly had their own trusted subordinates, or were like Zhu Yan and had been inextricably tied to Tenth Prince by their family. Most of the others already had enough status to avoid this conflict and adopt a moderate approach.

They had already rapidly advanced their careers and simply did not need to partake in the game of throne changes to increase their fortunes. To adopt a moderate stance and not favor any party was the most sensible option. No matter who came out on top, their status would not be affected.

The military was especially so. Since ancient times, if the military intervened in the battle for the throne, then it would become an extremely sensitive matter. Therefore the ten great generals normally did not attend the banquets held by the princes. This was because there would be spies in the banquets who would be reporting on them.

Although the Tenth Prince did not assume that all those that attended the banquet were partial to the Crown Prince, he would remember these people. In the future, if he won the struggle and seized the throne, even if these people did not intervene, he would not trust them after he mounted the throne. There were a limited number of positions to be a royal courtier of the emperor. The number of talents and geniuses would be unlimited. Who would not entrust these heavy responsibilities to their own trusted subordinates?

Therefore, that the Southern Martial Marquis had come today, was really a happy surprise for Yang Lin.

However the Crown Prince knew that the reason the Southern Martial Marquis had come today was mostly because of Lin Ming. He wanted to meet Lin Ming and get to know him. The Southern Martial Marquis was also once a disciple of the Seven Profound Martial House. When he was young, he was also known as a martial nut. He certainly would want to know someone like Lin Ming.

"This Lin Ming, he has not grown up and yet already has such rallying appeal. If he is willing to help me, my succession to the throne will be much smoother."

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Chapter 108 – Grand Banquet

"This Lin Ming, he has not grown up and yet already has such rallying appeal. If he is willing to help me, my succession to the throne will be much smoother."

Thinking of this, Yang Lin began to worry somewhat over the outcome. Before, Lin Ming and Zhu Yan had hostilities against each other, and fearing that Lin Ming would be framed and assassinated, thought that perhaps he might serve as his backer. But after not seeing him for a month, Lin Ming's strength had grown too quickly!

With his growing influence, he now had the support of the Seven Profound Martial House; there was no one would dare to easily move against him. He would certainly become a grand character in the future that wielded great power. With such capital in his hands, he didn't need to attach himself to anyone.

"Haha, it's been awhile since I've seen Your Highness the Crown Prince." As soon as the Southern Martial Marquis saw Yang Lin, he gave a hearty laugh and a ceremonial bow. Although he did not need to accept the Crown Prince's invitation, if he saw the Crown Prince, he still had to give proper greeting due to customs. After all, the Southern Martial Marquis was still only a marquis. Above that was a duke, and above the duke was a prince. But the Crown Prince's status, was also above a prince.

Even though there were so many different levels of nobility, a title was just a title; it had no real power and was only nominal. The influence of a person in the Sky Fortune Kingdom had little to do with their title, but was affected by their position, strength, and military authority. The Southern Martial Marquis held enormous influence among the army; even Yang Lin had to greet him politely.

Yang Lin rushed up to the Southern Martial Marquis and hurriedly said, "Southern Martial Marquis, don't be a stranger. Feel free to enjoy this grand banquet that I've set up There is no need to be overly courteous, the Southern Martial Marquis is one the ten great generals of my Sky Fortune Kingdom and whose cultivation is at the Pulse Condensation Period. This Prince has always wanted to be good friends with the honorable Southern Martial Marquis. For the Southern Martial Marquis to come here so unexpectedly, this prince is very surprised!

""Haha, I have been busy with military affairs these past few days, but I could not shirk Your Highness' invitation." The Southern Martial Marquis casually explained. Yang Lin would of course not pursue the matter, and welcome the Southern Martial Marquis with a seat of honor.

"Army Major of Sky Fortune City's Royal Guard Forces, Lord Wang, has arrived!"

The herald announced another arrival. As soon as he heard this, Yang Lin's eyebrows rose. The leader of Sky Fortune City's royal guard forces, Wang Gan?

That sly old fox, he also came? Yang Lin was startled. Wang Gan's arrival had even surprised him more than the Southern Martial Marquis. Before this he hadn't even delivered a written invitation to Wang Gan.

He came uninvited, and also at such a sensitive time. There were so many spies staring at him, and this Wang Gan dared to come to the banquet? Was he not afraid that Yang Zhen would know this?

The truth was that out of today's guests; Wang Gan's status wasn't anything too high-ranking. The position of army major was underneath that of a general. The Sky Fortune Kingdom had several dozen generals, and almost 200 majors. Moreover Wang Gan didn't even have a title and he was not an aristocrat.

Although Wang Gan's status sounded insignificant, Wang Gan's military status was in the top few; he was even more important than some of the top generals. This was mainly because his position was too important – Sky Fortune City's Royal Guard Forces Army Major!

Since ancient times, the military has always been very sensitive to the struggle for the throne, and the Royal Guard Forces were a step from the sensitive of the sensitive! Almost all of the palace coups were through the Royal Guard Forces and the Imperial Palace Guards!

Because of this, Sky Fortune Kingdom's Royal Guard Forces did not have a commanding general. Instead, they had four different majors, each in charge of the four directions of east, west, south, and north. With the authority of Sky Fortune City's Royal Guard Forces so decentralized, the four army majors were able to restrict each other.

Wang Gan was the army major of the eastern Royal Guard Forces. He certainly knew how sensitive his status was, therefore he had always been cautions and had always maintained a balanced distance between the princes. Anyone who could be stand in this position were themselves a sly old fox.

Sky Fortune City's Royal Guard Forces Army Major was not the same as the Southern Martial Marquis!

Even if the Crown Prince failed to succeed the throne, the Southern Martial Marquis was still a general as before. With his prestige and fame as one of the ten great generals of the Sky Fortune Kingdom, not even the Tenth Prince would dare to move him. But Wang Gan was different. He was only a small time army major, and he commanded the Royal Guard Forces. If he did not do well, then the Tenth Prince would remove him, and even press charges of homicide against him to get rid of him.

"Wang Gan actually came. Even if he wants to meet Lin Ming it shouldn't… I think…" Yang Lin suddenly remembered. Two months ago, on the date of the Seven Profound Martial House's entrance examination, he had conveniently sent a sound transmitting talisman to help Lin Ming. The one who had framed Lin Ming, he was certain it had been a son of Wang Gan.

Initially Lin Ming had been an unimportant person, so this matter was only in passing to Yang Lin. He not simply not placed this in his heart, and thus forgotten about it.

So that's it. Wang Gan had probably been feeling very upset these days. Thinking of this, Yang Lin silently laughed in his heart.

Wang Gan had indeed been truly full of suffering these days. His just had too much bad luck; even lying down he would be hit. When he had discovered that the boy who had come into conflict with his son was the current number one rising star of the entire Sky Fortune Kingdom, Wang Gan wanted to cry but had no tears.

Just who did he piss off to have this happen to him?

Two months ago at the Seven Profound Martial House entrance examination; his son had framed Lin Ming, and caused the Crown Prince to send a sound transmitting talisman to the public security department. This made Wang Gan feel a bit frustrated. After all, this was something that his good-for-nothing son had done, and the Crown Prince should not go so far as to implicate him.

But he absolutely would never have thought that the problem could come from Lin Ming. This fellow had changed, and had become a rare talent that was only seen every hundred years at the Seven Profound Martial House. He would surely be a great character in the Sky Fortune Kingdom who could control wind and lightning at his command. This kind of character, as long as he wanted, could absolutely promote someone to the nobility or even a general.

Once Lin Ming grew up, if he wanted to get rid of anyone, it was would be as simple as turning over his hand.

Wang Gan knew that his son's conflict with Lin Ming was not so simple as fighting, but that Wang Yigao had gone to the degree of wanting to kill him!

Wang Gan had asked himself, what would he do if he had experienced this? He would never let go!

So how could he not be afraid? He couldn't even sleep in peace these past days. But Lin Ming lived at the Seven Profound Martial House, and because of the regulations of the Seven Profound Martial House, he did not have any chance at all to contact Lin Ming. Not to mention him, but not even those high nobles could see him!

Therefore the only chance he had to see Lin Ming was to come to the Crown Prince's grand banquet. He really wanted to choke his son to death himself!

The day that he had heard the news, he had dragged out Wang Yigao and overwhelmingly beat him before locking him in confinement for 6 months.

Mentioning Wang Yigao, Wang Yigao had almost had a nervous breakdown. The first time that he had been defeated by Lin Ming was when Lin Ming had hit his servant. At that time Wang Yigao had regarded Lin Ming as ant. Being bitten by an ant, he would just crush him underneath his foot and kill him.

Therefore he had brought a bunch of ruffians to finish off Lin Ming, but the result was that he had his name written in reverse.

When Wang Yigao had returned, he had been punished to a two month confinement. He could not drink or eat meat, and could not go to the brothel. It had simply ruined Wang Yigao's life. He came out of confinement wanting to get revenge, so he had pestered him at the Seven Profound Martial House's entrance exam. At that time, Lin Ming was nothing but a c*ckroach to Wang Yigao, just a bit more formidable than an ant. But he could still crush him underneath his boot.

However, that time Wang Yigao had been beaten even worse. Not only had his body been pummeled, but his face had been hit. And the most miserable part was that he had even punished even more by Wang Gan, and had been sent to half a year of confinement.

Slowly, over time, Wang Yigao had become used to not having wine and meat, and also not having women. He began to diligently study the martial books daily. However, as he was doing well, Wang Yigao was somehow dragged out again and beaten again for a round.

This beating had been truly ruthless. Each strike had caused Wang Yigao to almost faint. Finally, he learned why he had been beaten up. The name of Lin Ming had already become a nightmare to Wang Yigao. Even if he borrowed the courage of ten thousand men, he still would not dare to bother Lin Ming anymore.

A family's discipline was always rough. Wang Gan had severely hit Wang Yigao, but the truth was this was to protect Wang Yigao. He wanted to give an explanation to Lin Ming. Since Wang Yigao had wanted to beat Lin Ming to death before, if he wasn't beaten up horribly himself, then Lin Ming might not be so forgiving of this matter.

"Greetings to Your Highness the Crown Prince. I have come uninvited; I beg your highness for your forgiveness." Wang Gan deeply bowed, with a hint of fear and trepidation.

"Haha, Major Wang is too polite. That Major Wang can come today really causes this prince to feel very happy. Please feel free." Yang Lin did not say that he knew the reason Wang Gan had come today was to see Lin Ming.

"Thank you Your Highness."

As time passed, noble after noble came to the banquet. The Crown Prince's grand banquet had presented an unprecedented prosperous atmosphere.

All these celebrities and famous figures came from various quarters. They were dressed in magnificent formal clothes and carried elegant wine glasses as they chatted in soft tones. Every action and movement they made showed the etiquette of the aristocrat. These people were all influential figures within Sky Fortune City.

"Big Sister Jingyun, you also came." Murong Zi had spotted Bai Jingyun in the crowd. Originally she was a bit impatient since she had been bothered by some playboy, but her perturbed face suddenly morphed into a joyful smile. She moved her feet and like a small fish she appeared in an instant at Bai Jingyun's side. Even the gorgeous but tedious formal dress she had on did not affect her movement. At such an elegant banquet, her actions were unobtrusive, and made people feel as if it were a kind of passing cloud and flowing water.

"Little Sister Murong, I didn't think that your Murong Family would also be here."

Murong Zi and Bai Jingyun were the two dazzling girls that had attended Lin Ming's last Ten Thousand Killing Array assessment. These two were the proud women of the Seven Profound Martial House. Murong Zi was 17 years old and ranked 28 on the Ranking Stone. Bai Jingyun was 18 years old and ranked 22 on the Ranking Stone. They were collectively referred to as the 'Seven Profound Proud Pair'.

It could be said that a thousand myriad graces were set in their bodies. With these two heavenly ladies gathered in the same place, they attracted the immediate attention of numerous men. These two were much like arrogant peacocks; they were simply cranes among the chickens here.

"I remember that your Murong Family rarely comes to the Crown Prince's banquets." Bai Jingyun paused slightly, and then laughed as she whispered, "Are you here to look for a date?"

"Gosh! Big Sister Jingyun don't tease me, these playboys are no good!" Murong Zi had the qualifications to say this. With her talent and strength, in addition to her flawless looks, in the entirety of the Sky Fortune City, she was only inferior to Qin Xingxuan.

There were truly few sons of the aristocratic families that could match up to her. Zhang Guanyu's talent and looks were nice, but he was famous for being a flowery playboy. He also practiced the Acacia Power; who knew how many women he had played with at this point. As for the Tenth Prince and the Crown Prince, the Crown Prince already had a wife. With Murong Zi's proud nature, it was impossible for her to settle for being a concubine. That said, the outcome of the battle between the Crown Prince and the Tenth Prince was not clear, so the Murong Family naturally would not dare to rashly marry off anyone.

"Haha, of course it's not them. The one I'm talking about is…" Bai Jingyun spoke to this point, when the voice of the herald suddenly sounded out from behind the door. "The Seven Profound Martial House's Lin Ming, Mister Lin!"

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Chapter 109 – The Acacia Faction

"Haha, of course it's not them. The one I'm talking about is…" Bai Jingyun had spoken to this point, when the voice of the herald suddenly sounded out from behind the entrance. "The Seven Profound Martial House's Lin Ming, Mister Lin!"

Upon hearing this announcement, almost all of the people in the hall looked at the entrance; many of them had already begun crowding towards the front.

Following the lead of two gorgeous maids, Lin Ming slowly walked into the hall. Although he had changed into decent clothes for today's event, it was still a far cry from the high-class and magnificent clothing that the nobles and other celebrities had worn. Still, because Lin Ming had been practicing accumulating his momentum these past days, even ordinary clothes on him were especially dazzling in the crowd.

Lin Ming thought back to what the herald had just called him and had a queer feeling in his heart.

Mister Lin? He really wasn't used to be calling that.

Lin Ming didn't have a position in the government nor did he have a title. He was a common person with a common background; one could say his only status was as a disciple of the Seven Profound Martial House. But the herald did not dare to address Lin Ming by name, so he had added the title of 'mister'.

"That's Lin Ming! He's quite handsome and intelligent."

"He's only 15 years old. How extraordinary."

Lin Ming was undoubtedly the star of the party. He was the rising supernova that everyone came to see.

"Brother Lin, welcome!" Before Lin Ming could give a ceremonial bow, Crown Prince Yang Lin stepped forwards and hugged him.

"Brother Lin, there is no need to be overly courteous! Come, let me introduce you." Yang Lin knew that most of the people who came here wanted to get to know Lin Ming's thoughts, and he would be introduced to them one at a time. But the first one to be introduced was of course the Southern Martial Marquis.

"Brother Lin, this is Sky Fortune Kingdom's South Martial Marquis, General Wu. He's one of the ten great generals of our land, and he guards the southern borders of our Sky Fortune Kingdom. He's a martial artist at the Pulse Condensation Period and he has performed many great services for our country!" The Southern Martial Marquis' name was Wu Yuanxun. He had repeatedly accomplished many great deeds and honors at the southern border, thus he was bestowed the title of Southern Martial Marquis.

"Lin Ming greets General Wu." Lin Ming knew that these sort of senior generals that patrolled the borders were usually aloof and high-standing characters. He maintained the necessary etiquette towards someone like him.

"Haha, Little Brother Lin, you are too polite. If His Highness the Crown Prince does not accept your bow, then how could I? Little Brother Lin and I are fellow apprentices, but I already graduated From the Seven Profound Martial House over 40 years ago. Time truly passes too quickly!"

The Southern Martial Marquis' voice was clear-cut and loud like a morning bell; those present were able to hear every word enunciated clearly.

"Little Brother Lin is a young and promising talent; your fame has already spread all throughout Sky Fortune Kingdom. I've long wanted to meet you. As soon as I saw you today, I knew you were a dragon in human form. With such a great cultivation at 15 years of age, your future is limitless!"

"General Wu praises me too much; Lin Ming still has a long way to go." Lin Ming was not used to such praise, so he was polite in response.

"Haha, Little Brother Lin is just too modest. I heard that little brother Lin has already entered the Heavenly Abode. After entering the Heavenly Abode, you might receive some missions from the military. If Little Brother Lin wishes, you may come and stay with my army at the southern border. With Little Brother Lin's strength, you will inevitably perform countless good deeds!"

Lin Ming's interest was piqued as he listened to the Southern Martial Marquis. There were some disciples who went on military missions after entering the Heavenly Abode. At the end of each mission there were also rewards. The rewards didn't come from just the Seven Profound Martial House, but also from the royal government. All disciples who went on missions had the possibility of being able to enjoy promotions, therefore there were some Martial House disciples that were bestowed nobility before they had graduated.

Lin Ming was not interested in things like titles or gold. But, the rewards from the Seven Profound Martial House were quite worthwhile. For instance, there were true essence stones, high-quality treasures, top-quality pills, as well as cultivation time at the seven major killing arrays.

True essence stones and time at the seven major killing arrays were necessary for cultivation. As for high-quality treasure, if it was a top-quality treasure spear, then Lin Ming would definitely be enchanted by it.

As for top-tier pills, they were also very precious. If Lin Ming wanted to raise his strength quickly, he had to have these top-tier pills. However, these kinds of pills could not be purchased in the Sky Fortune Kingdom. Even though Lin Ming could receive many gifts from influential people, these pills were still impossible to come by so easily.

"The Southern Martial Marquis wants to win me over so that I will go to the army and undertake missions, but this is also good. Until now I've only fought in matches, but I haven't been in many actual life or death situations. If I enter the army for a while, I will be able to experience these and grow in strength, and there are also rewards to be had, so why not?"

Thinking of this, Lin Ming said, "Lin Ming thanks General Wu for thinking so highly of him. If I have the appropriate mission, then Lin Ming will certainly go to the southern border."

"Haha, that's great. I already feel like old friends after meeting with Little Brother Lin for the first time. Come, let's have a drink."

As Lin Ming and the Southern Martial Marquis conversed, Bai Jingyun and Murong Zi were also carrying on their intimate conversation from early.

"I was thinking that the one you should date is him." Bai Jingyun signaled with her eyes; she had been talking about Lin Ming.

"Him? Big Sister Jingyun, don't go speaking such nonsense! Murong Zi's cheeks turned red as she blushed. "He's younger than me, how could it be possible!"

Murong Zi was 17 years old. Lin Ming was actually only 15 years old.

Bai Jingyun smiled slyly, "Listening to Little Sister's meaning, if he wasn't two years your junior, then you would find him agreeable?"

Murong Zi's mouth went crooked, "I never said that! If Big Sister makes fun of me again, then I'll be angry!"

"Haha, Little Sister, unless you are like Miss Qin, Qin Xingxuan, and decide to pursue that far off Xiantian realm, or even higher, then in the future you will be married. We martial artists have a long youth. Let alone several years younger, even if it was ten years, or even a few dozen years, that wouldn't mean anything."

"Pursue the Xiantian realm?" Murong Zi was slightly stunned. To the mortals of the Sky Fortune Kingdom, the Xiantian realm truly was a far off and distant dream. Although she was a proud and arrogant woman in Sky Fortune City, she was self-aware that it was impossible for her to reach such a remote realm, it was only a pipe dream. Much less her having no hope, even several of the core disciples of the Seven Profound Martial House had no chances either.

But Qin Xingxuan was different. Her sixth-grade martial talent was simply too shocking.

"That Lin Ming, perhaps he might pursue the Xiantian realm?" Murong Zi asked.

"It's possible. Lin Ming and Qin Xingxuan are two different kinds of talents. Qin Xingxuan's natural talent for cultivation is simply too monstrous. As for Lin Ming, besides his natural talent, he is a monstrous genius in every other category. It's hard to tell who the better genius of the two is. If discussing combat prowess, then Lin Ming would naturally be stronger. But if discussing how far their achievements will be in cultivation, then perhaps Qin Xingxuan has higher hopes of reaching the Xiantian stage. Lin Ming's martial talent is only a third-grade talent. The flaw in such a talent simply cannot be made up. I think that Lin Ming is more likely to stay in the Sky Fortune Kingdom and accomplish great deeds. He might even become the next state marshal."

"The next State Marshal?" Murong Zi thought absent mindedly. That was a prestige that exceeded even the emperor. In the Sky Fortune Kingdom, many of the common people did not even know the emperor's name, but there was no one who did not know the name and legends of State Marshal Qin Xiao.

Even with Murong Zi's status, she still held a high degree of respect in her heart for a figure such as State Marshal Qin Xiao.

As Murong Zi looked out of sorts, Bai Jingyun suddenly smiled and said, "Little Sister, look at Lin Ming, he's already surrounded by so many girls. If you don't go now, you won't have the opportunity."

Murong Zi followed the sounds and turned her head. Indeed, there were many young aristocratic ladies that had already intentionally or unintentionally approached Lin Ming, and were talking happily with him.

"Mister Lin Ming, I heard that your… spear… is over 800 jins. Is it really?" A young girl vapidly blinked at him with watery eyes, sending somewhat lascivious looks at Lin Ming.

The girls that intentionally approached Lin Ming didn't necessarily have any evil thoughts in their hearts. After all, their ages were young at mostly 15 or 16 years old, and they had simple minds and pure thoughts. These ones had come under the suggestions of their parents. But there were also those who approached Lin Ming purely because of the worship in their hearts. The Sky Fortune Kingdom was a country that held martial artists in the highest esteem, and with the extraordinary title of being the hundred year talent of the Seven Profound Martial House, he was the idol of all people.

"820 jins." Lin Ming replied with a smile.

"Haha, that's amazing! How do you hold it? Can I see your hand?"

"Well… alright." Lin Ming said. He helplessly held out his hand.

At this time, another charming young lady had come over. She said, "Mister Lin Ming, your palm reading is very good."

"Mm?"

"I'm a fortune teller." The girl winked at him with an attractive eye. "Can I take a look at your palm reading?"

"Uh…"

Before Lin Ming could think of a good way to refuse, the girl had already taken his hand in hers and was carefully looking at it. The girl's hand was cool, and had the unique softness of a woman.

"She's unexpectedly direct." Bai Jingyun said with a faint smile.

"Humph, what a nympho." Murong Zi curled her lips in disdain. She drank the wine from her crystal glass as if she were a noble peacock.

Bai Jingyun sniggered. She knew of Murong Zi's pride. It was impossible for her to do the same acts as these young girls; she simply could not cheapen herself to that level. "Little Sister, with this kind of boy, if you don't take the initiative then you won't have an opportunity…"

"Then why don't you go?" Murong Zi pouted.

"Me!?" Hearing Murong Zi's question, Bai Jingyun's face gradually fell. She was silent for a moment, before she sighed and lightly said, "My marriage is not up for me to decide…"

"Mm? Why?" Murong Zi didn't understand. Although the children in Sky Fortune Kingdom had to obey their parents in marital matters, but her and Bai Jingyun's statuses were unusual and not like others. With their strength and talent, they had the right to speak and determine their own marriage. "Big Sister, you are too submissive. If you say you don't want to marry, how will they force you to?"

Bai Jingyun bitterly smiled, "It's not as simple as you think…"

The one that had been chosen for her was a direct disciple of the Seven Profound Valley's Acacia Faction. Let alone her Bai Family, even if it were Sky Fortune City's Royal Family, they did not have the qualifications to refuse.

The Seven Profound Valleys' seven founders had left behind seven different legacies; these were the seven factions. For instance, there was the Sword Faction, Zither Faction, Array Faction, and so on. The Acacia Faction was also one of the seven legacies. Their faction cultivated the Dao of Yin and Yang. Almost all of their cultivation methods were associated with the intimate relations between men and women. To marry a disciple of the Acacia Faction… it was truly like jumping into a fiery pit.

Murong Zi felt that Bai Jingyun didn't want to discuss the matter any further. At this moment, the herald announced yet another arrival. "The Crown Prince's grand mentor, Mister Muyi, and the Marshal's Quarters' Miss Qin!"

Muyi and Qin Xingxuan?

Lin Ming was slightly stunned. He had not seen Qin Xingxuan for a long time. He remembered the strange illusions of Qin Xingxuan that he had seen on the sea jade platform, and his face took on an odd color.

The sea jade platform was able to infinitely magnify the hidden desires in one's heart; Lin Ming truly did have a certain attraction towards Qin Xingxuan.

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Chapter 110 – The Seven Profound Decree

Today, Qin Xingxuan was wearing an elegant, pure white evening dress. This dress was much simpler than others. The back was not open, nor was it too low; it only exposed her creamy and fragrant shoulders. Although her innocent and beautiful figure was not full, her curves were still outlined. The dress was very long, and it followed behind her like a deep spring flowing recklessly to the ground.

This was Lin Ming's first time seeing Qin Xingxuan in such splendid attire. He was pleasantly surprised. This girl, she just always seemed to come in different flavors. First he had run into her at the lecture hall of the Zither Department, and she had carried a virtuous air about her as she was surrounded by a gang of fellow female students. Now he saw her at this banquet, and she exuded a natural air of elegance and grace. He wondered if he would see her in the military in the future, and how she would look if she was wearing a military uniform.

Qin Xingxuan's appearance had immediately attracted the attentions of everyone present. The sensation that she caused was almost as much as Lin Ming had.

However, although the sons of the aristocratic families kept their eyes on Qin Xingxuan at all times, no one overreached their bounds to go over to her. Qin Xingxuan was simply too abstract an existence for them. To take advantage of her; they might as well take advantage of a princess.

"Teacher." Yang Lin immediately walked up to greet them.

"Haha, I came late." Muyi said with a faint smile. His eyes swept the crowd. "Hoho, Little Brother Lin, we meet again."

"Mister Muyi." Lin Ming felt relieved. He extricated himself from the group and walked over to Muyi, and as a result, those aristocratic young ladies dared not follow him.

Muyi glanced at those young ladies, and meaningfully smiled, "I'm not bothering you am I?"

Lin Ming helplessly said, "Mister Muyi, please don't tease me."

"Haha, although the tradition in Sky Fortune Kingdom is to be married at 18, there are plenty of 16 year olds who are fathers. Once a few more months have passed and you are 16 years old, you should consider it, really consider it!"

"Um… I don't plan on marrying that early." Since he had bid farewell to Lan Yunyue, Lin Ming had decided to rigidly dedicate himself to pursuing the pinnacle of martial arts. Thus, he had not planned on any early marriage.

Surprisingly, Qin Xingxuan spoke up at this moment with a mischievous smile. She said, "Lin Ming, the words from your mouth don't match the words of your heart. I remember that when you first passed the Dream Trial, you spent a very long time at the Pass of Desire. I wonder which lucky girl it was that you dreamed of?" Qin Xingxuan unintentionally mentioned this matter. In her opinion, if there was a girl that Lin Ming liked, as long as he proposed, even a princess would joyfully consent.

As Qin Xingxuan asked this, Lin Ming felt a rare blush spread up his face. He almost looked like a tomato.

Dream of which girl?

This… was really too hard to say…

"That's enough Xingxuan; don't tease Little Brother Lin too much. Mm, well, after the banquet ends, the Crown Prince would like to see you."

"Oh. Alright." Lin Ming did not decline. He had already anticipated this matter. Since he came to this banquet, he had already indicated that he had no plans to reject the Crown Prince's invitation.

Lin Ming and the two chatted for awhile. Because of Qin Xingxuan's presence, there was not a single girl who came forwards again. Let alone a common aristocratic young girl, even Murong Zi had lost all of her self confidence in front of the beauty of Qin Xingxuan.

At this time, the herald made a sudden announcement, "The Chief Steward of the Palace, Elder Wang!"

"Elder Wang?" The Crown Prince was slightly stunned. Why would he come here? Elder Wang rarely left the palace. If he left the palace, it was usually to pass on an imperial decree.

Was it that his father the emperor wanted to confer a rank and title to Lin Ming?

As the Crown Prince was wondering, Elder Wang had already entered the hall. He wore a decadent and opulent yellow brocaded robe, and carried a fly whisk in his left hand. His right was raised slightly, and he held a shiny, golden token. There were three characters written on it – Seven Profound Decree.

Seven Profound Decree? Was this a command from the Seven Profound Valleys?

The Crown Prince was surprised; this was a command even higher than an imperial decree.

Although Elder Wang was the head steward of the imperial palace, he was also responsible for some matters of the Seven Profound Martial House. When Elder Wang was six years old, he had entered the palace. Because his martial arts talent was outstanding, he was later sent to the Seven Profound Martial House. He was a eunuch, and thus pure at heart and his martial arts advancement was good. Now, he had already reached the peak Pulse Condensation Period. He was the head eunuch who managed matters at the imperial palace, and at the same time was one of the masters who protected the imperial palace.

Usually when the Seven Profound Valleys handed the Royal Family a decree, it was passed through Elder Wang.

Elder Wang looked at Lin Ming and smiled. He said, "Little Brother Lin is lucky. Yesterday, the Martial House Master requested core disciple status for Little Brother Lin. The Seven Profound Decree was just sent out this morning, and has the conditions for the test in it. The Martial House Master is not at the Martial House, so I am passing on the decree for him. I just found out that Little Brother Lin was attending the banquet at the Crown Prince's palace, so I hurried over here to catch you. I wonder if little brother Lin has any intention of becoming a core disciple of the Seven Profound Martial House?"

As Elder Wang said this, everyone present was amazed. Core disciple!

Although they had expected Lin Ming to become a core disciple sooner or later, they hadn't expected it to be so quick!

For someone from the Sky Fortune Kingdom to become a core disciple had great significance! If, in the future, he requested to be sent back as the Martial House Master of the Seven Profound Martial House, or as a Seven Profound envoy, then it was equivalent to being the overlord of the Sky Fortune Kingdom!

However, the core disciple test was not that easy; in the past, even Ling Sen had failed!

And could Lin Ming, whose natural talent was one grade less that Ling Sen succeed? The people present doubted this. Besides natural talent, Lin Ming could be considered a monstrous genius in any other area. However, what the Seven Profound Valleys held in the highest regard was one's natural talent.

Lin Ming replied without any hesitation, "I want to be a core disciple."

If Lin Ming wanted to walk on the path towards the pinnacle of martial arts, he had to enter a sect; otherwise he would not obtain the resources he needed. Not to mention things such as the seven major killing arrays, true essence stones, and top-tier quality pills, but to step into the Xiantian stage from the Houtian stage, one had to have the 'Heaven Opening Pill' in order to rid the contaminated Houtian Qi from one's body. Only the largest sects had a miraculous pill such as this. In the mortal world, its value could not be measured in gold.

"Very well," Elder Wang smiled. He laughed in his high-pitched and melodious voice, and said, "Then I shall announce the contents of the Seven Profound Decree. Lin Ming, listen at command, starting from today, the Martial House core disciple test has officially begun. If Mister Lin can achieve the Peak Altering Muscle stage by the time he is 16, or if he can achieve the Bone Forging stage by the time he is 18, then he may become a core disciple. Otherwise, he will fail the test!

"In addition to these requirements, the Martial House master has agreed to provide Mister Lin with some incentives. Starting from today, if Mister Lin can enter the top 10 rankings of the Ten Thousand Killing Array within three months, they he may obtain the medium-grade human-step treasure long spear, the Heavy Profound Soft Spear.

"If he can defeat Zhang Guanyu within 4 months, then he may obtain one 500 year old Blood Lingzhi.

"If he can defeat Ta Ku within 5 months, then he may obtain one Blue Miracle Pill.

"If he can defeat Ling Sen within 6 months, they he may obtain one bottle of Body Spiritual Ichor.

"The above rewards can all be obtained together. Lin Ming, do you understand?" Elder Wang folded up the Seven Profound Decree and smiled as he asked Lin Ming.

"The medium-grade human-step Heavy Profound Soft Spear, a 500 year old Blood Lingzhi, a Blue Miracle Pill, and the Body Spiritual Ichor!"

Even though those present already knew that the Seven Profound Martial House had a deep and extensive history, after hearing these rewards, they were all still left gasping for breath.

For instance, the medium-grade human-step long spear could not be regarded as the best rewards for the Seven Profound Martial House, but in the Sky Fortune Kingdom, it was actually priceless!

An ordinary medium-grade human-step treasure like a sword or saber was around 10 or 20 thousand gold taels. But this medium-grade human-step treasure spear was worth at least several times that, and most importantly of all, even if you had the money for it, one wouldn't be able to find one!

Weapons like the spear and the bow needed to be both rigid and elastic. These types of demanding requirements meant that these weapons were the most difficult to create, and even more so to make a treasure weapon. Even most generals would not have a treasure long spear. Instead, they would use a weapon like Lin Ming's that was made from dark purple elastic iron. There were some generals that did have a treasure long spear. However, the spear shafts did not contain any elasticity, and thus their price was much lower.

Although most people present hadn't heard the name Heavy Profound Soft Spear before, but solely with the word 'soft' in its name, that would mean that it was not a rigid spear, but an elastic one.

For a human-step treasure elastic spear, its worth was unimaginable!

Also that 500 year old Blood Lingzhi. The majority of Blood Lingzhi were 300 years old; if they were not picked at that time then they would wither and die. A 400 year old Blood Lingzhi was already very rare and precious. 500 year old Lingzhi simply couldn't be found anywhere in the world of mortals. Only the largest sects would know how raise them through their own mysterious and mystical cultivation methods. This kind of Blood Lingzhi was able to supplement the Qi in one's body and blood, and would make a martial artist's blood stronger and more vigorous. Even their strength would increase.

These were the wondrous medicines that martial artists who pursued strength dreamed about.

As for the Blue Miracle Pill and the Body Spiritual Ichor, those present weren't very clear on what they were. But if they arranged above the treasure long spear and the Blood Lingzhi, then they definitely were also priceless treasures.

But… although the rewards were tempting, those present did not actually envy Lin Ming. Because to obtain them was difficult beyond anyone's imagination!

Reach the top 10 rankings of the Ten Thousand Killing Array within 3 months!

Defeat Zhang Guanyu within 4 months!

Defeat Ta Ku within 5 months!

Defeat Ling Sen within 6 months!

These tasks were as difficult as ascending to heaven. And each was more challenging than the last!

The first task was the most straightforward and simple, but it was already a myth in the eyes of many. Lin Ming had only been at the Seven Profound Martial House for two months. Three months added to two months was five months. To reach the top ten of the Ranking Stone within the first 5 months… if these people had heard someone say this in the past, they definitely would have thought that person was crazy.

It had to be known that the higher one's rank was, the more arduous it was to climb, and the fiercer the competition was. The top 10 and the top 30 were two entirely different concepts.

Could Lin Ming really do that?

If it was to enter the top 10 rankings in the Ten Thousand Killing Array within three months, then some people might believe that. There were those who had recognized Lin Ming as a great talent that would have grand achievements in the future, so they had a little hope for that.

But, to defeat Zhang Guanyu within 4 months, defeat Ta Ku within 5 months, and defeat Ling Sen within 6 months?

This matter, was simply too preposterous!

The existences of these three were simply on a completely different playing field from the rest of the disciples of the Heavenly Abode. Zhang Guanyu and Ta Ku were powerhouses of the Bone Forging stage. The fourth ranking disciple was only at the peak Altering Muscle stage. Their strength was simply too different to comprehend!

Zhang Guanyu was known as the fastest disciple of the Seven Profound Martial House, and Ta Ku was known as the strongest.

But Ling Sen was the most terrifying; he was versatile and excelled in all aspects of combat. To defeat Ling Sen in half a year was simply impossible!

Those present were not ordinary people; they already had a great deal of information on Ling Sen.

It was not wrong that Lin Ming had a martial intent, but Ling Sen also had a martial intent!

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Chapter 111 – Wang Gan's Calculations

It was not wrong that Lin Ming had a martial intent, but Ling Sen also had a martial intent!

While they both had comprehended martial intents, Lin Ming's talent was only a medium third-grade, while Ling Sen's was an inferior fourth-grade. Ling Sen was older than Lin Ming by 5 years, and he had trained at the Seven Profound Martial House for 5 years longer; his strength approached that of a Pulse Condensation Period master. In order to overcome this gap, in half a year, Lin Ming had to somehow train his strength to also approach that of a Pulse Condensation Period master! And this was assuming that Ling Sen's strength would not further progress. But Ling Sen was a top-tier genius, how could he possibly not rise even higher in this half year?

Some of those present knew the specific details of when Ling Sen had attempted the Seven Profound Valleys' core disciple test in the past. The Seven Profound Valleys had required that Ling Sen reach the peak of the Fourth Stage of Body Transformation by the time he was 17 years old. But, they had required that Lin Ming reach the peak Fourth Stage of Body Transformation when he was 16 years old, or to enter the Bone Forging stage by the time he was 18 years old. From this alone, one could tell that the difficulty of Lin Ming's test was much higher than Ling Sen's!

This was most likely because Lin Ming's talent was lower than Ling Sen's, therefore the Seven Profound Valleys had set a higher threshold for qualification.

If others could follow this reasoning, then Lin Ming could too.

In this series of tests, only the first one was necessary to becoming a core disciple of the Seven Profound Valleys. To achieve the peak of the Fourth Stage of Body Transformation when he was 16, for Lin Ming this wasn't a goal that was too difficult.

What was truly difficult were the other four tests. These rewards were provided by the Seven Profound Martial House's Martial House Master as an incentive. They were only extra rewards; whether or not he could obtain them depended on his own ability, they did not affect whether he became a core disciple.

Of course, if he had these rewards, then Lin Ming would complete the first test earlier.

In this series of four rewards, the most difficult one to accomplish was defeating Ling Sen within 6 months. If he managed to do this, then he probably would have attained the other rewards.

"To defeat Ling Sen in 6 months, I bet the Seven Profound Martial House's Martial House Master isn't expecting me to get very far!" Lin Ming knew where he stood on this. He knew that with just his ethereal martial intent, his 'Flow like Silk', and his foundation spear skills, there was no possibility in surpassing Ling Sen in just half a year unless he took top quality pills again. But, he would need to totally consolidate and refine the pill; otherwise it would cause the true essence in his body to be impure.

"When a new disciple enters the Heavenly Abode, they will also hand out pills. But these pills are far inferior compared to the Golden Snake Scarlet Pill. They probably won't have much of an effect…" As Lin Ming thought of this, Elder Wang laughed and said, "Starting from tomorrow, little brother Lin may use the Seven Profound Martial House's seven major killing arrays for 10 full days. You will also be given 20 true essence stones per month. These are personally gifted from the Martial House Master, it seems he's very optimistic about you. Little Brother Lin, if you do not have any questions, then please accept."

Ten full days at the seven major killing arrays?

Lin Ming was absolutely delighted. This was treatment that only the top three disciples of the Seven Profound Martial House would be favored with. Ten days all day… that meant 120 hours. He could almost practice whenever he liked.

"Elder Wang, I don't have any questions."

"Mm, good. Then I will be leaving first. Everyone, please continue to have a enjoyable evening." Elder Wang flicked his fly whisk and put away the Seven Profound Decree. Without speaking to anyone, he left the hall. Those in the hall began to discuss what had just occurred.

The Seven Profound Martial House core disciples really had it rough.

"Big Sister Jingyun, don't you think that the test is a bit too harsh? To have Lin Ming and Ling Sen actually fight, that is just too difficult. Lin Ming is so young, and Ling Sen, Ta Ku, Zhang Guanyu are all 20 years old. How could he win against them?" Murong Zi said this somewhat angrily. Lin Ming's talent was already so heaven defying. If the Seven Profound Valleys would not take in such a person, then what kind of person would they take in?

Bai Jingyun said, "Who said they were intentionally making it hard for him? The test did not require that Lin Ming defeat Ling Sen. As long as his cultivation reaches the peak Altering Muscle stage while he is 16, then he will become a core disciple. Lin Ming is only 15 years old; he still has more than a year. If his martial intent suffices, then it is definitely possible to increase his cultivation by a stage. Are you worried for him?

Murong Zi pursed her lips, "What I'm more worried about is, if he becomes a core disciple, then he'll be a pair with Qin Xingxuan!"

As Murong Zi said this, Bai Jingyun understood. After all, Lin Ming and Qin Xingxuan were both a young boy and a young girl. Their ages were also similarly appropriate. Although Lin Ming's background was ordinary, if he had enough strength, then his background would mean nothing whatsoever.

The Crown Prince laughed with a 'haha' and smiled, "I already knew that brother Lin would become a core disciple sooner or later, but I had not thought that the Seven Profound Decree would be sent down so quickly. This prince proposes that we all have a drink and celebrate our good brother Lin creating yet another miracle!"

The Crown Prince lifted his wine glass and tossed it down his throat. All of the guests present lifted their glasses and toasted Lin Ming. Because of the arrival of Elder Wang, the banquet atmosphere had reached a new high.

Lin Ming's status was becoming increasingly prominent!

Even if he could not become a core disciple, Lin Ming would still be bestowed a noble title, and would most likely become the same type of character as Qin Xiao. But if he did become a core disciple, then Lin Ming had the possibility of becoming the next Seven Profound Envoy or the next Martial House Master of the Seven Profound Martial House. These characters were the same as being the overlord of the land! They could control anything in the Sky Fortune Kingdom and do anything they want; they would be omnipotent!

The attitude of those present grew increasingly eager and fervent towards Lin Ming. The nobility were thinking of how to curry favor with Lin Ming, and the aristocratic young ladies were hoping to obtain Mister Lin Ming's favor.

In that regard, Lin Ming was feeling a bit overwhelmed.

At this moment, a middle-aged man wearing a long, close-fitting robe and a hat arrived at Lin Ming's side. He respectfully called him, "Mister Lin."

"Mm? You are?"

"Mister Lin, I am Major Wang Gan of Sky Fortune City's Royal Guard Forces." Wang Gan said and formally bowed. Lin Ming's status was soaring, but he was still only a common person, and he was also his junior. Wang Gan was an army major, and he was also several dozen years old. With his status, he didn't have to bow to Lin Ming, but he did so in order to appear as humble as possible.

"Major Wang Gan of Sky Fortune City's Royal Guard Forces?" Lin Ming was slightly surprised, but then he suddenly remembered Wang Yigao. Lin Ming naturally had not forgotten the repeated disputes he had with the frivolous dandy idiot. Wang Yigao was weak and an absolute mess, but he did have the influential background of being from the army major's household, so he had kept trying to suppress Lin Ming at every opportunity. If not for Muyi's earlier help, then he might not even have entered the Seven Profound Martial House.

He hadn't thought that this person who appeared would suddenly be Wang Yigao's father. Lin Ming didn't even have the tiniest favorable impression towards this Wang Gan. If he was a good father, then he wouldn't have raised such a horrible son. Lin Ming did not believe that Wang Gan didn't know of Wang Yigao's abusive actions. If one was poor, then they would even be killed in jail by Wang Yigao. This Wang Gan probably pretended that he never saw such things.

Thinking this, Lin Ming's expression darkened. He said, "I know you. In the past I personally experienced how cruel your son's methods are. The reason you came today is about your son's matters? As they say, If a son is not taught well, it is the father's fault. Does Mister Wang not know how domineering and vicious the actions of his son usually are?"

Lin Ming's tone was bad; he reprimanded with a clear meaning. Wang Gan can come prepared to offer any sacrifice today, but being rebuked by Lin Ming in such a manner made him want to hang his head in shame. After all, he was an old man, and Lin Ming was still just a child.

But he could only nod his head in agreement and said, "Mister Lin is right. I've already punished that evil and vicious child to half a year in confinement. I have also handed down the family discipline upon him, and now that little evil boy is…"

"That's enough; you don't need to go any further." Lin Ming had already correctly guessed what Wang Gan had come here today for. "You came today because you want me to forgive this matter?"

Lin Ming and Wang Gan weren't loud, but there were many masters present, and they were able to clearly hear them speaking. Wang Gan's tone was incomparably depressed; he had completely lost all of his face.

Wang Gan lowered his voice and said, "Mister Lin, I have already been made aware of the actions that my evil and useless child had done to hinder Mister Lin. The incident at the Martial House entrance examination was wholly at Zhu Yan's instigation. About the sins of that evil boy, I am the clearest. As for the two previous matters, I have already hit that evil boy bad enough that he cannot get out of bed for several months."

"Mister Lin is a dragon among humans. My evil child is just pathetic trash. Dragons do not live with snakes and tigers do not fight with dogs. It's not worth Mister Lin's time to waste any effort over that useless playboy. If Mister Lin is still unbearably angry, then I shall hand that evil child over to Mister Lin's judgment. Whether you beat him to death or until he is crippled is all up to Mister Lin's mood. Also, I have prepared a small gift of 60 true essence stones. I hope that Mister Lin will accept them.

As Wang Gan said this, Lin Ming couldn't help but acknowledge him. This sort of government official was like a slippery snake that had his own effective methods. He held his own, and then made a final concession. And it was a large gift of 60 true essence stones. Lin Ming also believed that if he kept pressing, Wang Gan would absolutely hand over his son to him to let him punish at his own discretion.

But for this kind of person, if he was pushed into a corner it would only serve to create an enemy; there was not the slightest advantage. Also, he never had plans to kill or maim Wang Yigao to begin with. For 60 true essence stones, Lin Ming didn't mind forgetting this matter.

"Good, I'm not too sentimental about this. I will take the true essence stones and consider this matter written off."

Lin Ming was direct, but these words let Wang Gan feel a little surprised. He certainly knew what sort of value 60 true essence stones held towards martial artists. To collect so many true essence stones, he had paid a high price. But normally martial artists, especially talents like Lin Ming, were often haughty and distant in their manner. Even if they wanted the true essence stones, they would insincerely reject it, before finally begrudgingly accepting it. But Lin Ming was actually very direct in his manner.

Although this was only a small detail, but it actually made Wang Gan feel much more relieved, as he had a new understanding of Lin Ming. 'They say that this Lin Ming's heart of martial arts was purer and stronger than others. Today I saw that Lin Ming acted casually and not overbearingly. He was not hypocritical, he did not humiliate. He did not have arrogance or an overly proud heart. He is understanding and his conscious is clear. He is very suitable to cultivate martial arts.'

After Wang Gan expressed his gratitude towards Lin Ming, he looked him deep in the eye, bid his farewells and left. He boarded his carriage and quietly rushed towards the palace of the Cloud Prince. He understood that within a few quarter hours, the name list of everyone who attended the banquet would be at the Cloud Prince's table. Wang Gan was a centrist. Since he attended to banquet today, he had to visit the Cloud Prince and offer a clear explanation for why he did so, otherwise in the future he would very possibly be regarded as a dissident. That would be greatly unfavorable towards him.

At the same time as he explained, Wang Gan would also have to distance the responsibility from his own son. He would point towards the matter that happened at the beginning of fall and say that it was instigated by Zhu Yan, and say that his good-for-nothing son was only used as a proxy.

Note: about Lin Ming's time limit to reach the peak of Altering Muscle, it wasn't very clear in the raws due to annoying Chinese phrasing. It basically says that he has to reach it before the age of 17, but the way it's worded is something equivalent to him having to reach it during 16. He has a few months left until he's 16, then the time limit for fighting Ling Sen is while he is 16, but before 17, which is the time limit. Sorry about that confusion.

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Chapter 112 – Crazy Zhu Yan

In order to avoid the eyes and ears of the Crown Prince, Wang Gan circled around the Cloud Prince's palace a few times. He had wrapped himself in a cloak and entered the palace through the back door. Like this, he had come to the Cloud Prince to especially explain why he had been at the Crown Prince's banquet, and also to report on the evil doings of Zhu Yan. The Tenth Prince probably wouldn't like to hear about Zhu Yan, but Wang Gan had his own spin to add to the story.

He did not directly explain why he went to the Crown Prince's palace and attended his banquet. Instead, he began by borrowing the Tenth Prince's status in the army, and reporting to him about military affairs. He recommended to the Tenth Prince a brave father and son pair that had performed many meritorious military services. From this, he went back and forth on the greatness of such a father and son pairing, and then woefully sighed to himself about how his own household had suffered such misfortune and raised such a useless child. He then slowly edged in the matter of several months ago, where his good-for-nothing evil child had provoked Lin Ming, and then accidently dropped Zhu Yan's name…

How could the Cloud Prince not know the meaning behind Wang Gan's story? When he heard Wang Gan mention Zhu Yan time and time again, the Tenth Prince's expression fell. He hadn't known that Lin Ming and Wang Gan's son had such a conflict on the day of the entrance examination, and that the instigator of this accident was Zhu Yan.

"Major Wang, you've worked hard today. Please head back to rest as soon as possible." The Cloud Prince said with a blank expression.

"Yes, then I will excuse myself." Wang Gan's goal had already been achieved. Although the position he had in Sky Fortune City's government was not too big or too small, it was actually a very sensitive and important middle-level commanding role. Wang Gan had to be constantly cautious in order to preserve his own head, and he had done that very well.

Sky Fortune City, Zhu Family Branch –

Zhu Yan was wearing white pants. His hair was disheveled as he lay down on the bed. He had a dejected look as he peered outside the window. His eyes passed through the layered windows of the complex as he stared at the brilliantly illuminated palace of the Crown Prince. He knew that today the Crown Prince was holding a grand banquet at his palace, and the star of that party was Lin Ming.

Thinking of Lin Ming, Zhu Yan clenched the bed sheets. The fine and expensive bed sheets were torn apart in Zhu Yan's grip.

In that fight several days ago, he had seriously injured himself! The 'Red Lotus Purgatory' was a martial skill that he hadn't been able to fully utilize yet. In doing so, he had overdrawn the true essence in his body and damaged his meridians. Zhu Yan's cultivation was insufficient, and he had barely used it. In addition to the enormous load on his body, he had been pushed back by Lin Ming's spear. The result was an even more severe injury on Zhu Yan!

The wounds of the flesh were easy to cure with good medicines and pills, but damage to the meridians was very hard to recover from. This kind of wound would become a major hindrance when he was breaking through to the Pulse Condensation Period!

"Damnit!"

Peng! The velvet pillow under Zhu Yan suddenly exploded. The countless snow white feathers fluttered around the room like snowflakes in winter.

"Ah!" Lan Yunyue jumped in fear as she covered her mouth. Zhu Yan was moody, and this caused her to feel not even the least bit of security. One moment he was quiet, and the next moment he would be filled with anger like a raging beast.

Lan Yunyue's scream caused Zhu Yan to suddenly look at Lan Yunyue.

As soon as Zhu Yan's eyes fell on her, Lan Yunyue's breath caught in her chest. The look Zhu Yan gave her made her feel as if she was being submerged in an icy bath. She thought that Zhu Yan might even kill her now.

There was a pause before Zhu Yan suddenly asked, "Do you regret?"

"What… what regrets?" Lan Yunyue panicked. She took a deep breath, and tried to sound as calm as possible.

"You know what I'm talking about."

Lin Ming's present achievements were already several times more dazzling than Zhu Yan. Without a doubt, his achievements in the future would far outstrip Zhu Yan. Zhu Yan believed that with Lan Yunyue's pragmatic heart, she would inevitably regret to the extreme.

"The Crown Prince is hosting the grandest of banquets. He is there. If you regret then you may go there and look for him. That sort of banquet, there are all sorts of celebrities and famous, influential figures. The aristocratic young ladies there wear magnificent and expensive attire, and their manners and poise are elegant. Isn't that what you've always wanted? You may go now."

Zhu Yan's calm voice brought an icy chill with it. It caused Lan Yunyue to feel fearful and apprehensive. She knew that today, Zhu Yan was walking on the edge of a cliff. If she really did say she 'regretted', she did not know what he would do in his rage.

Lan Yunyue was on pins and needles. She clenched her lips and said, "I no longer have any qualifications to regret anything anymore."

Zhu Yan evilly smiled, and revealed the corners of his teeth. "You are very honest. At least you weren't hypocritical and said you didn't regret. Good. You truly do not have the qualifications to regret. Such being the case, take off your clothes!"

"What!?" Lan Yunyue subconsciously grabbed her own collar in surprised. "Zhu Yan, we are not married."

"Marriage? Lan Yunyue, you do not understand your position and identity. Do you think that you are a princess? The reason I have not made an advance on you is because I respected you. But you, you must at least have the qualifications that are worth me respecting! Have you ever had me for even a moment in your heart? Now prove it to me, take off your clothes!"

"Zhu Yan, you…" Lan Yunyue felt an impending sense of alarm and subconsciously leaned towards the door. Before this, Zhu Yan's disposition had already been dark, with a sense of high-risk danger. But the truth was that Zhu Yan had never made a move on Lan Yunyue. In fact, most of the time he had been the very image of a gentleman's gentleman.

But today Lan Yunyue did not doubt that Zhu Yan would rape her. Because of his failures and frustration from his defeat in the match, as well as his future setbacks, he had already become similar to a wild, angry beast.

Zhu Yan saw Lan Yunyue's petty actions and his voice lowered in anger, "Although I am injured, I am more than enough to deal with you. I advise you not to move towards the entrance. If you take another step towards the door, I don't mind personally moving."

"Zhu… Zhu Yan…" Lan Yunyue bit her lip. Tears had already begun to form at the corners of her eyes. She grabbed the collar of her clothes, and her knuckles and already turned white from the excessive gripping.

Her voice trembled as she said, "You lost to Lin Ming in the match, and you think that by abusing a woman that Lin Ming had liked, you will be able to retaliate and vent your anger against him! Is this your heart of martial arts!? Zhu Yan, why must you use this method to psychologically comfort yourself? Does this make you feel better?"

"What did you say?" Zhu Yan's face had completely sunk. Every word Lan Yunyue said had punished his heart and poked his sore spot. The reason he wanted to move on Lan Yunyue today was exactly because of this repression that he could vent or retaliate against.

He hated. He hated everything about Lin Ming. He urgently needed to find somewhere, anywhere, where he could be just a tiny bit better than Lin Ming. He would take complete possession of the woman Lin Ming used to like, in order to rid his heart of its demons!

But, his thoughts had been bluntly revealed by Lan Yunyue. To look for a sense of superiority in a woman's body; this made Zhu Yan feel extremely pitiful!

Therefore, he became angry out of his shame!

He revolved his true essence, and was about to pounce on her. But at this moment, a voice sounded behind the door. The old servant's voice resounded from outside, "Young Master, the Tenth Prince has come."

"Mm?" Zhu Yan frowned. The true essence that he had begun to circulate gradually calmed down.

Lan Yunyue was strained to her limit. Her body was up against the wall, and she slowly slid down against the floor. Her back was covered in nervous sweat. In this past month, the name of the Tenth Prince had been her nightmare. At that time, with just a few words, he had almost caused Zhu Yan to renounce their engagement and divorce her. But now, hearing the Tenth Prince's arrival, it actually made her feel incomparably relieved.

Zhu Yan rose up and began to dress himself silently. To see the Tenth Prince, he would naturally neatly dress himself and greet him in the hall. Only someone whose wound was too heavy or was terminally ill would meet in their bedroom.

However, as Zhu Yan was putting on clothes, there was the sound of disorderly footsteps outside.

The door opened, and the Tenth Prince stood at the entrance. He had a few followers with him, and his face was calm, showing neither joy nor anger.

"Greetings, Your Highness." Zhu Yan bowed. Lan Yunyue also stood and bowed, before she moved back to a corner of the room.

According to customs, when an official bowed to the prince, the prince would dispense with the ceremony with a show of words. However, the Tenth Prince had not said anything, and Zhu Yan had bowed.

"You know Wang Yigao?" The Tenth Prince suddenly asked. This question made Lan Yunyue feel completely senseless.

Zhu Yan immediately understood that the Tenth Prince was referring to the matter that happened at the beginning of fall. Otherwise, it would be impossible for the Tenth Prince to mention such an unimportant person like Wang Yigao so suddenly. Because Lin Ming had become famous, Wang Yigao had been held accountable and confessed to his father, which was then passed to the ears of the Tenth Prince.

"Yes." Zhu Yan admitted. He knew that the reason Lin Ming favored the Crown Prince might be because of this matter. He had not mentioned it at his own initiative, but now it was known by the Tenth Prince.

"Very good. Now I know why it was so easy for my third elder brother to win over Lin Ming. You might not have known, but the one who had rescued Lin Ming from Wang Yigao was my third elder brother! This is simply icing on the cake, how much more timely could that help have been? You have been under my command for two years already, and you still have not even had half a minute of merit, and yet you already have given third elder brother such a great present. You may know that the Seven Profound Valleys has already started Lin Ming on the core disciple test tonight. As long as he passes, then he will be a core disciple!"

Zhu Yan's heart maliciously twitched. Core disciple!

This was unthinkable. In the entire Sky Fortune Kingdom, only Qin Xingxuan was a locally born core disciple!

As for the others, they were children of the mystical martial arts families.

"Zhu Yan, do you know what the value of a Martial House core disciple is to me and my third elder brother?" The Tenth Prince expression was a bit grim. A core disciple of the Martial House would enter the Seven Profound Valleys in the future. Afterwards, they would either stay at the Seven Profound Valleys, or be sent back. In the second case, they would be appointed as either the Seven Profound Martial House's Martial House Master, or as a Seven Profound Envoy.

If Lin Ming stayed at the Seven Profound Valleys, that would be alright. But if he was sent back to become the Martial House Master or a Seven Profound Envoy, then that was extraordinary!

The Sky Fortune Kingdom was a vassal state to the Seven Profound Valleys and under their jurisdiction. The Martial House Master and the Seven Profound Envoy had a status that surpassed even the emperor!

If Lin Ming was appointed as the Martial House Master or as a Seven Profound Envoy and publicly supported the Crown Prince, then there was no hope for him to ascend the throne!

And if he failed to ascend the throne, then the price would possibly be his life!

Zhu Yan clenched his fists so hard that his nails dug into the meat of his palm. Core disciple! How was this even possible!? If Lin Ming someday became the Martial House Master of the Seven Profound Martial House, or a Seven Profound Envoy, then to kill him would be as simple as crushing an ant. Thinking of this, he felt as if he were sinking in a bottomless well of despair.

This enmity, could it ever be fixed?

Lan Yunyue was slumped up against a wall, and her face had lost all of its color. Core disciple… Lin Ming, he wanted to become a core disciple?

In the future he would be the Seven Profound Martial House's Martial House Master or he might be a Seven Profound Envoy…

To her, this kind of existence was nothing but simply fanciful legends; it was simply too remote an idea for her.

At this moment, the Tenth Prince also noticed Lan Yunyue. He had thought that Lan Yunyue was a maidservant, but after noticing the fine clothes Lan Yunyue was wearing, he realised he had been mistaken. "You are… Lan Yunyue?

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Chapter 113 – The Tenth Prince's Decision

At this moment, the Tenth Prince noticed Lan Yunyue. He had thought that Lan Yunyue was a maidservant, but after noting the fine clothes Lan Yunyue was wearing, he realised that he had been mistaken. "You are… Lan Yunyue?

Lan Yunyue regained her composure and bowed to the Tenth Prince, "Lan Yunyue greets His Highness the Cloud Prince."

The Tenth Prince looked up and down at Lan Yunyue. He sneered derisively and said, "Good! What a charmingly pitiful and pathetic appearance. No wonder Lin Ming was so utterly crazy for you. It's such a pity. If you were still friends with Lin Ming, then I might have been able to find you some value in you. But now… looking at you only makes me sick to my stomach."

The Tenth Prince spoke mercilessly, disregarding her feelings. Lan Yunyue paled; how could a girl withstand such cruel words being said to her?

"Leave!" The Tenth Prince dismissed Lan Yunyue with a wave of his hand.

Lan Yunyue bit her lip as she fought back the tears that were pooling in her eyes. She bowed, and excused herself.

As Lan Yunyue walked out, the Tenth Prince stepped back. Finally, the only ones left in the room were the Tenth Prince and Zhu Yan.

The Tenth Prince glared at Zhu Yan, and coldly said, "Do you want revenge?"

Zhu Yan remained silent. However the blood that dripped to the ground from the nails that dug into his fist, had already answered the Tenth Prince.

"Very good. You should know that Lin Ming will soon become a core disciple of the Seven Profound Martial House. You also know what sort of status the Seven Profound Martial House has in Sky Fortune Kingdom. There is only the slimmest chance that you will have an opportunity to avenge yourself!

"But no matter how uncertain your chances, there will still be opportunities; It's impossible for Lin Ming to stay at the Seven Profound Martial House forever. As long as he comes out from there, then there will be a chance to assassinate him! Your strength is insufficient. You will look for a suitable powerhouse that can handle him. I will secretly provide you with money and treasure. As long as the reward is enough, there will always be some wandering powerhouses who will be tempted. These wandering masters are never in the same location, and it is difficult to find out who they are, even for the Seven Profound Valleys."

"But! From an outsider's view I will sever all contact with you, and the Zhu Family will expel you from the family! Zhu Yan, I hope you can understand my reasoning. The Zhu Family has already been bound to me. I must inherit the throne; otherwise, not only I, but the entire Zhu Family will suffer complete and utter annihilation!"

Zhu Yan's heart pumped fiercely. To distance himself from the Tenth Prince and even be expelled from the family!

He knew why the Tenth Prince did what he did. Assassinating Lin Ming carried too high a risk! Once it was found out by the Seven Profound Martial House, then the Tenth Prince and the Zhu Family would be finished!

Therefore he had cut off all relations!

Like this, even if the assassination of Lin Ming failed and became known to the Seven Profound Martial House, it would have nothing to do with the Tenth Prince and the Zhu Family!

What the Tenth Prince and the Zhu Family would do was to show goodwill towards Lin Ming on the surface, while plotting against him. To outsiders, such a ruthless move would simply seem like the Tenth Prince and the Zhu Family were making concessions towards Lin Ming.

In order to show good will towards Lin Ming, a brave soldier had to take the fall, so that Lin Ming would not take the Tenth Prince as his enemy!

It could even be that the Tenth Prince would manage to win Lin Ming over from the Crown Prince's side, or at least make it so that Lin Ming was not so heavily invested in the Crown Prince.

A two-pronged approach! This was the best plan!

However, his own political future would be ruined! He would lose his family, lose his power, lose everything he had, and become a wandering avenger with nothing left to lose.

Once he failed, the price would be his life!

But he didn't have the power to make a choice!

The family would not hesitate to sacrifice their son in exchange for their own benefit.

"Zhu Yan, it's already come to this point, there's no turning back. This is the only way! I cannot just give up and admit defeat because of a single Lin Ming. I have to continue fighting, and the Zhu Family has to preserve itself.

"But Lin Ming is just too terrible. If he becomes a Seven Profound Envoy or the Martial House Master, then I have not even a smidgen of hope. I must either win Lin Ming over, or remove him from the equation. About your matter, I have already talked to mother and she has agreed. Either tomorrow or tonight, you will go on your journey and arrange an assassination plan. I hope that you do not disappoint me again!

"If you succeed and don't leave behind any hints that you were involved, then after I mount the throne and the situation has stabilized, then I will give you what you want!"

'Give me what I want?' Zhu Yan sneered in his heart. 'Indeed, at that time you will silence me so that you can rid yourself of a witness to your crimes!'

Even trusted subordinates would be eliminated once they outlived their usefulness, or be cast aside when they were no longer needed. Much less, the Tenth Prince's natural disposition was to be overly suspicious and believe nobody. How could he tolerate such a danger by his side? Would he ever have peace eating or sleeping? Assassinate a core disciple of the Seven Profound Martial House? This accusation alone was enough to have the Seven Profound Valleys sentence the Tenth Prince to death!

If I fail, I will die!

If I succeed, I will die!

You deprive me of my wealth, destroy my future, and also want to take my life…

Yang Zhen, you are too ruthless!

And my dear, sweet aunt; you also participated in this idea. To help your son struggle for the throne, you have used such a cruel method on your nephew. Good. Very good!

My Zhu Yan's fate, I will take in my own hands!

Zhu Yan's eyes flashed with a cold brightness. At this moment he vowed, that all those people who had worked against him or offended him would all be killed!

I want strength! I want limitless strength! Strength to kill Lin Ming, strength to kill Yang Zhen! To dominate everything and control the life and death of all!

Peng! The Tenth Prince opened the door and left the Zhu Family branch complex with his guards. Lan Yunyue sat in the hall and watched as the Tenth Prince walked away, feeling helpless and lost.

Zhu Yan's bedroom door was slightly ajar, leaving a small crack open like the jaws of some wild beast lying sideways. Lan Yunyue could not muster up the courage to step into that room, but she was also unable to leave. She could only stand in that empty and vacant hall, waiting.

After a quarter hour passed, Zhu Yan finally emerged from the room. Lan Yunyue reflexively stood up.

Zhu Yan turned around and casually flung a light piece of paper towards Lan Yunyue. Lan Yunyue subconsciously glanced at it. She had been expecting this. It was the contract paper they had signed when they had become engaged to each other.

"Tear it." Zhu Yan exclaimed.

"What… the… I'm sorry? Lan Yunyue's hands froze.

"Our engagement is dissolved. From this point on, I am expelled from the Zhu Family."

"Ex… expelled?" Lan Yunyue was completely shocked. How could this be?

Zhu Yan said, "When you and I were engaged, the only reason you did so was because of my status, power, influence, and money. Now, I no longer have these things. There is no longer a reason for you to stay with me. This engagement contract is now nothing more than a joke."

After Zhu Yan said this, he flicked his finger and the contract in Lan Yunyue's hand was torn into fragments by true essence.

At that moment, Lan Yunyue's mind blanked. In the Sky Fortune Kingdom, it was a shameful matter for a girl to become divorced after she was engaged. It would be difficult to remarry again. When wealthy people looked for a wife they would never settle for such women. If they did, it would only be as a concubine.

"You can go now." Zhu Yan had completely calmed down. He turned and walked away, not giving Lan Yunyue even a last parting look. His heart was only filled with immeasurable hatred. The Zhu Yan of the past had died in that bedroom; how could he possibly have the thought to consider Lan Yunyue's feelings?

As Lan Yunyue stepped out of the Zhu Family branch complex, she wandered onto the street in a daze. It was over… Zhu Yan and her were completely over…

She suddenly discovered that she did not feel the sadness and gloomy misery of a young girl that was left by herself. Instead, she felt a kind of peaceful solace as she let out a sigh.

Along with that torn engagement paper, those incomparably depressing and weary days had ended…

The late autumn night wind was thick with moisture, and it was chilly as it blew on the body. Sky Fortune City's nightlife was as vivid as ever, as happy and buoyant sounds filled the air. Among the wanton and luxurious brothels, the vivid red lanterns hanging high in the air, and the dim lights, Lan Yunyue could hear the sounds of women chatting away.

Looking at the noisy world around her, Lan Yunyue suddenly smiled. It was a bittersweet smile, filled with relief.

She remembered her childhood, when she and Lin Ming would play with bamboo dragonflies on the moist spring grass.

She remembered when they would go out in the rain to pick the small wildflowers together, or step across the slippery stones of a creek and dip their toes into the cool spring. Little fish would come up and nibble on their toes, giving them an itchy feeling… because Lin Ming grew up in a restaurant; he knew how to prepare a delicious meal in a short time. He would catch a pheasant, pick some wild herbs and wild fruits, and bring his own clay pots to cook a variety of tasty foods.

One time when she was sick, he ran several miles in the pouring rain to grab some clear mountain spring water so that he could boil her some nutritious medicinal porridge…

However… she could no longer go back to those days.

Before she had realized it, tears were already streaming down her face.

She regretted. But what she regretted was not that Lin Ming had become Sky Fortune Kingdom's most dazzling superstar, or that she missed her chance to become the wife of the next state marshal or the Seven Profound envoy. No… what she regretted was that she had discarded that simple, pure happiness for nothing but useless luxury and empty vanity.

She walked aimlessly. Her frail and attractive body was wrapped in a simple blue long dress. Under the shining red lights of the lanterns, she was covered by a misty and lonely shadow. She was like a desolate blue butterfly that flew in the cold autumn wind.

She did not want to return to the Seven Profound Martial House. With her talent, she had already lost the support of precious herbs and medicines. In her life, she could no longer achieve a high martial arts cultivation.

She did not want to return to Green Mulberry City. She did not have the face to go back. She did not know how to face her own parents or how to face her neighbors.

Most importantly, she did not want to see Lin Ming again; she did not want to bid him farewell…

Lin Ming was sitting in a carriage drawn by Snow Dragon horses. He was completely ignorant to how Zhu Yan and Lan Yunyue's destinies had changed, and how Zhu Yan was completely filled with hatred towards him.

He knew that that Zhu Yan's enmity towards him had not been resolved. He also guessed correctly that Zhu Yan would wait for an opportunity to retaliate against him in the future. However, he could not kill Zhu Yan. For better or for worse, Zhu Yan was also an official disciple of the Seven Profound Martial House. To kill him would be challenging the authority of the Martial House.

"Mister Lin, please get off." A servant of the Crown Prince respectfully said as the carriage stopped.

Lin Ming drew back the carriage curtains. He thought that he would meet with the Crown Prince in his palace study. He hadn't thought that they would have left Sky Fortune City and arrived at the base of Zhou Mountain. This location actually wasn't too far from the Seven Profound Martial House.

As Lin Ming debarked from the carriage, he saw that they had actually stopped in front of a mansion. The mansion was not luxurious, but the inside was very elegant in its construction. There were small bridges that hung over flowing streams and winding rock corridors. It didn't look much like a mansion; it was more reminiscent of a garden.

"Haha, Brother Lin, do you like this place?"

"Mm?" Lin Ming slightly hesitated. He already had a dim guess of what Yang Lin wanted to do, and that was to give this residency to him.

If he received this residency, then he would become a person of the Crown Prince.

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Chapter 114 – Yang Lin's Gift

Lin Ming had no interest or reason to be involved with the struggle for the royal throne. However, the Crown Prince and Muyi had shown graciousness towards him. If not for the Crown Prince sending a sound transmitting talisman to help him on the day of the Seven Profound Martial House's entrance examination, then Lin Ming would not have been able to participate. Not only that, but he would have been miserably put in jail, and even disabled.

Lin Ming was a considerate person who returned good deeds and favors that others did for him. Being selfish and ungrateful was not part of his nature. If he ever did such a thing, then that would be a true betrayal of his heart.

He frankly asked, 'Your Highness, how can I help you?"

Yang Lin did not expect Lin Ming to get straight to the point. It was quite refreshing. He smiled and said, "Brother Lin, you are a straightforward person who speaks his mind. Then I will also be blunt. Right now in the Sky Fortune Kingdom, it is time for a new person to inherit the throne. There are two possible candidates that can do so; me and my tenth younger brother. I was pushed into the position of Crown Prince. As such, now that I've ridden the tiger, I can no longer back down. Now, my queen mother's life, and my younger sister's life are already linked with mine. I have to fully commit myself to this throne struggle, whether or not I ever wanted to. I know that Brother Lin is a martial artist who detests political intrigue, but Brother Lin need not worry. If Brother Lin is willing to help me, then I will not have Brother Lin do anything. All I need is Brother Lin's support. With Brother Lin's status as a core disciple of the Seven Profound Martial House, it will already be of great benefit to me. If I must step back 10 thousand steps and say it, even if I lose the struggle for the throne, my tenth younger brother would still never dare to touch Brother Lin."

Lin Ming responded, "Crown Prince Your Highness, I am afraid that you've misunderstood. I do not fear the Tenth Prince's retaliation, nor do I fear any assassination attempts. It is just that I might not stay in the Sky Fortune Kingdom in the future."

"Oh… I see." Yang Lin sighed in his heart. Lin Ming really did have lofty ambitions; he was similar to Qin Xingxuan. A small country like the Sky Fortune Kingdom could not accommodate him.

Lin Ming said, "Your Highness, but I can guarantee that unless that I am too far from the Sky Fortune Kingdom, if I hear news of the struggle for the throne, then I will hurry back as soon as possible and lend Your Highness a helping hand."

Yang Lin happily said, "I'm very grateful towards Brother Lin!"

Yang Lin brought Lin Ming to take a tour of the residency, which was in fact a manor. The manor also had an attachment of hundreds of acres of farmland. There were droves of livestock, poultry, and massive ponds for fish and shrimp. Inside the manor were male servants, guards, maids. All of the expenses of the manor were self-sufficient, and there was even a surplus.

In the bedroom of the manor were some money and valuables. There was a sandalwood box on the table. There were rows of true essence stones neatly line within; these true essence stones were pure in color, and were obviously of superior quality. There were more than 100 of them.

Even if Lin Ming were to cultivate daily with these, this number of these true essence stones would be sufficient to last him half a year. The pure color of the true essence stones implied that the amount of true essence within was many times more than an ordinary one.

This gift; it was quite generous.

In the box that held so many true essence stones, Lin Ming also discovered a plain ring. The ring looked like it was made of aged bronze, but it exuded a faint hint of true essence fluctuations.

"Mm? This is…"

Lin Ming's eyes locked onto the ring. He sent his soul force out to see what was so unusual about it.

Yang Lin smiled and said, "Brother Lin has good eyes. This is a low-grade human-step spatial ring. It is a gift from my teacher, Mister Muyi, to his little brother Lin."

"Spatial Ring?" Lin Ming's mind blanked. He had heard of this kind of ring before. There was a small pocket dimension inside, and it could be used to store many things. It was also said to be unstable. The truth was that after several hundred years, the space inside would collapse upon itself, and the items inside would also be destroyed.

A spatial ring, according to its size and the degree of its stability, could be divided into many different grades. Although this spatial ring was only a low-grade human-step treasure, its true value was as good as a medium-grade human-step treasure. This was because it was far too difficult to create a spatial ring.

It was easier said than done for a martial artist to crack open a fissure in space. Even if it was only a small, unstable space that lasted a few hundred years, it would not be easy. Those spatial rings that had vast inner spaces and were very stable were inestimable in value.

"Mister Muyi gave this to me?"

"Mm. Teacher said that the reason he obtained this spatial ring was because of Brother Lin. When Brother Lin had just entered the Seven Profound Martial House, you may not have known, but the Seven Profound Martial House's Elder Xu and Wang Yanfeng's father were old friends, and thus Elder Xu was unsatisfied with you being named the first place new disciple. Therefore, Mister Muyi made a bet with him. He bet that Brother Lin would enter the Heavenly Abode before Wang Yanfeng did. Finally, Brother Lin entered the Heavenly Abode, and Elder Xu lost. This spatial ring was the gambling stake of that bet."

"So that's what happened. I remember Elder Xu. After I defeated Wang Yanfeng, this Elder Xu came on stage to look for trouble."

"Yes, that's him. So Brother Lin, please accept this spatial ring. Consider it an apology from Elder Xu."

"Well, then I will ask your highness to thank Mister Muyi for me." Lin Ming hesitated, then received the gift. Since he had already decided to lend the Crown Prince a helping hand, he would no longer be hypocritical in his actions. Not to mention, this spatial ring really was quite handy. Later he could use it to deposit all those piles of inscription technique materials that he had stocked up.

"Haha, Brother Lin, do not worry. There is also something in the spatial ring. Brother Lin can take it out. As long as you send your soul force through the spatial ring, you will be able to."

"Oh?" Lin Ming did as the Crown Prince had said, and penetrated the spatial ring with his soul force. He could feel something like a piece of clothing inside. As soon as he took it out, he saw that it was a purple gold colored flexible armor.

The flexible armor appeared to be woven from thin metal wires. It was soft to the touch, and above the flexible armor was a scarlet blood symbol. These blood symbols were complicated and mysterious. They shined with a dazzlingly bright light. Lin Ming peered closer and found that the blood symbol had actually seeped into the texture of the metal wires, and had become a part of the flexible armor.

These blood characters were obviously written on after the flexible armor was created. To have the strength to force these characters through the metal weave, this bold handwriting style definitely belonged to the master of a master.

Yang Lin said, "This flexible armor is named the Purple Gold Flexible Armor. By itself It is a medium-grade human-step treasure. These blood symbols were drawn by a peak Houtian master who specialized in charms. He had to consume his own blood essence in order to draw this. It is able to weaken true essence attacks."

"Mm? Weaken true essence attacks?" Ling Ming was surprised. True essence was a type of energy that naturally circulated inside the body. It could easily penetrate through flexible armor. This flexible armor was unexpectedly capable of weakening true essence attacks and was also a medium-grade human-step treasure. Its value could be imagined.

Yang Lin said, "Brother Lin is in a very sensitive position now. I fear that you may suffer assassination attempts so I gift this armor to Brother Lin. Even a normal Houtian master would find it difficult to break through this armor. Well, although I say it's so great, at most this flexible armor can fend off a sneak attack and delay for some time. If facing off against a true Houtian master, I'm afraid that there would be no meaning for Brother Lin to put on this flexible armor. "

Although a Houtian master could not break through the flexible armor, that didn't mean that Lin Ming could just wear it and challenge anyone he saw. As soon as a Houtian master hit the body with all of their strength, that attack strength would be transmitted through the flexible armor and would be enough to burst all of a person's organs, much less, this flexible armor only weakened true essence attacks and was unable to completely negate them.

This flexible armor was priceless. For Yang Lin to give this to him, he must have paid an enormous price. Lin Ming hesitate slightly, and then decided to take it. He really was in a very sensitive position at the moment. This flexible armor could also be considered a lucky talisman.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

"Haha, Brother Lin is far too polite. In fact, I want to thank Brother Lin. Whatever I can give, to be honest, my tenth brother can give more, all of which is superior to what I can offer." Yang Lin candidly said.

Lin Ming and the Crown Prince walked further inside until they reached another room. This was the master bedroom of the manor.

The master bedroom was very luxurious, and exquisitely decorated. In the middle of the room was a large mahogany bed more than ten feet wide. It was enough for four to five people to comfortably sleep in.

At this time, four maids had already prepared the bed for Lin Ming. They respectfully stood at the four corners of the bed. Of these four maids, their ages were around 16 years old, and it was hard to tell which was more beautiful. They had obviously gone through a careful selection process.

The maids were usually the daughters of poor people who were sold as children. The most beautiful among them would be selected, and sent off to train in how to serve; they were even taught the fine arts. In the future they would be sent to the palaces of the nobility to work.

Once a maid was purchased, their body belonged to their master, and their master could use them as they pleased. This was especially true for those personal maids that lived in connection rooms and served the daily tasks of their master. This was equal to being a concubine. This kind of maid was usually responsible for the governance of the house. Besides waiting in their master's bedroom and doing some cleaning, they did not need to do anything else. Their monthly expenses and status were very high, and was a position that the outer maids much admired and envied. Many maids wanted to join in on this, after all, for them, becoming a concubine or even an aunt was the best result. Otherwise when they were sold out to be married, it would be difficult for them to find anyone decent. That was why most of the time, when a maid heard they would be sold, they would often cry in extreme distress.

The four maids saw Lin Ming arrive, and their hearts were filled with trepidation; some of them even had trouble breathing. The butler had already told them who this young man was. He was the most dazzling star of the Sky Fortune Kingdom who was called a genius of the Seven Profound Martial House that only came by once every century, and even had the possibility of becoming a core disciple. The butler had already given them strict instructions to serve him tonight in any way possible and that they had to perform everything perfectly and splendidly. If they could give this Sir Lin a good impression, then in this life they might have a chance of transforming from a sparrow to a phoenix.

Therefore this evening was very important to them. As a maid, to be able to serve this legendary and handsome young man as a personal maid was the good fortune of their life. The bedding had been neatly spread, and there was not even the slightest crease in the sheets. The furniture and curtains had all been spotlessly cleaned, the incense burner was new and the floor was sparkling bright.

Lin Ming saw these four fresh and juicy maids. He looked around and saw the fine mahogany furniture, the expensive spice purple gold incense burner, the woven silk sheets, and was unable to restrain a sigh. These were all the comforts and enjoyments of life that riches and fame could bring.

Yang Lin said, "Brother Lin, if you are tired, then let's rest here tonight. I will also accompany Brother Lin and stay in the guest room."

Lin Ming knew that Yang Lin offered this so that he would feel relieved and rest without fear of assassination. As the current dynasty's Crown Prince, Yang Ling surely had martial arts masters who served as his royal guard, otherwise the Tenth Prince would not need to assassinate Lin Ming; he would simply kill the Crown Prince and be done with it.

Lin Ming looked at the four maids that were like little timid white rabbits, and saw the hope and fear that intermingled in their eyes. He shook his head slightly and said to Yang Lin, "No, I will return to the Seven Profound Martial House."

"Mm? This manor is not to Brother Lin's liking?"

"Not really," Lin Ming said with a faint smile. He continued, "Here, life is too comfortable and luxurious. The quiet and simple days of the Seven Profound Martial House are much more suitable for cultivation."

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Chapter 115 – Zhang Guanyu

"Not really," Lin Ming said with a faint smile. He continued, "Here, life is too comfortable and luxurious. The quiet and simple days of the Seven Profound Martial House are much more suitable for cultivation."

"This… Brother Lin is too assiduous. Sometimes proper rest is needed; a bowstring stretched too taut isn't necessary a good thing. Some degree of relaxation is also good. Since Brother Lin has decided to go, then I will call the guards to protect Brother Lin on his way back. The Crown Prince quickly called his royal guard to keep Lin Ming safe as he returned to the Martial House.

When Lin Ming left, the four young maidservants were relieved, but they also felt a faint disappointment. Their entire manor of several hundred people had been busy at work for the past few days meticulously cleaning the entire manor, but Lin Ming had only taken a look, and hadn't even sat down…

However, this manor now belonged to Lin Ming. Regardless of whether he slept here or stayed here, they had to keep everything clean and spotless every day.

"What? Challenge me in fourth months?"

In a sumptuously decorated hall, on top of a soft silk mattress, an exceedingly handsome young man lazily reclined against a headrest. This young man's hands were greedily hugging an enchanting beauty of great assets. At the foot of the mattress, a young, beautiful maid was slowly massaging his legs, and on the other end, a charmingly pretty woman was plucking crystal grapes with her slender fingers, and gently placing them into the young man's mouth.

This man was the third place master of the Seven Profound Martial House's Ranking Stone, Zhang Guanyu. Besides the core disciples of the Seven Profound Martial House, he was the only gifted genius with a fifth-grade martial talent.

Not only that, but Zhang Guanyu was an outstanding talent who was raised by the Allied Trade Association1. In the future, he had the possibility of becoming the president of the Allied Trade Association!

The Allied Trade Association was a large organization that was heavily invested in the Sky Fortune Kingdom, and even in several nearby countries. It had existed for a long time; it was even older than the Sky Fortune Dynasty. With such a great organization, its history and strength were profound and unthinkable.

Zhang Guanyu's martial talent was only inferior to Qin Xingxuan within the entirety of all the young martial artists of the Sky Fortune Kingdom. With the important position that he occupied, It could be said that he was a favored son of heaven. Beautiful women, wealth, power; all of these were easily within his reach.

However, even with the vast resources of the Allied Trade Association and with his own gifted talent, he still hadn't produced any amazing results. On the Seven Profound Martial House Ranking Stone, he was only third, below Ling Sen and Ta Ku.

Ling Sen had his Ashura martial intent. His strength was formidable and disgustingly abnormal; being below him was understandable.

But Ta Ku was only a superior fourth-grade talent. Although he did have inborn divine strength, his talent was inferior to Zhang Guanyu, and the resources at his disposal were far inferior. It was unjustifiable for Zhang Guanyu to be suppressed by Ta Ku.

Ultimately, it was decided that Zhang Guanyu's heart of martial arts was too weak, and he excessively wallowed in debauchery.

When he had passed the Dream Trial, Zhang Guanyu's results had been horrible. But even knowing this problem, the Allied Trade Association had no way to force Zhang Guanyu into abstinence. This was because a martial artist had to follow their heart and soul. If they were forced to go against their nature, their heart would be suppressed, and their cultivation would be hindered.

Facing this situation, the Allied Trade Association did have a backup plan. That was simply to let Zhang Guanyu practice the Seven Profound Martial House's Acacia Faction's cultivation methods.

However, the Acacia Faction's high-level cultivation method manuals were only passed down to core disciples. If Zhang Guanyu wanted to study them, he could study the branch methods. At this point, his family's deep history demonstrated just how far their hands could reach. The Allied Trade Association relied on its wide-reaching network and nefarious methods to forcibly create an opportunity and persuade the Seven Profound Valleys' Acacia Faction to pass on a part of its core cultivation method manual so that Zhang Guanyu could practice it. Zhang Guanyu had already been practicing this cultivation method for half a year now, and his cultivation had already been greatly increased.

The new and improved Zhang Guanyu was like a fish in water. He had s*x every day, and his cultivation steadily grew. He led a dreamy life of revelry and carnal pleasures with unsurpassed comfort.

Tonight, just as Zhang Guanyu had been planning to enjoy the company of two pretty concubines, he received news from the Seven Profound Martial House that Lin Ming would challenge him within four months.

This caused his libido to be reduced, and the flames of anger in his heart to rise. This Seven Profound Martial House, it was as if they were taking him as some sort of sharpening stone!

"Haha, yes, Elder Wang visited the Crown Prince's palace to directly pass on the Seven Profound Decree to Lin Ming, and inform him of the Seven Profound Martial test. The requirements of the test are that he achieve the peak Altering Muscle stage when 16 years old, or to reach the Bone Forging stage when he is 18 years old. In addition, if he can enter the top ten rankings of the Ten Thousand Killing array within 3 months, defeat you in 4 months, defeat Ta Ku within 5 months, or defeat Ling Sen within 6 months, then he will have an extra reward. And these are truly rich rewards!"

The one who spoke was a man over 20 years old. In the Sky Fortune Kingdom, he was one of the seven core disciples of the Seven Profound Marital House; his name was Zhou Yu. Zhou Yu came from a martial arts cultivation family, and he also practiced the cultivation methods of the Acacia Faction. He and Zhou Yu had a good relationship with each other due to this.

"Humph! Since they want to use me as a sharpening tool, fine, I will break this sword! This Lin Ming has become too arrogant these days. A mere piddling third-grade talent little boy dares to claim without any justifications that he is the genius of a century in the Seven Profound Martial House!"

These years, although Zhang Guanyu's strength was inferior to Ling Sen and Ta Ku's, he still had the esteemed reputation of being the second most talented individual in the younger generation of the Sky Fortune Kingdom. And that first place spot belonged to Qin Xingxuan. However, Qin Xingxuan was just a woman, and because of that, he did not envy her at all. Zhang Guanyu never envied women, because as long as he conquered a woman, then their own talent became his. And if he could not conquer them, then that was unimportant as long as that woman was not conquered by other men. If it was so, then Zhang Guanyu could bear it.

But this Lin Ming was different. In these past days Lin Ming had stolen the spotlight from him. All the attention of the major powers of Sky Fortune City and the common martial artists was on him; who would remember someone like Zhang Guanyu?

What did Zhang Guanyu count for? Although he was third on the Ranking Stone, and had a talent above almost everyone else, what the people cared about most were not talents, but results. In the streets and alleys of Sky Fortune City, as long as a person mentioned the younger generation of the Seven Profound Martial House, it would all be about the name Lin Ming!

Just hearing this name made Zhang Guanyu feel unhappy. And now, even more directly for Lin Ming's test, the Seven Profound Martial House had listed out such ridiculous conditions! They had actually planned on using him as a stepping stone for Lin Ming to rise up further as a mythic genius!

This aroused Zhang Guanyu's wrath. It was always him that stepped on others, when was it others' turn to step on him!?

"Well done! What a Seven Profound Martial House Master! Since you dare to use me as a human-stepping stone, then I will step on that person you have so kindly chosen and trample him underneath my feet mercilessly! This is just right; I have already cultivated the 'Divine Acacia Power' to Large Success of the first layer. I'll have you look at the disparity between a third-grade talent and a fifth-grade talent!"

Zhang Guanyu's face flashed with a hideous look. He gripped the breasts of the charming woman in one hand, and pulled the woman who was feeding grapes towards him. The women gave a surprised shout and the three of them tumbled together onto the bed. The curtains closed, and Zhang Guanyu smiled evilly as he started to rip off the clothes of the two concubines.

Since his heart was burning with anger, he naturally had to vent it somewhere. Zhang Guanyu's method of venting was very direct, and that was to vent it on a woman's body.

Listening to the tender and lewd sounds of the women in bed, Zhou Yu only shook his head, turned around, and left.

He had known Zhang Guanyu for a long time, and had some understanding of Zhang Guanyu's level of maturity. Zhang Guanyu would never resign himself to willingly be some other man's stepping-stone. But now, since the Seven Profound Martial House has pushed Zhang Guanyu into opposition with Lin Ming, then Zhang Guanyu would naturally take some measures to deal with Lin Ming.

Zhang Guanyu was a person with a very arrogant heart and an even stronger possessive nature. He was the kind that wished to possess all the beauty and fine things of the world. He would not admit defeat just because of the unlimited potential of Lin Ming's future achievements!

Although Zhang Guanyu was a lustful playboy, lascivious, and extremely arrogant, he still grew up around an abundance of gifted individuals. He was raised up in the sophisticated and complex environment of the Allied Trade Association, and was still able to rise to the top. The main reason for this was Zhang Guanyu's top-tier talent, but regarding intelligence; he had never been a fool.

Zhou Yu knew better than anyone that if Zhang Guanyu despised anyone, then that person would surely die a miserable death. Zhang Guanyu was scary. In this world, there were two types of martial artists that were dangerous to provoke – the crazy, and the mad. The first was a martial crazy, like Ling Sen, whose individual strength was terrifying. But the latter was a mad lunatic like Zhang Guanyu, whose natural disposition was an insane paranoia, and would easily take one's life.

The strong fear the unreasonable, the unreasonable fear the suicidal, and the suicidal fear the crazy ones. Zhang Guanyu was a crazy one. If someone stabbed him with a knife, he would not dodge or evade, but take the pain from the blade and then rip out their throat!

Dealing with such a psycho, the average man simply wouldn't dare to fight with him.

"Zhang Guanyu might confront Lin Ming before four months pass, but I don't know what means he'll use to do so."

Zhou Yu's face showed a trace of an interested smile as he pondered this. Lin Ming wanted to be a core disciple, but it wasn't so easy. First, he had to overcome the hurdle known as Zhang Guanyu.

By the time Lin Ming returned to his room at the Seven Profound Martial House, it was already late at night. He took out the spatial ring and carefully looked at it. He had already deposited some gold and true essence stones inside. Although the inner space of the spatial ring was unstable, as long as the ring was not destroyed, it wouldn't suddenly collapse. A martial artist would be able to sense when the lifespan of a spatial ring was coming to end, so there would never be sudden situations where everything in the ring would disappear.

Lin Ming had already accrued more than 200 true essence stones. He had true essence stones gifted from the Crown Prince, true essence stones gifted from Wang Gan, and also true essence stones that he received as a reward for entering the Heavenly Abode. There were also nobles who also wanted to gift true essence stones to Lin Ming, but he had rejected them. If Lin Ming received their gifts, then he would owe them a favor, and he didn't want to tangle with any of this in the future.

The true essence stones he had now were already more than enough to use. He also had an abundant amount of time at the seven major killing arrays. However, if Lin Ming wanted to surpass Zhang Guanyu in four months, that would be very difficult.

He had thought of a new way, and what Lin Ming had thought of was – the body inscription symbol.

Of the inscription symbols from the Realm of the Gods, there were four kinds. These were object inscriptions, medicinal inscriptions, body inscriptions, and soul inscriptions.

Of these four, each was more difficult to get started on than the last. As for the soul inscription symbols, Lin Ming was not clear on them.

By now Lin Ming had learned the preliminary inscription symbols of object inscription and medicinal inscription. The plan for body inscription symbols needed a higher reserve of true essence. In the past, Lin Ming's true essence was insufficient. But now that he had reached the second level of the 'True Primal Chaos Formula' and his cultivation was at the Large Success of Viscera Training, he finally had some confidence to be able to draw up this kind of body inscription symbol.

1: Formerly referred to as the Chamber of Commerce

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Chapter 116 – Maddening Materials

Body inscription was a type of inscription drawn onto the body. It was able to increase a martial artist's cultivation speed or enhance their battle prowess.

As with objection inscription symbols, there was a limit to how many could be placed. The amount differed depending on the grade of the body inscription symbol as well as the physical condition of the martial artist. For body inscription symbols, the most one could draw were about four or five.

With his match against Zhang Guanyu approaching in four months, he had to draw up a body inscription symbol within a month in order to display its greatest effects, otherwise the quality of the effect would be lessened, or it might even be a complete waste of time!

However, to draw up a body inscription symbol in a month was as difficult as ascending to heaven!

Although Lin Ming had the memories of the soul fragment, in order to successfully create one, it would still take a long time and also use up a massive amount of rare and precious materials in order to practice!

Practicing it was simple. What was difficult was finding a way to collect all of the incomparably rare and precious materials that were needed for the body inscription symbol. The degree to which these materials were rare and precious caused Lin Ming to shudder in fear!

In the elder's memory, of the simplest body inscriptions, there were two. One was the Essence Gathering Symbol which could increase the speed of cultivation, and the other was the Strife Seal which could increase a martial artist's combat prowess.

However, even if it were these two simplest body inscription symbols, the list of materials that needed to be used would make anyone go nuts!

Just the fifth level vicious beast blood, a single tael of this precious fluid would cost 30,000 gold taels. Lin Ming needed to buy 2 taels, which would mean 60,000 gold taels. And not only that, but it simply wasn't something that could be bought by just anyone.

In the Sky Fortune Kingdom, there was no one who was able to match up against a fifth level vicious beast. For a fifth level vicious beast, perhaps only a peak Houtian master would be barely able to deal with it!

These kinds of martial artists usually came from a large sect or an aristocratic martial cultivation family. The blood of a fifth level vicious beast would only flow out from a large sect and then into the smaller countries. To these small countries, its price would be frighteningly astronomical.

Then there was Star Obsidian. This material came from a meteorite that fell from the sky. The high temperature in the atmosphere would condense. This iron essence could only be naturally formed by the power of the heavens and earth, and beyond that, not every meteorite would have Star Obsidian. Only those meteorites that were above several thousand jins would possibly be able to produce 1 or 2 jins of Star Obsidian. The lowest market price of a single jin of obsidian was 150,000 gold taels!

And it was extremely difficult to find!

Fortunately, Lin Ming only needed two taels.

Lin Ming estimated that if everything was bought that the lowest market price, and he bought these materials whenever he could find them, then the total of these materials would need at least 300,000 taels. This was simply a dream within a dream!

Of the materials he needed, many were like the fifth level vicious beast blood and Star Obsidian. They just didn't have a market price. So that meant that more gold would have to be spent. The amount he would need might even go up to 500,000, or even 700,000 wouldn't be strange!

And even if he managed to somehow obtain 6 or 700,000 taels of gold, he would be incredibly lucky to obtain these materials in a couple of years. If his luck was garbage, then he might not be able to find these materials even if he looked for 10 years.

On the list of materials, the most basic ones would be considered precious valuables within Sky Fortune City's Inscription Association!

And one also needed points from the Inscription Association in order to buy anything. The last time Lin Ming went there; he had already used up most of his points, and didn't have many left. Without points, these so called 'basic' materials would not be sold at any price.

These would be the treasures of the Inscription Association.

Looking at the list gave Lin Ming a throbbing headache. It was simply impossible for him to find all of these; he could only rely on the Crown Prince.

This was one of the benefits of joining a major power. The Crown Prince's subordinates were numerous, and they had wide channels and networks they could work through; they could do him a great favor in helping him.

Yet even if the Crown Prince made every effort, he would be limited in obtaining the materials.

Thinking of this, Lin Ming shook his head and ruefully smiled. "I joined the Crown Prince as one of his subordinates, and still haven't done a single thing, yet I actually want to make a sudden demand to find such a large amount of materials. And these precious and rare materials can't even be found in the city. Even if they were the relatively basic materials that I need, the Crown Prince would not be able to purchase them easily."

Lin Ming knew that the Crown Prince was not wealthy. Even though the Crown Prince's palace looked opulent and grand; the palace had to hire several hundred people and pay them for their work. There were also several other expenses. In addition to the banquet, the Crown Prince gave gifts, rewards, and other such expenditures in order to win over others and raise his own influence. The annual amount of money that he spent was probably around 2 to 300,000 gold taels.

For instance, when the Crown Prince had given Lin Ming a gift of more than 100 pure true essence stones, the cost of that had been several tens of thousands of gold tales. The manor that was situated near Sky Fortune City along with 100 acres of fertile farmland, servants, maids, and so forth would cost at least 100,000 gold taels. In addition, there was also the Purple Gold Flexible Armor; added up altogether, it must have been more than 300,000 gold taels!

Because the large expenditures, the economic situation of the Crown Prince might even be inferior to those famous inscription masters that had been working a long time. For example, Muyi, Wang Xuanji, and those kinds of people; they had a high income, and their spending was low. After amassing money for many years, they were overflowing with riches.

The Crown Prince used a very large amount of money. Depending on just his salary from the government, this would be utterly inadequate. The Crown Prince's income mostly came from his estate, farms, and also stores.

The estate and paddies were things like the manor that had been bestowed upon Lin Ming. But as for shops, Lin Ming actually knew that the Crown Prince didn't have many. This was because the biggest and busiest shops of Sky Fortune City were firmly grasped in the hands of the Allied Trade Association.

Compared to the Tenth Prince who constantly campaigned in all directions and plundered countless lands, the Crown Prince was very poor. Because he was poor, he could not win over others, and thus the Crown Prince's influence was suppressed by the Tenth Prince.

"The cost of the all the gifts that the Crown Prince gifted me should total to around 300,000 gold taels. For the Crown Prince to suddenly hand so much over to me, he probably doesn't have much money on hand at the moment. I just received so many gifts, yet now I also want materials; it just isn't too appropriate. However, I have to ask for these materials; otherwise I will never be able to collect them on my own. Originally, finding the materials for the medicinal inscription symbol already took a very big effort on my part, and this body inscription symbol's materials are much more precious. I just don't have any way left but to ask the Crown Prince to help me find them. As for the money, I will find a solution… but first I should return the manor to the Crown Prince…"

"With the two body inscription symbols, the Essence Gathering Symbol and the Strife Seal, in addition to my ethereal martial intent, 'Flow like Silk' ability, and the 'Chaotic Virtues Combat Meridians', I will have the confidence to face Zhang Guanyu four months from now. But I'm not sure if I can reach Ling Sen in 6 months. This Ling Sen, the stronger I am, the more I can sense just how terrifying he actually is…"

"But provided that the Crown Prince can help me find the materials I need for the inscription symbol, there are certain materials I listed that might only be found in a sect. With just the Crown Prince's connections, how many would I be able to find?"

Inscription Association, Inscription Hall –

Lin Ming had just stepped into the Inscription Association and was immediately discovered by the young reception lady who had received him last time. The young lady's eyes lit up, and she immediately put down the task she had been working on. She quickly walked over to Lin Ming, her breath somewhat rapid.

These days, there were many people in Sky Fortune City that knew the name Lin Ming. But although they were able to recognize Lin Ming's name, and they didn't know what he looked like. However, this young reception lady had once been responsible for Lin Ming's inscription master examination and had his information. The Inscription Association of course knew that the dazzlingly bright star of Sky Fortune City and the number one genius of the Seven Profound Martial House was exactly the young man who had participated in the inscription master examination.

This was an amazing character!

"Mister Lin." The young receptionist lady greeted with a sweet smile. She bent her small waist in a courtesy bow towards Lin Ming. Her beautiful figure combined with the secretary clothing had a flavorful appeal.

"Oh, it's you. I'd like to speak to the association president." Lin Ming said. He recognized this young reception lady.

"Very well. Please follow me." The receptionist lady felt her palpitating heartbeat began to race. She was incomparably excited that Lin Ming had remembered her.

"Sorry for troubling you."

"It is my honor to serve Mister Lin." The young receptionist lady went straight to the inscription room. At this time every day, the association president would be at the inscription room. This was the time that he would teach his granddaughter. For Wang Xuanji, no matter how much time he spent on his martial arts cultivation or inscription technique, it would be difficult for him to have a breakthrough. Because of this, he had invested the majority of his efforts into his granddaughter.

The young receptionist lady opened the door to the inscription hall. This was the second time Lin Ming had been here. The first time was when he had taken his examination here.

At this moment, Wang Xuanji was sitting on a green jade platform. He was directing the fingers of a young girl at his side. This young girl was wearing the white robes of an inscription master. Her appearance was delicate, like fine, white dust. She was Wang Xuanji's granddaughter, Wang Yuhan.

After Wang Xuanji noticed some people had arrived, he turned his head to look and was shocked.

"Mister Lin?"

"President Wang." Lin Ming smiled and bowed in deference.

"Oh! Mister Lin is an infrequent visitor. It's been a long time since you last came. I did not think that Mister Lin would not only be talented in inscription techniques, but also talented in martial arts! To be only 15 years old and be able to defeat the 32nd ranked disciple of the Seven Profound Martial House; your future is truly limitless!"

"President Wang praises me too much." Lin Ming was not surprised that the Inscription Association was already aware of his situation.

Wang Yuhan also stopped her inscription technique that she was working on. She had a complicated look as she stared at Lin Ming. She was already extremely talented, with a fourth-grade martial talent and a fifth-grade soul talent. With this talent, her qualifications already surpassed that of Bai Jingyun and Murong Zi. In the aristocratic circles, those young juniors that wanted to marry Wang Yuhan were no less than those ardent fans of Bai Jingyun and Murong Zi.

But compared with this young man in her eyes, she simply felt too ashamed to even step out in public. The difference between her and Lin Ming's inscription technique was already miles apart; it was simply comparing the Heavens to the Earth. She didn't even want to think about the difference in their battle prowess. Wang Yuhan had devoted most of her energy into practicing inscription techniques, but in the martial arts aspect, she also only paid attention to cultivating. This was because inscription techniques required a deep amount of true essence, and therefore one had to have a high enough cultivation. As for fighting skills, Wang Yuhan knew nothing of those from the start. Let alone those monstrous geniuses of the Seven Profound Martial House, she would even lose to someone at the same cultivation level as her.

How the hell did this fellow practice? She had been practicing inscription techniques since she was 8 years old, and in her life she had always prioritized her cultivation and specialized in inscription techniques. Even if it was the monstrous talent Qin Xingxuan, she could compare with her in terms of inscription techniques. And recently she had progressed very fast; perhaps she might have even surpassed Qin Xingxuan.

But in contrast to this Lin Ming, Wang Yuhan was completely at a loss for words. Even if he started practicing inscription techniques from his mother's womb, why would his level of skill be so bizarrely abnormal? She was still working hard at training the basics of finger movements, but he had already been able to use the 'Bright Buddha Plucks the Lotus'.

"Mister Lin comes today, is there matter you need to discuss?"

As Wang Xuanji asked this, Lin Ming did feel somewhat embarrassed. For better or worse he was a registered inscription master of the Inscription Association. However, after registering and obtaining some materials, he hadn't returned. And now that he finally came back, it was also for materials to use for inscription symbols.

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Chapter 117 – Guest Inscription Master

Lin Ming said, "President Wang, I came this time because there are two matters that I wanted to inquire about. The first is that I would like to purchase some materials, and the second is that I would like to register as a guest inscription master and provide services to customers while gaining points."

There were three types of inscription masters that could work at the Inscription Association. They were subordinate inscription masters, registered inscription masters, and guest inscription masters. A guest inscription master only had to hang his name up on a public board. However, the first two had to complete some tasks for the Inscription Association, such as solving some difficult problems for their colleagues, or creating some sort of special inscription symbol for their customers, and other such tasks before they could obtain points.

Now that Lin Ming needed to draw up a body inscription symbol, he was pushing the envelope in terms of his cultivation and skill in the aspects of inscription techniques. He needed to set aside a certain amount of special time in order to practice and improve his inscription technique. However, if he wanted to practice this sort of high-quality inscription technique, it required a substantial amount of money. Especially since he needed to do so with many precious materials, and even if he was able to buy these materials, he wouldn't be able to find them in such a short amount of time.

In order to save money in the past, Lin Ming hadn't used materials to practice and had instead only stimulated his true essence to visualize the drawing process. But such a method had a very low efficiency, and Lin Ming wasn't able to afford the time that he needed in order to do so. Then he had remembered that he could come to the Inscription Association as a visiting inscription master, and be able to solve many different inscription related problems. This was the best method of cultivating his inscription technique, and the best part was that the precious materials would be provided by the customer. Doing this, Lin Ming no longer had to worry about economizing or saving his time.

Every day he would be able to encounter different precious materials and different problems. The materials needed would also be provided for free. After successfully drawing up or fixing whatever problem was at hand, he would also be awarded points. What way could possibly be more suitable for practice? However, not everyone would dare to practice in such a manner, because there had to be at least a 90% guaranteed success rate.

Lin Ming decided on this method of practice, and also had a general idea of how to acquire the materials he needed. He also didn't plan on concealing his status as an inscription master any longer. At first, Lin Ming did not have strength or status, but yet he was still able to draw up rare and powerful inscription symbols that were worth 2 or 3 thousand gold taels. To someone with power, meeting such a weak person was like seeing a chicken that was able to lay golden eggs. Some people might have tried to capture him for their own benefit, and lock him in a dungeon where he would be forced to create inscription symbols all day. That was why Lin Ming had hidden his status as an inscription master at first.

But now, Lin Min was a famous character in Sky Fortune City who had a great deal of influence. With the dual protection of the Seven Profound Martial House and the Crown Prince, not even the Tenth Prince dared to publicly move against him. Since Lin Ming now had such a preeminent status, he no longer worried about needing to conceal his identity as an inscription master.

"Guest inscription master? Wang Xuanji asked, slightly stunned. Normally only a great inscription master would ask to occupy such a lofty post. This was because if there was a problem, such as if they failed to draw up the inscription symbol, the Inscription Association had to compensate the customer for their precious materials or treasure.

Without a deep background, no one would dare to do this job.

To become a guest inscription master, they had to undergo the strict inspection of the Inscription Association. Those who could pass the inspection were only top-class characters among inscriptionists. Lin Ming did have exceptional talent and strength in inscription techniques, but that was only in comparison to his contemporaries. Last time, he had drawn up an inscription symbol with a true essence amplification rate of 32%. Among his peers, this result was truly monstrous, but to become a guest inscription master, it was still lacking.

The crux of the issue was that Lin Ming was simply too young. A guest inscription master had to face many different kinds of problems and questions, some of which were quite difficult. It was a job that required a great depth of experience. However, experience was something that was accumulated over the years.

If Lin Ming repeatedly failed, not only would that damage the reputation of the Inscription Association, but the amount of materials and treasure that the Inscription Association would have to compensate would be enough to give them a headache.

"Mister Lin, the problems that the Inscription Association generally needs to solve are not so simple. Because the materials are often very rare and difficult to obtain, the guest inscription master must be able to guarantee at least an 80% success rate. They must be assured that they can solve these complex problems with a high success rate. Even in the entire Inscription Association, there are very few individuals who are competent enough for this position." Wang Xuanji tactfully reminded Lin Ming. He wanted to persuade him without any difficulties; with Lin Ming's present reputation, the Inscription Association had to flatter him as much as they could.

Lin Ming smiled and said, "President Wang doesn't need to worry. I suppose, if I fail three times in a row, then I will offer to quit myself. As for the loss of materials and treasure, I will also take responsibility for compensating them."

"This…" Wang Xuanji frowned. He would be able to stand the loss of reputation from failing three times, but the point was, Lin Ming was still a child. If they let a young boy draw up an inscription symbol and it failed, how would they explain this to the customer?

But considering Lin Ming's present status, Wang Xuanji didn't directly decline him. He thought about it for a moment, and then nodded his head in agreement. "Three times."

By now, Wang Yuhan opened her mouth and suddenly said, "Mister Lin, may I ask if you have found the right assistant?"

"Mm? Assistant?"

An inscription master would normally have one or two assistants. This was because there were many materials that could not be immediately used after they were purchased; they needed to be processed in certain ways. For instance, for some rare and precious plants, the juice had to be extracted, or some ores had to be grinded into fine powder, or the active ingredient had to be extracted from certain solvents; all of this would normally be done by an assistant. In the past, Lin Ming had done all of these things by himself.

The position of an assistant was not a simple or easy job. There were many precious and expensive materials, the slightest mistake meant that they would have to be discarded. This was why only inscription apprentices would usually take up this task.

Lin Ming truthfully said, "I have no assistant."

Wang Yuhan looked to her grandfather, bit her lips, and asked, "Do you mind if I be your assistant?"

The young women of the Sky Fortune Kingdom were traditionally reserved and polite. If a girl offered herself up as a volunteer to a young boy as an assistant, there might be some suspicions and it could be easily misunderstood. Lin Ming's current status was especially sensitive these days, no one knew how many young girls of Sky Fortune City wanted to marry him; the number could only be called countless. As such, Wang Yuhan had to muster up a lot of courage in order to ask this question.

However, she remembered that Lin Ming's drawing techniques when he drew up the symbols and lines were clearly different than those of Sky Fortune Kingdom. Wang Yuhan also dropped her girl's modesty; she wanted to experience the schools of inscription techniques outside of the Sky Fortune Kingdom, and this was the best opportunity.

Lin Ming hesitated. With an assistant he would be able to save a lot of time. With Wang Yuhan's ability, she would do perfectly well in handling materials.

Thinking this, Lin Ming nodded and said, "Then I will be relying on Miss Wang. I don't know if Miss Wang has had lunch yet. If Miss Wang had already eaten, then we may begin as soon as possible."

Wang Yuhan's eye twitched. This Lin Ming was quite resolute and vigorous; he actually wanted to begin immediately.

"Mm. I've already eaten."

"Good."

Lin Ming, Wang Yuhan, Wang Xuanji, and the young reception lady all went to the Inscription Hall. It was lunch break for the guest inscription masters, and not many people were in the hall. But, there were still several customers waiting, so that when the lunch break ended, they might be the first one to have their problems solved.

According to the rules of the Inscription Association, a customer only had to provide their own materials and treasure, clearly state their problem, and then they could return at a later time. But most customers would rather wait here and personally watch as the guest inscription master solved their problem. This was because whether it was a precious materials or a treasure, they were often very valuable, so they worried over the outcome.

Many people here had already waited a long time. As they saw the Inscription Association's President, Wang Xuanji enter the hall, their spirits immediately lifted. Was President Wang planning on personally taking action today? It had to be known that Wang Xuanji rarely personally stepped out these days. If someone could force him to take action, this characters had to be at least a duke or a prince, or a cultivator at the peak Houtian stage. When he utilized his inscription technique, with the end product being made by Wang Xuanji's own hands, the effect would usually be far better than a normal inscription master.

If Wang Xuanji was willing to personally take up the task, this would be their great fortune!

Several people looked at Wang Xuanji with shining eyes, their faces filled with a fervent eagerness.

Seeing Wang Xuanji walking towards them, they hurried to welcome him. A martial artists in his forties had already stepped up, and asked, "President Wang, I didn't expect to be able to meet you. Would you be able to take a look at this armor?" The martial artist said as he held up an ancient looking, plain black war armor.

This war armor looked to be made from the highest quality steel. After many years, there were only minor scratches on the surface of the armor, in particular the chest area. There was a half meter line that ran up the edge of a diamond shaped pattern. Because of this scratch, the diamond pattern was damaged.

This diamond pattern was the signifying mark left behind after placing on an inscription symbol. Because this war armor was damaged, that inscription symbol mark was ruined. If the inscription symbol mark was ruined, then the effects of the original inscription symbol would deteriorate, or even become completely invalid.

It was possible to damage treasures, especially those treasures that were in the armor class. Because they accumulated damage over time, in addition to the attacks from a top-level master, then it might even break.

This martial artist hoped that the Inscription Association was able to repair this inscription symbol. But, to repair an inscription symbol that was already placed on a treasure was a very difficult task. This diamond rune was an inscription symbol named the 'Superhuman Strength Symbol'. It was a very complex inscription symbol; to repair it would not be easy. Even Wang Xuanji felt that this job was very problematic.

However, this kind of work was very appropriate for Lin Ming. Because the original inscription symbol had already shattered, even if Lin Ming failed, it couldn't get any worse than it already was.

And the armor would not be broken. At most, it would be a loss of materials. If the materials were lost, then the Inscription Association would be able to compensate the exact same materials. But if the treasure was broken, then there was no means to refund the customer with the same armor.

Wang Xuanji glanced at Lin Ming with a faint smile. He was sure that Lin Ming would not be able to repair the 'Superhuman Strength Symbol'. This was because Lin Ming's school of inscription technique did not belong that of the Sky Fortune Kingdom's. This 'Superhuman Strength Symbol' was one of the numerous and complex symbols that were produced from Sky Fortune Kingdom's school of inscription techniques. If one did not understand its composition or drawing plan, then it would be impossible to know where to begin.

If Lin Ming was a guest inscription master, he would also encounter similar issues down the line. If he couldn't solve something like this, it was better if he quit early.

Therefore even though Wang Xuanji knew the answer, he still sent a true essence sound transmission and asked, "How about it, does Mister Lin have a plan?"

At this point, Lin Ming had sent his soul force into the suit of war armor and was feeling the internal structure of the inscription symbol.

It was very difficult to detect the structure of an inscription symbol with soul force. If one didn't understand the structure of an inscription symbol, it was impossible to know where to begin.

Lin Ming slight frowned, and eventually came to a conclusion. This diamond shaped inscription symbol should be some kind of inscription symbol with an effect of increasing the rate at which true essence was gathered. As for its internal structure, Lin Ming didn't know anything about it. After all, there were many differences in the inscription technique system between the Sky Fortune Kingdom and the Realm of the Gods.

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Chapter 118 – Repairing the 'Superhuman Strength Symbol'

Lin Ming's level of inscription technique was fierce, but he was not omnipotent. Since he had never seen this inscription symbol before, it was impossible for him to fix this.

However, after pondering it for a moment, he sent a true essence sound transmission to Wang Xuanji, "President, I'll give it a try."

Since he had achieved the Third Stage of Body Transformation and his control of true essence had become stronger, Lin Ming taught himself how to use true essence to send a sound transmission.

"Mm?" Wang Xuanji was surprised. Had Lin Ming seen the 'Superhuman Strength Symbol' before? Even if he had, this 'Superhuman Strength Symbol' was an unusually complex one that was developed through Sky Fortune Kingdom's school of inscription techniques. Even a great inscription master might not be able to draw it! Lin Ming was only 15 years old, how could he be familiar with its method of creation?

Lin Ming was indeed excessively talented, but Wang Xuanji still believed that there was no way that Lin Ming would be able to fix this 'Superhuman Strength Symbol'.

"This is quite interesting. I'd like to see if Lin Ming is capable of repairing this 'Superhuman Strength Symbol'" Wang Xuanji revealed a smile as he thought this, and then said, "Good, then give it a try."

Lin Ming nodded, and that in the inscription platform.

As the middle-aged man saw Lin Ming sit down, he was dumbfounded. Scared, he quickly said, "President Wang, this is…"

The man couldn't understand, and he didn't know Li Ming; he only thought of him as an apprentice of the Inscription Association. Did Wang Xuanji really intend on letting such a young apprentice repair his armor? Was this not a joke?

Wang Xuanji said, "It's alright, it's only letting him try. If it doesn't work than I will personally help you with your problem."

"But…." The middle aged man painfully looked at those materials that he had carefully prepared. It really wrenched his heart. In accordance to the rules of the Inscription Association, if the customer came to the Inscription Association requesting a service, they had to supply materials as a reward, and they also had to supply the materials required for the request. If they didn't have the materials ready, then they could be provided by the Inscription Association as long as the customer had other materials that were similar in value.

Although he was a martial artist at the peak Pulse Condensation Period, to put out so many precious and rare materials so suddenly really caused his heart to feel like it was being torn in half. These materials cost 7 to 8 thousand taels of gold. The middle-aged martial artist had used more than a year of time before he was able to collect all of the materials he needed. This armor was a medium-grade human-step treasure that was his family heirloom, it was far too precious for him, otherwise he would not have put up so much gold and so many materials.

Wang Xuanji laughed and said, "It doesn't matter. These materials that you brought, if he fails, then I assure you your armor will still be repaired."

"That… alright." With Wang Xuanji's guarantee, the middle-aged man decided to let that little kid Lin Ming do as he wanted. He only hoped that what he did wasn't so bad that not even Wang Xuanji could fix it.

But just where the hell had this little kid come from, that Wang Xuanji would let him fool around like this? Of Sky Fortune City's inscription apprentices, besides Wang Yuhan and Qin Xingxuan, he hadn't heard of anyone else. With such a complex 'Superhuman Strength Symbol', what results could he have from just fiddling around with it?

The middle-aged martial artist's heart was full of puzzlement.

Lin Ming took the armor in his hand, and immersed his soul force into the 'Superhuman Strength Symbol'. With the unsurpassed 'Overbearing Soul Tactic' soul law formula, he was able to condense his soul force into the thinnest string and send it into the inscription symbol, constantly perceiving the structure of the 'Superhuman Strength Symbol'. He carefully wrote down every line and symbol structure that he could sense. At this time, because of the high degree of soul force that he was condensing, Lin Ming's face was filled with unprecedented focus.

When he had been in the kitchen of the Great Clarity Pavilion, he also had this expression. Regardless of whether it was the vulgar and barbaric strength that he needed for deboning, or the delicate soul force control he needed to create the countless fine and complex lines and runes of inscription symbols, their essence was all the same in Lin Ming's hands. One kind was used to ascertain the skeletal structure and tendons of a beast, and the other was used to draw the foundation symbols and foundation lines of inscription symbols.

What he was doing was using these principles he had learned to crack open the complex nature of symbol structure.

Wang Yuhan stood behind Lin Ming, quietly gazing at his profile. She could clearly feel Lin Ming's focused and sharp eyes. This look, whether intentional or not, revealed his intense spirit and dedication. It caused this youth to have an imposing aura that didn't seem to match his young age.

Wang Yuhan couldn't help but acknowledge that this sort of aura was very fascinating and swoonsome. Some puppy love girls would be easily attracted to this aura, and they would sink into it.

Could he really repair this 'Superhuman Strength Symbol?' Wang Yuhan couldn't believe that. Even though Lin Ming had created a number of miracles over and over again, this one was just far too difficult, and bordered on the impossible. Lin Ming was not from the school of Sky Fortune Kingdom's inscription techniques, and he was only 15 years old. At such a young age, it was just unthinkable that he could have achieved the pinnacle of two different schools of inscription techniques.

Lin Ming kept studying the inscription symbol for a quarter of an hour of time. During this quarter hour he had not budged a single inch. The middle-aged man seemed to become increasingly impatient. At this moment, Lin Ming opened his mouth and suddenly said, "President Wang, I want to ask you, if you were to repair this inscription symbol, how much of its effects ccould you restore?"

Wang Xuanji hesitated, then smiled and stroked his beard. This kid, did he want to compare with him?

Wang Xuanji said, "If this old man repairs the 'Superhuman Strength Symbol', I can probably restore at least 80% of its original effects. The 'Superhuman Strength Symbol' is a kind of supplementary inscription symbol. Once it is engraved on the armor, although it cannot directly increase the defensive power, it can increase the user's true essence gathering speed. The effect of this 'Superhuman Strength Symbol' was probably originally around 36 to 37%. If I repair it, the final effect should probably be around 30 to 31%.

The effectiveness of a repaired inscription symbol could not match its effect when it had first been drawn. Even if it was Wang Xuanji who personally repaired it, the truth of this would not chance.

"Oh, I understand. Then no matter what means I use, as long as the final rate of the armor's true essence gathering speed increases by at least 30%, then I have succeeded."

Ho! This kid sure had enough self-confidence!

Wang Xuanji watched Lin Ming with great interest. He dared say that to have the final effect be at least 30%, there weren't many who could accomplish this in the entirety of the Sky Fortune Kingdom, or even several of the surrounding countries. What did was this kid planning on doing?

He laughed and said, "If the guest inscription master could restore 28% then that would be good. If you can restore the effect to at least 28%, then you would be considered qualified."

Lin Ming nodded. He touched a ring on his ring finger, and the following scene left everyone shocked and dumbfounded. They saw Lin Ming leisurely pull out a long spear from the spatial ring. The spear shaft was eight feet, the spearhead eight inches, and the body of the spear shaft was a dark purple color while the edge of the spear tip was dark red like blood. This spear was the Penetrating Rainbow!

By now, even Wang Xuanji and Wang Yuhan were confused. He was repairing an inscription symbol; just what would a spear do?

"Young man, you… what are you doing?" The middle-aged martial artist looked on with fear and apprehension. Heavens! Drawing out such a long spear, and it looked like this spear was forged from dark purple elastic iron. Although it wasn't a treasure, it was certainly very sharp. He could only hope that this young fellow wasn't planning on using that sharp spear to poke his armor.

Lin Ming looked at the middle-aged martial artist and said, "I will destroy the 'Superhuman Strength Symbol' and draw a new one."

"De… destroy?" The middle-aged martial artist could hardly believe his ears. If it wasn't for the presence of Wang Xuanji, he would have beaten the little sh*t until his mom didn't recognize him! "You're insane!"

Once an inscription symbol was placed on a treasure, it was very difficult to destroy. This was because the inscription symbol's structure was imprinted deep within the treasure. As for the symbol mark, this was only manifested on the surface. For instance, for this 'Superhuman Strength Symbol's' diamond mark design, it was only a brand that symbolized who the inscription master was, and was merely a decorative effect. Lin Ming's flame design was the same; it was only an image that was drawn depending on the personality of the inscription master.

If this decorative brand was ruined, it still would not destroy the complex internal structure of the inscription symbol deeply buried in the treasure. If someone really wanted to destroy this inscription symbol, they would normally need to have an alchemist or refiner who was familiar with controlling flames to burn it away. This had a high cost and it also took a long time, because the fire had to burn through the cobweb-like structure of the inscription symbol.

To do this would not only destroy the inscription symbol, but would also lightly damage the treasure. But the most critical point was that it would affect future effects of inscription symbols that were placed on it.

That was why in most situations, if the inscription symbol brand was damaged, one could only repair it. In truth, repairing was much more difficult than starting anew, but it was far better than destroying the inscription symbol.

Lin Ming simply didn't understand the structure of the 'Superhuman Strength Symbol' or know its plan, so naturally he couldn't repair it. The approach he adopted was to destroy the 'Superhuman Strength Symbol', and then draw a new one on.

Lin Ming didn't know how to control fire; therefore in order to destroy the inscription symbol, he could only take out the Penetrating Rainbow spear!

"Boy! If you keep speaking such nonsense, then don't blame me for being rude!" The middle-aged man was ultimately a martial artist at the Pulse Condensation Period, and he was also an aristocrat. He had a certain status within Sky Fortune City. Although he was respectful to Wang Xuanji, to a baby boy of unknown origin like Lin Ming, he certainly could be rude.

At this moment, Wang Xuanji let out a light cough. This light cough was like a thunderclap to the middle-aged martial artist's ears. The middle-aged martial artist shook, and then he immediately calmed down.

Wang Xuanji said, "Your treasure is ranked as a medium-grade human-step one. Even a Pulse Condensation Period martial artist would take time to destroy it, so why are you so nervous?"

The middle-aged man said, "I'm sorry, it's just that this armor is my family's heirloom, so I am a bit anxious." Wang Xuanji was a martial artist whose cultivation was at the early Houtian stage. In terms of achievements in inscription, he was second to none. In front of someone like Wang Xuanji, the middle-aged man did not dare act rashly again.

Wang Xuanji looked to Lin Ming as he waited for an explanation. Lin Ming was also an inscription master, how could he now know the taboo of destroying an inscription symbol?

Lin Ming said, "President Wang, I dare to do so because I have a degree of certainty. Although I cannot guarantee that the treasure will not be damaged, but the damage won't be too great. Also, I have a means to repair it.

The damage won't be too great? To use such a heavy long spear and brute force to destroy an inscription symbol that had already merged into one organic whole with the armor, and he could still say 'the damage won't be too great'?

Wang Xuanji frowned, and remained silent. If Lin Ming destroyed the inscription symbol in the armor, then not even he would be able to repair it anymore.

Lin Ming said, "With my cultivation, to destroy the inscription symbol in the armor won't take a short time. If President Wang feels that something is wrong at any time, then you can feel free to stop me."

Wang Xuanji nodded; he could. Even if there was no true essence concentrated in it, this medium-grade human-step armor was still incomparably hard. To destroy the inscription symbol would take a period of time.

The middle-aged man also resigned himself to his fate. He decided that once he discovered something was amiss, he would immediately take the armor. At worst, the armor would simply not be repaired.

Lin Ming placed the armor on the inscription platform, and then stood ten feet back. He gripped the spear in his hand and held it out. Everyone present watched Lin Ming, wanting to see exactly what it was that he would do next.

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