Despite his increased strength, Ling Xiao didn’t feel excited.
One reason was Ling Yixue’s situation, and the other was his comprehension of the Snow Lotus Sword Art.
These matters couldn’t be resolved in the small confines of Tianfeng City.
So he decided to head to Baiyun Prefecture.
That place was teeming with foreigners like the Ninja Clan, the Blue-Eyed Clan, and the Barbarian Clan, not to mention countless experts. Martial Masters there were probably more common than Martial Vein Sixth Stage fighters in Tianfeng City.
That was a broader world!
Only through harsher trials could a true sword be forged!
He’d always believed in the saying:
“The sword’s edge is honed through grinding, the plum blossom’s fragrance comes from bitter cold.”
When he emerged from the library, he went straight to the makeshift Ling Clan meeting hall to discuss this with Ling Xiaotian.
As he reached the entrance, he heard an furious roar from inside.
“Damn bastards! These black-scarf bandits are just taking advantage of our weakness!”
It was Ling Xiaotian’s voice.
“Clan Leader, the black-scarf bandits aren’t much on their own, their strongest is only at Martial Vein Sixth Stage Peak, so they’ve never dared cause trouble in Tianfeng City. But with the Shi, Li, and Wang families gone, and our Ling Clan short-handed, they’ve seized the chance to run rampant,” Supreme Elder Ling Yin said, fuming. “How about this: tomorrow, I’ll go to their lair and wipe them out.”
“No use.”
Ling Xiaotian gave a bitter smile, “Those guys are cunning. If they hear a Martial Master’s coming, they’ll flee in an instant. They know the mountain terrain too well, we’d never catch them.”
“But Father, are we just going to let these bandits do as they please? The young martial artists coming to join the Ling Clan will lose faith,” Ling Wuhen spoke up.
“Sigh, if a Martial Master goes, they’ll run. If we send regular Martial Vein Sixth Stage fighters, they’re no match. It’s a real headache.”
Ling Xiaotian wanted to send more people, but with the Ling Clan in ruins and struggling to manage its own affairs, it was nearly impossible.
“Clan Leader, how about I go instead?”
Ling Xiao stepped into the hall, smiling, “I’m planning to leave Tianfeng City anyway. Before I go, consider it my way of ridding the Ling Clan of a pest.”
He’d already thought it through outside.
The black-scarf bandits had targeted his life multiple times, and now they were intercepting and killing those trying to join the Ling Clan. If he, the Ling Clan’s top disciple, didn’t act, the clan would become a laughingstock.
“You?”
Ling Xiaotian frowned.
“You might actually pull it off.”
He recalled how Ling Xiao, at just early Martial Vein Sixth Stage, had toyed with a Martial Master that day. Sure, luck played a part, but he’d done it.
The black-scarf bandits had no Martial Masters.
Ling Xiao alone could handle them.
“But you just said you’re leaving Tianfeng City?” Ling Xiaotian asked.
“Yes, over these three days, I’ve studied the Mortal Martial Art fragment’s mysteries tirelessly, but I’ve hit a wall. Plus, with Senior Sister Yixue’s situation, I want to check out Baiyun Prefecture,” Ling Xiao replied.
“You realize the Ninja Clan sees you as a thorn in their side. If you go to Baiyun Prefecture, plenty of people will want you dead. Are you sure about this?”
“Am I, Ling Xiao, some coward afraid of death?”
Ling Xiao sneered, “If I hid in the Ling Clan my whole life, relying on a sword for protection, I’d be a hopeless fool.”
“Good, that’s the Ling Xiao I know, true to your nature.”
Ling Xiaotian slapped the armrest decisively, “Then go. We’ll take good care of your grandfather Hong Qi and your brother Ling Luo. Unless every last Ling Clan member is dead, no harm will come to them.”
“Thank you!”
Ling Xiao took a deep breath. Leaving Tianfeng City, his biggest worry was Hong Qi and Ling Luo.
Though not blood-related, they were closer than family!
“I’ll prepare, then head straight to the black-scarf lair.”
Ling Xiao bowed, ready to leave.
“Wait, Ling Xiao.”
Ling Xiaotian stopped him, continuing, “I’ve been thinking. If we cling to this family mindset, the Ling Clan won’t have much of a future. So, after discussing with the three Supreme Elders, we plan to establish the ‘Divine Sword Sect.’ We want you as the Sect Leader.”
“Clan Leader, you know my personality. I’m not cut out for leadership. I fully support founding the Divine Sword Sect, but the Sect Leader role should go to Second Master Ling Wuhen.”
This wasn’t just returning a favor—Ling Xiao genuinely believed Ling Wuhen was the right fit.
Ling Wuhen was a Martial Master with undeniable strength, essential for a sect leader.
And from their long interactions, Ling Xiao felt Ling Wuhen would excel, capable of elevating the Divine Sword Sect.
“…See, I told you he wouldn’t cling to that position,” Ling Xiaotian shrugged at the Supreme Elders. “Then, as we discussed, we’ll give Ling Xiao the title of Supreme Elder. How’s that?”
“Fine, we can’t force him. And Wuhen’s a good fit for Sect Leader,” Ling Yin sighed.
He turned to Ling Xiao, “You won’t refuse Supreme Elder, right? The only duty is to return and save the sect in a life-or-death crisis. Otherwise, you’re completely free.”
“Alright, I’ll take it.”
Ling Xiao didn’t want the Sect Leader role because it was too much hassle. Supreme Elder, with its minimal responsibilities, suited him fine.
After that, he took his leave.
As for how the Divine Sword Sect would be founded and organized, he left it alone—it wasn’t his forte.
Back at his temporary lodging, Ling Xiao met with his grandfather Hong Qi, brother Ling Luo, and Ling Yixue, Ling Yihang, Ling Shuang, and Ling Zhan for a final farewell.
“Who’d have thought, just months ago, you were a Martial Vein First Stage fighter. Now you’re someone who can trouble a Martial Master. It’s感慨,” one said.
“Yeah, Brother Ling Xiao’s amazing.”
“Child, once you’re in Baiyun Prefecture, Grandpa won’t be there to look after you. Take care of yourself.”
“Ling Xiao, I might head to Baiyun Prefecture soon too. You’ll have to watch out for me then.”
Everyone bid him goodbye.
Only Ling Yixue stood apart, her gaze distant and complex, lost in thought.
“Senior Sister, I’m leaving. Aren’t you happy?” Ling Xiao asked with a smile.
“Stay safe!”
Ling Yixue’s smile was stiff, but she managed a few words.
Ling Xiao was about to say more when someone burst in, covered in blood, shouting, “Quick! Save them!”
Ling Xiao’s eyes turned cold. With a light step, he shot into the air, vanishing in an instant.
“Who was that?” the bloodied man asked.
“Ling Xiao!” Ling Yihang answered.
“Never heard of him. Aren’t you going to help? Dozens of black-scarf bandits attacked, two at Martial Vein Sixth Stage Peak. I barely escaped.”
