The third form, Condensed Water, was a technique capable of freezing everything. It might lack the speed of the first form or the force field, but its terrifying freezing power could end an enemy.
The fourth form, Ice Heart, was more accurately an auxiliary technique among the five sword forms.
When used, all true essence in the body would convert to ice-based energy, doubling to decupling the power of the other four forms—a truly fearsome effect.
Especially if the fifth form was mastered, the power would be devastatingly overwhelming.
Of course, greater power meant greater consumption, so Ling Xiao needed precise control during execution.
Otherwise, exhausting all true essence without defeating the enemy would leave him vulnerable.
Naturally, the old man noticed none of these changes. Hearing Ling Xiao couldn’t answer the seventh question, he was visibly disappointed.
But he quickly recovered.
If someone answered even the seventh question, they’d be a monstrous prodigy.
The old man might have doubted Ling Xiao’s humanity.
Fortunately, Ling Xiao stopped his streak of answers, avoiding a major stir.
“May this junior leave now?”
Ling Xiao stood to go.
Since the test was over and others were waiting, he couldn’t linger.
“Wait.”
The old man stopped him, saying, “Young man, I’ve overseen the Divine Sealing Record’s assessment for years. I’m no big figure in the Moonlight Sect, but I have some strength. Are you interested in training under me?”
What?
Ling Xiao hadn’t expected this stroke of luck to fall on him.
The trouble was, he sensed the old man’s cultivation was below Jinguang Tianzun’s, roughly on par with Elder Bai’s. Such a backer couldn’t stand against Moyan Tianzun.
Following this man might bring more trouble.
If the old man was honorable and willing to protect him, he might get killed by Moyan Tianzun.
If the old man was less principled and shunned him upon learning of his feud with Moyan Tianzun, following him would be even worse.
Either way, Ling Xiao couldn’t go with him today.
With a plan in mind, he bowed and said, “Thank you for your kindness, senior, but my qualifications are poor, and I’m slow-witted. I fear I’m unfit to be your disciple. If you need anything, just say the word. Even if I’m not your disciple, I’m willing to serve!”
His words were tactful—declining discipleship but offering assistance.
If the old man took offense, it would reveal his pettiness, proving Ling Xiao’s decision wise.
Conversely, if the old man bore no grudge, Ling Xiao could maintain contact—not as a backer, but at least as a useful connection.
If the old man treated him sincerely, Ling Xiao would reciprocate.
“Very well, to each their own. I was a bit forward today. Once you join the sect, we can interact more. Perhaps you’ll change your mind,” the old man said, disappointed but not angry, smiling faintly.
His words showed he wasn’t ready to give up on such a promising disciple.
Ling Xiao didn’t mind this attitude. Being valued genuinely was flattering, and without his conflict with Moyan Tianzun, he might have agreed.
Having such an elder’s support in a sect would be no disadvantage.
“If I choose a master, it’ll definitely be you, senior!” Ling Xiao bowed, starting to leave. After two steps, he paused and said, “Senior, could I stay a bit longer?”
Having just comprehended the third and fourth forms, he knew the Divine Sealing Record’s value and wanted to seize this chance for more gains. Even if he couldn’t fully grasp the fifth form, gaining insights into martial principles would be valuable.
The Divine Sealing Record was like an encyclopedia of martial arts, but only those with strong souls and exceptional comprehension could understand it.
Higher comprehension meant greater benefits.
“You may,” the old man said with a smile.
Eager to take Ling Xiao as a disciple, he was inclined to accommodate him.
Unbeknownst to him, Ling Xiao’s next move would shock him.
Ling Xiao’s plan was to see if his Shanhe Wuhun could replicate the Divine Sealing Record.
If successful, he could study its martial mysteries anytime, an immense advantage.
He hadn’t tried earlier due to time constraints, but now he could.
As Ling Xiao attempted to copy the Divine Sealing Record, Elder Bai entered.
Despite their similar cultivation, Elder Bai was highly respectful toward the old man.
“Elder Yang, hasn’t his test finished? People outside are waiting,” Elder Bai said deferentially.
“Let them wait. And without my permission, entering is against the rules!” Elder Yang said sternly, glancing at Elder Bai.
Elder Bai awkwardly glanced at Ling Xiao, puzzled. Ling Xiao’s combat skills were impressive, but his potential was average. Why was Elder Yang so attentive to him?
Though confused, he retreated.
Strictly speaking, he wasn’t allowed to enter this room casually. He’d only come in due to the long wait, fearing something had gone wrong.
“It worked!” Ling Xiao discovered that by amplifying his soul strength and activating his Shanhe Wuhun, he could instantly copy the Divine Sealing Record into his Shanhe World.
In the small town within his Shanhe World, a new underground structure appeared, identical to this room.
“Senior, I’m done. I shouldn’t keep others waiting,” Ling Xiao said, a touch shamelessly. Having secured what he wanted, there was no reason to stay.
“Don’t rush. The Divine Sealing Record isn’t easy to comprehend. If you like, you can return once a month,” Elder Yang said, smiling.
Ling Xiao nodded, thinking, “Your kindness is appreciated, but I no longer need this opportunity.”
Of course, while he had the Divine Sealing Record, some aspects he couldn’t resolve alone. He’d likely need to consult Elder Yang in the future.
So he replied, “I’ll definitely visit you often, senior.”
