You can say that today’s Barbaric Bull Strength has long broken free from the shackles of basic martial arts, even surpassing the Transformation Realm, stepping into a realm no one has ever touched before.
Ling Xiao named this realm the “Soul Realm”.
As the name suggests, it’s a realm infused with soul power.
Its might has already risen above advanced martial arts, comparable to entry-level top-tier martial arts.
“Huh?”
Seeing this, Lin Ze let out a sound of surprise.
He truly hadn’t expected Ling Xiao’s comprehension of martial arts to reach such a level.
You must know, since ancient times, very few have cultivated martial arts to the Transformation Realm, and as for entering this unprecedented realm, he’d certainly never heard of it.
This lad’s insight was simply too astonishing.
Though shocked, Lin Ze didn’t speak, after all, a realm is one thing, power is another.
He really wanted to see what kind of effect Ling Xiao’s seemingly casual punch could achieve.
“Moo—!”
The barbaric bull let out a bellow.
Ling Xiao’s entire body, wrapped in the bull-shaped gang qi, charged towards Wanren Wang.
Wanren Wang couldn’t help but sneer, “Ling Xiao, aren’t you overestimating yourself a bit, trying to create your own martial art? Even a Martial Master might not dare to do that!”
Though he could see something special in Ling Xiao’s punch, he didn’t take it seriously.
Still, mindful of his earlier loss to Ling Yixue, he instinctively put up a defence.
With a swing of both fists, a shield of gang qi appeared before him.
“Diamond Shield!”
“That’s got to be a rare top-tier martial art, a pure defensive one at that, how could a basic martial art possibly break through?”
That was the genuine thought in the minds of nearly every martial artist watching this fight.
Ling Feifan also let out a scornful snort, “Fool, does he think this is the Ling family, still hoping to dominate with basic martial arts?”
“Bang!”
Ling Xiao’s fists slammed into the Diamond Shield, and sure enough, they didn’t budge an inch.
“Brilliant!”
To everyone’s shock, a cheer suddenly rang out near the arena.
The onlookers were about to curse—who’s the idiot shouting praise at a moment like this?
Brilliant?
But when they looked in that direction, they were all dumbfounded.
Because the one who’d shouted wasn’t just anyone, it was Lin Ze.
At that moment, the words on the tip of everyone’s tongues were swallowed back down.
But they still didn’t get it, this move had clearly been blocked by Wanren Wang, so why was Lin Ze praising it?
Surely he wasn’t cheering for Wanren Wang.
Lin Ze and Wanren Wang didn’t have that kind of rapport.
“Pfft—!”
Just as the crowd was baffled, Wanren Wang suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood, his whole demeanour instantly wilting.
“What! What’s going on?”
This sudden turn left the less perceptive martial artists stunned once again.
“General, forgive your subordinate’s ignorance, what just happened? Was Wanren Wang already injured by Ling Yixue before?”
Lin Chen asked, equally puzzled.
“Didn’t you feel it? The real terror of Ling Xiao’s punch lies in its attack on the soul!”
Lin Ze said with a smile, “A talent, a true talent, little brother, it seems this general has been blind to the gold before me! Your gift far surpasses everyone here, myself included!”
That was an extraordinarily high praise.
You see, Lin Ze had broken through to the Ninth Level of Martial Veins around age thirty, opening all nine veins.
If he said Ling Xiao’s talent outstripped his, didn’t that mean Ling Xiao was bound to reach the Ninth Level before thirty too?
“The general’s praise is too much!”
Ling Xiao cupped his hands and smiled.
This attack on Wanren Wang was just a test, honestly, he hadn’t expected Wanren Wang to be so fragile, spitting blood after one hit.
He still had plenty of moves up his sleeve.
Like blending soul attacks into the Meteor Fist or the Shadow Sword Technique.
Or even unleashing his martial soul.
And it was over just like that?
“No, no, not too much! This general never speaks falsehoods or empty words, you’re the most gifted martial prodigy I’ve ever seen!”
Lin Ze strode over excitedly, clapping a hand on Ling Xiao’s shoulder.
He’s a genius?
Then what am I?
Though Wanren Wang had spat blood, his injuries weren’t severe.
After all, he was a peak Sixth Level Martial Vein martial artist, and while his soul had taken a hit, making him feel wretched, his anger momentarily overrode the pain.
“I’m General Lin Ze, if you’re willing to join the Border Town General’s Mansion, we’ll treat each other as friends.”
Lin Ze smiled at Ling Xiao.
His tone was entirely like chatting with an old friend unseen for years.
That one sentence once again left every martial artist present gobsmacked.
“General, isn’t this a bit improper?” Lin Chen felt a twinge of jealousy.
He’d followed Lin Ze for ages and was at best a disciple, yet after one meeting, Lin Ze wanted Ling Xiao as a friend.
It’d be odd if he weren’t jealous.
“Lin Chen, you know me, do I need to explain some things?”
Lin Ze merely glanced at him, speaking calmly.
But those words hit like a morning bell, instantly snapping Lin Chen to clarity.
Ling Xiao might be young.
But his talent was staggering, destined to shake Baiyun Province, even the Northern Han Kingdom, perhaps the Human Sacred Dynasty itself.
What’s wrong with befriending someone like that?
Though Lin Ze was a lofty general, a peak Ninth Level Martial Vein master, he saw things with a forward gaze.
He’d glimpsed Ling Xiao’s terrifying potential.
“Thanks for the general’s high regard, Ling Xiao doesn’t dare accept!”
Ling Xiao had self-awareness, sure, his potential was decent, but potential was just that—potential, not strength yet, he couldn’t afford arrogance.
“No need for modesty, from now on, you, Ling Xiao, are my friend, anyone who dares touch you is crossing me, Lin Ze!”
Lin Ze gave Ling Xiao’s back two hearty slaps, laughing loudly.
He was genuinely thrilled.
He’d searched for years, never finding a worthy successor, now he had, how could he not be?
“Alright then, since that’s the case, Ling Xiao won’t refuse further.”
Once is humility, twice is disrespect.
A peak Ninth Level Martial Vein master wants to be your friend, and you’re not keen? Word of that would embarrass Lin Ze.
Besides, Ling Xiao genuinely wanted Lin Ze as a friend, he’d long admired this general.
“Junior brother, looks like coming to Dragon Gate Port was the right move.”
Ling Yixue flashed a smile lovelier than winter plum blossoms, nearly knocking the young martial artists out cold.
Seeing her smile, and Lin Ze’s attitude toward Ling Xiao, Ling Feifan below the stage could hardly bear it.
While Wanren Wang onstage gnashed his teeth.
“By the way, Ling Xiao, I haven’t formally invited you to join the Border Town General’s Mansion, are you willing?”
Truth be told, Lin Ze didn’t need to ask.
He was the Border Town General!
A peak Ninth Level Martial Vein martial artist!
He didn’t need to give Ling Xiao face!
But he did ask!
Because he truly saw Ling Xiao as a friend, and his successor.
