Against Tian, Ling Xiao didn’t even bother using his stronger Snow Sword. The Ice Glass Sword was enough.
Shadow Transformation Thirteen Swords!
Still a quasi-gold martial skill, equivalent to a quasi-mortal skill in the secular world. Thirteen shadowy figures split from Ling Xiao’s body, tearing through the air toward Tian.
Though using a quasi-gold skill, Ling Xiao subtly applied the fourth form—Ice Heart—wanting to test if it enhanced all sword techniques. The results were impressive. While the boost wasn’t massive, it nearly doubled the move’s power.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
The figures flickered, sword lights flashing. Tian felt like a fool, only able to defend clumsily, with no chance to counter. Even so, his body accumulated wounds, his clothes tattered as if washed by a storm of swords.
“Great Primordial Palm!”
Realizing defeat was imminent, Tian finally unleashed his martial soul. Behind him appeared a massive, earthy-yellow palm, three to four meters tall.
“Such a strange martial soul?” Ling Xiao marveled. He’d never seen such a soul in the secular world. It was a complete martial soul, though only in its first stage—transparent.
Using a martial soul against a new outer disciple filled Tian with shame. He aimed to crush Ling Xiao, make him grovel in apology, to salvage his dignity.
The giant palm merged with Tian’s own, thrusting toward Ling Xiao. The ground parted, fresh soil churning up, the scene awe-inspiring.
“You think you’re the only one with a martial soul?” Ling Xiao sneered, flicking his sword.
Blood Shadow Extinction!
In an instant, his figure vanished. A chilling aura swept through, its source untraceable.
Blood Shadow Martial Soul’s signature move, Blood Shadow Extinction, might not match the Great Primordial Palm’s raw power but far surpassed it in eeriness and lethality.
“You’d better stop, or this sword goes deeper!” When Ling Xiao reappeared, his Ice Glass Sword was piercing Tian’s back, inches from his heart. A slight push would end him.
“I won’t move! I won’t!” Tian was terrified. The sect forbade killing, or he’d be dead. He hadn’t even seen how Ling Xiao attacked.
His face paled, body trembling. He regretted taking this task from Heisuo. He’d thought the rewards would be easy, not expecting Ling Xiao’s terrifying strength.
Hiss!
The onlookers gasped. No one expected this outcome.
Xu Ying’s face darkened, while Third Prince Zhao Zhi lowered his head, lost in thought.
“Not bad. The fourth form, Ice Heart, is quite effective. In terms of attack power, it can elevate a quasi-gold skill’s finisher to surpass entry-level gold skills!” Ling Xiao was pleased with his experiment.
“Tian, some money isn’t worth earning,” Ling Xiao said, sheathing his sword and patting Tian’s shoulder. “Know who injured Heisuo? That was me. Think you’re stronger than him?”
Tian shuddered. Heisuo was a Mortal Realm Third Layer cultivator. Rumor said he’d been injured by Master Baiyun in Baiyun Province, but that seemed doubtful now.
“Get lost with your people. I don’t want this happening again. Next time, I won’t kill you, but I can ensure your cultivation never advances,” Ling Xiao said, kicking Tian’s backside.
Tian didn’t resist, fleeing without a glance at his three fallen allies.
“Brothers and sisters, whoever knows these three mutts, take them away. They’re polluting the environment. Oh, Tian, hold it!” Ling Xiao suddenly recalled something.
Tian, already a hundred meters away, stopped obediently at Ling Xiao’s shout.
“What’s your order, Junior Brother?”
“Get someone to replace this door with the best material. You have half an hour. If it’s not done, you’re finished,” Ling Xiao said.
He felt no sympathy for Tian. Bullying the weak was bad enough, but causing Leng Mei’s departure fueled his anger, which he vented on this unfortunate soul.
“I’ll get it fixed right away!” Tian fled as if pardoned.
“Not bad, Brother Ling. Your combat skills are astonishing,” Zhao Zhi said, unfazed by Ling Xiao’s display, unlike the stunned onlookers. He knew Ling Xiao’s combat prowess but believed his own potential was greater, still hoping to recruit him.
“Second Prince, you flatter me. Combat skills are mere tricks. Potential and aptitude are what matter,” Ling Xiao replied, neither hostile nor eager to befriend Zhao Zhi. Royalty meant little in the sect world beyond connections.
“Heh,” Zhao Zhi gave an awkward smile. When he’d first moved into the stone house, he’d condescendingly advised Ling Xiao not to focus on combat skills. Today, he was proven wrong. Without such skills, even great potential wouldn’t have saved Ling Xiao from Tian’s assault.
“Junior Brother Ling, Tian isn’t obedient. Offending him will bring trouble,” Wu Xiang sighed.
“I’ve gauged Tian’s strength. He’s barely above a stray dog. No need to fear him,” Ling Xiao said, puzzled by Wu Xiang’s concern.
“You don’t understand. Tian’s close with several top thirty outer disciples, all half-step masters. They’re on a different level. If they come for you, you’ll be in real trouble,” Wu Xiang said with a wry smile.
“Thanks for the heads-up, Brother Wu. I’ll be cautious,” Ling Xiao replied. He wasn’t even afraid of true masters—half-step masters were nothing. He was curious to see who’d back Tian.
