To deal with Tian, Ling Xiao didn’t even bother using the stronger Snowfall Sword.
The Ice Glass Sword was more than enough.
Shadow Transformation Thirteen Swords!
Still a quasi-gold-grade martial art, or what the mundane world called a quasi-mundane martial art.
Thirteen shadowy figures split from Ling Xiao’s body, tearing through the air toward Tian.
Though using a quasi-gold-grade martial art, Ling Xiao subtly employed the fourth form—Ice Heart.
He wanted to test whether this move enhanced all sword techniques.
The test proved effective.
While the boost wasn’t massive, it nearly doubled the power of the Shadow Transformation Thirteen Swords.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
The shadowy figures flickered, sword lights flashing relentlessly.
Tian felt like a fool, reduced to frantic defence with no chance to counterattack.
Even so, his body was soon covered in wounds, his clothes tattered as if shredded by a storm of swords.
Great Primordial Palm!
Realising defeat was inevitable, Tian finally summoned his martial soul.
Behind him loomed a massive palm.
The palm, earthen yellow, stood three to four metres tall.
Such a bizarre martial soul?
Ling Xiao was intrigued. He’d never seen such a martial soul in the mundane world.
Moreover, it was a complete martial soul, though only in the first stage—a transparent form.
To think he’d need to use his martial soul against a newly joined outer sect disciple—it was utterly humiliating for Tian.
He resolved to crush Ling Xiao, make him grovel and apologise, to salvage his dignity from this disgrace.
The terrifying giant palm seemed to merge with Tian’s own, thrusting toward Ling Xiao.
In its path, the ground was scraped away, fresh soil churning up—a staggering sight.
You’re not the only one with a martial soul!
Ling Xiao sneered, his longsword quivering.
Blood Shadow Extinction!
In an instant, his figure vanished!
Everyone felt a piercing chill, but its source was impossible to pinpoint.
The ultimate technique of the Blood Shadow Martial Soul—Blood Shadow Extinction.
Its power might not surpass Tian’s Great Primordial Palm, but in terms of eeriness and lethality, it far outstripped it.
You’d better stop, or this sword goes deeper!
When Ling Xiao reappeared, his Ice Glass Sword was pressed against Tian’s back, already piercing the skin, inches from his heart.
A slight push, and it would end Tian’s life.
I won’t move! I won’t move!
Tian was utterly terrified. Luckily, sect rules forbade killing, or he’d be done for today.
He hadn’t even seen how Ling Xiao attacked.
His face paled, his body trembling. He was beginning to regret taking this job from Heisuo.
He’d thought the reward would be easy money, but Ling Xiao’s strength was far beyond his expectations.
Hiss!
The onlookers gasped.
No one had anticipated this outcome.
Xu Ying’s expression darkened further, while Third Prince Zhao Zhi lowered his head, lost in thought.
Not bad, not bad. The fourth form, Ice Heart, is remarkably effective. In terms of raw attack power, it can elevate a quasi-gold-grade martial art’s ultimate technique beyond entry-level gold-grade martial arts!
Ling Xiao was very satisfied with his experiment.
Tian, some money isn’t worth earning.
Ling Xiao sheathed his sword, patting Tian’s shoulder. “Do you know who injured Heisuo? That was me. Do you think you’re stronger than him?”
Tian shuddered at the words.
Heisuo was a Third Layer Mundane Realm martial artist. Tian had heard Heisuo went to Baiyun Province and returned gravely injured.
Rumours claimed Master Baiyun had wounded him, but it seemed those rumours might not be true.
Get lost with your men. I don’t want this happening again. If there’s a next time, I may not kill you, but I can absolutely ensure your cultivation never advances again.
Ling Xiao kicked Tian’s backside, and Tian, without the slightest resistance, scurried off.
He didn’t even glance at the three men lying on the ground.
Sorry to trouble you, Senior Brothers and Sisters. Whoever knows these three mutts, take them away. They’re littering the place. Oh, Tian, stop right there!
Ling Xiao suddenly remembered something.
Tian, who had already fled over a hundred metres, obediently halted at Ling Xiao’s call.
What does Junior Brother need?
Get someone to replace this door with the best material. You have half an hour. If it’s not fixed by then, you’re done.
Ling Xiao felt no sympathy or pity for Tian.
Not only had Tian bullied the weak and thrown his weight around, but his actions had driven Leng Mei away. Ling Xiao vented all his frustration on this unlucky fool.
I’ll get someone to fix it right away, don’t worry!
Tian fled as if granted amnesty.
Not bad, Brother Ling. Your combat skills are truly astonishing.
While many were intimidated by Ling Xiao’s strength, Zhao Zhi seemed different.
Zhao Zhi had long known Ling Xiao’s combat prowess was formidable, though his potential was lesser, so he still planned to recruit him.
Your Highness the Second Prince flatters me. Combat skills are mere trifles. Potential and aptitude are what matter.
Ling Xiao neither disliked nor sought to befriend Zhao Zhi.
Royalty, once in the sect world, held little sway beyond a few connections.
Heh.
Zhao Zhi gave an awkward smile. When he first moved into the stone hut, he’d condescendingly advised Ling Xiao not to waste time on combat skills.
Today, he’d been proven wrong.
Without such formidable combat skills, no matter how great Ling Xiao’s potential, he’d likely have been crushed by Tian by now.
Junior Brother Ling, Tian isn’t one to back down. Offending him today might bring you a heap of trouble.
Wu Xiang sighed.
I’ve got a read on Tian’s calibre. He’s slightly better than a stray cat or dog, but there’s no need to fear him.
Ling Xiao didn’t understand why Wu Xiang was so worried.
You don’t get it. Tian’s close with a few of the top thirty outer sect disciples. Those in the top thirty are all half-step masters, on a completely different level from Tian. If they come for you, you’ll be in real trouble.
Wu Xiang gave a wry smile.
Thanks for the heads-up, Senior Brother Wu. I’ll be cautious.
In truth, Ling Xiao didn’t even fear true masters, so what were half-step masters to him? He was curious to see who’d stick their neck out for Tian!
