“Ling Xiao, your performance matches your confidence, from today onwards, the Ling family will focus on nurturing you, and I hope you won’t let down my efforts.”
Ling Xiaotian was a smooth talker, whether he meant it or not, his words made Ling Xiao feel quite comfortable.
“If it weren’t for the Clan Leader, Ling Xiao wouldn’t have had the chance to compete today, I’ll naturally remember your kindness.”
To be honest, his impression of the entire Ling family wasn’t great, but he had a good opinion of Ling Xiaotian.
“Once you’re back, decide on your future direction quickly, a suitable weapon can greatly boost your combat strength, a common-grade treasure weapon is too important for you right now, so choose wisely.”
Ling Xiaotian reminded him, “Once you’ve chosen, come straight to me to collect it.”
“This disciple understands.”
“Good, off you go.”
“Yes!”
Ling Xiao also felt it was time to decide on a weapon.
Though fighting barehanded had its uses at times, a weapon, especially one with enhancement effects, could vastly improve a martial artist’s combat power.
Why was his strongest attack currently the Hundred-Step Flying Sword?
It wasn’t just because the skill was powerful, the key was that the Breeze Sword had a special enhancement effect, being a common-grade treasure weapon.
“Ling Xiao, congratulations!”
After receiving his rewards, Ling Xiao didn’t plan to linger, he didn’t enjoy the chaotic atmosphere.
But after just a few steps, Ling Yihang approached.
Though he’d once defeated Ling Yihang, there was no bad blood between them, in fact, he quite admired the man’s character.
“You put on quite a show yourself.”
“Hehe, you two can stop flattering each other, this time, one of you took first and the other fourth, really doing our Elite Hall and lower disciples proud.”
Amid the laughter, Ling Yixue’s beautiful face appeared.
Perhaps because she’d achieved a decent ranking, her usually stern face carried a bit more of a smile.
“You didn’t do badly either, Senior Sister.”
Ling Xiao smiled, “Sixth in the Hall of Geniuses, I bet a lot of people didn’t see that coming.”
“How can I compare to you? I never imagined you’d actually beat Ling Feifan, that was truly unexpected.”
Though Ling Yixue had high hopes for Ling Xiao, she was still shocked that he’d defeated Ling Feifan.
“To be honest, I got lucky, being chased and nearly killed led me to a fortunate encounter, which pushed my realm to Late Martial Vein Fifth Layer and my Nine Transformations Golden Body Art to the sixth turn.”
Ling Xiao shook his head, “Speaking of which, I should thank whoever paid to have me killed.”
“Who tried to kill you?”
Ling Yihang asked in shock.
“Ling Shisan, most likely.”
Ling Yixue frowned, “I can’t think of anyone else.”
Ling Xiao laughed, “Senior Sister Yixue is as sharp as ever, it was indeed Ling Shisan.”
“So what’s your plan? You’ve got elder status now, you could totally report Ling Shisan to the Clan Leader.”
Ling Yihang suggested.
“No way.”
Ling Yixue shook her head, “They’re father and son, bound by blood, how could he punish his own son harshly? For now, we can only bide our time.”
“Exactly.”
Ling Xiao nodded, “I’m no match for Ling Shisan yet, so I can only hold back, but if he pushes me too far, I won’t let him off easy.”
If he went all out to kill Ling Shisan now, he could absolutely succeed.
“Enough of that, let’s head back together.”
Ling Xiao, Ling Yihang, and Ling Yixue all lived near Ling Er Ye’s residence, so they travelled together, now openly aligning with Ling Er Ye.
The Ling family was a clan, not a sect, so the Clan Leader position could only pass to one of Ling Xiaotian’s sons.
Unless some extraordinary exception occurred.
Supporting Ling Er Ye now wasn’t a bad move, at the very least, he could shield them from many hidden threats.
“Let’s go!”
As the trio left, Ling Yun squinted at Ling Feifan beside him, “Ling Feifan, the woman you fancy is indeed something, her eye for talent is spot on, you chased her so long without a flicker, yet now she’s taken a shine to that Ling Xiao.”
“Hmph!”
Though Ling Feifan knew Ling Yun was stirring trouble, he still couldn’t stand seeing Ling Yixue chatting and laughing with Ling Xiao.
“She’s my woman, no one’s taking her away, Ling Xiao! Today’s shame, I’ll repay double in the future!”
With that, Ling Feifan followed his grandfather, the Grand Elder of the Ling family, and left.
The Ling family had only three Grand Elders, the strongest existences aside from Ling Xiaotian, so it was no surprise Ling Feifan’s strength grew quickly under his guidance.
“Grandson, that Ling Xiao only narrowly beat you thanks to a lucky encounter, but he was right about one thing, you lack real experience, I’ve spoiled you too much, get ready to go out and train, no need to go far, just within the Northern Han Kingdom, come back once a month!”
“Your grandson obeys!”
On the other side, Ling Yixue walking shoulder-to-shoulder with Ling Xiao left many male Ling family disciples green with envy.
But what could envy do?
Ling Xiao was first in the Hall of Geniuses, it was only natural a beauty would admire him.
They didn’t know that neither Ling Xiao nor Ling Yixue had any thoughts of romance at the moment.
Ling Xiao was clear, winning the annual competition was just a start, past painful lessons taught him that without strength, he’d be at others’ mercy.
Within the family, he had enemies like Ling Jiu and Ling Shisan.
Outside, though his killing of Li Xingyun hadn’t yet come to light, there’s no wall that doesn’t let some wind through.
One day, the Li family would find out.
When that happened, the Ling family might not fully back him, so he had to keep growing stronger, strong enough to fear no one.
As for Ling Yixue.
An orphan who’d never known happiness, she only wanted to keep improving, hoping one day to leave Tianfeng City, leave the Northern Han Kingdom, and uncover the mystery of her origins.
Of course, it couldn’t be denied that the two had some mutual fondness.
Back home, Grandpa Hong Qi had prepared food and drink, waiting.
Ling Xiao taking first in the Hall of Geniuses truly made Hong Qi feel proud and vindicated.
Little Radish Head had also officially joined the Ling family, becoming a disciple named Ling Luo.
Of course, these matters were arranged by Ling Er Ye, Ling Xiao hadn’t bothered with them much.
But if he hadn’t fought his way through, winning first in the elimination rounds and finals to become the top disciple, Ling Er Ye likely wouldn’t have helped a little beggar.
In this world, there’s no love or hate without reason.
The stronger he became, the safer his family would be.
After eating, Ling Xiao returned to the training room.
To make it to the finals, he’d paused his push to reach the peak of Martial Vein Fifth Layer, now with the finals over and ten qi pills in hand.
Plus the Cold Pool Golden Liquid stored in his Mountain and River World, it was time to break through.
Though he’d beaten Ling Feifan this time, he hadn’t used his true trump cards—
Martial Will, Soul Entry, Hundred-Step Flying Sword, Mountain and River Martial Soul!
If anyone thought he’d gone all out and came looking for trouble, he’d show them what despair truly meant!
