Super prodigy?
Super monster?
Super genius among super geniuses?
No word seemed adequate to describe this youth’s terrifying prowess. He had surpassed his peers by far too much.
Not in cultivation, but in martial arts mastery!
That earlier finger strike was clearly a sign of sword intent reaching maturity.
For sword-wielding martial artists or swordsmen, sword intent was crucial.
Some thought sword intent was illusory, but it was not.
Sword intent was tangible, progressing from beginner to mature, from mature to advanced, from advanced to perfect, from perfect to transcendent, from transcendent to momentum, from momentum to subtlety, from subtlety to profundity, and finally to the state of human-sword unity.
I am the sword, and the sword is me.
Whether it was killing sword intent or destructive sword intent, these were merely practical applications.
Sword intent’s existence comprehensively enhanced a swordsman, including lethality, willpower, speed, and sword techniques.
Ling Xiao’s previous sword intent was merely at the beginner level, only able to intimidate enemies with little practical effect.
But now, with his sword intent mature, it could inflict substantial harm.
His earlier finger-as-sword move had wrapped sword intent around his finger, merging with Tianyuan energy to produce explosive damage.
An ordinary finger sword wouldn’t have such power.
Just mature sword intent was already this terrifying. What would happen when he reached human-sword unity?
Ji Mingkong drew in a sharp breath, her heart filled with awe.
She too used a sword, yet her sword intent had never awakened, likely the main reason she lost to Ling Xiao.
The gap between martial artists wasn’t always just cultivation. Cultivation was merely one measure.
“Interesting. With sword intent just matured, it’s already this powerful. Looks like I’m on the right path!”
Ling Xiao was pleasantly surprised. Previously, with many attack methods, he hadn’t focused on sword intent, treating it casually.
But in the Nine Cauldrons Illusion, he realised sword intent’s wonders.
As a swordsman, there was no need to learn other martial skills. The sword alone was enough to study for a lifetime.
With sword techniques paired with his Mountain River Martial Soul, dominating the entire Mysterious Realm wasn’t impossible.
As for human-sword unity, Ling Xiao didn’t dwell on it. That was a distant goal.
Only by relentlessly achieving smaller goals could the ultimate one be realised.
“What are you doing?”
Seeing Ling Xiao shatter his ice phoenix phantom, Feng Mingbo crawled back a few steps, asking in panic.
Moments ago, he was arrogant and disdainful, but now he was truly like a dog, utterly wretched.
He had mocked Ling Xiao as a lowly human, a waste, yet now he seemed the true waste, unable to withstand Ling Xiao’s casual finger strike.
Ling Xiao approached, showing no pity.
Those who insult others will be insulted in return!
That was his principle!
With a scornful sneer, Ling Xiao looked down at Feng Mingbo. “Noble? Exceptional talent? Tianren Realm martial artist? Young genius? Now, those grandiose titles don’t suit you.
My words are more fitting. You’re just a parasite leeching off a great clan!
I’m a lowly human?
Then what are you, defeated by me in one move? Livestock raised by humans?”
His words cut like a knife.
They sliced into Feng Mingbo’s heart.
It was like a slap across his face, making him tremble, pale, and in agony.
And this time, not just Feng Mingbo, but Shenhuang Academy’s people felt as if they’d been slapped, their faces grim.
Earlier, they had treated Ling Xiao like trash, goading Feng Mingbo to cripple him.
Now, Ling Xiao had not only crippled their disciple Leng Chan but also easily defeated their prized royal, Feng Mingbo.
They, Shenhuang Academy, had looked down on such a person?
Others were lowly humans?
What were they, defeated by this lowly human?
As Ling Xiao said, useless as livestock?
“Shenhuang Academy, is that all? Good thing I didn’t get a recommendation letter, or it might’ve ruined my future!”
Of course, this was just sarcasm. Ling Xiao knew Shenhuang Academy’s fame on Shenhuang Continent wasn’t fake.
Some bad apples were normal, but the academy’s attitude towards him was infuriating, giving him no chance and even condoning attacks against him.
This showed the academy’s culture.
He took a deep breath, not sparing Feng Mingbo another glance, and turned to leave the crowd.
Ji Mingkong and the others followed closely.
“How Shenhuang Academy is run isn’t for a human like you to judge! No matter how talented you are, with your character, Shenhuang Academy would never accept you!”
At that moment, a Shenhuang Academy teacher, who had been watching the drama, spoke up.
His words were harsh.
Ling Xiao sighed. Even the teachers were like this, revealing the academy’s true colours.
He didn’t look back, continuing forward, eager to leave this disappointing place.
“Insolent! You think you can just leave after attacking Shenhuang Academy’s disciples? Unless you explain who sent you to cause trouble, don’t even think about leaving!”
The teacher, seeing Ling Xiao ignore him, grew angrier, shouting and shooting forward to block their path.
“You guys go ahead. Wait for me at Qingxu Academy.”
Ling Xiao transmitted to Ji Mingkong and the others.
Only if they left could he find a chance to escape.
“Be careful!”
Having seen Ling Xiao’s prowess, especially his escape skills, Ji Mingkong and the others didn’t hesitate, pushing through the crowd and leaving quickly.
No one stopped them.
After all, Ling Xiao was today’s main culprit.
Once he was dealt with, the others wouldn’t escape.
After Ji Mingkong and the others left, Ling Xiao took a deep breath and turned his gaze to the Shenhuang Academy teacher.
His character was flawed?
He had ulterior motives?
He was sent to cause trouble?
For an old man to say such things.
Hearing the teacher’s words, Shenhuang Academy’s disciples grew excited.
Though Ling Xiao’s actions were forced, a reaction to provocation.
Who cared?
You caused trouble at Shenhuang Academy’s gate. They could pin any accusation on you, splash any dirt, and you’d have to take it.
Shenhuang Academy’s people wore mocking, triumphant smiles.
With the teacher stepping in, Ling Xiao, no matter how skilled, was in trouble.
After all, even the lowliest teacher at Shenhuang Academy was extremely powerful.
