Chapter Fifty-Five: Refuting the Elder

The quarrel between the two finally pulled many disciples out of their fear, and recalling the earlier situation, they found themselves somewhat agreeing with Lin Xiaobao’s words.

“Didn’t you dodge it? But the fact remains that Ye Jingming died by your sword when he was defenseless!” The Second Elder, enraged that Lin Xiaobao dared to contradict him openly, was beside himself with fury. If it weren’t for his status as an elder, he might have already charged down and struck this fellow dead with a single blow.

“Can’t someone as discerning as Second Elder see that I was thrown into the air by his attack and, upon landing, was completely unable to control my body?” Lin Xiaobao retorted. “If blame must be laid, it should be on him for disregarding the bond between fellow disciples and harboring murderous intent!”

As if to prove that his final sword strike was truly beyond his control, Lin Xiaobao’s body suddenly went limp and collapsed onto the stage after he finished speaking.

“You were full of vigor just now, and now you’re pretending to faint? Let’s see how long you can keep up the act!” Finally provoked beyond reason, the Second Elder disregarded the difference in rank, flickered onto the stage in a flash, and raised his hand to strike Lin Xiaobao.

If the blow landed, Lin Xiaobao would not survive—an unthinkable outcome.

“Does Second Elder take Songyan Peak for a place without men?” At the very moment the Second Elder vanished, Lin Tian also appeared in a flash beside Lin Xiaobao. With his left hand, he pulled Lin Xiaobao into his arms, while his right hand met the Second Elder’s palm. Each staggered back several steps.

“If Second Elder truly desires a match, I shall oblige. What pleasure is there in bullying the young?” Lin Tian glared at the Second Elder, his fury barely contained. Lin Xiaobao was, after all, his most precious child.

A hint of surprise flashed in the Second Elder’s eyes as he looked at Lin Tian. Wasn’t he seriously wounded two years ago? Yet there was no sign of injury in that exchange just now.

“Enough!” Pavilion Master Hua Zhengchun rose to his feet and roared, “What business do elders have meddling in disciples’ matches? All of you, stand down at once!”

With the Pavilion Master’s stern command, a trace of resentment flickered in the Second Elder’s gaze. Though the words seemed to defuse the situation, in truth they subtly favored Lin Xiaobao. After all, if the matter of Lin Xiaobao killing Ye Jingming were pursued to its full extent, it would be enough to ruin the boy.

Second Elder exchanged a quick glance with the Third and Fourth Elders. It seemed all of them sensed something unusual beneath the surface.

Their ambition to seize the position of Pavilion Master of the Hua family was clear, but since Hua Zhengchun still held the title, they could not openly defy him. So, after a brief apology, they left the Hall of Everlasting Vision in anger.

Lin Tian also bowed to Hua Zhengchun and took Lin Xiaobao back to Songyan Hall.

No sooner had he set Lin Xiaobao down than Lin Tian began to cough. “Zuo Yuxuan’s cultivation has improved yet again!”

“Are you alright, Father?” Lin Xiaobao immediately sprang to his feet, concern clear in his voice. He knew well that his father’s injury had been aggravated by the earlier exchange with the Second Elder, but fortunately it was just a dry cough.

“It’s nothing serious. Don’t be fooled by my injuries—if it came to a real fight, I’d still be able to take that fellow down!” Confidence radiated from Lin Tian’s face. “But you were too reckless today. The matches ahead will only grow more dangerous.”

“Even if I hadn’t acted as I did, they already view me as the chosen one of you and the Pavilion Master. They wouldn’t spare me either way!” Lin Xiaobao shrugged, seemingly unconcerned.

“So you know?” A trace of surprise flickered in Lin Tian’s eyes. “I never wanted these matters to affect your cultivation, but I suppose it’s unavoidable…”

“What does it matter? To win that inner core, I must become champion. And to be champion, I have to face them—conflict is inevitable, whatever the reason.” Lin Xiaobao spoke calmly.

“You see things even more clearly than I do. If you truly become champion and get involved in the struggle for the new Pavilion Master, you might indeed help Hua Xiaotian. If he succeeds, I doubt he would deny you the inner core.” Lin Tian paused, then added, “Still, I must remind you, do your best and nothing more.”

“Don’t worry, I understand.” Lin Xiaobao had no wish to dwell on the topic. “I’ll go rest now—I have another match tomorrow.”

“Go on, then.” Watching Lin Xiaobao’s retreating figure, Lin Tian suddenly realized he had never truly understood his own son.

Returning to the courtyard, Lin Xiaobao could no longer suppress the nausea welling up inside him. He bent over and vomited until it felt as though he had expelled even the last trace of bile.

Standing up, he wiped away the tears that had come with the retching. Stripping off his clothes, he revealed several bloody wounds across his back—the injuries inflicted by Ye Jingming’s final attack.

Without bothering to consult Elder Mo, Lin Xiaobao took several medicinal herbs from his storage ring and began preparing his own healing salve.

Fortunately, he had dodged just in time—most of the wounds were superficial. After applying the ointment, he began cultivating the Divine Mind Wave. As for the spiritual energy consumed, Lin Xiaobao had no need to worry; the Spirit Gathering Array engraved on his body handled the replenishment.

After this battle, Lin Xiaobao felt his spiritual power had grown significantly. Spreading his spiritual sense, he could almost envelop the entire Songyan Peak. Yet, he could only sense Wang Dasha’s presence; Lin Tian’s whereabouts remained elusive.

It seemed he was still some distance from the stage where all things thrive.

The next morning, as dawn broke, Lin Xiaobao’s spiritual sense detected Wang Dasha waiting at the door. He ended his meditation and went out to meet him.

“Xiaobao, are you alright?” Wang Dasha asked with concern as soon as the door opened.

Yesterday, when Lin Xiaobao’s match ended, Wang Dasha was still fighting fiercely. Though he’d heard about it later, he hadn’t dared disturb Lin Xiaobao’s rest, so he’d come early today.

“I’m fine. But you did well—yesterday you beat an eighth-stage innate martial artist.” Lin Xiaobao hadn’t seen Wang Dasha’s match, but after his own finished, he’d checked the situation on that side. Wang Dasha had completely suppressed his opponent; victory was only a matter of time.

“One more win today and I’ll be in the top eight. Win again tomorrow and I’ll meet Feiyan’s requirements!” Wang Dasha counted on his fingers, full of hope.

“The matches will only get tougher from here. If you really can’t win, don’t force it.” Lin Xiaobao couldn’t help reminding him again—after all, he had already made a deadly move, and if Wang Dasha faced disciples of those elders, he might also be in danger.

“Don’t worry, I’m not really stupid. If I can’t win, I’ll admit defeat,” Wang Dasha said cheerfully.

Though he was somewhat annoyed by Nie Feiyan’s demands, Lin Xiaobao had to admit that Wang Dasha seemed sharper these days—at least he knew how to placate him now. “Alright, let’s go!”