Chapter 135: The Fate of a Bootlicker! Exorcising the Demon!
The lively sound of drums and gongs suddenly fell silent. Chu Yang's counterattack had been executed too cleanly, leaving the crowd feeling a chill down their spines.
That was the Lin family's exclusive technique!
And he broke it just like that?
Lin Tiannan clenched his fists tightly, his eyes locked onto Chu Yang.
Where was he supposed to put his dignity now?
In truth, Chu Yang had no intention of making such a high-profile display. However, with Xu Changqing watching closely, he couldn't use other abilities to save people.
He couldn't just keep saying that it was a treasure given by the sect leader, right?
If he used that excuse too many times, even someone as slow-witted as Xu Changqing would start to find it suspicious.
Chu Yang led Liu Jinyuan off the stage and shook his head at Xu Changqing. "Senior Brother, reconciliation is just our wishful thinking. Let's forget about it. We should head straight to Hidden Dragon Cavern, deal with the serpent demon, and leave."
Xu Changqing nodded. Lin Yue'ru's unreasonable behavior had far exceeded his expectations—she hadn't even given them a chance to explain.
Liu Jinyuan looked guilty and said, "The fault lies entirely with me. I hope you all can forgive me."
Li Xiaoyao impatiently replied, "What does this have to do with you? It's not like you were the one being unreasonable."
Liu Jinyuan was about to explain further when Chu Yang raised a hand to stop him and shook his head. "Young Master Liu, it's best we part ways here."
Liu Jinyuan was deeply disappointed and could only sigh heavily toward the sky.
Just as they were about to leave, Lin Tiannan could no longer sit still. He leaped forward and landed in front of Chu Yang's group.
This concerned the reputation of Linjiabao—how could he let them leave so easily?
"Young hero, do you think you can just walk away after winning the duel? Are you treating me, Lin Tiannan, as if I don't exist?"
"Are you taking Linjiabao as a joke?"
Lin Tiannan's expression was grim as he glared at them.
Xu Changqing cupped his hands and spoke solemnly, "Senior Lin, my junior brother was only acting out of urgency to save someone. He had no intention of disrupting your daughter's martial arts contest for marriage. I hope you can understand."
Liu Jinyuan also bowed deeply. "Uncle, if it weren't for Daoist Chu, I would have been seriously injured."
"You haven't even settled your own matters, yet you're stepping in for others?!" Lin Tiannan's anger flared up at the sight of Liu Jinyuan. "The martial arts contest is a matter of the Jianghu. What is a scholar like you doing meddling in it? Were you deliberately trying to embarrass me?"
Liu Jinyuan hurriedly waved his hands. "That wasn't my intention! I just really like my cousin…"
Lin Tiannan's glare turned ice-cold. "I've told you many times before—the foundation of Linjiabao and the position of Wulin Alliance Leader can only be inherited by someone with formidable martial skills. You will never have that chance!"
Liu Jinyuan stood there, utterly humiliated, too ashamed to say a word, his body trembling from suppressed frustration.
Chu Yang sighed and shook his head. Liu Jinyuan had a decent character, but in terms of martial talent, he was indeed lacking. If he were in Lin Tiannan's position, he wouldn't choose Liu Jinyuan as his son-in-law either.
"Wait! What did you just call him?"
After venting his anger, Lin Tiannan suddenly noticed something amiss.
Liu Jinyuan, looking despondent, replied, "This is Daoist Chu… They are disciples of Shu Mountain."
Lin Tiannan was momentarily stunned, then suddenly broke into a broad grin. "So this was just a misunderstanding! I am actually a sworn brother of your sect leader, Sword Saint. You must have heard of me…"
Upon hearing this, Xu Changqing's expression turned solemn, and he responded gravely, "Senior Lin, Sword Saint is the sect leader of the Immortal Sword Sect. My junior brother and I are disciples of Shu Mountain. Please be mindful of your words…"
Lin Tiannan's laughter abruptly ceased, leaving behind only an awkward expression.
As the sworn brother of the Sword Saint, he was well aware of the deep schism between the Shu Mountain Sect and the Immortal Sword Sect.
So it was a misunderstanding indeed—except it was a misunderstanding involving rival sects.
Having just stepped on a landmine, Lin Tiannan, who had previously held the advantage, suddenly found himself at a loss for words.
If it had been any other disciple of Shu Mountain, a fight would have already broken out.
After a long, uncomfortable pause, Lin Tiannan finally muttered, "That was my mistake. I hope you two young Daoists won't take it to heart."
Xu Changqing's tone was no longer as respectful. He simply responded, "You are a senior, and you are indeed a sworn brother of Sword Saint. It wouldn't be appropriate to call it a mistake."
"However, my junior brother is a Daoist cultivator. He only intervened in the duel out of urgency to save someone. Even if he did manage to win, it shouldn't count. How about we simply let this matter rest and allow us to leave?"
Since the opponent was a disciple of Shu Mountain, Lin Yue'ru's defeat would not be seen as disgraceful. Linjiabao's reputation wouldn't suffer too much.
However, Lin Tiannan was still captivated by the way Chu Yang had broken the [Qi Sword Finger] technique. He found himself hesitating.
Noticing Lin Tiannan's hesitation, Chu Yang smiled and said, "I have a few sword techniques I'd like to seek your guidance on, Senior. Why don't we use your esteemed establishment as the venue? Let's set aside the martial contest for now."
"What do you think, Senior?"
Lin Tiannan's expression brightened, and he immediately nodded with a smile. "That works as well."
Xu Changqing, puzzled, moved closer to Chu Yang and asked in a low voice, "Junior Brother, what are you doing?"
Chu Yang replied softly, "I broke the Qi Sword Finger, which embarrassed Lin Tiannan. It's only fair to give him a chance to restore his dignity."
"Besides… I want to see the true martial arts of the Lin family."
Xu Changqing suddenly realized that Chu Yang intended to secretly learn Lin Tiannan's techniques!
"Junior Brother, isn't that a bit inappropriate?"
"Senior Brother, the Sword Qi Dispute is approaching. If we lose, we'll end up as part of the Immortal Sword Sect!"
At the mention of the Sword Qi Dispute, Xu Changqing's demeanor changed entirely, his eyes filled with righteous conviction. "It is only natural for a junior to seek guidance from a senior. Junior Brother, you needn't feel guilty!"
Indeed, even those who appeared upright could have their own schemes.
With Chu Yang and Lin Tiannan stepping onto the stage, the martial contest for marriage transformed into a grand martial arts showdown.
Lin Yue'ru was ruthlessly pushed off the stage by her father. Still reeling from the shock of being defeated in a single move, she stood there like a lifeless puppet.
Liu Jinyuan immediately rushed over, full of concern and sweet words.
Annoyed, Lin Yue'ru firmly stated, "Cousin, we are not meant to be. Even if every man in the world died, I still wouldn't be with you."
Liu Jinyuan was struck dumb. Compared to Lin Tiannan's rejection, Lin Yue'ru's words were the true death sentence.
Meanwhile, Chu Yang and Lin Tiannan had already begun their match. To demonstrate that it was a friendly exchange, neither used their swords, instead substituting their fingers as blades…
Lin Tiannan naturally used Qi Sword Finger, determined to regain the honor his daughter had lost.
Chu Yang countered with the Qi-Breaking Form of the Nine Swords of Dugu, mixed with some other enigmatic sword techniques.
The battle was evenly matched.
The spectators were thoroughly entertained, cheering loudly. They didn't care whether this was a duel or a marriage competition—so long as there was a good show to watch, they were happy.
Li Xiaoyao carefully observed the fight, realizing that the Nine Swords of Dugu in Chu Yang's hands felt completely different from when he used them himself.
If it were him up there, he'd probably be completely overwhelmed by Lin Tiannan by now.
On the stage, Chu Yang remained composed, as if he could foresee Lin Tiannan's attacks in advance, always intercepting them with pinpoint accuracy.
In contrast, Lin Tiannan's moves were becoming increasingly chaotic, his attack rhythm entirely dictated by Chu Yang.
If he didn't bring out some real skill soon, as the esteemed Wulin Alliance Leader, his prestige would be utterly shattered today!
Lin Tiannan was well aware of this. His figure suddenly flickered as he leaped backward, gathering all his true essence into his arms and fingertips.
"Seven-Resolution Sword Qi!"
The Lin Family Sword Art was divided into three stages: the Qi Sword Finger for beginners, the Seven-Resolution Sword Qi for the mid-stage, and the Dragon-Slaying Art for the grand completion.
It also included some widely known moves like "Sweeping Across the Battlefield", which were rather common.
The moment Lin Tiannan unleashed Seven-Resolution Sword Qi, the circulation of his true essence was instantly captured by Chu Yang's Rinnegan.
With Chu Yang's current martial prowess, replicating it was effortless.
Seven terrifying sword qi slashes tore through the stage, shattering the ground beneath Chu Yang in an instant.
Chu Yang leaped into the air, unleashing an overwhelming storm of sword qi that surged in all directions.
Since Lin Tiannan had used Seven-Resolution Sword Qi, Chu Yang responded with Ten Thousand Swords Returning to One.
The sword qi storm not only neutralized Lin Tiannan's attack but also sent him flying several meters away. The stage completely collapsed, leaving only two lone flagpoles standing.
Chu Yang and Lin Tiannan landed atop the respective flagpoles.
"The younger generation is truly remarkable!"
Lin Tiannan sighed, his eyes burning with admiration. "That doesn't seem to be Shu Mountain's Sword Control Technique, does it?"
Chu Yang smiled. "My aptitude is poor, so I have yet to enter the Dao. I can only practice some basic techniques."
Lin Tiannan caught the underlying meaning but didn't take offense. Instead, he smirked sarcastically, "Your words are sharp—reminds me of the Sword Saint in his younger days. You belong in the Sword Sect."
Chu Yang replied indifferently, "Senior is not bad either."
"Hah, brat! This will be my final move—be careful!"
Lin Tiannan then unleashed Dragon-Slaying Art, merging his true essence into a single force. The aura shifted from sword qi to something even more domineering—like the killing intent of a battlefield.
"So the Dragon-Slaying Art refines the Seven-Resolution Sword Qi into one through pure killing intent, with an intent to slay dragons… I see now."
Chu Yang faced the overwhelming force of the Dragon-Slaying Art head-on, making no effort to defend himself.
The entire audience was horrified.
Lin Tiannan's face paled in shock. It was too late to retract his attack.
"Dodge!" he shouted desperately.
The immense sword aura swallowed Chu Yang whole, its shockwaves sending spectators flying as if they'd been hit by an invisible wall.
Xu Changqing instinctively raised his arms to shield himself, but his concern for Chu Yang made him lower them quickly.
Chu Yang landed safely. His Daoist robe was slightly torn, but he appeared unharmed. Xu Changqing finally let out a relieved sigh.
"Senior Lin's martial arts are exceptional. As expected of the Wulin Alliance Leader! I admit defeat—truly admirable!"
Chu Yang cupped his hands in salute, smiling brightly—hardly looking like someone who had lost.
No one realized that he had just gained a sword technique comparable to "Sword Twenty-Three" for free. Naturally, they couldn't understand why he was so pleased.
Lin Tiannan, having regained his honor, recognized Chu Yang's intentional concession and chose not to press the matter further.
After exchanging a few polite words, he dismissed the spectators and invited them into Lin Family Fortress for a discussion.
Once seated, Lin Tiannan finally learned the full story of what had happened and couldn't help but scold Lin Yueru.
The pampered Lin Yueru couldn't stand being reprimanded, so she burst into tears, argued with her father, and stormed out of the main hall.
Lin Tiannan sighed in frustration and gave an awkward smile. "Apologies for the embarrassment."
"Fortress Master Lin is too polite," Xu Changqing replied with a smile. "As we mentioned earlier, we plan to head to Hidden Dragon Cave to eliminate the demon, but we cannot bring Ling'er along. We hope you can look after her."
Lin Tiannan nodded solemnly. "Speaking of Hidden Dragon Cave, my Lin Family Fortress should have handled it, but I am occupied with other matters. I truly appreciate your assistance."
Xu Changqing sighed in relief. "In that case, we can leave without worry."
A short while later, Li Xiaoyao and Zhao Ling'er bid each other farewell, reluctant to part. Then, they left Suzhou City with Chu Yang and the others.
---
On the way, Li Xiaoyao demonstrated his mastery of the Sword Control Technique, which Drunken Sword Immortal had forcefully passed on to him.
Seeing this, Xu Changqing saw no reason to hold back and taught him the method of flying with the sword.
After all, since he had already learned it, it wasn't Xu Changqing or Chu Yang who broke the sect rules—so there was no guilt in teaching him further.
With both of them proficient in sword flight, they took to the skies, carrying Chu Yang directly toward Hidden Dragon Cave.
Before long, they arrived at the cave entrance.
As they were about to enter, Chu Yang suddenly said, "Let's take a short break first. There are many venomous snakes in the cave—we should prepare some realgar before heading in."
Eager for his first monster-slaying adventure, Li Xiaoyao was too excited to wait. "Brother Chu, I feel great! There's no need to rest!"
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