Chapter Twenty-Two: Lin Qingxuan’s Challenge

In the side hall, Lin Qingxuan, dressed in the formal attire of the Young Sect Master, strode in. The representatives of the four great families from the foot of the mountain immediately rose to their feet.

"The Young Sect Master is truly a man of extraordinary talent. To have the honor of meeting you is a blessing that we old fools have spent three lifetimes to earn."

"We have long heard of your great reputation, Young Sect Master. Upon learning of your breakthrough today, our Zhou family presents one hundred thousand spirit stones and one hundred rare treasures as a congratulatory gift."

"When will the Young Sect Master descend the mountain? The disciples of my household are all eager to catch a glimpse of your noble countenance."

"Truly, a great teacher produces brilliant disciples. I foresee that the position of Great Dao Sect Master will belong to none other than you!"

As soon as Lin Qingxuan entered, the patriarchs began to shower him with flattery. Listening to these praises, Lin Qingxuan felt a sense of satisfaction and the corners of his mouth curled upward, though he replied with feigned modesty:

"Gentlemen, please, do not speak so recklessly. I am not yet the Young Sect Master. This attire was merely donned because my previous robes were damaged during cultivation, and my master found these for me to wear temporarily..."

"Hehe, Young Sect Master, do you not understand the Sect Master's intentions? Once you have put on these robes, how could there be any reason to take them off?"

"Young Sect Master, there is no need for such formalities. We have come today without any ulterior motives; we simply wish to establish a bond of goodwill with you, as we shall rely heavily on you in the future..."

"Before we arrived, we consulted among ourselves and decided to each offer a stunning 'adopted daughter' to serve you. After all, you are about to take charge of important sect affairs, and you surely cannot be without someone to attend to your needs..."

"They are waiting outside. You must not refuse, Young Sect Master!"

As the four patriarchs spoke, they looked as though they would gladly crawl on the ground to lick Lin Qingxuan’s boots.

"Since you have all put it this way, it would seem heartless of me to refuse. Bring them in."

Lin Qingxuan spoke with high spirits, his Golden Core energy surging. These four families at the foot of the mountain were a force affiliated with the Great Dao Sect, providing convenient access to the outside world—a resource he would find useful for governing the sect in the future.

After a night of indulgence, Lin Qingxuan sat in his cave dwelling, feeling refreshed and wearing a wicked, charming smile. Yet, as he turned his gaze, the women on the floor had already been reduced to withered bones.

"Master Lin, even if you have walked the path of evil, what of it? Sooner or later, I will surpass you, and you shall only be able to gaze upon my back from afar..."

With these words, he headed toward the main hall of the Sect Master.

...

Great Dao Sect, Wanfa Peak.

Boom!

Lin Jun sat on a rocking chair, sipping tea hand-brewed by his disciple Ji Qingyou, when he suddenly heard a thunderous explosion. Turning around in surprise, he saw Ye Zhetian, who had been practicing the "Thunder God Grand Method," covered in soot and looking thoroughly disheveled.

Watching the innocent look in Ye Zhetian’s eyes, he shook his head.

These past few days, feeling that the little black dog’s combat power was insufficient, he had bestowed upon him the "Lightning Technique." After a hundredfold return, it had upgraded into the "Heaven-grade" "Thunder God Grand Method," which possessed infinite power!

However, a dog is a dog after all. Cultivation was not as reliable as it was with Ji Qingyou, and Lin Jun had been staying outside specifically to prevent any accidents.

"Stop practicing for now. Come here," Lin Jun said, helplessly putting down his teacup and beckoning.

Immediately, the little black dog, still smoking from his own self-inflicted explosion, ran over with pure, wide eyes, looking up in a posture of reverence.

Crack!

Lin Jun raised his hand, and a field of lightning identical to the dog's suddenly appeared. Amidst the crackling electric arcs, Lin Jun looked at him.

"The true profound essence of lightning does not lie in sheer force, nor in the range of the attack, but in concealment."

"Watch."

As Lin Jun retracted the lightning and placed his palm on the little black dog’s forehead, the creature’s fur stood on end instantly, even though he knew his master would never harm him. A moment later, a look of realization dawned in his eyes.

Seeing this, Lin Jun smiled slightly.

"The most powerful attack often occurs before the move is even made. The greatest strike is one where the opponent does not know where or when it will land."

"Combat techniques are merely tools; how you use them is the core. Ponder this well. And don't forget the 'God-Demon Body' I taught you—that is what will truly make you powerful."

The little black dog nodded vigorously and ran off to practice again. This time, he did not create the booming sounds of thunder; instead, he began to act with a stealthy, cunning air...

Seeing this, Lin Jun looked satisfied and turned his gaze toward the Qingxin Hall, where he could sense Ji Qingyou cultivating the God-Demon Body.

Boom!

Before long, a grand and unique aura emanated from Lin Jun.

[Disciple Ji Qingyou has successfully cultivated the God-Demon Immortal Body. Congratulations to the host for breaking through to the God-Demon Immortal Body (Second Layer).]

Lin Jun’s body jolted, then he dispersed the powerful aura and lay back lazily.

A few days passed in the blink of an eye, and an explosive rumor began to circulate throughout the Great Dao Sect.

"Lin Qingxuan has suddenly announced that he will challenge Lin Jun to purge his inner demons!"

"It is happening today! They say Lin Qingxuan has received the Sect Master’s secret teachings, and his strength is no longer inferior to Lin Jun's! Hurry and go watch!"

"This is a rare opportunity to curry favor with the Young Sect Master! We must not miss it!"

"It is said that Lin Jun has fallen deep into the demonic path; let us go quickly to cheer and show our support!"

"..."

The sun shone brightly. Lin Qingxuan, in his Young Sect Master attire, approached slowly. Whether due to some special secret technique he had cultivated, his aura grew stronger with every step he took.

Because of the buzz surrounding the event, countless disciples of the Great Dao Sect gathered, all eager to see just how strong Lin Qingxuan had become. Many attractive female disciples even cast flirtatious glances his way.

Just as he was about to ascend the mountain, two streaks of light descended, transforming into the white-robed Ji Qingyou and the little black dog, Ye Zhetian.

The little black dog, having cultivated with Lin Jun all this time, had grown slightly in size and now appeared somewhat imposing.

"Woof! Woof!"

Seeing Lin Qingxuan attempting to ascend the peak, Ye Zhetian barked loudly. Having attained spiritual intelligence, he felt a natural disdain for this traitor to their sect. Ji Qingyou felt the same.

"Visitors must stop here."

Ji Qingyou looked at him with cold eyes. This Lin Qingxuan had suddenly declared a challenge against her master—did he really think he was something special?

"I wondered who it was. It's Junior Sister Qingyou."

Lin Qingxuan, still climbing, looked up at the stunningly beautiful Ji Qingyou with a glint of greed. Times had changed; the Sect Master had already declared that if he defeated Lin Jun, everything on Wanfa Peak would belong to him, and he would be appointed the new Peak Master!

"I said, stop!"

Seeing him act as if her words had fallen on deaf ears, a flicker of murderous intent flashed in Ji Qingyou's eyes. Anyone who intended to harm her master was her enemy!

"Heh." Lin Qingxuan smiled, his footsteps not faltering. "We are all on the same side, Junior Sister; why be so distant? I have come only to challenge Lin Jun to eliminate my former inner demons and make my sword stronger."

"If you are wise, Junior Sister, you will lead the way for your Senior Brother. Once I take over Wanfa Peak, who knows, I might even reward you with the position of Vice Peak Master."

"Woof!"

Before Ji Qingyou could speak, Ye Zhetian lunged forward, his mouth crackling with brilliant lightning.