Ling Tian Sword God

"For me?"

Ling Yin accepted the secret manual. Initially, she was unimpressed, but as she flipped through it, her beautiful face quickly grew solemn. By the end, she was utterly dumbfounded, clearly astonished by the manual's contents.

"To think such sophisticated mechanism technique exists in this world! This is far more advanced than what Master Xie Chan taught me."

Ling Yin's eyes gleamed. Despite her naivety, she could guess how precious this secret manual was.

"Brother Ling Chen, where did you get this secret manual?" Ling Yin asked, her wide eyes fixed on Ling Chen.

"I obtained it from the Tienzong Ruins."

Ling Chen sighed. "I nearly lost my life fighting for it. You must diligently study the mechanism technique in this manual. Remember, apart from yourself, absolutely no one else is to see this."

This secret manual was far too valuable. Ling Chen didn't fully trust even Elder Xie Chan. He couldn't guarantee that the Elder wouldn't harbor certain thoughts upon seeing the "Secret of Mechanisms."

Ling Chen knew the probability of such a thing was minuscule, as Elder Xie Chan doted on Ling Yin. However, it was always wise to be on guard; a single misstep could lead to disastrous consequences.

"I understand."

Ling Yin nodded. She also understood the principle that possessing something so valuable could invite disaster, even for an innocent person. A mechanism technique of this caliber would tempt anyone.

As for Elder Xie Chan, she considered waiting a while before perhaps copying portions of the mechanism technique to show him, to test her master's reaction.

"In a few days, I might have to leave the Sect for a while. You should stay here in the Divine Intent Sect and not wander off." After handing the "Secret of Mechanisms" to Ling Yin, Ling Chen gently pinched her small cheek.

"You're leaving again?"

A hint of disappointment crossed Ling Yin's face. She had only reunited with Ling Chen a few days ago, and now he was leaving again.

"I have no choice. A true man's ambition lies in venturing out into the world. Staying cooped up in the Sect isn't a long-term solution." Ling Chen shook his head. Going out to gain experience was the fastest way to improve his strength. Within the Sect, fortuitous encounters wouldn't simply fall into one's lap. But by venturing out, one could encounter opportunities for growth that might never appear otherwise.

"Then can you take me with you?" Ling Yin pleaded with puppy-dog eyes.

"No," Ling Chen refused decisively. "With my current strength, I can barely protect myself, let alone you. If we encountered danger, I wouldn't be able to look after you."

"If you can't look after me, then so be it! I'm strong enough to protect myself now. At critical moments, I can even use my Illusion Technique to help you hinder enemies. I might be a great help to you," Ling Yin persisted, unwilling to give up.

"You have a point, but too many people can see through your Illusion Technique at its current level. You should stay here, cultivate your Mental Power, and study both Illusion Technique and mechanism technique. Don't bring this up again; I won't agree."

Ling Chen waved his hand, ending the discussion.

Seeing this, Ling Yin knew that further argument would be futile.

"Alright, before I leave, I need to inform the Great Elder and the others."

This experiential journey was different. Ling Chen had already planned his route. He intended to head north, leave the Wind Country, travel to the Aqua Country, and then to the Thunder Country. This journey would undoubtedly be very long; he might not return to the Divine Intent Sect for a year or even half a year.

It was best to inform the Great Elder and the others about such a matter.

「Divine Intent Sect, on the avenue outside the main hall.」

"Senior Brother Ling Chen!"

A group of young disciples, both male and female, approached. The strongest among them was a Fifth Level Martial Artist, while the weakest was a Third Level Martial Artist. Spotting Ling Chen from a distance, they all bowed respectfully, their tones filled with admiration.

Ling Chen nodded in acknowledgment without saying much and continued towards the main hall's entrance.

Once Ling Chen was further away, the group began to discuss in low voices.

"Senior Brother Ling Chen is now a legendary genius in the Martial World! Comprehending Sword Intent, breaking into the Tienzong secret hall, slaying Wang Yan, defeating three Elders of the Shocking Death Sect—each of his achievements was enough to astound the world and set him apart."

"Currently, the strongest disciples in our Divine Intent Sect are Senior Brother Nie Wu Xiang, Senior Brother Longyang, Sister Shangguan Qiushui, and, of course, Senior Brother Ling Chen."

"Senior Brother Ling Chen's strength is likely greater than Sister Shangguan Qiushui's, and he might not be far behind Senior Brother Longyang. But he's only seventeen, while Senior Brother Longyang is already twenty-four!"

"Exactly! With such talent, he's undoubtedly destined to become a top Grand Master in the future. It might even be possible for him to step into the Sky Apex Realm before the age of forty!"

Ling Chen didn't overhear their discussion. Even if he had, he wouldn't have felt smug. Although he might be considered a prominent figure among his generation of disciples, he was still relatively insignificant in the vast Martial World. Therefore, complacency would prevent him from becoming a top expert in the Five Kingdoms.

Ling Chen's goal was to surpass his father and strive to enter the Sky Apex Realm before the age of thirty.

If this goal were made public, it would undoubtedly be met with widespread ridicule. Most people would consider Ling Chen overly ambitious and unrealistic. Reaching the Sky Apex Realm before thirty was unprecedented in the history of the Five Kingdoms' Martial World.

Although Ling Chen was seen as a genius in the eyes of many, he was far from being capable of such a feat.

Passing the square and two main halls, Ling Chen arrived before a massive hall. However, he did not enter it. Instead, he walked into a nearby side hall, which was where the Elders resided.

"What? You want to go on a long experiential journey? Across the entire Five Kingdoms?"

The Great Elder looked at Ling Chen in shock; he hadn't expected Ling Chen to suddenly make such a bold decision.

"That's correct. To travel the world alone, to wield my sword for justice, to rescue those in peril and aid the distressed, and to gain experience through practice—this has always been my disciple's aspiration. I entreat the Great Elder to grant this request."

Ling Chen cupped his fists, showing no intention of changing his mind.

Inside the side hall, not only the Great Elder but also Bai Kui and other members of the Elderly meeting were present. They began to discuss the matter, and some voiced their disagreement. "Ling Chen, to wield one's sword for justice and aid those in need is indeed what we warriors of the Righteous Path should do. But the Five Country Territory is vast; do you realize that? The Martial World is teeming with Experts. You must understand how many have died during their experiential journeys. I do not wish to see a once-in-a-century genius of our Divine Intent Sect perish."

"Elder Yu is right, Ling Chen. Many people are watching you with ill intent. Not to mention others, Vice Sect Master Ye still harbors killing intent towards you! There are also people from the Shocking Death Sect, and even evil demons from the Demon Way; they all wish to eliminate you. It would be better for you to cultivate safely within the sect to avoid these threats."

"Indeed, you should focus on your cultivation. You must realize, with your growth rate, you will break through to the Sky Apex Realm by the age of fifty at the latest. At that time, the position of Sect Leader of the Divine Intent Sect will be yours. You will inherit your father's legacy and revitalize the Divine Intent Sect. Isn't that an excellent prospect?"

The Elders' opinions were divided, but the majority opposed Ling Chen's decision to leave the Sect for a long experiential journey.