Ling Tian Sword God

The Lin Family.

Outside the main hall of the Lin Family residence lay a vast square with an excellent view. One could see all the way to the end of the open space, where lush, circular woods stood, enclosing the square.

Ling Chen stood outside the hall, holding his sword. His face was calm, and the True Qi within him began to slowly circulate. A sense of abundant power filled every corner of his body.

At the entrance of the hall, numerous Lin Family warriors streamed out in single file. Leading the group were, naturally, young elites like Lin Ye and Lin Yu, along with some Lin Family elders and retainers. Since the main hall was a common gathering place for the Lin Family, their appearance was quickly noted by many family members.

Today was the grand day for the Bloodline Ritual, and Lin Family members scattered throughout the Five Kingdoms had all hurried back. As a result, the Lin Family estate was exceptionally crowded.

Such a scene made it clear that something significant was about to happen, even if no one said so explicitly. Consequently, whispers spread like ripples in all directions. In less than ten minutes, the area surrounding the main hall was packed with people.

WHOOSH!

A figure suddenly shot out from the main hall, taking a dozen ethereal steps through the air before landing steadily in front of Ling Chen, stirring up a cloud of dust.

Lin Tianxiong stood with his hands clasped behind him, a faint smile gracing his aged face. The power gap between him and Ling Chen was like heaven and earth. Although he had heard a little about Ling Chen's exploits, he wasn't overly concerned. In the face of absolute power, all tricks were futile.

Nearby in the square, Lin Yu looked at Lin Tianxiong anxiously. Then, his gaze turned somewhat helplessly toward Ling Chen. "Brother Ling Chen, have you really made up your mind?" he asked.

"Do I have a choice?"

Ling Chen shook his head in response. Lin Tianxiong is fiercely protective of his own. If I don't withstand these five moves, he'll never let me leave the Lin Family. Lin Tianxiong is indeed powerful, but to me now, he's not an insurmountable foe. Five rounds—I'm confident I can last.

Seeing Ling Chen so determined, Lin Tianxiong nodded, his voice heavy as he said, "Ling Chen, if you can indeed withstand five of my moves, the Lin Family will not only stop causing you trouble but will also treat you as an honored guest."

Hearing Lin Tianxiong's words, some of the Lin Family disciples present gasped. Incredulous gazes turned to Ling Chen. He looked to be only seventeen or eighteen, while Lin Tianxiong was their Family Head, one of the most powerful martial artists in the Jianghu. And now, a young man about their age actually wanted to fight him?

Even if it was only for five moves, it sounded completely impossible.

Ling Chen smiled inwardly. Lin Tianxiong is indeed a shrewd character. If I can withstand five of his moves, it will prove I am an exceptionally rare talent. By saying this, Lin Tianxiong gives himself a perfect reason to mend relations with me and even try to win me over. But if I lose, then naturally, only the miserable fate of having my martial arts crippled and being expelled from the Lin Family awaits. Success or failure hinges entirely on the outcome of this battle. Truly, the winner becomes king, the loser a pariah.

Majestic True Qi erupted from Lin Tianxiong's body. His previously placid eyes now shot forth a piercing glint. Staring directly at Ling Chen, his voice, tinged with a daunting and powerful resonance, asked, "Young Hero Ling Chen, are you ready?"

Ling Chen took two light steps back. The circulation speed of the True Qi within him abruptly quickened, and his expression grew increasingly solemn. Then, with a beckoning motion of his right hand, he declared, "Proceed!"

WHOOSH!

As soon as Ling Chen's words fell, Lin Tianxiong's body vanished like a phantom, as if he had evaporated on the spot.

To the ordinary Lin Family disciples, Lin Tianxiong seemed to have vanished bizarrely. However, Ling Chen and others with similar visual prowess could faintly discern a serpentine shadow, accompanied by a piercing shriek of displaced air, lunging toward them.

Eyes narrowing slightly, Ling Chen abruptly lifted his foot, his body quivering for an instant!

BANG!

The edge of a green palm bizarrely materialized and struck heavily where Ling Chen's chest had been, passing straight through with a low thud.

"An afterimage? Quite crafty," Lin Tianxiong thought, his expression unchanged despite his palm striking nothing. With a cold sneer, he shattered the afterimage. A green glow enveloped his hands. As the light swirled, his palms gradually enlarged, and fine green scales emerged, covering them.

Ling Chen's figure flickered into view several dozen meters from Lin Tianxiong. He glanced down at his chest, where his robes were torn, a grave look in his eyes. This Lin Tianxiong truly lives up to his title as Lin Family Head; his strength is astounding. However, that brief exchange allowed me to vaguely probe Lin Tianxiong's power, giving me a general assessment of his strength.

The moment his figure solidified, Ling Chen's heart tightened in warning, and he shot to his left like a lightning bolt.

He had barely moved when a green, scale-covered palm—a Green Palm—brushed past his abdomen. The chilling power it contained made Ling Chen's skin prickle with pain.

"Spirit Snake Palm!"

Having narrowly dodged the palm, Ling Chen had no time to retreat before a cold shout suddenly erupted. He saw the Green Palm contort unnaturally; the wrist bent at an impossible angle, and the palm inexplicably struck his abdomen.

THUD!

A dull thud resounded. Amidst a chorus of shocked gasps from the crowd, Ling Chen was sent flying backward. His feet tapped against a pillar in the square, arresting his momentum as his body somersaulted in mid-air. He then landed lightly on one foot. He raised his head sharply, a faint trace of blood at the corner of his mouth. Evidently, Lin Tianxiong's bizarre palm strike had caused him considerable injury.

"Spirit Snake Palm, our Lin Family's Heavenly Grade Intermediate Martial Art! The Family Head has already cultivated the Spirit Snake Palm to the Great Accomplishment Realm! This is only the second move, and this kid already can't take it!"

A smile touched Lin Ye's lips as he saw Ling Chen injured. He's injured after only the second move! With three more to go, how can he possibly withstand them?

Lin Yu's expression turned ugly. This is bad. If Ling Chen loses, I'm afraid I'll soon follow in his footsteps and meet a terrible end.

"As expected of the Family Head of the Green-scaled Snake Lake Lin Family. Such techniques are truly admirable..." Ling Chen wiped the trace of blood from the corner of his mouth. Within him, Lingtian True Qi surged rapidly, completely neutralizing the Spirit Snake Palm Power that had invaded his body. He then stared at Lin Tianxiong, his gaze as sharp as a sword, and declared, "Three moves remain. Please!"

Lin Tianxiong was momentarily stunned to see Ling Chen still standing, then his brow furrowed. My Spirit Snake Palm not only excels at surprise attacks but also carries a violent Spirit Snake True Qi that can invade an opponent's body and wreak havoc. Even if one reacts quickly enough to avoid direct injury, contending with this True Qi should still cause significant damage to their Vitality Energy. Yet, why does this Ling Chen appear largely unharmed?