Chapter 291 Refusal of Conditions_1
No wonder this youngster was able to break through the combined attack of Lin Ba and his companions. It turns out he's not just all talk. It appears I will have to bring out my true abilities too.
With that thought in mind, Lin Tianxiong's face gradually turned serious, and True Qi surged within him. The next moment, it seemed as if True Qi was erupting from the soles of his feet, and he shot upward abruptly. From under his feet extended a tail-like projection of True Qi, like a massive snake tail.
The moment Lin Tianxiong disappeared, a serious expression grew increasingly heavy on Ling Chen's face. In an instant, all his body hair stood on end and, out of pure reflex, he leaped back!
BOOM!
The next instant, Lin Tianxiong's aggressive momentum hit nothing but air and smashed heavily onto the ground before Ling Chen. An air explosion burst open directly in front of him, cracking the ground.
However, Ling Chen had barely evaded that heavy strike when Lin Tianxiong stamped heavily on the ground again, soared into the sky like a shooting star, and appeared in front of Ling Chen in an instant. That True Qi snake tail swept harshly toward Ling Chen's body!
BOOM!
The sound of the collision rang through the air, followed immediately by a strong wave of force that spread out from mid-air like lightning. Then, under the nervous gazes of everyone present, Ling Chen's figure was seen retreating in flight and crashing heavily into the towering stone pillars surrounding the great hall.
The stone pillar behind Ling Chen directly cracked from the impact, the cracks spreading out instantly like a spider's web.
Looking at Ling Chen, who seemed to have been nailed to the pillar, a tremor ran through everyone's hearts. After such a heavy blow, even if Ling Chen doesn't die, he'll only have half his life left.
COUGH! COUGH!
Ling Chen coughed lightly, then slowly raised his head, wiping away a trace of blood from the corner of his mouth. The battle-hungry fanaticism in his eyes, however, caused a mental tremor in everyone around him.
Such a tough kid, Lin Tianxiong thought, his eyes filled with surprise. He obviously hadn't expected that, under such circumstances, Ling Chen would still be able to stand up. The palm strike just now had contained all of his strength. Under such tremendous power, it was beyond his expectation that Ling Chen hadn't been completely incapacitated.
Impressive! many of the Lin Family disciples thought, looking at Ling Chen with a newfound respect. This young man, daring to go up against a Master of the Sixth Realm, displayed courage that left them no choice but to admire him. Even if Ling Chen currently looked quite disheveled, it did not affect their respect for him.
"Young Hero Ling Chen, your performance has greatly impressed me," said Lin Tianxiong, his eyes shimmering thoughtfully. "I really can't bear to kill you. So why don't we do this: you can serve as one of my Lin Family's Guest Officials for three years, and in return, I will overlook last night's events. What do you say?"
This statement incited a wave of whispers. Many members of the Lin Family were puzzled by Lin Tianxiong's changed decision.
However, I made this decision after careful consideration, Lin Tianxiong mused. With Ling Chen's potential, his future achievements will be boundless. It's better to take such a talent into my own service than to let him perish. Moreover, Ling Chen's background is likely not to be underestimated. If we cripple Ling Chen's martial arts, the power behind him will surely not let the matter rest.
"Brother Ling Chen, the Family Head intentionally wants to give you amnesty! Quickly agree to the Family Head's terms!" Lin Yu exclaimed, visibly relieved. This way, Ling Chen won't be in danger!
"I appreciate the Lin Family Head's kind intentions," Ling Chen replied. But contrary to everyone's anticipation, he then shook his head, refusing Lin Tianxiong's terms. "I'm used to my freedom. Living without it would perhaps be worse than death." A faint smile appeared at the corner of Ling Chen's mouth.
Hearing this, Lin Tianxiong's face immediately darkened. I didn't expect Ling Chen to reject such favorable terms. If I had known, I wouldn't have made such a significant concession. Still, he remains so obstinate. If that's the case, then he can't blame me for being merciless. Any talent that cannot be used by me must be eliminated.
As this thought crossed his mind, Lin Tianxiong's feet pressed against the ground, and a wave of extremely cold energy erupted from within his body. The surrounding air seemed to grow chillingly cold.
WHOOSH!
From Lin Tianxiong's body, a surge of black energy erupted. The next moment, a phantom of a Three-headed Serpent condensed above his head. This Three-headed Serpent had an extraordinarily formidable aura, undoubtedly a notch stronger than Lin Ba's.
"This is bad!" Lin Yu exclaimed, his mouth gaping as he saw the Three-headed Serpent phantom. As a possessor of the same Three-headed snake bloodline, he could certainly sense the power of Lin Tianxiong's Bloodline. He actually activated his Three-headed snake bloodline! He evidently intends to completely dispose of Ling Chen with this final move. Even if Ling Chen isn't killed, his martial arts will likely be crippled.
"Brother Ling Chen, a wise man knows when to retreat! Bow your head and accept the Family Head's terms!" Lin Yu shouted at Ling Chen as a last-ditch effort. Ling Chen can't possibly withstand this fifth strike!
However, upon hearing this, Ling Chen still shook his head. As a Swordsman, how could I easily submit to others? Those of the sword must possess a sharp edge. Better to break than to bend, to snap than to bow; unyielding, indomitable, and utterly fearless.
Ling Chen stood up straight, gripping the Cloud-hidden Sword tightly in his hand. At this moment, facing adversity, Ling Chen felt like laughing—laughing out loud, even. "I look up to the heavens and laugh as I stride away! How could my generation be mere weeds?" This was a verse left behind by a legendary Swordsman. This particular verse resonated deeply with Ling Chen at this moment.
"Stubborn fool!" A loud roar echoed as Lin Tianxiong's body transformed into a shadow of a green-black serpent, darting out like lightning. In an instant, he appeared above Ling Chen, a hint of murderous intent surfacing on his aged face.
"Sky Serpent Palm!"
His huge palm, enveloped in a dazzling green-black light, carried a terrifying wave of energy. It charged angrily downward, directly toward Ling Chen below!
Ling Chen looked up. Under the immense pressure, he fully released his Sword Intent. Above his head, the mighty Sword Intent condensed, forming a supreme Qi sword suspended in mid-air!
BOOM!
The green-black Palm Power struck the suspended transparent Qi sword. Immediately, both trembled violently. However, the green-black Palm Power was clearly stronger than the transparent Qi sword. Under such formidable palm pressure, the Qi sword formed by Sword Intent seemed on the verge of shattering.
He won't be able to block it! Seeing this, Lin Yu involuntarily closed his eyes, seemingly unable to bear watching the disastrous event about to unfold.
"Accept defeat!" Lin Tianxiong shouted loudly, pushing harder. The transparent Qi sword created by Sword Intent was quickly twisted out of shape, seemingly on the verge of breaking at any moment, hanging precariously in the balance.