Chapter 668 - 152: Duel of Twin Prodigies, Moonlit Pact
Chapter 668: Chapter 152: Duel of Twin Prodigies, Moonlit Pact
For the sake of Liang, one can abandon their martial path prospects.
"Currently, the situation in Liang is good. These old bones can still live for a few more years. You and Lin Chen should follow your hearts on the martial path. Liang is your homeland, but it should never become a burden that hinders your progress."
Kong Qifeng looked at Lin Chen and Pei Qingming, "These are not only the thoughts of this old man but also mean the same for several nobles in the Imperial Court, as well as the words His Majesty asked me to pass on to you two."
The eagle spreads its wings to fly high.
One can have a deep affection for their homeland like an eagle, but it should not be a burden when soaring the skies.
The Flame Dynasty is vast, and geniuses abound.
Lin Chen and Pei Qingming are the most outstanding talents that Liang has seen in three hundred years. If they are to make a name for themselves in the Flame Dynasty, Liang can be their motivation for martial arts cultivation but must not be a burden.
"Disciple understands."
Pei Qingming nodded, and Lin Chen also smiled and said, "Brother Pei, you were here for the first fifteen years, and now it’s me. Who says new talents won’t emerge in Liang after we leave? Perhaps in a few years, talents surpassing us will emerge, and remember, their starting point is higher than ours."
Now that Liang is connected with the Flame Dynasty and has Innate Martial Artists residing, the next generation of young martial artists has a higher understanding of martial arts than they do. At the very least, they know that above the first grade is the innate, and they will also come into contact with more paths of martial arts cultivation.
"Talents emerge from every age, excelling for hundreds of years."
Hearing Lin Chen’s words, Pei Qingming also smiled, finally setting down the burden in his heart at that moment.
"Tomorrow, I will leave Lingxiao City. After saying farewell to my family, I’ll head to the Flame Dynasty."
Pei Qingming is not someone who takes too long, this time, it was Lin Chen who was surprised: "Brother Pei, you won’t wait for me to go to the Flame Dynasty together?"
"No, the sects under the Martial Arts Alliance also have ships going to the Eastern Sea. Since I’m not joining the Canglan Sect or the East Sea Divine Palace, I won’t go to the Flame Dynasty with you, Junior Brother Lin."
Pei Qingming shook his head and then smiled: "But before leaving, I have one more thing to accomplish, and I hope Junior Brother Lin will see it through."
"Please do, Brother Pei. As long as it’s within my capabilities, I won’t refuse."
"Let’s have an all-out battle between the two of us. As Liang’s three-hundred-year talents, let’s see who really is the number one talent."
Initially, I thought Brother Pei needed help with something, but it turned out to be this request. Lin Chen was first shocked, but soon understood Brother Pei’s intention and nodded: "Alright."
"Then I’ll be the witness of this battle." Kong Qifeng said with a smile, caressing his beard.
...
Under the moonlight.
There was sword light like splendor, illuminating the entire courtyard.
There were fingers as if condensing mountains and seas, covering the entirety of the courtyard’s sky.
The sword’s intent pervaded, shattering the flowing moonlight.
A giant fire shadow blazed forth, incinerating the full moon’s sword qi.
Several courtyards away, Gao Zeming’s smile never faded, but within that satisfied smile, a trace of regret lingered.
Satisfied with Lin Chen’s strength, regretful that Pei Qingming ultimately did not choose the Canglan Sect.
In the neighboring courtyard, Hu Yunhua’s expression was quite complex.
In such a martial arts desolate land, two such talents appeared in the same era.
These sea islands, though belonging to the East Sea Divine Palace in terms of affiliation, didn’t yield even one for them this time.
Soon, the instructors and disciples from the Martial Arts Academy sensed the commotion here. However, Hou Zhantian appeared on the perimeter, preventing everyone from approaching.
After a quarter of an hour.
Lin Chen and Pei Qingming simultaneously withdrew.
Lin Chen’s clothes were cut in multiple places by sword qi, while Pei Qingming’s clothes were intact, though a few strands of his long hair had fallen from his forehead.
The two were evenly matched.
"Junior Brother Lin, you won."
Pei Qingming smiled freely, sheathing his long sword.
"Brother Pei, given my bedraggled state, this counts as a win? It should be a draw."
"No matter what, I am decades older than you. A draw is a loss."
Pei Qingming shook his head, noticing Lin Chen was about to speak, he waved it off, "This time, you’ve won. I hope next time we meet, Junior Brother Lin, you can still win, and I won’t surpass you. The realm breakthroughs of a sword cultivator don’t always follow norms. I once heard from an Innate Martial Artist of the Martial Arts Alliance that a senior sword cultivator once comprehended the true meaning of the Sword Dao, crossing two innate realms overnight."
"Rest assured, Brother Pei. The next time we meet, I will not disappoint you."
This duel wasn’t really to determine victory or defeat, but rather a pact between the two.
After this parting, the next time they meet, neither of them should fall behind.
...
...
Pei Qingming left.
The next morning, he left Lingxiao Martial Arts Academy, leaving decisively, refusing any send-offs.
"Lin Chen, how much longer do you plan to stay in Liang?"
For an average disciple, having a steward like myself personally fetch them is already extremely gracious, they would pack and leave with me. However, Gao Zeming was very accommodating with Lin Chen, knowing that Lin Chen had just come out of seclusion and even if he was to leave, he needed to handle some things before he could leave at ease.
"Steward Gao, I need to say goodbye to my family."
Heading to the Canglan Sect in the Flame Dynasty was within Lin Chen’s goals. Having walked the martial path this far, he couldn’t give up on the chance to continue growing. Staying in Liang would not allow him to cross the threshold into the Innate realm.
"Understood, then depart in ten days. This time, we borrowed the Dragon King Ship from the East Sea Divine Palace to come to your island, we can’t delay too long."
Without Hu Yunhua from the East Sea Divine Palace, staying for another month wouldn’t be a problem, but Hu Yunhua accompanied this time, and the few stewards from other sects on the return journey couldn’t be delayed for too long.
Of course, Gao Zeming could let Hu Yunhua return first, but without the Dragon King Ship, the journey back to the Eastern Sea would take at least fifteen more days.
"Lin Chen, with your current strength and age, the earlier you enter the Innate, the more advantageous it will be for you."
From here to the Canglan Sect, even without stopping, it takes three months, and Lin Chen is now nineteen years old, it’s a time to race against time.
Entering the Innate after twenty differs greatly from stepping into it before twenty, and entering the Innate earlier allows for a higher ranking in Martial Arts Mountain.
"Understood, disciple will handle family matters quickly and then proceed to the Canglan Sect."
...
...
Two days later.
Lin Chen returned to Raozhou Prefecture.
This time he returned without informing anyone, returning alone to Linhu Village.
"Middle-Grade Martial Artists?"
Feeling the few auras around the village, Lin Chen narrowed his eyes, but soon understood that this should be the protection force arranged by the Imperial Court for his family.
When Lin Chen entered the village, he did not conceal his aura, and these Middle-Grade Martial Artists sensed it immediately.
"Who is it?"
The four Middle-Grade Martial Artists appeared simultaneously but when they saw Lin Chen, their faces showed excitement.
"Lord Lin has returned."
In terms of age, these four count as uncles to Lin Chen, but in martial arts, the accomplished are respected, and with Lin Chen’s current strength as an Upper-Grade Martial Artist, addressing him as Lord had no reluctance from them.
"I trouble you seniors for guarding the family elders."
Lin Chen cupped his fists and bowed, one of them hastily replied, "Lord Lin, don’t say that, Liang’s present glory is thanks to you, it’s our honor to protect Lord Lin’s family. Besides, the Imperial Court gives ample contribution points for this duty, a coveted role that many envy."
After exchanging some words with these Middle-Grade Martial Artists, Lin Chen took his leave and headed to his home in the village.
"Though young, Lord Lin doesn’t lack presence like those elder lords."
The four Middle-Grade Martial Artists watched Lin Chen depart, feeling a sense of admiration.
"Linhu Village might really be a feng shui treasure, I heard the old villager mention something about it being a ’Dragon Emerges from the Abyss’ land."
"If there’s a chance, I’d want to relocate my ancestors’ graves here."
"Don’t dream of it, the land of Linhu Village and surrounding areas are all registered at Raozhou Prefecture, monitored regularly to prevent damage to the feng shui treasure, even cutting a few trees is restricted."
The theory of feng shui is intangible and elusive.
Yet, it’s better to believe in it than not.
Maintaining the geography and topography of Linhu Village isn’t a burden to Liang. In the past, villagers would cut wood for fire in winter, but now they just need a batch of carbon delivered, which costs very little.
Dare to think breaking the feng shui by cutting down some trees or digging a hill affects Lin Chen’s martial path, one would be the sinner of all of Liang.
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