Fulfilling Your Wish

Ancestor Chen left after saying he'd pick Lin Shuguang up in two days, grumbling as he went. It seemed he didn't want to hear any thanks from Lin Shuguang, so he put on a fierce act.

This, however, made Lin Shuguang find the old man rather endearing.

Without any further words, Lin Shuguang watched Ancestor Chen leave. He then sensed his own power, realizing this was what it felt like to be in the ninth heaven of the Core Realm.

But, just as Ancestor Chen had said, he had absorbed too much energy too quickly. Even his strengthened body had reached its limit. If he couldn't refine the accumulated energy soon, the value of the Nine Revolutions Golden Core would be wasted.

Thinking of the mysterious man trapped by the Chain of Karma, Lin Shuguang mused, "Perhaps he wasn't talking about the Baojian Sect..."

He glanced up at the dark, shrouded Clear Sword Peak, then turned and returned to his room to begin cultivating.

The fourth day of the lunar month.

Despite losing some disciples during the State Selection, the Baojian Sect's operations continued as normal.

The Training Ground was bustling with activity.

The new disciples, seeing so many senior brothers and sisters gathered here, cultivating relentlessly, found it normal for them to be sweating profusely. But seeing so many people here, pushing themselves to the brink, as if any slight delay would mean being surpassed by others, left them stunned.

"The senior brothers are working way too hard."

"No wonder the Baojian Sect is a top power in the Central Continent..."

"It makes sense for senior brothers in the Profound Connection Realm to be this diligent, but even the Core Realm senior brothers are pushing themselves so hard..."

"Yeah, I just saw a Core Realm senior sister cultivating, and flames erupted around her. It was terrifying! Is this the power of the Core Realm?"

"Scary..."

The Elder leading the new disciples couldn't help but smile at their chatter. "You have no idea. The reason they're pushing themselves so hard is because there's a martial arts fanatic in the sect who's even more dedicated than them. Back then... never mind. Since you've already joined the sect, you'll find out about these things eventually."

The Elder trailed off, swallowing the rest of his words.

The Sect Master had confirmed Lin Shuguang's identity as the Saint Child. Surprisingly, the Fire Sword Peak, which had always been the most opposed to this, had remained eerily quiet. Whispers among the Elders suggested... Lin Shuguang seemed to have gained the approval of the old ancestor in the forbidden area. This was a significant development.

Although its truth couldn't be confirmed, since the Peak Master of the Fire Sword Peak no longer objected, everyone else's attitude towards Lin Shuguang became somewhat "ambiguous."

Just as the Elder finished speaking, the new disciples felt like a cat was scratching at their hearts, desperate to know the rest of the story.

While the timid new disciples might not dare to ask, some bolder, sweeter-talking ones were less hesitant. "Uncle-Master, please tell us, who is this martial arts fanatic?"

The other female disciples also chimed in with pleading looks.

The Elders couldn't help but chuckle at the new disciples' quick wit. "Fine, I'll tell you. That person didn't join the sect much earlier than you. If I recall correctly, it was around the time you were taking the entrance examination that he also joined the sect. His cultivation isn't high, only in the Profound Connection Realm..."

"'Only'..." some disciples in the Body Tempering Realm exchanged glances, too afraid to speak, and could only listen as the leading Elder continued.

"Although his starting point wasn't very high, he spared no effort in cultivation and was incredibly diligent. Our Baojian Sect has established an arena for competitions in the Training Ground. Each participation earns a certain amount of cultivation resources. You can also participate in this later..."

Many new disciples looked up at the distant arena, the mention of cultivation resources piquing their interest.

The Elder wasn't annoyed by their curiosity. He smiled and said, "You might not believe it, but the day after joining the sect, that kid resolutely entered the arena competition. Even though his weapon was just a simple wooden sword, he fought with overwhelming momentum, even defeating some of your early-stage Core Realm senior brothers. I've never seen him lose..."

"Wow, that senior brother is so strong..."

The new disciples couldn't help but exclaim.

The Core Realm was a chasm for them, but that mysterious senior brother, at the Profound Connection Realm, could challenge those above him and win. It was simply incredible!

The Elder sighed faintly, as if lost in thought. "Good talent is a good thing, but it's not always a good thing. During that period, he caused chaos throughout the entire Baojian Sect, and even a disciple in the third heaven of the Core Realm was expelled because of it. So, you newcomers, after entering the sect, you must remember the sect rules. The sect's iron laws are not just for show."

"Yes," the new disciples replied obediently.

Soon, a new disciple asked curiously, "Uncle-Master, who is that senior brother?"

"Him..." The Elder smiled. "Stop asking about him. Cultivate diligently. In the Baojian Sect, as long as you are diligent and serious about cultivating, you have a chance to become someone everyone admires. See those senior brothers? They are afraid, afraid that person will appear again and defeat them once more. Being defeated in the Baojian Sect is not shameful. Victory and defeat are common in warfare. Losing is nothing, but admitting defeat is true defeat. A person lives by their spirit. Entering my Baojian Sect means being unyielding, having resilience..."

The Elder lectured for a long time. As they were about to pass the Training Ground, a commotion suddenly erupted from the side.

Everyone looked over.

Xu Baiyang brought Lin Shuguang to the Training Ground and said softly, "Mainly, Master's orders. You are the Saint Child of our sect. As per tradition, you must see these new disciples who have come to Clear Sword Peak this time. I know you don't like being in the spotlight, so this wasn't announced. Just take a look at these young ones. A little guidance is enough."

Lin Shuguang chuckled dumbfoundedly and followed behind Xu Baiyang.

As they passed the Training Ground, Lin Shuguang's unique presence inevitably drew attention. Many Core Realm senior brothers who were cultivating stopped, their gazes falling on Lin Shuguang without exception. They felt a mix of love and hate for this Junior Brother who had once defeated them. If not for Lin Shuguang's existence, their strength wouldn't have improved so rapidly in just two months. However, not many people truly liked being defeated. Some were eager to challenge Lin Shuguang again, to regain their lost pride.

The State Selection was still fresh in his mind.

Lin Shuguang's ability to return was certainly impressive. News had even spread that during the State Selection, Lin Shuguang had single-handedly resisted a mid-stage Fierce Beast of the Core Realm.

Although there was only a single word difference between mid-stage and early-stage, their strength was worlds apart.

This indicated that even the Third Heaven was likely not enough for Lin Shuguang anymore.

These early-stage Core Realm Senior Brothers could only clench their fists in frustration, not daring to actually challenge him.

Lin Shuguang remained oblivious to their "burning gazes." With his cultivation already at the Ninth Heaven, he naturally felt no interest in these early-stage Baojian Sect disciples, let alone any fighting spirit.

He also didn't want to deliberately show off. They had no enmity, so why crush the confidence of these young disciples?

"Dong!"

As Xu Baiyang was leading Lin Shuguang past the Training Ground, a muffled sound suddenly rang out like a roadblock directly in front of them.

Xu Baiyang frowned as he looked at the person blocking their path, "Ji Daohe, what do you want?"

Compared to the elegant Ji Daohe from two months ago, he now sported a full beard and his attire was disheveled. While it made him seem somewhat frivolous, his overall presence felt more substantial than it had two months prior.

His strength had improved considerably.

Xu Baiyang knew about Ji Daohe and that he was from Fire Sword Peak.

Ji Daohe had been defeated by Lin Shuguang. Ji Daohe's younger brother, Ji Mingye, had then accused Lin Shuguang of cheating. While outwardly provoking Lin Shuguang, his true intention was to covet the Supreme Token in Lin Shuguang's possession. It was unclear if there was someone pulling the strings behind the scenes.

However, their battle that day, which extended to Jin, had been brought up by many Core Realm disciples.

Ji Mingye had been cleanly defeated by Lin Shuguang.

Severely injured, he was expelled from the Baojian Sect, as coveting the Supreme Token was a serious crime... Afterward, Ji Mingye encountered a beast tide incident on his way home with his family, and they all perished in the jaws of Fierce Beasts.

Ji Daohe was also confined for his negligence, after which he adopted this unkempt appearance.

"What happened today has nothing to do with you, don't meddle." Ji Daohe glanced indifferently at Xu Baiyang. He was originally a disciple from the Third Heaven, and by rights, his cultivation was inferior to Xu Baiyang's, so he should have addressed him respectfully as Senior Brother.

But his current demeanor clearly indicated that he had confidence.

Seeing this, Xu Baiyang couldn't help but frown, "Are you crazy? The Baojian Sect prohibits private duels. If you don't want to be expelled from the sect, move aside quickly. Lin Shidi and I have urgent matters to attend to. Don't delay, or if the Elders hold you accountable, no one will help you!"

Ji Daohe's expression remained unchanged, his gaze completely ignoring Xu Baiyang as he looked at Lin Shuguang, "Is my brother's death related to you?"

Before Lin Shuguang could answer, Xu Baiyang began to scold him, "Ji Daohe, what madness has gotten into you! Your brother, Ji Mingye, encountered a beast tide incident by accident. Even the Elders personally investigated the scene, yet you still want to smear Lin Shidi's name. Your intentions are wicked!"

Ji Daohe said numbly, "Those beasts in Hunting Scale Ravine didn't appear early or late, but precisely when my brother was severely injured and returning home. They just happened to appear on the very road he took. I don't believe this was just an accident. Lin Shuguang, perhaps you weren't the one plotting behind the scenes, but your involvement in my brother's death cannot be denied. If it weren't for you, if you hadn't engaged in a private fight with my brother, he wouldn't have made a mistake, nor would he have been expelled from the sect. If he hadn't been expelled, he wouldn't have encountered those damned Fierce Beasts. So Lin Shuguang, if you have any conscience, do you feel even a shred of guilt?"

Ji Daohe's eyes seemed to flare with anger as he brought these matters up, his bloodshot eyes appearing as if he wanted to devour Lin Shuguang alive.

However, Lin Shuguang was unfazed by his accusations. "What has it got to do with me?"

Facing Ji Daohe's enraged expression, Lin Shuguang said calmly, "Your brother slandered me for cheating and disregarded my reputation first, then shamelessly tried to swindle things that didn't belong to him from me. His death was due to his greed. And you, you are even more self-righteous, twisting black and white, disregarding the truth. Since you seem so unconvinced, how about we have a fight?"

"Shuguang, don't be impulsive." Xu Baiyang immediately pulled Lin Shuguang back.

The sect was in a turbulent period, and he didn't want Lin Shuguang to be caught by those with ulterior motives due to impulsiveness, which would hinder his future advancement within the sect.

"Fine, I couldn't ask for more." Ji Daohe revealed a cold smile and turned to ascend the arena first.

Lin Shuguang looked at Xu Baiyang, "Wait for me, it'll be quick."

Xu Baiyang still couldn't help but hold him back, "This kid's aura is a bit strange. He lost to you before, and now he's deliberately provoking you, which means he must have some trump card hidden. Don't be rash. I'll report this to my master right now. If Fire Sword Peak doesn't give an explanation this time, Clear Sword Peak will never let this go."

Before Xu Baiyang could finish, Lin Shuguang shook his head, "No need to bother. He and I are both in the Core Realm, so it naturally doesn't count as a private duel. Matters on the arena should be settled on the arena. Wait for me, it'll be quick."

With that, he walked over without regard for Xu Baiyang.

As he moved, even the Elder leading the newly admitted disciples frowned, "This is bad. What is this disciple from Fire Sword Peak thinking, provoking anyone but this ancestor..."

The new disciples in front of him all craned their necks, curiously watching the two ascend the arena.

They hadn't expected to be fortunate enough to witness a Core Realm Senior Brother initiate an arena match on Jintian. It would surely be exciting, but they wondered how much time this Martial Uncle would give them to watch the match.

On the arena.

"Lin Shuguang, you probably don't know, but while I was confined, my strength advanced further. I've now reached the mid-stage, and my strength is incomparable to before. But I won't defeat you directly; I will humiliate you, thoroughly humiliate you, and let you know what happens when you offend my Ji family!" Ji Daohe's voice was cold and somewhat agitated.

He had waited a long time for this day.

Because of Lin Shuguang, he had missed the State Selection, but he had also inadvertently avoided that disaster.

Lin Shuguang drew the great saber he carried for disguise, "Since we're on the arena, let's decide life and death."

Upon hearing this, Ji Daohe narrowed his eyes and said coldly, "Good, then I shall grant your wish!"

Instantly.

The icy cold sword was drawn from its sheath like a bright moon.

This Ji Daohe had indeed advanced to the mid-stage.

The moment the sword was drawn, a chilling aura instantly enveloped the area.

However, compared to the chilling aura of the molten lava, this was like a dwarf beside a giant.

Lin Shuguang watched Ji Daohe charge at him, his eyelids lifting slightly as he slowly uttered two words, "Is that all?"

Clang!

The great saber was drawn, shaking heaven and earth.

It was as if an ancient fierce beast had descended upon the mortal world!