Ling Tian's two vastly different attacks had left Fang Lei at a loss, allowing Ling Tian to defeat him with ease. Fang Lei knew he had lost because he had never truly considered Ling Tian an enemy and therefore couldn't unleash his most terrifying attacks. Even so, he was thoroughly convinced by Ling Tian's strength. In his eyes, anyone who could defeat an opponent a whole major realm above him was worthy of admiration.
"Good heavens, so Teacher really is that strong! He actually beat Brother Fang Lei, even though Fang Lei's cultivation is a whole major realm higher." The alchemy apprentices had hurried over as well, and the admiration in their eyes as they looked at Ling Tian was impossible to overstate.
"It's nothing. I've just comprehended a few more cultivation manuals and brought their teachings together." Ling Tian smiled modestly, then looked at Fang Lei and encouraged him. "If you all spend more time studying cultivation techniques and sparring with one another, you'll become this strong too."
Though Ling Tian was modest, Fang Gang and the others didn't think it was really that simple. Reaching such a level required countless hours of painstaking study and sparring. Still, they had become even more interested in comprehending cultivation techniques, and they admired Ling Tian from the bottom of their hearts.
It took Fang Lei a long while to recover from his shock. He gave a self-mocking smile. "So you're this strong, brother. Now that I think about it, all that talk about protecting you was laughable—and so far beyond my abilities."
"Brother, it's enough that you want to protect me. That's more precious than anything." Ling Tian's expression grew serious, then he chuckled. "Besides, I believe you'll be able to protect me someday. Keep cultivating."
"Good. From today on, I'm