Azure Dragon Hall was steeped in a solemn atmosphere.
Gaiseresen sat in the seat of honor, his gaze fixed on Lin Qin for a long while without speaking. Garvey stood nearby, unable to hide his delight. Outside the hall, several elders who had sensed the commotion peeked in, only to be driven back by a single look from Gaiseresen.
"Five Profound Mystery Fusions." Gaiseresen finally spoke, his voice low. "Are you sure?"
Lin Qin nodded.
Gaiseresen fell silent for a moment, then suddenly laughed. He rose from his seat, walked down, and circled Lin Qin once, looking him over from head to toe as though examining a priceless treasure.
"Good, good, good." He said "good" three times in a row. "You brat, you really are a monster."
Garvey smiled from the side. "Monsters are good. Monsters are exactly what the clan needs."
Gaiseresen nodded, then abruptly changed the subject. "But you've only just broken through. We'll have to test your actual combat strength."
Lin Qin looked at him. "Test it?"
"Let's spar." A trace of fighting spirit flashed through Gaiseresen's eyes. "It's been a long time since I last went all out. Today, I can use you to stretch my limbs a little."
Garvey froze. "Clan Leader, this—"
"Don't worry. I know my limits." Gaiseresen waved a hand. "Lin Qin, do you dare?"
Lin Qin was silent for a moment before nodding. "All right."
The two walked out of Azure Dragon Hall and arrived at an open area outside.
Garvey stood at a distance, his expression grave. He was not worried that anything would happen to them—no matter what, Gaiseresen would never truly try to kill Lin Qin. He was simply curious how well Lin Qin, a newly advanced Seven-Star Fiend, could fare against the Clan Leader.
Gaiseresen was the