Aftermath

The evening after the elite tournament concluded, Lin Qin was training on the back mountain. The minor internal injuries sustained from his battle with Linley were no longer an issue, thanks to his formidable physique and the continuous circulation of his battle qi. He was focused on reviewing every detail of that fight.

"Your defense is strong, but you rely too much on the front," a familiar voice came from behind him.

Lin Qin sheathed his sword and turned around to see Linley standing not far away, a peaceful smile on his face.

"Linley?" Lin Qin was somewhat surprised.

Linley walked over and sat down naturally on a nearby rock. "That stone wall of yours yesterday—it was impressive that it held up for so long against my Meteor Fall. But what if my target at the time hadn't been the wall, but the ground beneath your feet or your blind side?"

Lin Qin's gaze sharpened. He understood Linley's point instantly. His defensive mindset was indeed habitually focused on the front, and he lacked effective responses to attacks coming from beneath his feet or from his blind spots. This was a matter of experience and the depth of his understanding of magic.

"You're right," Lin Qin admitted his shortcomings candidly. When facing Linley, he had no need for hypocritical pleasantries.

Linley smiled. "I only realized this problem after fighting other experts myself. Your foundation is more solid than anyone I've ever met; if you can address these details, you will be even stronger."

The two began to discuss the specifics of the combat. Linley shared some of his insights into the application of magic, especially how to utilize composite magic to create lethal opportunities. Lin Qin, in turn, spoke about his own experiences regarding power control and split-second judgment.

One focused on magical versatility, the other on a solid foundation; their exchange proved to be unexpectedly complementary.

"Come to think of it," Linley's tone lightened, "do you remember our time in Wushan Town? You were at the training grounds swinging your sword every day before dawn. I thought you were such a weirdo back then."

Lin Qin also recalled those days, and the corners of his mouth curled up almost imperceptibly. "You were always talking to yourself while looking at your ring. I thought you were a bit strange, too."

The two looked at each other and laughed. Childhood memories diluted the barrier brought about by the win and loss on the tournament stage, and a friendship based on their shared origins and mutual recognition quietly took root.

"If there's a chance in the future, we can spar again," Linley said as he stood up, extending an invitation.

"Good," Lin Qin nodded. Sparring with a strong opponent was exactly what he needed.

After Linley left, Lin Qin continued to swing his sword, but his mind was no longer occupied solely by his own strength; he was also considering the combat strategies Linley had mentioned. He integrated these ideas into his practice, attempting to improve his defensive stance and increase his awareness of the surrounding environment.

A few days later, Lin Qin ran into Linley and his brothers at the cafeteria. Yale enthusiastically invited Lin Qin to sit with them.

During the meal, Yale spoke loudly about his plans after graduation, while Reynolds and George laughed and chimed in. Linley interjected occasionally.

Lin Qin ate quietly. He could sense that there was something weighing on Linley's mind, something far more complex than just his studies at the academy. But he didn't ask. Everyone had their own secrets and burdens to carry.

"Lin Qin, what are your plans after graduation?" Linley suddenly asked him.

"Continue training, become stronger," Lin Qin's answer was as concise and clear as always. "I might go to the depths of the Magic Beast Mountain Range for training."

Linley nodded, a hint of resonance in his eyes. "Become stronger... yes, one must become stronger. I might also leave the academy and head to a few places."

He didn't specify where, but Lin Qin could feel the determination behind those words.

"If you need help, you can find me," Lin Qin said. The words were plain, but they carried weight. He acknowledged Linley as a fellow townsman and a rival, and he was willing to lend a hand when necessary.

Linley was stunned for a moment. Looking into Lin Qin's calm and earnest eyes, he felt a warmth in his heart and nodded solemnly. "Okay."