Encounter

"Ugh..."

As Lin Dong exerted all his strength to pry open his heavy eyelids, a youth clad in cyan robes came into view.

The youth's eyes were as deep as the sea, faintly revealing a sharp, piercing aura that was impossible to forget.

"Who is he?"

A flicker of confusion crossed Lin Dong's eyes; he had never seen such a peculiar youth before.

The youth appeared to be the same age as him, yet his entire being radiated an air of cold indifference and arrogance, as if in his eyes, everything in this world was insignificant.

"You're awake?"

Lin Ge revealed a faint smile and said softly.

Lin Dong shifted his body slightly and struggled to stand up, suddenly feeling that something had changed within him, so he hurriedly closed his eyes to inspect himself.

"This... I've broken through to the third layer of Body Tempering!"

The sudden stroke of luck left Lin Dong feeling incredibly excited, though he immediately recalled being brutally beaten by Lin Shan not long ago, which left him feeling rather irritated.

"Lin Shan, you just wait. Next time, if I don't beat you into a pig's head, I won't be surnamed Lin!"

Lin Dong ground his teeth, a sense of frustration welling up in his heart.

That Lin Shan was already at the fourth layer of Body Tempering; even within the entire Lin Clan, he belonged to the group with the best talent. As for himself, he had only luckily broken through to the third layer—how could he possibly compare?

In the path of cultivation, body refinement comes first. Everything has its origin in the self; the human body is, in itself, the most mysterious and unfathomable thing in heaven and earth.

So-called Body Tempering is the strengthening of one's own body, from the outside in. Once the tendons, bones, and marrow within the body are strengthened to a certain level, a seed of Yuan Power will be derived.

Only when a seed of Yuan Power appears within the human body can one be called a cultivator.

Body Tempering is divided into nine layers. The difference between the first three layers is not significant, amounting to little more than a stronger physique.

Only upon reaching the fourth layer does the skin of the human body become as hard as wood or stone, and both strength and speed receive a qualitative leap.

Do not be fooled by the fact that the gap between Lin Dong and Lin Shan is currently only one layer; Lin Shan could easily crush Lin Dong!

However, the reason Lin Shan was so much stronger than Lin Dong was not only because he had been cultivating for much longer, but more importantly, he had a father who managed the finances of the Lin Clan.

Looking at Lin Dong, the contrast was like heaven and earth. Not only did he lack spiritual herbs for nourishment, but more importantly, he didn't even have basic healing medicine.

The Body Tempering realm is a stage for training the body, so one often suffers injuries of varying degrees. Without sufficient healing medicine, one can only rely on natural recovery, which results in a waste of time.

In summary, Lin Dong's cultivation speed was naturally far inferior to the former...

"It's just good luck, what is there to be so excited about?"

Lin Dong's beaming expression caused Lin Ge to frown involuntarily. It was merely the third layer of Body Tempering; was there really any need to be this excited?

Hearing Lin Ge's words, Lin Dong's expression turned slightly flustered, his small face flushed, and his heart filled with panic and unease.

At his age, reaching the third layer of Body Tempering was already considered a talent.

Yet the youth before him looked at him with disdain, his words even carrying a hint of contempt.

Lin Dong's excitement was instantly extinguished by a bucket of cold water from Lin Ge.

The path of martial arts is to steal from Yin and Yang, seize the fortunes of heaven and earth, transcend Nirvana, grasp life and death, and master the cycle of reincarnation.

Beyond that, there is shattering the firmament and shaking the universe.

A mere Body Tempering realm is nothing more than the foundation before cultivation, and the first three layers of Body Tempering are the foundation of that foundation; they truly count for nothing.

Lin Dong did not know how to respond to the words of this strange youth and could only choose to remain silent.

"Was it you... who saved me?"

After a moment of silence, Lin Dong asked intermittently.

In front of this youth, he constantly felt a tremendous pressure that made him feel quite nervous.

"It's nothing worth mentioning; everything was achieved by yourself."

Lin Ge shook his head and said indifferently.

"Thank you."

Lin Dong offered his thanks sincerely.

Ever since he could remember, the only things Lin Dong had encountered were cold stares and contempt; some had even gone so far as to beat him up directly.

Lin Ge's kindness allowed him to feel a long-lost sense of warmth, and a feeling of gratitude sprouted in his heart.

Lin Ge's brow remained furrowed; he found this Lin Dong before him somewhat displeasing.

So wishy-washy. Is this really the protagonist? Or is it because he hasn't obtained that opportunity yet, so his personality is more introverted?

For a moment, Lin Ge's mind was filled with countless thoughts.

"Helping you wasn't free. You will have to repay me in the future."

Lin Ge had no favorable impression of the current Lin Dong, so his tone sounded quite blunt.

Survival of the fittest.

A kindness received today shall be repaid with a gushing spring tomorrow.

Of course, Lin Ge did not expect Lin Dong to repay him in the future; his reason for saying this was merely to ensure Lin Dong would not harbor any unnecessary feelings of gratitude toward him.

Lin Ge's blunt words left Lin Dong momentarily speechless, his heart filled with astonishment.

The youth's straightforwardness made him feel somewhat ill at ease, yet he remained deeply moved.

Regardless of the other party's motives, he had been helped, and even if a favor were being demanded in return, it would still be understandable.

"Rest assured, if you ever have need of me in the future, I will certainly help you."

Seeing the earnest look on Lin Dong's face, Lin Ge felt a flicker of irritation and agitation for reasons unknown, and he couldn't help but ask, "Do you know why I chose to help you?"

Hearing this, Lin Dong slowly shook his head, his own heart piqued with curiosity.

"Because in the entire Lin Clan, you are the only one worthy of my notice."

The calm words contained an unimaginable level of confidence.

Lin Dong was stunned by this statement; the words echoed repeatedly in his mind, refusing to fade.

"Only I have this qualification? Why?"

Lin Dong was baffled, and he could not understand why this mysterious youth held him in such high regard.

One had to realize that he was currently nothing more than a youth at the third level of Body Tempering. His strength was merely average even among the younger generation, his family background was ordinary, and his cultivation resources were even more so. What exactly was it about him that was so attractive?

"You are a true powerhouse, which is why you are worthy of my notice."

Lin Ge said, his face devoid of expression.

"A powerhouse?"

Lin Dong pointed at himself, a trace of self-deprecation appearing in his eyes.

Clearly, he did not consider himself a powerhouse in the slightest.

Lin Ge smiled, a smile so radiant.

Lin Dong watched him with a puzzled expression, remaining silent, though his confusion only grew deeper.

"A so-called powerhouse refers to strength of heart, not strength of appearance. Do you understand?"

Lin Ge withdrew his smile and said quite solemnly.

"Strength of heart?"

"Correct. Experiences that differ from the norm can forge an extraordinary powerhouse. And you are one of them!" Lin Ge spoke each word clearly, his gaze fixed on Lin Dong, revealing a power that shook the soul and left Lin Dong nearly unable to think!