Chapter 24: Lin Fan's Astonishing Changes and Secrets

What is called Sword Intent?

Sword Intent is the so-called artistic conception of the Way of the Sword. Stepping into this realm signifies that one can be called a Grandmaster of the Sword.

One must understand that throughout the entire Great Desolation Empire, those capable of comprehending Martial Intent are considered the cream of the crop. Forget the Form-Transcending Realm; even many powerful experts in the Spirit-Communicating Realm have failed to comprehend Martial Intent.

Lin Xuan had learned about this during his time at the Jixia Academy. To comprehend Martial Intent in the Spirit-Communicating Realm was considered quite good; to do so in the Form-Transcending Realm made one a genius; but to comprehend it before reaching the Form-Transcending Realm made one a genius among geniuses, known as a True Martial Prodigy!

In other words, to comprehend Martial Intent before the Form-Transcending Realm meant having the qualification to become a True Martial God Realm expert!

Clearly, Lin Xuan had already become such a person, even if his age was a bit advanced.

As Lin Xuan withdrew the sword intent permeating his body, he suddenly noticed that countless sword marks had appeared on the surrounding iron-plated walls. Clearly, this was caused by his inability to control his sword intent.

The iron used in this secret chamber was Hundred-Forged Refined Iron, which was incredibly hard, yet it had still been casually sliced open by Lin Xuan's sword intent, sufficiently demonstrating its terror.

Lin Xuan could guarantee that if he were to fight that Fourth Master of the Cui family again, he would only need ten breaths to easily take down Cui Yongdi!

After withdrawing his sword intent, Lin Xuan walked out of the secret chamber and headed toward the main courtyard of the Lin Estate.

"Greetings, Patriarch."

The main courtyard of the Lin Estate was the training ground for the third generation of the Lin family, so it was gathered with many Lin disciples.

In the center of the courtyard stood a martial arena.

The arena was a square combat platform ten zhang in length. At this moment, two figures were exchanging blows on the stage.

Lin Xuan focused his gaze and saw that one of them was actually his son, Lin Fan, while the other was Lin Long, a direct descendant of the third generation of the Lin Estate.

Lin Long was Lin Hai's eldest son. His talent could only be described as average; he was nineteen years old this year but possessed only a cultivation of the second level of the Kaiyuan Realm, and he had only broken through a few days ago.

Seeing Lin Fan battling Lin Long, Lin Xuan became interested.

Lin Xuan did not make a sound to disturb the two engaged in their vigorous battle on the stage; instead, he sat casually on a set of steps.

Lin Long was currently using a fifth-grade martial technique, the Exploding Fist. Its power was incredibly fierce, but the technique lacked agility.

Facing Lin Long's Exploding Fist, Lin Fan remained calm, his footsteps never faltering. In particular, the footwork Lin Fan employed was very rhythmic and possessed a great deal of spiritual fluidity.

Lin Xuan narrowed his eyes slightly. With his keen eyesight, he could tell at a glance that Lin Fan's movement technique was extraordinary, likely above the ninth grade!

The Lin family did not possess such movement techniques; the best they had was Lin Xuan's Shadow-Treading Step, which had now become the Drifting Dragon Step.

"Aaaah! Seven Souls Divine Fist!"

Lin Long's aura surged like a vast cloud, flashing with golden divine light. The Seven Souls Divine Fist was a sixth-grade martial technique, which Lin Xuan had rewarded to Lin Long.

Clearly, Lin Long intended to use this move to decide the outcome!

"Lin Long, are you playing for real!?"

Looking at this move, Lin Fan's expression did not change in the slightest; instead, a hint of a smile appeared on his face.

"Hehe, Uncle, take my Seven Souls Divine Fist!"

Lin Long let out a loud shout and charged straight toward Lin Fan.

The gathered Lin family disciples watched this scene with great excitement. Those in the Kaiyuan Realm were still relatively few among the third generation of the Lin family.

A dragon shadow flashed around Lin Fan's body. His hands moved rapidly to form seals, and soon, a dragon-shaped imprint blocked the path in front of him.

"Dragon Breath Seal!"

With a low, muffled shout, the Dragon Breath Seal shot directly from his hands.

"Boom!"

The Seven Souls Divine Fist collided with Lin Fan's Dragon Breath Seal. To everyone's surprise, Lin Long was unable to withstand it and was forced to retreat frantically, only managing to stabilize his stance once he reached the edge of the combat platform.

Lin Fan reacted quickly, using his strange footwork to flash directly in front of Lin Long, pointing a finger at Lin Long's neck.

"You lost."

The corners of Lin Fan's mouth curled up slightly.

Lin Long let out a long sigh. He had indeed lost. If this had been a life-and-death battle, he would already be dead.

*Clap, clap, clap...*

Lin Xuan clapped his hands and slowly walked up.

"Greetings, Patriarch."

"Father."

Lin Fan smiled and cupped his hands toward Lin Xuan, his entire being radiating confidence.

Lin Long also hurriedly cupped his hands in salute.

"This match was very good. Lin Long, your cultivation of the Seven Souls Divine Fist is quite decent; it deserves praise," Lin Xuan said with a smile.

Receiving the Patriarch's praise, Lin Long hurriedly expressed his thanks, feeling very happy.

After speaking to Lin Long, Lin Xuan looked toward his own son.

"Fan'er, come with me."

"Huh? Okay."

Lin Fan was momentarily stunned, but then followed behind Lin Xuan.

The others watching this scene could only feel envy.

However, at this moment, no one in the Lin Estate dared to look down on this Young Clan Leader again. To defeat Lin Long, who was at the second level of the Kaiyuan Realm, at the age of sixteen—if such a person were considered a waste, then the entire Lin family would be wastes.

"Father, what is it?"

Walking beside Lin Xuan, Lin Fan asked with a smile.

"Fan'er, I know that everyone has secrets. I have no interest in your secrets, but you must know one thing: hide your secrets well. Do not tell anyone!"

Lin Xuan looked at Lin Fan with a solemn expression.

Lin Xuan still deeply loved his only son and could not help but show concern. Furthermore, if he did not look out for his son, he would have no face to face Lin Fan's mother.

Hearing Lin Xuan's words, Lin Fan was stunned once more before breaking into a smile.

"Father, I know. I will."

"Good lad. Looking at your current cultivation, you should be at the second level of the Kaiyuan Realm, right?"

Lin Xuan patted the back of Lin Fan's head and said with a chuckle.

"Yes, I just broke through to the second level of the Kaiyuan Realm a few days ago. It's hard to say my current combat strength, but anyway, when fighting Nephew Lin Long, I only used five percent of my strength," Lin Fan said with a shrug.

Lin Xuan laughed helplessly. This kid was actually putting on an act; even his father hadn't started acting yet!

"Father."

"Hmm?"

"Can I ask a question?"

Lin Fan suddenly withdrew his smile, and his face became somewhat serious.

"You brat, what's wrong with you?"

Lin Xuan was currently very happy; his son had obtained an incredible opportunity, and his future achievements would be limitless.

"It's just... I have never met my mother, and you have never taken any concubines, Father. I really want to know where my mother is."

Lin Fan turned his head to look at Lin Xuan, his eyes filled with hope.

Lin Xuan's throat suddenly felt constricted, as if he wanted to explain but did not know how.

"Hehe..."

Lin Xuan gave a bitter smile. "Your mother... she has likely gone to a very far place."

"How far!?"

Hearing that his mother was still alive, Lin Xuan was overjoyed.

"I don't know. Anyway... it should be even further than the entire Great Desolation!"