Chapter 37: A Gathering of Experts

After registration, only two days remained before the Annual Grand Competition.

However, even with only two days left, no one was willing to waste a single moment.

Including Ling Xiao, almost all the registered disciples had begun short periods of secluded cultivation, hoping to achieve some breakthrough in these final two days.

After all, many had accumulated a great deal over the past year, and their breakthroughs were likely at a critical juncture.

Furthermore, the single wisp of Astral Qi generously gifted by Old Man Ling previously had a massive impact on many disciples.

In fact, because of that wisp of Astral Qi, some people's strength had already undergone a qualitative change.

Ling Xiao was not the only one!

During these final two days, Ling Xiao worked hard to condense ninety percent of the Astral Qi for his third Martial Vein.

Only the final ten percent remained, yet he could not make any further progress.

It seemed he would have to wait until the Astral Qi Pills were refined.

Regardless, even once the competition began, it would last for several days; it was not unheard of for disciples to achieve breakthroughs during the process.

The night before the Annual Grand Competition.

Ling Xiao ceased all cultivation, intending to get a good night's sleep.

Nothing replenished physical stamina better than sleep.

After these days of frantic cultivation, he truly needed proper rest.

By now, the *Cloud-Soaring Steps: Dragon Transformation* had reached the third level.

The *Bull Demon Art: Qi Condensation* had also reached the third level.

Ling Xiao's understanding of these two martial arts was becoming increasingly profound.

He discovered that the *Bull Demon Art* was actually a special type of internal cultivation method. It could be used to execute all the martial arts he had devoured, causing them to undergo a qualitative transformation.

For example, the *Meteor Fist* would become the *Bull Demon Art: Meteor Astral Fist*;

The *Hundred-Step Flying Sword Technique* would become the *Bull Demon Art: Hundred-Step Astral Sword*;

And there were others, such as the *Bull Demon Art: Qi Bursting Formula*, *Bull Demon Art: Qi Recovery Formula*, *Bull Demon Art: Crimson Sun Astral Qi*, *Bull Demon Art: Savage Bull Astral Strength*, and so on.

As long as he increased the level of the *Bull Demon Art: Qi Condensation*, the power of these martial arts would naturally increase accordingly, without the need for specific training.

The same martial arts, when executed by him, would possess different levels of power—this was his greatest trump card for victory.

In truth, even without using Astral Qi, he had no reason to fear facing an average third-level Martial Vein warrior.

"Tomorrow, a new legend will be born!"

Ling Xiao looked at the moonlight outside his room, took a deep breath, and closed his eyes.

***

Meanwhile.

Inside a courtyard within the main residence of the Ling Clan.

Under the moonlight, a figure in snow-white clothing moved with a longsword that swayed with the wind. With a single thrust, a distant boulder split apart, turning into fine powder.

The sword light was like lightning, possessing peerless power!

If this strike had landed on the Moon-Howling Wolf that had once caused great trouble for the Li family disciples, even that wolf would likely have been wounded.

Though it seemed like a simple strike, its power was no less than Li Xingyun's Wind-Raging Sword from before.

It could be said that this strike could sweep through almost any third-level Martial Vein warrior.

"Feng'er, you have now basically grasped the true essence of the *Wind-Swept Willow Sword*. It was not in vain that your father thick-skinnedly obtained this high-level sword technique for you. To be able to cultivate a high-level martial art to full potency at the peak of the third Martial Vein stage is rare indeed; you have every reason to be proud!"

Standing several dozen meters away from the youth was a middle-aged martial artist in his thirties. Seeing the boy's mastery of the sword technique, he couldn't help but show a gratified smile.

The youth was Ling Feng, the third-ranked disciple of the Elite Hall, and the middle-aged man was his father.

"Not only that! I am close to grasping the secret of transforming Qi into Astral Qi. If I can break through during combat, then even Ling Yihang will not be someone I look up to!"

Ling Feng said with a smile.

"Let's not mention Ling Yihang, but that kid named Ling Xiao—you should be able to defeat him easily," the middle-aged man said.

"Ling Xiao? That little beggar? Does Father truly think I would take him seriously?"

Ling Feng said disdainfully. "My goal this time is the top ten of the Stone Wall Rankings! What does Ling Xiao matter?"

"Hahaha, well said, well said. It seems your father was being too modest!"

If Ling Feng had felt a hint of wariness toward Ling Xiao during registration, today, having mastered the *Wind-Swept Willow Sword*, he no longer held Ling Xiao in any regard.

***

Elsewhere in the Ling Clan, inside a small wooden hut.

Ling Yixue was drenched in sweat.

However, her bright eyes shimmered with excitement.

A person sat on the windowsill, smiling at her.

"Yixue, I didn't expect you to actually condense Astral Qi before the start of the competition. Now, in the Elite Hall, no one will be your match except for that Ling Yihang!"

"Ling Feifan, don't be so intimate. I have no relation to you. And don't forget, in this competition, the top ten of the Elite Hall are qualified to challenge the disciples of the Genius Hall. Just make sure you don't lose to me!"

Sitting on the windowsill was actually Ling Feifan, one of the Four Young Masters of Tianfeng City and the undisputed number one genius of the Genius Hall.

"Hahaha, I'll be waiting!"

Ling Feifan stood up laughing, his gaze deep. "Perhaps only you could defeat me. What can I say? I just like you."

"Don't get too cocky. Ling Yihang will definitely be your greatest threat this time!"

"Mhm, that kid Ling Yihang is indeed quite good. I don't doubt he'll make the top three, but as for defeating me... hehe, it's a bit too early for that," Ling Feifan said calmly.

"It seems you've done very thorough research on Ling Yihang. But there is one more person who might surprise you."

The image of Ling Xiao surfaced in Ling Yixue's mind.

"Who?" Ling Feifan asked.

"You'll know after the competition ends. This person might be a powerful competitor for you, for me, and for Ling Yihang."

"Oh? I didn't expect you to evaluate someone so highly, Yixue. I'm getting more and more interested. Alright, I'm heading back. Good luck, Yixue. As long as you make the top ten of the Elite Hall, you can enter the Genius Hall battles."

With that, Ling Feifan's figure shifted slightly and he vanished into the night sky.

***

The Ling Clan, Ninth Lord's Estate.

This place was luxurious and wealthy.

Ling Jiu's expression was currently very grim.

"Chong'er, I know you have little hope, but you must break into the top fifty this time. Otherwise, don't come asking me for anything in the future!"

"Father, I won't just break into the top fifty; I will use that Ling Xiao to sacrifice to the gods!"

Ling Chong said, gritting his teeth.

Ling Jiu ignored him and looked toward Ling Tieshou instead. "Tieshou, the reason you lost to Ling Xiao last time was because you were too careless and conceited. Now that your *Giant Spirit God Palm* has reached mastery, go and reclaim your honor yourself!"

"Understood, Ninth Lord!"

Ling Tieshou gritted his teeth. "If I encounter Ling Xiao, I will definitely make him taste what it feels like to humiliate me!"

On the day of registration, his *Giant Spirit God Palm* had not yet reached full potency, but now, with the help of medicinal power, he had reached that level.

It wasn't just to enter the top ten; more importantly, it was to wash away his previous shame.

***

Inside a secret training room, Ling Yihang suddenly opened his eyes.

"A breakthrough! I've finally broken through!"

Fourth-level Martial Vein. Ling Yihang had actually broken through to the fourth level at this critical moment; the wisp of Astral Qi from Old Man Ling Xiaotian had been a massive help.

"Ling Feifan! It's time to change hands on that number one spot!"

Among all the disciples of the Genius Hall and the Elite Hall, the current Ling Yihang had only one person in his sights: Ling Feifan.

He no longer cared about anyone else.

(End of Chapter)