Chapter 31: Iron Hand of the Ling Family

“Ling Tieshou is here!”

“He and Ling Feng are the two disciples whose rankings in the Elite Hall have risen the fastest this time!”

“Fourth place, tsk tsk. He’s likely to shine brilliantly in this year's Grand Competition. I wonder if he'll be a match for Ling Yihang.”

“First Ling Yihang, second Ling Yixue, third Ling Feng, and fourth Ling Tieshou! All four have arrived. It seems Old Master Ling doesn't want to miss a thing upon his emergence from seclusion!”

“Of course. If one can catch Old Master Ling's eye and be taken in as a personal disciple, their future will surely soar upward.”

Following the crowd's gaze, Ling Xiao saw a refined, scholarly-looking youth with a gentle smile.

The man appeared humble, yet his eyes betrayed a burning fighting spirit and a hint of arrogance.

*Eh? Isn't that Ling Chong?*

*Could this Ling Tieshou be Ling Chong's elder cousin?*

Ling Xiao knew Ling Chong had a very formidable cousin, but he had never actually met him.

However, seeing Ling Chong following behind Ling Tieshou like a lost puppy, he would have to be incredibly stupid not to guess who this person was.

Ling Xiao saw Ling Chong.

Ling Chong also saw Ling Xiao.

“Ling Xiao! I didn't expect you to actually dare to show your face!”

The moment Ling Chong saw Ling Xiao, his rage became uncontrollable, and he roared at him.

His shout drew the attention of many onlookers.

“What a joke. I am a disciple of the Ling family. Now that Old Master Ling has emerged from seclusion, why wouldn't I dare to show my face?” Ling Xiao said disdainfully.

“Cousin, this bastard used despicable and shameless means to injure me!”

Ling Chong had originally intended to rush forward, but the moment he remembered his two previous defeats to Ling Xiao, his confidence vanished. He quickly turned to Ling Tieshou beside him.

“Hehe, so you are Junior Brother Ling Xiao!”

Ling Tieshou flashed a contemptuous smile and stepped toward Ling Xiao.

“Senior Brother Tieshou!” Ling Xiao said, cupping his hands in greeting.

“Hehe, Ling Xiao has certainly been making quite a stir lately, but when facing Ling Tieshou, he’s as well-behaved as a grandson.”

“True. This fellow gained an unfair advantage in the Fulong Mountains, which has cost our Ling family a lot of face. Our good reputation hasn't spread, but our bad name certainly has.”

“I'm not so sure. Are the words of the Li family really that trustworthy?”

“It's not about whether the Li family is trustworthy, but logically speaking, given Ling Xiao's strength, there is no other possibility besides him getting lucky.”

“That is the truth!”

“Ling Xiao is in for a bad day today. Even if he kneels on the ground to apologize, I doubt Ling Tieshou will forgive him, considering how badly he beat Ling Chong.”

...

The crowd was buzzing with discussion.

Generally, they did not favor Ling Xiao.

Ultimately, it was because they looked down on his strength.

At this moment, even the top ten disciples of the Elite Hall had noticed the situation.

Ling Tieshou was not like Ling Chong; he was currently ranked fourth in the Elite Hall. It was impossible for Ling Xiao to be his match.

No one would believe it.

Thus, most people were gloating.

Some were merely bystanders, watching the spectacle.

The first-ranked Ling Yihang seemed indifferent to the fight, sitting there with his eyes closed in meditation.

Ling Yixue was clearly somewhat worried about Ling Xiao.

As for the third-ranked Ling Feng, he wore a gloating expression.

Ling Feng knew exactly how capable Ling Tieshou was; even he wouldn't dare claim a guaranteed victory.

As for Ling Xiao? How could that be possible?

Standing beside Ling Feng, Ling Yu actually clapped her hands and laughed, “Hee hee, this Ling Xiao was so arrogant just because he broke through to the second level of the Martial Vein by luck. Today, someone can finally teach this little beggar a lesson.”

She was likely the person who least wanted to see Ling Xiao rise.

Otherwise, not only would it be an embarrassment to her, but the thought of how she had once bullied him made her fear his potential revenge.

“Hehe, Ling Xiao, weren't you very impressive? Why have you become so well-behaved today? Are you scared?”

Ling Chong chuckled, “A pity, what a pity. With my cousin here today, your days of being cocky are over.”

“Junior Brother, as the saying goes, it is better to resolve an enmity than to foster one. Why don't you just kneel down and apologize, and we can let this matter pass.”

Ling Tieshou walked up to Ling Xiao. Suddenly, a sudden surge of aura was released, causing several onlookers nearby to step back several paces, fearing they might be caught in the crossfire.

Kneel down? Apologize?

Anyone could tell that Ling Tieshou was applying pressure.

To force someone to kneel and apologize was the ultimate humiliation.

How would Ling Xiao respond?

Would he listen to Ling Tieshou?

Or was he preparing to take a beating?

“Senior Brother, you are right. As they say, it is better to resolve an enmity than to foster one. If Ling Chong is willing to kneel down and apologize to me, I will act as if this matter never happened today.”

Ling Xiao smiled composedly. Suddenly, his own aura erupted as the True Qi of the third level of the Martial Vein began to circulate within his body, making him seem like a completely different person.

“Ling Xiao is seeking death! Wait... no, how did he break through to the third level of the Martial Vein?!”

Ling Feng was about to mock Ling Xiao for his recklessness, but when he suddenly felt Ling Xiao's powerful aura, his expression changed drastically.

Beside him, Ling Yu's body even began to tremble involuntarily.

Too fast! Too terrifying!

How did he cultivate like this!

“Hehe, no wonder he is so bold; it turns out he actually broke through. But doesn't this kid understand that even among Martial Apprentices at the third level of the Martial Vein, there is a massive gap between individuals?”

Ling Feng seemed unable to accept the reality, so he found an excuse to comfort himself.

“Senior Brother Ling Feng is right. Combat experience and the accumulation of True Qi are very important, as is the grade of one's martial arts! Don't forget, Ling Tieshou practices high-grade martial arts!”

“I was almost fooled. It looks like Ling Xiao is just a paper tiger.”

“Did you hear that, Ling Xiao? You are no match for me. Since Old Master Ling is emerging from seclusion today, I don't want to make things too ugly for you. Just admit your mistake and apologize obediently, and perhaps we can still be friends in the future!”

Ling Tieshou was also somewhat surprised by Ling Xiao's strength, but he calmed himself after a moment.

He had reached the peak of the third level of the Martial Vein a long time ago, and he had been practicing the high-grade martial art, "Giant Spirit God Palm," for two full years.

Dealing with someone who had just broken through would be quite easy.

“Stop the nonsense. You don't need to put on that sanctimonious act. I hate hypocrites like you the most. If you want to avenge your cousin, just come at me. It's not certain who will end up making a fool of themselves.”

Ever since he met Li Xingyun, he had developed an even deeper hatred for hypocrites.

These people acted righteous and fair on the surface, but in reality, they were full of malice.

Ling Tieshou's expression turned extremely grim.

“Good! Very good! Since you dare to say that, it means you are prepared to face my thunderous wrath!”

“So much talk!”

Ling Xiao rubbed his ears and said, “Old Master Ling will be out of seclusion soon, and I don't have time to waste with you. If you want revenge, get on with it!”

“Hahaha, interesting! Very interesting! Even in the Elite Hall, no one has ever dared to speak to me like this!”

Amidst his loud laughter, a hint of ferocity appeared on Ling Tieshou's face.

“Ten moves! Within ten moves, I will make you kneel here and apologize!”

“I'm just afraid you don't have the ability,” Ling Xiao said calmly.

“Try it and see!”