Chapter 16: The Breakthrough Pill

"Fine, I trust your word, Senior Sister. Then, Senior Brother Ling Fei, shall we begin?"

"No need to rush me!"

Ling Fei and Ling Xiao stood simultaneously at the starting line. About a hundred meters away from the line stood two disciples of the Ling family.

The two had to run around those two disciples and back; whoever arrived first would win.

During the process, form or elegance did not matter—only speed.

At this moment, the eyes of the onlookers were fixed on Ling Xiao. They were very eager to know: could Ling Xiao, who had already created two consecutive miracles, bring them one more surprise?

"Begin!"

At Ling Yi Xue's command, Ling Xiao and Ling Fei launched themselves almost simultaneously—one like a flying swallow, the other like a tiger descending a mountain.

However, while Ling Fei took to the air, Ling Xiao ran with the raw power of a tiger.

"Hahaha, what kind of nonsense is this? Does he think he's a tiger?"

"How ugly!"

Some of the disciples on the field who supported Ling Fei burst into loud laughter.

Ling Fei also felt a secret joy in his heart, but he had no time to watch Ling Xiao's movements; he had to secure the victory first.

That laughter, however, came to an abrupt halt.

It was true that Ling Xiao's movements were unrefined, but his running was like a raging tiger, even generating a wind that caused the air to ripple.

His speed was absolutely not inferior to Ling Fei's.

As they rounded the two Ling family disciples, the two were almost synchronized; Ling Fei was only ahead by less than a body's length.

However, they all knew very well that Ling Xiao knew the Qi Bursting Technique!

If he could almost keep up with Ling Fei without using it, what would happen if he actually used the Qi Bursting Technique?

*Whoosh—!*

A sudden gust of wind provided the answer!

During the turnaround, Ling Xiao suddenly burst his Qi. His body became like an arrow shot from a bow, reaching the finish line in an instant.

He was ahead of Ling Fei by three full body lengths!

"Heavens... this! This guy is too insane!"

Someone stood up and cried out in shock.

Even more people were left in a daze!

Because they understood what such incredible speed meant—in combat, this would grant a massive advantage.

"How did he do it? Senior Brother Ling Fei's speed is already extremely fast, definitely one of the best among the elite disciples. How could this Ling Xiao be three body lengths faster than him!"

"This guy is a monster. It's only been two or three days since he entered the Library Pavilion, yet he's already cultivated his lightness skills to this level..."

"That's impossible! It's impossible!"

"How could I lose? How could I lose!"

Ling Fei's face was pale and bloodless as he knelt on the ground in a stupor.

It was over. All the popularity he had accumulated over the years was destroyed just like that, and he had even lost a Breakthrough Pill in the process.

Was the Qi Bursting Technique really that powerful?

He didn't believe so. In fact, one of his brothers had once practiced the Qi Bursting Technique.

The goal was the same as Ling Xiao's, but facts proved that while the technique could indeed instantly boost speed and strength, the instantaneous consumption was massive—it was simply unsustainable.

What was wrong with Ling Xiao?

He couldn't understand it at all.

After using the Qi Bursting Technique three times in a row, the guy actually seemed to have strength to spare? Was this person truly a freak of nature?

Regardless of whether it could be understood, the match was over.

Ling Xiao had won, achieving a clean sweep of three victories, while Ling Fei had lost miserably.

"In this contest of lightness skills, Ling Xiao is the winner. Junior Brother, you truly have hidden depths. Take this Breakthrough Pill!"

Ling Yi Xue took out a Breakthrough Pill and gave it to Ling Xiao.

She knew very well that if Ling Xiao had tried to demand it from Ling Fei, he wouldn't have gotten it, but if she didn't ask, Ling Fei would have delivered it himself.

In truth, because they had entered the Ling family at the same time and their talents were roughly equal, Ling Yi Xue had always kept an eye on Ling Xiao.

However, as the gap between them grew, their opportunities to interact became fewer and fewer.

It wasn't until today that she felt she was seeing the once high-spirited and ambitious Ling Xiao again.

"Thank you, Senior Sister! Now then, everyone, may I leave?"

As Ling Xiao took the Breakthrough Pill from Ling Yi Xue, his fingers brushed against the girl's skin.

In that instant, it felt as if he had been struck by electricity.

The sensation was so unique. Was this the anticipation a boy feels for a girl? Was it a feeling every boy experiences once they reach a certain age?

It wasn't bad; he really wanted to keep holding Ling Yi Xue's palm—it was soft, smooth, and possessed a gentle warmth.

This scene made the onlookers' eyes burn with envy. Ling Xiao gave a faint smile, took the pill, said his thanks, and walked toward the courtyard.

Today's business was finally over. If this continued, he really wouldn't be able to take it; he estimated the doctor was already losing patience.

The Ling family disciples who were originally blocking the path all stepped aside to make a way.

This was the majesty of the strong.

Ling Xiao had won against Ling Fei through sheer strength; he deserved such respect.

"Young Master, you are truly amazing!"

The doctor, instead of being annoyed, gave Ling Xiao a thumbs-up, his face full of admiration.

Ling Xiao gave a bitter smile and said nothing. *If only you were a pretty young girl...*

"Let's go, Doctor. I've taken up too much of your time today. I will compensate you separately later."

"Where do you think you're going, you trash!"

Just as he stepped through the courtyard gate, two people walked toward him. One of them was Ling Chong, the son of Ling Jiu.

He was the unlucky fellow whose ribs Ling Xiao had broken with a single move.

Unexpectedly, after only a few days, he was already full of vigor.

"I just went to your place to look for you but couldn't find you. Fine! Since we've run into each other now, let's settle old and new grudges together! Last time, you were ungrateful and ambushed me. Today, I will definitely beat you until you're searching for your teeth on the ground! Oh, and it would be best if I break a few of your ribs too!"

Excitement and malice overflowed on Ling Chong's face. He had been stuck at home recovering for the past few days, nearly driven mad by frustration.

Every day, he thought of vengeance!

Every day, he thought of taking his anger out on Ling Xiao!

Even though his father had vented his anger on Ling Xiao in the Library Pavilion, it wasn't enough.

He wanted to defeat Ling Xiao personally and make him lose face in front of everyone!

Last time, losing in a single move had left him feeling incredibly humiliated.

The person beside him was his cousin, a disciple of the main branch at the peak of the second level of the Martial Vein.

It seemed Ling Chong was worried about Ling Xiao escaping, so he had brought a helper.

"What is going on?"

Ling Yi Xue noticed the situation and asked with a frown.

"Senior Sister, you probably don't know yet. Before entering the Library Pavilion, Ling Xiao used despicable means to win against Senior Brother Ling Chong in a single move and even broke his ribs. Junior Brother Ling Chong is here for revenge."

"Despicable means?"

"It seems they say Senior Brother Ling Chong gave him a chance, but he was ungrateful and launched a sudden sneak attack."

"You actually believe such nonsense? When has that Ling Chong ever held back during a duel?"

Ling Yi Xue sneered.

Though she was like a graceful fairy, she was still part of the mortal world and understood the complexities of human nature and the internal politics of the Ling family.

She had actually experienced similar treatment to Ling Xiao, though she encountered it less frequently because her progress was so rapid.

She had already decided to step in and help.

Ling Xiao had just finished his match with Ling Fei, and his true Qi consumption must have been significant. Encountering Ling Chong now, even if he could fight, he might not be a match.

However, unlike her, someone was quite happy about this.

For instance, Ling Fei, who had lost to Ling Xiao.

Noticing that Ling Xiao was being blocked by Ling Chong, a look of schadenfreude immediately surfaced on his face.