C122 The Top Ten People Had Submitted!

Everyone on the field, including a few individuals secretly observing from the top ten lofts, was astounded by Lin Xuan's formidable talent.

Yet Lin Xuan himself remained unfazed, with a hint of amusement in his heart.

He knew he couldn't possibly possess such exceptional insight.

What he had done was simply replicate the Fire Cloud Sword Art, integrating and absorbing it until he matched Zhang Xin's proficiency.

With 40% sword intent coursing through him, his grasp of kendo was naturally leagues beyond that of the disciples in the Condensation Spin Stage.

He had effortlessly grasped the true essence of the Fire Cloud Sword Art.

The impressive power he demonstrated was partly due to the augmentation of his physical strength.

He hadn't initially planned on such a display.

His original intention was to leverage his ranking on the Strong List to extort some cultivation resources.

But upon learning that Zhang Xin was willing to offer spirit stones and contribution points, an idea sparked in his mind.

This approach would not only spare him from resentment but also create a buzz and amass a substantial number of energy points.

Why would he pass up such an opportunity?

Now, it seemed the results spoke for themselves.

Lin Xuan surveyed the crowd, noting the shifts in their expressions.

He glanced at the attribute panel floating in the Void, where his energy points were rapidly accumulating, and gave a slight nod of approval.

Then, Lin Xuan continued on his way.

The others snapped out of their astonishment and trailed behind him, buzzing with conversation.

"Who would've guessed Lin Xuan's insight into swordplay was this profound!"

"His real prowess lies in his swordsmanship!"

"He truly deserves the title of the sect's top prodigy. He's incredibly powerful!"

"Who's he going to challenge next?"

"If I could receive some guidance from Senior Brother Lin Xuan, it would be well worth it."

"With all these contribution points and spirit stones, I could afford a one-time mentorship from a Spirit Opening Stage Inner Sect Elder."

"But we don't need to end up as severely injured as Tian Guangliang."

"Exactly. None of us can stand against Senior Brother Lin, so it might be best to volunteer what we have."

Engrossed in their discussions, the disciples kept close to Lin Xuan.

Before long, Lin Xuan came to a halt outside Building 13.

Emerging from the crowd, a young man clad in white with a long sword slung across his back stepped forward. Approaching Lin Xuan, he bowed respectfully and said,

"Senior Brother Lin, I offer 200,000 contribution points and 10,000 substandard spirit stones as compensation for your guidance on my swordsmanship."

This was Zhou Zhiquan, the occupant of the thirteenth attic, a fellow swordsman.

Having seen the effortless might of Lin Xuan's recent sword strike,

Zhou estimated he wouldn't stand a chance against such an attack, acknowledging Lin Xuan's superiority. He proactively offered his savings,

and sought Lin Xuan's expertise in refining his own sword techniques.

His practice of the Clear Water Sword Art had hit a plateau, with no progress in sight.

He could have sought the counsel of an Inner Sect Elder with his savings, but he had hesitated to commit.

Now, with no alternatives, he was forced to decide.

"Agreed."

Lin Xuan pocketed the storage ring and transferred the contribution points to his identity card, a hint of a smile on his face.

Indeed, the more he ventured, the greater his rewards.

Yet, such opportunities could not be overindulged in.

Attracting the scrutiny of the sect's upper ranks would spell trouble.

He was, after all, exploiting the sect's regulations.

Fortunately, his performance had been exceptional, earning him the reputation as the sect's foremost prodigy.

As long as he didn't push the limits, the Sect Seniors would likely overlook minor transgressions.

Thus, moderation was key.

He planned to extort only three individuals.

Lin Xuan then cast a glance at an elder in the late stage of the Spirit Opening Stage, stationed by a window on the second floor of the thousand-meter attic to his left.

This elder, for instance, was there to serve as a warning.

Should Lin Xuan persist, the elder would intervene.

Lin Xuan then withdrew his gaze and suggested,

"Could you demonstrate the sword technique you've mastered?"

This request was merely a pretext to buy time.

Time he needed to replicate the sword technique.

"Yes, Senior Brother Lin, I've been practicing the Clear Spring Sword Art!" Zhou Zhiquan responded with a smile, nodding eagerly before moving aside to begin his demonstration.

Minutes later, Lin Xuan was ready to depart.

Behind him stood a deeply appreciative Zhou Zhiquan.

The disciples around them wore expressions of disbelief, their minds reeling with shock.

Clearly, Lin Xuan had effortlessly grasped the essence of the Clear Spring Sword Art. His guidance had significantly improved Zhou Zhiquan's swordsmanship, which explained the collective awe.

Lin Xuan himself looked quite pleased.

He had just raked in tens of thousands of spirit stones and hundreds of thousands of contribution points, ample resources for his cultivation and to advance to the Condensation Spin Stage.

Then, a voice called out from behind.

"Senior Brother Lin, please wait a moment!"

Turning, Lin Xuan saw a tall young man who bore a resemblance to Wu Mengna approaching briskly.

"Wu Jie!"

Lin Xuan's eyebrows lifted as he examined the newcomer's attribute panel.

Wu Jie was Wu Mengna's support within the Inner Sect, ranked ninth in strength.

Indeed, Wu Jie's attributes on the panel far surpassed those of other elite disciples present, though he still fell short of Core Disciple Xu Annlan.

"You're looking to avenge Wu Mengna? Fine, accept my challenge, and you'll have your chance," Lin Xuan said icily.

He had initially come only to amass resources for cultivation, not intending to relocate just yet.

But if Wu Jie was looking for a fight, Lin Xuan was ready to oblige.

As it stood, he considered none of the Inner Sect disciples—save for the top three on the Strong List—worthy opponents.

"No, you've got it wrong," Wu Jie said with a wry smile, hurrying to clarify, "I've come to apologize for my sister's impertinence."

"Oh? Really?" Lin Xuan responded, visibly taken aback.

He hadn't seen that coming.

Wu Jie was a top ten Strong List contender; where was the expected pride?

Why had he capitulated so swiftly?

This didn't quite match the Inner Sect's reputation.

Lin Xuan was puzzled.

"Yes, this is my gesture of apology. I hope you'll accept it.

Furthermore, I assure you, my sister will not bother Junior Brother Zhang Chen again," Wu Jie stated earnestly, his demeanor genuine.

He also handed over a storage ring.

Lin Xuan remained silent. He first accepted the storage ring and examined it.

"Thirty thousand substandard spirit stones!"

Gazing into the storage ring, Lin Xuan's eyes widened at the sight of the densely packed, glittering substandard spirit stones, causing his heart to race.

He hadn't anticipated such a generous gesture from Wu Jie.

Previously, he had coerced Tian Guangliang, Zhang Xin, and Zhou Zhiquan for a total of just over thirty thousand spirit stones.

Yet here was Wu Jie, presenting him with an even larger recompense all on his own.

Lin Xuan was profoundly taken aback.