C123 Intimidation

Upon witnessing the unexpected turn of events, everyone on the field was momentarily stunned, struggling to come to terms with what they had just seen. Once the initial shock wore off, a buzz of conversation erupted anew.

"How could this be? Wu Jie, ranked ninth on the Strong List, just apologized on his own accord?"

"It's clear that Senior Brother Lin Xuan's strength and potential have eclipsed Wu Jie's. That's the only reason Wu Jie would seek to settle their differences!"

"Senior Brother Lin Xuan truly lives up to his reputation as the Drifting Cloud Sect's top prodigy. He's incredibly strong!"

"To think that the usually haughty Wu Jie has conceded! Senior Brother Lin Xuan is formidable!"

The crowd murmured among themselves, careful to keep their voices down for fear of offending either Wu Jie or Lin Xuan. They were utterly astounded.

It was beyond their wildest dreams that Wu Jie, a top ten contender on the Strong List, would bow his head in apology to Lin Xuan. Such a scenario had never crossed their minds. The top ten on the Strong List were the elite of the Inner Sect, revered figures who were all but guaranteed to become Core disciples, a status far beyond the reach of other disciples. They were accustomed to looking up to these paragons, yet today they had witnessed the unthinkable.

Their disbelief was palpable, but their astonishment at Lin Xuan's prowess was even greater. He had shattered their expectations.

The disciples' shock was profound, but Wu Jie paid them no mind. His gaze fixed on Lin Xuan, his heart a tumult of shock and myriad emotions. He had never planned to offer an apology; it wasn't in his nature to back down so easily. Indeed, upon learning that his sister, Wu Mengna, had been mistreated, his initial impulse had been to seek retribution, regardless of whether she was at fault.

However, Lin Xuan's formidable reputation as the sect's premier genius made him cautious. He was under the watchful eye of the Sect Seniors. The most recent Strong List had placed Lin Xuan's strength near the top ten, a position Wu Jie himself held by a narrow margin. Failing to defeat Lin Xuan would be a disgrace.

Thus, he had held back, biding his time. But today, he witnessed Lin Xuan stepping forward to issue a challenge.

Though he hadn't left the attic, he remained vigilant, watching from the second-floor window.

It was only after he saw Lin Xuan effortlessly dispatch Tian Guangliang that he recognized the truth in the sect's whispers.

He had to admit, he stood no chance against Lin Xuan.

Later on, Lin Xuan mentored Zhang Xin. With just one reading, he mastered the technique and even grasped its essence.

He then showcased a sword move, its force making the Spell Formation's protective glow quiver. To his astonishment, he doubted his ability to withstand such a strike.

And that was merely Lin Xuan executing a casual swing, without even tapping into the full depth of his sword intent.

It was at that moment he fully grasped the extent of Lin Xuan's fearsome nature – he was nowhere near Lin Xuan's league.

The sheer magnitude of Lin Xuan's innate gift left him in awe.

When he snapped out of his reverie, Lin Xuan was already imparting another sword technique, unveiling its profound truth.

The two techniques differed in class and nature, yet Lin Xuan had effortlessly reached proficiency in both. If the first instance could be dismissed as fluke, the second confirmed a pattern.

He realized then that Lin Xuan's prowess was beyond his wildest imagination.

The thought of revenge evaporated.

As Lin Xuan prepared to leave, he hurried after him, knowing well that Lin Xuan was short on cultivation resources. In a gesture of reconciliation, he proffered thirty thousand Substandard spirit stones to settle their past animosity.

He was no match for Lin Xuan now, and in a few months' time, Lin Xuan was likely to top the Strong List or even become a core disciple.

Should Lin Xuan recall their past conflicts, there would be no need for him to act; a mere hint of displeasure would rally countless allies to his side.

Even ranking in the top ten of the Strong List would offer him no protection then. The danger was real.

Thus, facing someone like Lin Xuan, there were only two viable options: eliminate him before he could fully rise, or proactively seek forgiveness and dissolve the bad blood.

Lin Xuan's current strength was beyond what even the Sect Seniors could match. Moreover, as the Drifting Cloud Sect's top prodigy, he was under the watchful eye of the sect's upper echelons.

He wasn't yet capable of handling Lin Xuan.

Therefore, he had no choice but to opt for the second solution.

It was somewhat humiliating, but if it meant settling their differences, it was worth it.

These steps were necessary to safeguard his future.

Meanwhile, Lin Xuan was oblivious to the extent of Wu Jie's contemplations.

After a brief check, Lin Xuan offered a serene smile and gave a slight nod:

"No worries. It was just a minor disagreement, and it's behind us now."

Lin Xuan gestured dismissively.

Whether his words were heartfelt, or if they were influenced by the thirty thousand spirit stones, remained unclear.

"Much appreciated, Senior Brother Lin."

Wu Jie exhaled deeply, his relief palpable after offering his thanks once more.

Lin Xuan watched the exchange, reflecting silently.

Wu Jie's behavior had been unexpected.

Yet, Lin Xuan had an inkling as to why Wu Jie had a change of heart.

Perhaps Wu Jie was intimidated by Lin Xuan's swift defeat of Tian Guangliang.

It was an unforeseen outcome for Lin Xuan, but not entirely surprising.

Indeed, in this world, power commands respect, and strength is paramount.

He had merely revealed a fraction of his power, and it had already produced such an effect.

Still, this turn of events was fortuitous. He was in dire need of cultivation resources.

With Wu Jie's generous contribution, he had enough to sustain a lengthy period of cultivation and advance through several realms.

After a brief conversation, Lin Xuan turned and walked away, the focus of all eyes in the area.

He entered Pavilion 28 and vanished from sight.

The onlookers finally shifted their gazes away, filled with awe.

Lin Xuan's position on the Strong List remained at twenty-eighth, unchanged.

But after today, it was clear to all that Lin Xuan's capabilities could easily propel him into the top ten.

He simply chose not to pursue it.

Before long, the crowd dispersed.

Around the outskirts of the Strong List living quarters, numerous Inner Sect disciples had gathered.

The Spiritual Qi in the Strong List area was exceptionally rich, surpassing that of any other region by far.

Moreover, the residents of this area were the elite of the Inner Sect, each with a significant potential to attain the status of Core Disciple, and possibly even ascend to the ranks of the Sect Seniors.