C38 Change in Attitude

As the scene unfolded, a crowd of disciples converged, murmuring quietly among themselves.

Their gaze fell upon Lin Xuan, eyes wide with awe.

None had anticipated witnessing Lin Xuan, the new disciple whose talents had earned the Third Elder's commendation, on his very first day.

Those Outer Sect disciples who had earlier scoffed at Lin Xuan now wore expressions of deep remorse.

Little did they realize that a careless word would provoke Lin Xuan, the most promising of the newcomers.

The Third Elder had lauded Lin Xuan as having the makings of a true inheritor of their teachings.

His aptitude was unquestionably at the pinnacle of the Outer Sect, surpassing many within the Inner Sect.

In time, he was sure to ascend to the Inner Sect, with prospects of becoming a Core Disciple and rising to the ranks of the Sect Seniors.

How could they, mere ordinary disciples of the Outer Sect, dare to cross paths with such an elite talent?

Regret washed over them instantly, and they wished they could deliver a resounding slap to their own faces.

Meanwhile, a different conversation buzzed among a few newly arrived disciples.

"Just recently, I witnessed another promising disciple, Zhang Tao, after advancing to the Late Enlightenment Stage, challenge Lin Xuan. To everyone's astonishment, Lin Xuan defeated him in an instant!"

"But wasn't Lin Xuan only at the Early Enlightenment Stage during the talent test three days ago? How could he possibly defeat a Late Enlightenment Stage disciple so swiftly?"

"I get your skepticism. I'd be doubtful too if I hadn't seen it myself. But believe me, it happened right before my eyes."

"We all saw it. There were plenty of witnesses. Just step outside and ask around; you'll find out soon enough."

Upon hearing this, the surrounding Outer Sect disciples stared at Lin Xuan with renewed shock.

The disciples who had mocked Lin Xuan felt a shiver run through them, their eyes betraying a flicker of fear amidst their astonishment.

They realized that Lin Xuan was beyond their reach, not just in the future but even now.

They were merely at the Late Enlightenment Stage.

Yet Lin Xuan had the power to vanquish those at the same stage, his strength undoubtedly at the zenith of the Enlightenment Stage.

They stood no chance against Lin Xuan.

Their remorse intensified, and with heads hung low and steps hesitant, they quietly withdrew from the crowd, making their exit from the Martial Arts Pavilion.

They abandoned the secret manuals they had initially selected, their only wish being that Lin Xuan wouldn't take notice of them. Knowing they were no match for Lin Xuan, their only option was to keep a low profile. They were convinced that someone of Lin Xuan's exceptional talent must be preoccupied with numerous matters. If they could just stay out of his sight and avoid crossing paths with him, they hoped he would continue to disregard them. This was their fervent desire.

While Lin Xuan was the center of attention, the others were virtually invisible, allowing them to slip away unnoticed. Lin Xuan, for his part, had little interest in acknowledging these individuals. As long as they didn't cross him, he preferred not to be bothered. With so many tedious individuals around, he reasoned that addressing each one would be an inefficient use of his time when he needed to focus on his cultivation.

The attendant behind the counter was momentarily dazed, his shock evident as he listened to the murmurs filling the room. This was the new Outer Sect disciple who had been lauded by the Third Elder as having the makings of a Core Disciple. Lin Xuan's reputation was well-deserved.

Quickly adjusting his demeanor, the attendant greeted Lin Xuan with a warm smile, "Ah, Nephew Lin, I apologize for my earlier mistake. For someone of your caliber, you're certainly entitled to select additional secret manuals. Martial Nephew, if these aren't sufficient, feel free to choose more. Should you need advice, I've been on duty here for several months and can recommend some titles for you." His future potential was clearly beyond his own, meriting such a respectful approach.

The Outer Sect disciples nearby were astounded by the turn of events, their eyes wide with disbelief. They remembered the attendant as being rigid and aloof, always quick to discipline those who erred. They wondered when he had become so amiable. Was this really the same attendant they knew?

Unconcerned with the disciples' astonishment, the attendant's focus remained on Lin Xuan, who calmly stated, "I will borrow these books. Please register them for me."

"Of course," the attendant replied, nodding eagerly as he promptly recorded Lin Xuan's selections.

"Nephew Lin, feel free to take these secret manuals home to study, but remember, you must not share them or circulate them among the other disciples. In one month's time, the disciples on duty at the Martial Arts Pavilion will collect the books from you."

"It's a sect regulation, and I trust you'll comply."

The elder reiterated.

"Understood."

Lin Xuan acknowledged, slipping the manuals into his storage ring.

With all eyes on him, Lin Xuan turned and departed.

He made his way to his small courtyard residence.

His path seemed random, meandering through the complex.

But in reality, Lin Xuan was busy replicating the medicinal pills and spiritual herbs he'd spotted on the newer disciples.

Having bested Zhang Tao, Lin Xuan had accrued a substantial number of energy points, allowing him to continue his duplications.

Though he hadn't encountered any of the sect's esteemed seniors this time, the experience had expanded his worldview. The journey had been worthwhile.

Moreover, Lin Xuan had replicated a trove of cultivation resources along the way.

He was now set for an extended period of cultivation back home.

Unexpectedly, Lin Xuan found his path obstructed once more.

A band of Outer Sect disciples had gathered, led by a youth bearing a resemblance to Zhang Tao.

Zhang Tao himself lurked in the crowd, eyeing Lin Xuan with a mix of fear and anticipation.

"Are you the one who's been giving my cousin, Zhang Tao, a hard time?"

The leader confronted Lin Xuan, his voice laced with hostility.

Lin Xuan surveyed the young man before him.

"Name: Zhang Mingliang."

"Cultivation: Second Level of the Qi Gathering Stage."

"Talents: Top Grade Cultivation Talent, Low-grade Strength Talent, Low-grade Speed Talent, Low-grade Saber Talent, Middle Grade Gale Attribute Talent, Low-grade Crimson Fire Talent, Low-grade Sharp Gold Talent."

"Martial Skills: Gale Art (Top Grade Rank 3, Initial Perfect Level), Bronze Body (Top Grade Rank 3, Initial Perfect Level), Crimson Fire Palm (Middle Grade Rank 3, Initial Perfect Level), Snake Steps (Low-grade Rank 3, Initial Perfect Level)."

"Personal treasures: None."

Lin Xuan's expression remained impassive as he glanced at his attribute panel.

This was Zhang Mingliang, Zhang Tao's cousin, a name Lin Xuan had previously heard.

Despite this, Lin Xuan remained unimpressed by Zhang Mingliang.

Zhang Mingliang's attribute panel was even less impressive than Zhang Tao's, marking him as nothing more than a run-of-the-mill early Qi Gathering Stage practitioner.

Lin Xuan, having recently advanced to the late Enlightenment Stage, boasted a host of talents and mastery of advanced martial arts, placing him well beyond the reach of any ordinary early Qi Gathering Stage contender.

"Step aside!" Lin Xuan uttered tersely.

Currently low on energy points, Lin Xuan had no interest in Zhang Mingliang's attribute panel and was not inclined to squander any more time on him.

"What was that?" Zhang Mingliang's face stiffened, his ears doubting what they had heard.

Since his breakthrough to the Qi Gathering Stage, not a single Enlightenment Stage warrior had ever dared to dismiss him so.

"I said, beat it!" Lin Xuan repeated, unphased.

"You've got some nerve!" Zhang Mingliang was seething with rage.

"Lin Xuan, are you asking for death?"

Calm and collected, Lin Xuan chuckled sardonically and retorted,

"Thinking of making a move against me? Surely you're aware that I'm a disciple with potential. If you're feeling brave, why not give it a shot?"