C72 He Came to Blackmail Them

An explosive bang echoed as the door was kicked open with violent force.

A burly young man strode in, his entourage of followers in tow.

"So you're the new kid in the Inner Sect. Quite the coincidence," he said with a rough laugh, followed by a mocking whistle.

His followers joined in with raucous laughter.

"The name's Zhao Gang. Since you're fresh to the Inner Sect, you're probably unaware that I run this territory.

Just fork over a hundred contribution points or twelve substandard spirit stones every two months for protection, and I'll make sure you're left alone.

Cross me by not paying, and you'll regret it," Zhao Gang declared, his eyes blazing with a clear intent to intimidate Lin Xuan.

"Even as a newbie, you're on my turf now, and that means you owe me. Lucky for you, I'm here to collect. So make it quick, I've got places to be.

And remember, the cost of skipping out on protection fees is steep. Think it over," he warned, gesturing towards the door.

Outside, a level 1 Qi Transformation Stage Inner Sect disciple lay on the ground, pinned under the foot of another disciple. His face was beet red as he struggled in vain.

"Is that so?" Lin Xuan chuckled, fixing his gaze on Zhao Gang.

"Name: Zhao Gang."

"Cultivation: Seventh Level of Qi Transformation Stage."

"Talents: Top-grade Cultivation, Middle-grade Speed, Middle-grade Saber, Middle-grade Earth, Middle-grade Heavy Water, Low-grade Green Wood."

"Martial Arts: Heavy Rock Saber Technique (Rank 4 High-grade, Great Completion), Rock Essence Fist (Rank 4 High-grade, Great Completion), Rock Splitting Palm (Rank 4 Middle-grade, Great Completion)..."

"Personal treasure: A Rank 4 High-grade Spirit Artifact Heavy Rock Blade."

Lin Xuan's eyes danced over Zhao Gang's attribute panel.

Indeed, the Inner Sect was a cut above; a random encounter here could yield someone at the Late Qi Transformation Stage, with talents eclipsing those of Zhou Lei, Guan Yuanshuang, and the other top three aces of the Outer Sect.

However, he doesn't have the strength to rob me with just that.

Even though I've only just advanced to the first level of the Qi Transformation Stage, I've already bested Zhao Gang.

The disturbance here drew the attention of numerous Inner Sect disciples. They converged on the scene, forming a circle outside to watch and discuss.

"Zhao Gang's back to collect protection money again. Looks like we're in for another loss."

"We're out of options. Zhao Gang's at the late period of the Qi Transformation Stage, and he's got a Condensation Spin Stage Inner Sect elite backing him. We're no match for him."

"Poor new disciple. Barely set foot in the Inner Sect and he's already hit this snag."

"I bet he'll put up a fight. A Qi Transformation Stage cultivator could rule the Outer Sect; he won't bow down so easily."

"But once he's had a taste of defeat, he'll submit."

The Inner Sect disciples buzzed with conversation, their tone heavy with sentiment.

They felt sorry for Lin Xuan, yet not one offered assistance.

They were no match for Zhao Gang themselves.

Besides, they were also on Zhao Gang's list for protection fees. They could barely look out for themselves, let alone help someone else.

Upon hearing this, Lin Xuan remained unfazed.

He stated coolly, "Being at the Seventh Level of the Qi Transformation Stage is commendable, but it's still not enough to rob me."

His tone was even, but it carried an undeniable air of authority.

His words cast a hush over the crowd.

All eyes turned to Lin Xuan in astonishment.

Even Zhao Gang paused, then, grasping the situation, his face twisted in annoyance, and he clenched his fists.

Zhao Gang retorted icily, "So, you're challenging my authority?"

"No, you're not even qualified to be challenged by me."

Lin Xuan's response was calm yet laced with an even stronger sense of dominance.

He proposed, "How about this? I'm in need of some spirit stones for cultivation.

Hand over the protection fees you've collected, and I'll let you leave unharmed.

Otherwise, you might find leaving in peace to be quite the challenge."

After his declaration, the area fell silent, then erupted into noise.

"I haven't seen a new disciple this bold and brash in ages!"

"He's not just bold; he's got a death wish. With that kind of audacity, Zhao Gang won't let him off easily."

Indeed, most new disciples are only at the first level of the Qi Transformation Stage, ranking at the lower echelons of the Inner Sect. Even the prodigies among them barely match up to the second level.

But Zhao Gang is at the seventh level. Having reached the late period of the Qi Transformation Stage, he's undeniably formidable!

Lin Xuan's bold challenge to Zhao Gang practically spells out his doom."

"Let's just hope Lin Xuan can get out of bed in a few months!"

The disciples buzzed with excitement.

They had anticipated Lin Xuan's resistance, but his audacious demeanor took them by surprise.

Lin Xuan didn't just snap back; he did so with an air of supreme confidence and dominance.

He carried himself as if he were the one in the late period of the Qi Transformation Stage, not Zhao Gang.

As the disciples processed the scene, their astonishment only grew, fueling endless chatter.

Their attitudes shifted too.

Sympathy for Lin Xuan was gone.

In fact, many were now eager to witness his downfall.

They had all been there, resisting in their own time, only to meet with grim outcomes.

If Lin Xuan could maintain this brazen stance and emerge unscathed, it would upset their sense of justice.

Such is the distorted psyche born from long-term humiliation—they begrudged anyone a better fate.

Inside the dwelling.

Upon hearing the commotion, Zhao Gang's fury swelled and nearly burst.

He couldn't believe an ordinary Inner Sect disciple, especially a newcomer like Lin Xuan at the mere first level of the Qi Transformation Stage, would dare such insolence.

"Lin Xuan, it seems I need to remind everyone of my might!"

Zhao Gang's voice was icy as his Qi Transformation Stage presence thundered forth.

Waves of energy cascaded outwards.

Several of his mid-stage Qi Transformation Stage followers were hurled away.

The onlooking disciples instinctively stepped back, their eyes wide with fear.

"Incredible!"

"Is this the extent of Zhao Gang's power? He's incredibly strong!"

"Outside of the Inner Sect's elite, Zhao Gang is surely among the top powerhouses!"

"Lin Xuan has really gotten under Zhao Gang's skin. He's in for it now!"

The disciples were visibly shaken by Zhao Gang's imposing presence, quivering in his wake.

They also felt a growing certainty about the grim outcome awaiting Lin Xuan.

Yet Lin Xuan just scoffed, standing his ground seemingly unaffected.

"Lin Xuan, you're dead!"

Zhao Gang, unfazed, let out a cold shout and launched his attack.

"Rock Essence Fist!"

With a thunderous punch, a deep gray imprint of his fist soared through the air. His presence was overwhelming, bearing down on Lin Xuan with the force of a mountain-splitting, rock-crushing juggernaut.

Zhao Gang's might was such that even a typical practitioner at the Seventh Level of the Qi Transformation Stage might not withstand a single blow from him.

And Lin Xuan had only just advanced to the first level of the Qi Transformation Stage.

All eyes were fixed on Lin Xuan, the crowd anticipating the spectacle of his defeat, expecting him to be sent flying, blood spewing from his mouth.

But Lin Xuan was no ordinary Qi Transformation Stage disciple.

His talent was unparalleled, surpassing even that of the elite Core Disciples.

Bolstered by his innate gifts, Lin Xuan's strength had skyrocketed, multiplying many times over.

His power was not to be compared with that of his contemporaries.

Those expecting his downfall were bound to be let down.