C75 Lin Xuan's Reputation

"I'm Lin Xuan, bring it on!"

Lin Xuan declared with an icy tone.

The moment his words fell, the arena was once again enveloped in a deathly hush.

Then, as if a bomb had gone off, the crowd erupted into a frenzy.

"What? Did he just say he's Lin Xuan?"

"Is that the same Lin Xuan who took first place in the Outer Sect Competition just a few days ago? The one who grasped the Concept?"

"How can that be? Lin Xuan was only at the fourth level of the Qi Gathering Stage during the competition. It's only been four days; how could he have advanced to the Qi Transformation Stage? Has he joined the Inner Sect? Such a rate of cultivation seems impossible!"

"If it's really Lin Xuan, that would explain how he managed to defeat Zhao Gang, who was at the late period of the Qi Transformation Stage, with just an early period level of cultivation!"

"Lin Xuan's showing in the Outer Sect, his demonstrated talent, is arguably among the best in the sect. There are few in our Inner Sect who can match him!"

"Exactly, and he hasn't even unleashed the Concept yet, has he?"

"Lin Xuan might truly be a match for Senior Brother Chen Xiao, and Chen Xiao might not even dare to provoke Lin Xuan, considering his boundless potential!"

The disciples' chatter grew louder as they exchanged thoughts.

Their eyes, now fixed on Lin Xuan, were filled with astonishment.

None of them had anticipated that this newcomer was the same Lin Xuan who, as a new beginner-level disciple, had shattered the Outer Sect record just four days prior.

Lin Xuan's pace of cultivation was nothing short of astounding!

This also lent credence to the numerous rumors circulating about him.

They were even more astounded by Lin Xuan's formidable talent.

They now understood how a new disciple could effortlessly defeat Zhao Gang, who was at the seventh level of the Qi Transformation Stage, surpassing him by six levels.

Because he is Lin Xuan!

That alone sufficed to make sense of it all!

The disciples' gazes, once mocking and indifferent, were now replaced with looks of admiration and respect.

Lin Xuan's various exploits and accomplishments were the talk of the sect.

In just one month after joining, Lin Xuan had risen to become the top disciple of the Outer Sect and had mastered the Artistic Conception of Creation!

Lin Xuan made a swift entrance into the Inner Sect just four days later and effortlessly dispatched Zhao Gang, a seasoned Inner Sect disciple at the Seventh Level of the Qi Transformation Stage.

This feat alone was enough to shift their perception of Lin Xuan.

Zhao Gang's lackeys were left dumbstruck, standing frozen in place as if they couldn't believe their eyes.

They had been shaking down new disciples for protection money, only to unwittingly cross paths with Lin Xuan, the man of the hour.

The rumors about Lin Xuan were confirmed in the battle where he instantly defeated Zhao Gang.

A prodigy of such caliber had effortlessly taken down Zhao Gang. How could they dare to cross Lin Xuan?

No, it was likely that even Chen Xiao, the esteemed Inner Sect senior behind them, wouldn't dare provoke Lin Xuan!

Lin Xuan's track record spoke for itself; he had shattered numerous records.

Advancing from the Qi Transformation Stage to the Condensation Spin Stage would be a breeze for him.

Lin Xuan wouldn't even need much time to do so.

Once Lin Xuan reached the late period of the Qi Transformation Stage and harnessed the Concept, not even the talented Chen Xiao would stand a chance against him.

The underlings were in awe of Lin Xuan's talent, and the thought of it sent shivers down their spines.

Why had they provoked a formidable genius like Lin Xuan?

A single misstep could spell their ruin!

All they could do now was hope that Zhao Gang hadn't angered Lin Xuan.

Even if Chen Xiao could shield them temporarily, he wouldn't be able to offer long-term protection.

Besides, Senior Brother Chen Xiao was unlikely to risk offending a top-tier genius with limitless potential like Lin Xuan for their sakes.

Inside the room.

Zhao Gang was propped against the wall, his pupils dilated in shock.

Listening to the murmurs around him, he realized that the man before him was none other than Lin Xuan, the talk of the town.

Given Lin Xuan's extraordinary achievements, his breakthrough to the Inner Sect and his swift victory over Zhao Gang at the Seventh Level of the Qi Transformation Stage were hardly surprising.

After all, this was Lin Xuan!

Moreover, without even invoking the Concept, Lin Xuan's display of 5% Sword Intent during the competition was still enough to instantly defeat Zhao Gang!

It was clear that Lin Xuan was a force to be reckoned with!

His talent was every bit as fearsome as the rumors suggested.

Zhao Gang had only heard tales of Lin Xuan's prowess, but witnessing it firsthand left him no choice but to believe.

Zhao Gang's shock deepened.

He promptly retrieved a storage ring, placed it on the ground, bowed his head, and spoke softly:

"Senior Brother Lin Xuan, here is the protection fee we collected today. It's all accounted for.

Given your esteemed reputation, you are certainly entitled to it. Please, take it."

In that moment, Zhao Gang refrained from addressing Lin Xuan by name, opting instead for 'senior brother.'

Lin Xuan had bested him, and in the Martial Arts World, strength commanded respect.

Even as a newcomer to the Inner Sect, Lin Xuan had earned the right to be called his senior brother.

Realizing the man before him was Lin Xuan, he knew that the protection fee was rightfully Lin Xuan's.

To avoid further harm, he willingly surrendered it.

Besides, with Lin Xuan as the recipient, Zhao Gang could justify the handover to Chen Xiao upon his return.

His will to resist had evaporated.

"Hmm?"

Lin Xuan's eyebrows lifted in a show of unexpected intrigue.

He had merely wanted to test the waters, yet success had come surprisingly easy.

Had his renown truly grown so vast?

That even Inner Sect members had caught wind of him was a revelation to Lin Xuan.

But this turn of events was fortuitous.

It was the ideal resolution.

With a swift gesture, Lin Xuan extended his hand, unleashing a fierce suction. The storage ring soared and settled into his grasp.

Upon inspection, Lin Xuan found the ring brimming with Spirit Stones and an identity card, a look of satisfaction crossing his face.

"Alright, you're free to go.

Should Chen Xiao inquire, tell him I claimed it.

He's welcome to seek me out anytime. I'll be ready."

With a wave of his hand, Lin Xuan dismissed them.

A collective shiver ran through the crowd.

Indeed, Lin Xuan, merely at the Early Period of the Qi Transformation Stage, showed no fear of Chen Xiao, the Inner Sect's elite at the Condensation Spin Stage.

He truly was a top-tier genius.

The crowd was once again astounded.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Gang and his lackeys reacted as if they had been granted a reprieve, visibly relieved.

They rushed in, propped Zhao Gang up, and made a beeline for the Outer Sect.

To them, Lin Xuan might as well have been a rampaging beast.

Lin Xuan simply let out a light chuckle.

"Hold on."

His voice suddenly rang out again.

The group halted in their tracks and turned around, their faces contorting into smiles more pained than tears as they respectfully inquired:

"Senior Brother Lin, is there anything else you need?"

"Zhao Gang damaged my house. Go tidy up the one next door. Once it's clean, you're free to go," Lin Xuan instructed with an air of nonchalance.

"This..."

"Understood."

The subordinates responded hastily.

While two supported Zhao Gang, the others dashed into the adjacent room and began to clean.

It wasn't long before they had finished the task.

They bowed deeply to Lin Xuan and, with his nod of approval, they helped Zhao Gang and swiftly departed.

The remaining Inner Sect disciples watched, their gazes filled with a mix of respect, gratitude, and admiration for Lin Xuan, and they too dispersed.

None dared to intrude upon Lin Xuan any further.