C29 Indescribable!
"Of course. How else would the Ye Family have risen to become the most dominant force in the Outer Sect?"
The disciples buzzed with conversation. Atop the central high platform, Yang Pohai arched an eyebrow and remarked, "The Ye Family's younger members are quite impressive, despite some issues with their moral fiber."
Sect Master Loong Zaitian chuckled, "To put it accurately, the Ye Family is rather ambitious. And ambition is beneficial—it spurs rapid progress. Besides, with Ye Jian emerging from their ranks, it's only fitting they have high aspirations."
"Ye Jian? Yes, he's outstanding."
A gleam sparked in Yang Pohai's eyes. "Heh, Sect Master Loong, you're quite magnanimous, tolerating the Ye Family's supremacy in the Outer Sect for Ye Jian's sake."
"Haha, it's merely the Outer Sect. If the Ye Family reigns supreme, so be it—it's trivial."
Loong Zaitian's laughter boomed. "What occupies my thoughts now is the emergence of a prodigy within the Inner Sect who can rival Ye Jian."
"Could that be Lin Tian?"
Yang Pohai inquired.
"There's potential there."
Loong Zaitian's gaze shone. "Still, much depends on Guest Yang's mentorship. After all, Ye Jian has already tackled the significant issue that concerns the emperor. Now, it's Lin Tian's turn to prove himself."
"Heh, time will tell."
Yang Pohai said with a smile, his gaze piercing as he observed Lin Tian amidst the crowd.
"What does having a Law Rank Spirit Body amount to? Combat prowess is the true measure!"
Ye Feng turned to Lin Tian with a frosty sneer. Lin Tian simply smiled back and replied, "Have you forgotten the defeat you suffered at my hands?"
Ye Feng's face twisted in anger. "That was an ambush!"
"Was it?"
Lin Tian responded with a grin, "Very well, if you insist it was an ambush, then let's leave it at that."
Lin Tian's nonchalant stance only served to enrage Ye Feng further, but ultimately, he just huffed dismissively and held his tongue.
His mind was fixated on the upcoming duel. Given the chance to face Lin Tian in combat, he was determined to use all his might to vanquish him.
Certainly, failing to kill him wasn't a big deal; Ye Hsing, his brother, was still in the picture.
As Zhao Hai and Kong Ling witnessed the scene, a glint flashed in their eyes. They seemed eager to speak with Lin Tian, but he simply smiled and gave their shoulders a reassuring pat. "Don't sweat the small stuff. What you should focus on now is stepping up and acing the Strength Test."
At his words, Zhao Hai and Kong Ling shuddered, then nodded with grave determination.
"Hehe, just prepare yourselves. I have no doubt that both of you will breeze through the Strength Test," Lin Tian chuckled.
"Remember, when you strike, aim for the bottom center of the Strength Stone. That's how you'll unleash your full potential," he advised, grinning.
Zhao Hai and Kong Ling paused, taken aback, but they quickly nodded in agreement. They didn't understand Lin Tian's reasoning, but their trust in him was unwavering.
Before long, Kong Ling and Zhao Hai, who had been standing by Lin Tian, stepped forward, their gazes locked on the Strength Stone before them. Their Inner Strength surged within them, and as it swelled, their eyes remained intently focused on the lower center of the stone.
Then, in unison, they let out a roar and their fists flew forward!
Buzz! Buzz!
The sound of vibration echoed as their punches connected, and the Strength Stone emitted twin beams of blue light—two thousand kilograms of force!
Kong Ling and Zhao Hai were momentarily stunned, then their faces lit up with elation.
"Look at that, two more with the power to exceed their limits! Who are these guys?"
"Isn't that Zhao Hai and Kong Ling? Wow, they've really kept their abilities under wraps!"
Murmurs filled the air once more, and several onlookers from the elevated platform took notice of Zhao Hai and Kong Ling, their eyes reflecting surprise and intrigue.
Particularly because they had seen them with Lin Tian earlier, their interest piqued even more. Lin Tian himself was impressive, and now it was clear that his associates were equally talented, prompting even greater attention towards him.
"Damn it! Since when did they possess such strength?" grumbled someone from deep within the crowd.
Ye Feng's face was a mask of fury, but Ye Hsing approached him, his presence calming. "Brother Feng, take a moment to rest."
Upon hearing those words, Ye Feng was momentarily taken aback and turned to look at Ye Hsing.
"I've only just reattached your arms, and the turmoil in your mind isn't doing you any favors," Ye Hsing spoke with a calm detachment. "When you face Lin Tian, concede the fight and leave him to me."
"But..."
"Do you want to die by his hand?" Ye Hsing interjected coldly, cutting off Ye Feng's protest.
Ye Feng was left without words.
"Besides, even if you're willing to die at his hands, I won't allow it. The Ye family cannot afford to lose face in such a situation. That's also our father's wish!" Ye Hsing added, causing Ye Feng's complexion to blanch.
Finally, Ye Feng nodded in agreement. "Understood, Brother Xing. I'll leave the next steps to you."
"Mmm."
Ye Hsing nodded in approval. "You're better off understanding that." With those final words, he turned and walked away.
Ye Feng clenched his fists tightly and bowed his head in thought.
"Senior Brother Lin, how did our strength increase so suddenly?" Zhao Hai and Kong Ling approached Lin Tian, their faces alight with excitement.
They were aware of their own capabilities, which at best matched their cultivation and combat levels, certainly not enough to exceed their limits. Yet, following Lin Tian's guidance, they had shown such remarkable improvement, and they were naturally curious.
"It's simply because you're strong enough," Lin Tian said with a smile, choosing not to elaborate on the matter.
The truth was that the core of the Strength Stone's array was hidden beneath its center, a detail many disciples overlooked. Without striking the stone precisely, their performance would naturally falter.
But these two had followed his instructions and consequently delivered exceptional results.
"In any case, we owe it all to Senior Brother Lin," they said in unison, seeing that Lin Tian offered no further explanation. This brought another smile to Lin Tian's face, and his fondness for the pair deepened.
Knowing what to ask and what not to is a rare and valuable trait. Not to mention, their talent was indeed commendable; otherwise, they wouldn't have made such rapid progress with just a formula provided by Lin Tian.
"It seems I should take the opportunity to properly cultivate these two."
Muttering to himself, Lin Tian made a firm decision.
Moments later, it was finally his turn.
All eyes were on Lin Tian. His previous display of the Law Rank Spirit Body had caught the attention of the dignitaries on the platform. They were eager to see if Lin Tian could surprise them during the combat strength test.
Approaching the Strength Stone, Lin Tian pondered for a short while. Then, with a smile, he confidently strode up to the stone.
The crowd was momentarily taken aback, unsure of Lin Tian's intentions. While others approached the Strength Stone with grave seriousness, Lin Tian's relaxed demeanor stood out.
"Humph, what a charade!" Ye Feng scoffed from deep within the crowd.
Yet, most onlookers kept their eyes fixed on Lin Tian, silent and expectant of his forthcoming performance.
"Hehe, this Lin Tian is truly fascinating. Zhang Ye, you've really snagged us a formidable one," Xu Zhan chuckled from the crowd, addressing Zhang Ye.
Zhang Ye's expression was grave. "I never anticipated he'd possess a Law Rank Spirit Body. That changes everything. Senior Brother Xu, if you choose not to assist me, I'll understand..."
"There's no need for such talk," Xu Zhan said, cutting him off with a smile. A glint of cold determination flashed in his eyes. "Let's see how he fares in the Strength Test. If he's too formidable, I'll naturally step back."
Zhang Ye nodded, his gaze returning to Lin Tian with a weighty look.
At that moment, Lin Tian reached the Strength Stone, lifted his palm, and gave it a firm slap.
Bang!
The dull thud echoed, and then Lin Tian withdrew his hand and walked away.
The Strength Stone remained silent.
The surrounding crowd was dumbfounded, completely at a loss.
"What's going on? Is Lin Tian so preoccupied with awakening his Spirit Body and advancing his realm that his strength is lacking, leading him to bow out voluntarily?"
"That can't be right! Didn't he just defeat Zhang Ye not too long ago? How could his strength be insufficient?"
The disciples buzzed with speculation, and amidst their heated discussions, a sudden loud boom resonated!
A brilliant yellow radiance suddenly erupted from the Strength Stone!
Three thousand kilograms of force!
"My god!"
Everyone exclaimed, their eyes wide with astonishment as they turned to Lin Tian.
Who could have guessed that Lin Tian's effortless strike would wield a staggering three thousand kilograms of force?
What level of combat power was this?
Atop the high platform, Sect Master Loong Zaitian and the Imperial Family's guest elder, Yang Pohai, squinted thoughtfully.
"This kid, what a formidable move! To think he struck the array formation's core within the Strength Stone with a mere palm!"
"It's more than that! For anyone else, hitting the core might not be a big deal, maybe just a more pronounced display of strength. But this kid, with such a nonchalant blow, has caused a remarkable shift in power!"
Loong Zaitian spoke with a grave tone, "Could this young man possess a natural gift for array formations?"
Upon hearing this, a gleam of interest flickered in Yang Pohai's eyes. "I've heard this lad is quite close to Elder Zhao Danhua of the Pill Tower, right? Zhao Danhua has even commented on his alchemical talents, suggesting he be cultivated. Now, with his demonstrated aptitude for arrays, combined with his Spirit Body and formidable combat abilities, Sect Master Loong, your Celestial Dragon Sect has truly discovered a rare talent!"
"Indeed, it's extraordinary."
Loong Zaitian replied with a weighty gaze, "It appears I must take the time to learn more about this young man."
Yang Pohai nodded in agreement, "Absolutely, he warrants closer examination. Such a prodigy, if his background checks out, could achieve great things for our Celestial Dragon Country, and even more for the Celestial Dragon Sect."
"Naturally."
Loong Zaitian nodded, choosing to say no more.
Meanwhile, within the crowd, Xu Zhan's eyes briefly tightened.
He then turned to Zhang Ye and inquired, "What's your take?"
"Unfathomable."
Zhang Ye murmured the word softly.
"Yes, truly unfathomable," Xu Zhan agreed, a smile quickly spreading across his face. "And it's this mystery that makes it all the more intriguing, doesn't it? It looks like I'll need to adjust my strategy."