C20 The Assassination of Ling Xiao!

"Just come out with it, what are you trying to say?" Luo Xiangming prompted, looking up.

"Well, Biao said that it took Ling Xiao just one sword strike to defeat Shuang, even with Biao's help. That really shows the strength of that strike. And Biao believes Ling Xiao isn't a Profound Warrior, but at most an eighth-grade Martial Disciple. To defeat a Middle-Rank Profound Warrior and fend off a High-Rank one with a single move... could it be..." Luo Tianzheng explained with precision.

"Are you implying that this Ling family kid has some incredible Profound Skill?" Luo Xiangming cut in.

"Exactly," Luo Tianzheng replied.

"Do you suspect Ling Xiao has learned an Azure-Rank cultivation technique?" Luo Xiangming asked, a crease forming on his forehead.

Profound Skills on the Profound Spirit Continent are divided into nine major ranks: gray, yellow, green, blue, red, purple, brown, and black.

Without a word, Luo Tianzheng simply nodded slightly.

"The Ling family possesses only one Azure-Rank technique, the Golden Spear Art, but the young Ling used swordplay. Could he have found his fortune elsewhere?" Luo Xiangming pondered.

"I think it's quite likely. Two years ago, the Ling family's Grand Elder declared the boy incapable of cultivating profound strength, yet now he's an eighth-grade Martial Disciple. It's indeed intriguing," Luo Tianzheng reflected.

After a brief silence, Luo Xiangming said, "Go on, I'll handle this situation."

As Luo Tianzheng was about to leave, Luo Xiangming added, "Shuang appears to have a soft spot for the lad. Tell her to make more visits to the Ling family when she has time."

Enlightened, Luo Tianzheng nodded and stepped out of the loft.

With Luo Tianzheng gone, Luo Xiangming spoke in a subdued voice, "Feng Ying, look into that Ling family boy discreetly. Don't alert anyone, and report any developments to me immediately."

A cool, hushed voice answered from a dark corner of the loft, "Yes, Patriarch."

Meanwhile, in a quiet basement room of the Ling family's serene courtyard, the family meeting had just ended. Fifth Elder Ling Yan and a tall, slender elder quietly began a secret conversation.

The family meeting had just concluded when Ling Yan, the Fifth Elder, and a tall, gaunt elder stealthily arrived to discuss private matters. That elder was none other than Ling Mo, the Second Elder of the Ling family. The siblings were closely related and held positions of power within the family, second only to the Patriarch, Ling Cang. In some areas, Ling Mo's influence even surpassed that of Ling Cang.

The Ling family, despite being the most prominent of the three great families in Meteor City, was not as united as it appeared. Ling Mo and Ling Yan were known to stir the pot. As sons of the previous Old Patriarch, they never forgot their father's passing over Ling Mo for the role of Patriarch in favor of Ling Cang. This slight had left a lasting bitterness, and the brothers often openly contested Ling Cang's authority, with a significant number of family members backing them, which only served to weaken the Patriarch's command.

Take the case of Ling Zhan, Ling Cang's second son, once celebrated as a genius. After being crippled, he was unceremoniously sent to live in the family's most neglected courtyard, devoid of even a single servant. This was a direct result of Ling Mo and Ling Yan's machinations, a clear indication of their deep-seated grudge against Ling Cang.

As soon as they entered the secret chamber, Ling Yan wasted no time, "Big brother, what's our plan for dealing with this?"

Ling Mo waved off his concern with a snort, "Why the urgency? That brat might have recovered his ability to harness profound strength, but he's nothing more than a Martial Disciple. What's there to be anxious about?"

"I'm worried about Ling Kuang," Ling Yan replied, his annoyance palpable.

"You needn't fret," Ling Mo responded gravely. "Ling Kuang has broken through to the Profound Master rank. He's destined to take the top spot in the family's upcoming test. It's practically a foregone conclusion that the Grand Elder will take him as his direct disciple."

Ling Yan sighed, "A month ago, Rui failed to kill him, and the kid managed to turn things around. That little bastard's luck is unbelievable."

"Hmph, don't even get me started on that failure," Ling Mo retorted with a cold snort. "The boy's no longer a threat with his cultivation crippled. Just let him and his father flounder. We're lucky he didn't die, or Ling Cang would never have forgiven you."

"Do you really think he'd risk everything for a lost cause?" Ling Yan said dismissively.

"He wouldn't risk his life, but he'd certainly ensure your grandson's disappearance," Ling Mo retorted, his tone laced with vexation and a hint of disappointment. After a brief pause, he continued, "That's enough. Return home. I'll deal with that brat in my own way."

Ling Yan opened his mouth to say more, hesitated, then let out a soft sigh and exited the secret chamber.

"Hmph, he thinks he can make a comeback? Fat chance," Ling Mo sneered to himself, a cold glint of murderous intent in his eyes after Ling Yan had left.

At the Lee family's northern estate, Lee Guanghan had spent the entire night on the lookout for Ling Xiao on the main road to the Ling residence, but Ling Xiao was nowhere to be seen. Reluctantly, he gave up the ambush and rushed back to inform his father.

The memory of Ling Xiao's swordplay sent an involuntary shudder through Lee Guanghan.

At present, Ling Xiao was just an eighth-grade Martial Disciple, seemingly exhausting all his profound strength to unleash that move. Lee Guanghan, as a high-rank Profound Warrior, might barely fend it off, but not without grave injury. Should Ling Xiao reach the rank of Profound Warrior, wouldn't he be invincible among his equals?

Determined to eliminate this potential rival, Lee Guanghan resolved to convince his family to act. If Ling Xiao were to gain strength, the Ling family would undoubtedly reign supreme over Meteor City.

Heading to see his father, Lee Yuanhua, Lee Guanghan found him already briefed on the situation.

"I know about the incident at the tavern. Don't worry about it; the family has it under control. Regarding the marriage proposal with the Luo family, we'll shelf that for now. Luo Xiangming, the cunning old fox, might not take an interest in our Lee family. Go into seclusion immediately and aim to advance to the Profound Master rank within six months. We can't fall behind at next year's tri-family tournament," Lee Yuanhua advised.

Without further ado, Lee Guanghan nodded and promptly departed.

The sun blazed overhead, right at its zenith at noon.

Ling Xiao and his companion had just stepped out of the inn when they both sensed someone trailing them. However, when they turned to look, they found no one there, causing Ling Xiao to curse inwardly, wondering if he was being overly suspicious.

Yet, as they had just left the bustling market intersection, danger was already looming.

A bone-chilling presence assaulted them from behind, its focus locked tightly on Ling Xiao.

Ling Xiao, who had felt something amiss all along, was now fully on guard.

When the sudden attack came, Ling Xiao's greatsword reacted instantaneously.

The sound of clashing steel sent Ling Xiao tumbling through the air.

"Young Master!" Shuang cried out in alarm, rushing to Ling Xiao's aid.