C16 Licking Clean

The apathetic voice landed like a sledgehammer, striking at the very hearts of all who heard it.

Many were so shocked that their mouths hung open.

Could a servant disciple truly stand up to Young Master Yu from Heaven's Edge?

Young Master Yu, whose given name was Yu Chen, was exceptionally gifted. At just twenty years old, he had already reached the fourth level of Body Tempering.

In the outer court, reaching the fourth level of Body Tempering by the age of twenty meant that, given another decade, stepping into the Spiritual Martial Realm was a likely prospect.

To become a master of the Spiritual Martial Realm by thirty was a testament to his superior talent. Moreover, he was the cousin of the leader of Heaven's Edge Alliance, making him a figure few in the outer court would dare to cross.

"Am I hearing things?" Yu Chen turned around, his face registering shock before settling into a sneer. "Are you implying that you want an explanation from me?"

As he spoke, a group of young men quickly encircled Chu Lin, their faces far from friendly.

"You're the first to demand an explanation from Heaven's Edge Alliance. I'm quite curious to hear how you plan to go about it." Yu Chen's interest was piqued as he watched Chu Lin, who had taken him by surprise with his sudden move.

Yet, Yu Chen was known for his arrogance in the outer court. He was always the one demanding explanations, never the one to provide them.

Moreover, his entourage from Heaven's Edge Alliance were all at the third level of Body Tempering. They had a history of bullying others alongside Yu Chen. They were confident in their ability to defeat even those at the fifth level of Body Tempering.

And here before them stood merely a servant disciple. His age and status were clear for all to see. No matter his strength, reaching the fifth level of Body Tempering seemed out of reach.

After all, reaching the fifth level of Body Tempering by fifteen was the mark of a true prodigy!

Chu Lin offered a slight smile, his gaze coolly sweeping over those who surrounded him, showing no sign of backing down. His clear voice reached every listener.

"Either you lick his clothes clean, or I will break one of your hands!"

"What?"

A wave of astonishment swept through the onlookers as they gazed at Chu Lin with newfound surprise. Regardless of today's outcome, this young man's face would be etched in their memories.

Yang Hu watched the tall figure before him and felt a surge of warmth in his heart. Chu Lin's stature in his eyes had grown significantly.

"As long as I live, I will do anything to repay your kindness," Yang Hu whispered under his breath, his resolve unwavering.

"Kid, think carefully about the consequences of crossing Heaven's Edge," Yu Chen warned, his face darkening. He hadn't anticipated Chu Lin's boldness even after learning of his identity.

No matter his actions, if word of today's events got out, it would be a disgrace.

"I'm giving you ten seconds to decide. Once time's up, I'll make the choice for you," Chu Lin stated coolly, unfazed by the more than ten Body Tempering third-level youths before him.

"You're asking for it! Everyone, attack together and take him down!" Yu Chen's eyes blazed with fury as he commanded.

"Let's go, let's help Young Master Yu release his anger!"

"How dare he be so brazen in front of Heaven's Edge members. We'll make him regret it!"

The Heaven's Edge members bellowed as they lunged at Chu Lin, who effortlessly sidestepped their assaults.

Meanwhile, a chilling voice echoed in their ears.

"Ten!"

"Nine!"

The Heaven's Edge fighters grew increasingly terrified. They couldn't fathom how a mere servant disciple could so easily evade a group assault.

Yu Chen's face twitched. Unnoticed, he subtly gestured with his right hand and stealthily crushed a charm.

"Three!"

"Two!"

"One!"

As the countdown concluded, Chu Lin's eyes blazed with a fierce will to fight. "It looks like you've chosen not to decide. So, I'll make the choice for you!" he bellowed.

He charged headlong into the fray, directly confronting the Heaven's Edge crowd.

What followed was a sight that left onlookers breathless.

The moment Chu Lin plunged into their midst, a series of thuds resounded. The Heaven's Edge members, who had been so eager to discipline Chu Lin, were now sprawled on the ground, clutching at their arms, legs, and even one at his groin, their faces twisted in agony as their cries filled the air.

Within moments, the group of youths at the third level of Body Tempering had all been knocked to the ground, each with a severe injury to one of their joints. This was a direct confirmation of Chu Lin's earlier statement.

"You either lick his clothes clean, or I'll break one of your hands!"

Chu Lin hadn't anticipated the immense combat strength he'd possess after his recent breakthrough to the third level of Body Tempering. Even though these Heaven's Edge members were also at the same level, Chu Lin sensed that they were no match for his power in battle. They were utterly outclassed.

Without dwelling on his extraordinary strength, Chu Lin credited the Enigma Shard and the ichor for his abilities.

"Young Master Yu, have you decided yet?" Chu Lin asked, looking up at Yu Chen after defeating his subordinates.

"What do you want?" Yu Chen's face paled as he instinctively stepped back. He glanced around the crowd in desperation and warned, "I'm warning you, if you dare to harm me, you won't be able to leave Duskhaven alive!"

"Since you won't choose, I'll choose for you!" Without another word, Chu Lin lunged forward, targeting Yu Chen's right arm.

"Stop!"

Just then, a thunderous voice erupted from the crowd. A figure, moving faster than Chu Lin, instantly positioned himself in front of Yu Chen. He lifted his palm to fend off Chu Lin's strike.

The impact resonated with a muffled sound, and Chu Lin's hand tingled with numbness.

"This guy is strong!" Chu Lin took a grave look at the man shielding Yu Chen and furrowed his brows.

The newcomer was also a young man, taller than Yu Chen by half a head. He was dressed in a long robe, adorned with an embroidered short sword on the chest—a clear sign that he, too, was a member of Heaven's Edge.

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