C10 Lin Ming Still Loves Me
A figure swiftly streaked past.
Everyone was left in awe, their eyes bulging in disbelief.
Suddenly, a figure materialized beside Lin Ming. Seizing Lin Ming's shoulder, he demanded in a piercing voice, "Was that a Great Completion spear force you just executed?"
The Assessment Elder had abandoned his characteristic composure.
But that was understandable, given the complexity of mastering the spear force.
Mastering the spear force placed extraordinary demands on martial artists. It required not only a foundation of martial arts proficiency but also a pure and kind heart, along with an exceptional aptitude for a particular weapon.
"What's your opinion, Elder?" Lin Ming inquired, his face breaking into an enigmatic smile.
"I've been too inattentive. I completely overlooked the fact that you're a talent in hiding."
The Assessment Elder looked to the heavens and laughed heartily.
Yet, his laughter carried a tinge of bitterness.
He had overlooked a prodigy. Without any exaggeration, Lin Ming's talent and potential were at least tenfold that of Lee Yasheng's.
Furthermore, Lin Ming might achieve another breakthrough in the Spear Dao.
Should he grasp the fabled spear intent, mastering spear techniques would be akin to having divine assistance. Moreover, his prowess with the same martial skills would surge dramatically.
Only a super-genius could possibly fathom the essence of the Great Completion spear intent.
"Great Completion spear force?"
"He's incredibly strong!"
"Such extraordinary talent!"
The Inner Sect disciples were profoundly shaken by the Assessment Elder's revelation.
Among them, there were Senior Brothers who had grasped the essence of weapon auras. Yet, these were Successor Disciples, all significantly older than Lin Ming.
Lin Ming was remarkably young.
He was merely sixteen or seventeen!
This realization dumbfounded them.
By comparison, they felt as though their years of training had been squandered.
Lin Ming's emergence was a significant blow to their confidence.
The Outer Sect disciples were equally astonished. Some gulped, others inhaled sharply.
While they recognized his prowess, they couldn't pinpoint the cause.
But Lin Ming's transformation from a once deemed worthless individual to a genius was nothing short of spectacular. His single act of change had left an indelible impression on everyone.
In his hand, Lin Ming held a spear.
His strength was truly terrifying; Huang Yaofeng's head nearly burst open from the force.
Beyond that, his power manifested in other ways.
These were the Outer Sect disciples who had previously bullied and berated Lin Ming. But now, they were utterly terrified by him.
Lin Ming's status and power had soared.
He had not only secured his spot as an Inner Sect disciple but had also emerged as the top contender in the selection. They were genuinely fearful that Lin Ming would seek retribution in the future.
"I declare that Lin Ming, Lee Yasheng, Huang Yaofeng, and others have passed the Inner Sect Selection and have successfully been admitted to the Inner Sect."
The Assessment Elder glanced at the disheveled Huang Yaofeng and was at a loss for words.
Huang Yaofeng had it coming. And Lin Ming? He was downright brutal.
"Sun Chen has also been admitted to the Inner Sect."
"The announcement is now complete. We will now proceed to the awarding of rewards. Lin Ming and Lee Yasheng, please step forward," the Assessment Elder said with a smile.
Despite facing such formidable opponents, Lee Yasheng managed to stay calm, a smile gracing his face.
This reassured the Assessment Elder somewhat.
After all, talent and insight aren't the only factors in martial arts practice. To become a true powerhouse, one must also possess an indomitable spirit.
Currently, Lee Yasheng's performance was commendable.
"The reward for Lin Ming is one Essence Gathering Pill and a Spirit Stone."
"Lin Ming, prepare your belongings and report to the Inner Sect tomorrow."
The Assessment Elder handed over the rewards as he spoke.
"Yes, Elder," Lin Ming replied with respect. He promptly turned and departed.
"Take Huang Yaofeng back and let him heal before he reports."
The Assessment Elder pointed to Huang Yaofeng, lying on the ground as if lifeless, wondering if Lin Ming had beaten him senseless.
Upon hearing the Assessment Elder's directive, those once loyal to Huang Yaofeng now hesitated.
They were too opportunistic and fickle.
After all, Lin Ming's formidable reputation was well known. They wanted to distance themselves from Huang Yaofeng as much as possible, fearing that any close association might incense Lin Ming.
"Didn't you hear me speak?" The Assessment Elder's anger prompted a few individuals to step forward. They seized Huang Yaofeng by the leg and dragged him toward his dwelling. There was nothing to be said; Huang Yaofeng had brought this wretched state upon himself. The annual Inner Sect Assessment had concluded. Now, every Outer Sect disciple was aware of Lin Ming, and those who had wronged him felt a deep fear.
They reached Huang Yaofeng's residence. Unlike his fellow Outer Sect disciples, he didn't live in the communal sleeping quarters but had a private room to himself. The room was filled with a subtle, elegant scent. Lin Xin'er had just finished bathing, her lovely eyes still tinged with red. She gazed at her own attractive face and alluring figure in the mirror, questioning whether her actions had been right or wrong. Despite some regret in her heart, she reassured herself.
"No, I have no regrets. I'd rather weep beside an Inner Sect disciple than smile before someone worthless. Brother Feng is the best, and I chose correctly!" Lin Xin'er whispered, bolstering her resolve and giving herself a pep talk.
Suddenly, a dull thud came from outside the door. Startled, Lin Xin'er hurried to see what had happened, only to find Huang Yaofeng, once tall and handsome, sprawled on the cold ground like a lifeless dog. His body was smeared with dirt, and he was in a sorry state. One side of his head appeared misshapen, as if struck by a heavy blow.
Lin Xin'er let out a scream, "What happened? Brother Feng is hurt?" Huang Yaofeng was everything to her; she wondered what could have transpired in her absence.
Upon hearing her, the two Outer Sect disciples backed away from Huang Yaofeng and Lin Xin'er as if evading a contagion. "What's going on here?"
"Huang Yaofeng is such a fool. He challenged Senior Brother Lin Ming, who ranked first in the Inner Sect Assessment. Had Senior Brother Lin Ming not been merciful, Huang Yaofeng's head might have burst."
"Lin Xin'er, you've made a poor judgment. You've sacrificed so much for such trivial gains."
"Let's hurry up and leave before Senior Brother Lin Ming finds out, or we'll be in deep trouble."
"Keep your distance from that disgraceful pair."
After hurling a few mocking remarks, they ran off as if their lives depended on it.
Lin Ming.
Top of the Inner Sect Assessment.
Huang Yaofeng challenged Lin Ming and ended up severely beaten.
Lin Xin'er picked out the key phrases from the two Outer Sect disciples' conversation.
She collapsed to the ground, her petite frame shaking uncontrollably.
Her heart was overwhelmed with shock and filled with regret.
She even felt aggrieved and began to cry.
After shedding tears for a while, Lin Xin'er's frail body gave a slight shudder. She dried her eyes, which now sparkled with a renewed light.
"It doesn't add up. Why would Lin Ming strike Huang Yaofeng so fiercely?"
"Is it because of me? Yes, it must be because of me."
"Lin Ming has been ardently pursuing me for three years. He must still be in love with me. He's probably waiting for me to come to my senses and seek him out."
"Lin Ming still loves me. He won't hold my past against me. Yes, I need to go to him now."
Lin Xin'er quickly got to her feet, inadvertently stepping on Huang Yaofeng's face as she did so. She didn't even realize it as she sashayed towards Lin Ming's dwelling.
Above, the full moon shone brightly.