C9 The Powerful Ling Xuan

After purchasing five stalks of Azure Essence Grass, I'm left with 5,000 taels of silver. Should I run short on spirit medicine, I'll need to venture out to buy more. I can no longer lean on my father's assistance as I did in the past; it's time I learned to fend for myself. I'll set out to find more spirit medicine soon." Stepping out of the storage shop, Ling Yunfan checked his remaining silver and mentally prepared for his next move.

Yet, no sooner had he tucked the Azure Essence Grass into his clothing than his eyes sharpened, and he swiftly dropped into a crouch.

In the wake of Ling Yunfan's sudden move, a tall figure loomed behind him, launching a kick that whistled over his head.

"Oh?"

The attacker, taken aback by his missed strike, let out a sound of mild surprise.

Ling Yunfan, having evaded the assault, quickly rose to his feet to confront the newcomer who had descended before him.

He was met by the sight of a young man, about eighteen or nineteen, dressed in a light blue robe, bearing a striking resemblance to Ling Jie, who watched him with an impassive gaze.

"So it's you, Ling Xuan. What's the matter? After the younger one's been dealt with, does the elder step in?" Recognizing the figure, Ling Yunfan's demeanor shifted from casual to grave.

Ling Xuan, standing a short distance away, responded with a loaded tone, "Impressive, you sensed my approach and evaded my attack. The rumors about you must be true. But relax, I have no intention of retaliating, even after you disciplined my foolish brother."

"Really? Then what was the purpose behind your ambush? Just to test the rumors?" Ling Yunfan inquired, his curiosity piqued.

Ling Xuan answered at a measured pace, "Essentially, yes. But beyond that, I'm eager for a bout with you. We may be facing off in the Family Great Competition in a month, yet I can't resist getting a measure of your strength now."

With those words, Ling Xuan's gaze intensified, his fists clenched, as wisps of wind energy began to coil subtly around him.

At that moment, Ling Yunfan could only look on in disbelief. He braced himself, ready to strike at any moment. He had initially thought Ling Xuan was merely checking to see if he had truly progressed, but his next words left Ling Yunfan with no choice but to engage in combat. After all, Ling Xuan was a formidable Body Refining Level Eight warrior, while Ling Yunfan was merely at Level Six. Despite the aid of his Bloodline Power, he stood little chance against Ling Xuan.

"Here I come!"

As they both readied themselves for battle, Ling Xuan uttered a challenge, intent on taking the initiative. He channeled his energy into his right fist and launched a swift assault on Ling Yunfan.

Ling Yunfan, rooted to the spot, sensed his opponent's aggressive momentum. He too concentrated all his strength into his fist and charged forward to meet Ling Xuan's attack head-on.

Bang!

"Argh!"

The impact of their fists sent Ling Yunfan, the lesser in cultivation, screaming through the air.

Thud.

Yet, Ling Yunfan quickly righted himself and landed gracefully, rising to his feet seemingly without a scratch.

Standing again, Ling Yunfan glanced at the smiling Ling Xuan and then at his own left fist, now showing signs of fracture. He marveled inwardly, "Truly worthy of being one of the strongest among the Ling family's youth. His strength is undeniable. That restrained attack was enough to easily best me; had he used his full force, I would likely be gravely injured."

"Not too shabby. I hope you'll grow stronger for the upcoming Family Great Competition. Ideally, you'll become a worthy adversary. I have no interest in sparring with a woman; it's simply not as satisfying." Ling Xuan remarked, seeing that Ling Yunfan was relatively unharmed, before turning to leave.

Watching Ling Xuan depart, Ling Yunfan's brow furrowed, and his fists clenched with resolve. "I must intensify my training," he silently vowed. "Ling Xuan is undoubtedly my greatest challenge in the Family Great Competition. I have to overcome him in a month, or else, in two years, not only will my survival be at stake, but I'll also bring trouble upon my family."

Having made up his mind, Ling Yunfan strode directly to his father's residence without looking back.

...

Upon returning to his father's home, Ling Yunfan found it deserted, save for a martial arts manual titled "Flaming Fist" and a blank piece of paper. With a resigned shake of his head, he tucked the booklet away and read the paper. "So, Father has entered seclusion and chose this way to inform me. I've now reclaimed my status as the Ling Family's Young Master," he mused with a smile, placing the paper back in its spot and penning a response.

After leaving the Ling family estate, Ling Yunfan headed straight to the market. Having spent a hundred taels on provisions, he made his way to the weapons shop.

"Ah, an honored guest! What is it that Young Master Yunfan wishes to purchase today?" greeted an unremarkable middle-aged man from behind the counter, his face breaking into an obsequious grin.

Ling Yunfan, unaccustomed to such enthusiastic reception, given that only his father and Ling Hong had ever bothered to engage him in conversation, replied with his usual detachment, "I'm in search of a weapon that feels right. I haven't found one yet. Perhaps you could recommend something?"

"Certainly! Just one moment, please," replied the shopkeeper, disappearing into a back room.

In the meantime, Ling Yunfan began to test the assortment of weapons laid out haphazardly around the shop, including long spears, greatswords, daggers, and sabers.

"Thank you for your patience, Young Master Yunfan. What do you think of these two weapons?" the shopkeeper called out, reemerging.

Ling Yunfan turned to see a large blade with red and white stripes and a green-white sword with delicate blue patterns etched into the blade, resembling a crystal block of ice, emanating a faint chill that made one shudder.

Drawn to the long sword, Ling Yunfan felt a surge of interest at its icy touch. Moreover, the sword seemed to radiate a unique sheen, elusive and subtle, almost imperceptible without close scrutiny.

Ling Yunfan picked up the sword and, with swift motions, swung it several times. Each slash unleashed a chilling aura capable of freezing ordinary objects solid. He imagined a martial artist on the receiving end would suffer considerable pain.

He sheathed the sword and inquired, "What's the name of this sword? I'll take it."

"The Cold Water Sword," the shopkeeper replied, his smile beaming. "It's a High Level Treasure Artifact, though currently more akin to a Middle Level Treasure Artifact due to some damage. Nevertheless, the price stands at 300,000 silver. But for Young Master Yunfan, we can arrange a line of credit. You'll just need to sign a contract."

Hearing the price, Ling Yunfan's complexion paled; 300,000 silver was an astronomical sum for him, one not even his father would spend lightly, especially since his own coffers were nearly empty.

Despite the steep price, the prospect of a loan sealed his decision, and he bought the Cold Water Sword without a second thought.

Ling Yunfan then signed the contract the shopkeeper presented and, with the Cold Water Sword in hand, set off for the familiar deep mountains to continue his training.