Chapter 154-155 (Patreon)
Content
154. Your saber has become dull
"Lin Fei."
Ling Yao came back. Lin Fei didn't know what she was busy with all day. Every day she left early and returned late. Moreover, it seemed that her martial arts had completely fallen into disrepair. After all, she was busy every day. Where would she have time to practice martial arts?
"Senior Sister Lin, I just came back from the front line and went to the palace, I didn't have time to tell you."
"Lin Fei, I already know about your situation on the front line. How strong are you really?"
Ling Yao couldn't help but ask. When she received a report from the court's rebellion suppression army and the messages that came in successively, the whole person was a bit dazed. She was shocked. Lin Fei actually collapsed the city wall of Chiyang Prefecture with a single saber stroke.
It was not the city gate, but a wall! She also knew about Chiyang Prefecture. The city wall was high and strong. But even so, it couldn't resist Lin Fei's single saber stroke.
During the suppression of the rebellion, whatever problem or trouble the court's army encountered, it was Lin Fei who made a move, solved directly with a single saber stroke. There was almost never a second saber stroke.
For such a long time, Ling Yao only knew that her junior brother was the top genius of the Nine Profound Sect and his strength was very strong. But exactly how strong Lin Fei was, Ling Yao didn't know.
If it were anyone else asking, Lin Fei wouldn't bother. But, when Ling Yao asked, Lin Fei thought for a moment and said, "Under the Foundation Establishment, I should be invincible! Perhaps, the founder of the Nine Profound Sect in the past could barely beat me."
Lin Fei told the truth. The founder of the Nine Profound Sect, although his True Qi was perfect and his Martial Dao True Intent was perfect and he also mastered three types of Martial Dao True Intents, Lin Fei had cultivated Saber Qi and he also had Heavenly Saber Art. He could exert the power of the heavenly saber.
Even if the founder of the Nine Profound Sect came back to life, who was really stronger and who was weaker would have to be determined by a fight.
"Invincible under the Foundation Establishment..."
Ling Yao was shocked. Of course she understood what this meant. And she also knew how heavy the weight of "invincible under the Foundation Establishment" was. Not to mention that she is only a princess now, even if she inherited the title of the South King, even if she were the Great Chang Emperor, facing Lin Fei, she would have to treat him as an equal even with added respect.
She finally understood the reason Lin Fei had advised her to practice martial arts back then. Back then, Lin Fei was only a mere acquired martial artist. Even if he had become innate, actually, in terms of status, it was still slightly lower than a princess.
However, now it's completely different. Invincible under the Foundation Establishment! In the royal family, no one was an opponent except the Supreme Elder.
Such a person was a dominant force. Moreover, many immortal sects did not have a True Person in the Foundation Establishment. That is to say, they were not as good as Lin Fei. Lin Fei alone could be compared to many immortal sects!
"Senior Sister Lin, I plan to continue honing my saber intent. I hope to be able to train it to perfection. Therefore, I need to exchange ideas with some top saber practitioners. I wonder who in Chang City are the masters of saber techniques?
It's not necessarily about being strong, as long as the saber technique is outstanding, and there are one or several martial artists who have trained a saber technique to perfection, it will do."
Lin Fei planned to stay in Chang City for a while. First, "challenge" all the top saber practitioners in Chang City. Then go to meet the top saber practitioners in the world, completely solidifying his title of "Number One Saber Under Heaven", and also capturing some saber techniques to enhance the foundation of Heavenly Saber Art.
"Lin Fei, if you want to exchange ideas with the saber practitioners in Chang City, that's easy."
Ling Yao had people investigate. She soon gave Lin Fei a list. On the list, there were some masters of saber techniques in Chang City, belonging to top saber practitioners.
Of course, perfection realm saber techniques were not necessarily top saber practitioners. After all, some people could only perfect their saber technique at the Body Refining level. But those who could perfect the saber technique, especially those who could perfect the acquired saber technique, must be the top saber practitioners. They would definitely not be nameless.
The probability of "capturing" the perfection realm saber techniques was much higher.
Lin Fei looked at the masters of saber techniques in Chang City given by Ling Yao. With a sweep of his eyes, he saw the first top saber practitioner.
"Mad Saber Xiahou Zheng, who has perfected the Mad Wind Saber Technique. One of the top masters of saber techniques in Chang City. Let's start with this Xiahou Zheng tomorrow."
Lin Fei made a decision in his heart.
...
Chang City, Changping Street. Here, there was a Mad Wind Martial Arts Hall. Although it was a martial arts hall, those familiar knew that this hall was not easy to provoke.
Because the owner of the hall was "Mad Wind Saber" Xiahou Zheng, who was an innate martial artist, a generation of Masters!
Although a master opening a martial arts hall seemed a bit of a step down, in fact, the Mad Wind Martial Arts Hall did not rely on accepting disciples to make a living.
The hall only accepted disciples who were either rich or distinguished, and then relying on the Mad Wind Martial Arts Hall opened a series of businesses such as a dart bureau, restaurant, silk and satin store, and so on.
Of course, many people knew it was not that Xiahou Zheng had a business mind, but he has a few children. Relying on the Mad Wind Martial Arts Hall, they had developed to this point today.
However, no matter what, this unprofitable Mad Wind Martial Arts Hall, in fact, was the foundation of the Xiahou family.
At this moment, inside the Mad Wind Martial Arts Hall, all of Xiahou Zheng's children were present.
"Father, our Mad Wind Restaurant needs to continue expanding. We need a lot of silver. This Zhang Cheng is a famous wealthy businessman in Chang City. He just wants to pay his respects to you and use your reputation as an innate martial artist to grow his business even bigger, and he will also cooperate with our restaurant. In this way, wouldn't the problem of our Mad Wind Restaurant lacking silver be solved?"
"Yeah, that Zhang Cheng is quite sincere, you just need to accept Zhang's invitation every month and show your face..."
"Shut up!"
Xiahou Zheng's face turned pale. His gaze swept over each of his sons and daughters. Finally, he said coldly: "The martial way is the foundation. And you? All day long, all you talk about is business and silver, do you still look like martial artists?"
"Father, not everyone can become innate. If you are an acquired martial artist, what can you count in this Chang City?"
"Exactly, even if it's an innate Master, it's just a bit of face in Chang City. There are nobles and even Qi Condensation cultivators everywhere here. It's better to take advantage of your reputation as an innate Master and develop the business of our Xiahou family first. If there are any troubles, we have plenty of connections to smooth things over."
"You all..."
Xiahou Zheng was furious. He had practiced martial arts his whole life. As a result, when he came to Chang City, his children didn't practice martial arts anymore. They switched to business.
Although it seemed like they had connections and money now, Xiahou Zheng was very clear. Once he died, these connections, relationships, and money were all useless. But his sons and daughters couldn't see through it. They didn't know the true weight of an innate martial artist.
"Is 'Mad Wind Saber' Xiahou Zheng in? I, Lin, have come specially to learn from Master's Mad Wind Saber Technique!"
Just then, a cold voice came from the courtyard.
"Hm?"
Xiahou Zheng suddenly looked up and towards the entrance. At the same time, his children also stepped out. Upon seeing the visitor, his eldest son furrowed his brows slightly and said, "This is not a place where anyone can just walk in. Furthermore, my father does not accept any challenges, you'd best leave now."
However, the visitor seemed to ignore his words. He stood in the courtyard, not moving. The eldest son, a bit irked, loudly rebuked, "Who let this ruffian in? He has no manners! If you don't leave soon, I'll have the constables take you to jail. This is Chang City, how dare a martial artist like you be so presumptuous? Even if you're an innate martial artist, we can still throw you in jail!"
In Chang City, there were dedicated constables. Among them were Qi Condensation cultivators and Innate martial artists. They were specifically there to deal with troublesome Innate martial artists or Qi Condensation cultivators.
Xiahou Zheng's son, having a good relationship with some officials, had the confidence to say this.
"Whoosh".
Lin Fei's gaze landed on Xiahou Zheng's eldest son. Suddenly, Xiahou Zheng felt his body trembling. It felt like facing a treasure saber with its sharp edge exposed. A slight lack of attention, and he would be cut in half.
"Talk more, end up like this tree!"
Lin Fei flicked his finger.
"Whoosh".
A strand of saber energy instantly flew towards a big tree in the courtyard.
"Crack".
The big tree was instantly cut in half by this strand of saber energy, collapsing with a rumble.
Immediately, the faces of Xiahou Zheng's children all turned pale. Their gaze filled with fear as they looked at the young man in front of them.
"Back down!"
Xiahou Zheng came out. There was a hint of shock in his eyes.
"May I ask who you are?" Xiahou Zheng asked.
"Nine Profound Sect, Lin Fei!"
"You are the 'Immortal Slayer Saber' Lin Fei?"
Xiahou Zheng's eyes widened, and his heart suddenly shocked. He no longer counted as a member of the martial world. All these years in Chang City, he was practically a rich man.
However, Xiahou Zheng was still an innate martial artist after all. And, he was a top-level saberist. He still had some understanding of major events in the martial world.
Who was Lin Fei?
He was the notorious Immortal Slayer Saber! His saber could slay immortals!
Xiahou Zheng had heard of Lin Fei's strength. So, how could he dare to accept the challenge?
Seeing Xiahou Zheng not speaking, Lin Fei's eyes were icy, his gaze slightly disappointed.
"Whoosh".
Lin Fei, with his hand acting as a saber, made a gentle slash toward Xiahou Zheng.
"Crack".
A strand of saber energy instantly landed on the treasured saber in Xiahou Zheng's hand. Immediately, the treasured saber shattered, turning into pieces on the ground. Throughout, Xiahou Zheng didn't even draw his saber.
"'Mad Wind Saber Technique' is extremely disappointed with the original host, and actively merges into your Heavenly Saber Art."
"The progress of Heavenly Saber Art increases by 5%."
The system's voice echoed in Lin Fei's mind. This was the first time Lin Fei had encountered a martial art actively leaving its original host.
However, Lin Fei had already achieved his goal. So, he didn't seek to fight Xiahou Zheng anymore. He turned around and left directly.
However, as Lin Fei was stepping out of the Mad Wind Martial Arts Hall, he paused for a moment.
"Xiahou Zheng, your saber has become dull."
Having said that, Lin Fei took a step forward. In a few leaps, he had disappeared without a trace.
155. The Path of Martial Arts
"Father, are you okay? That person is too arrogant, he just attacked without warning. This is Chang City, is it a place where a martial artist like him can act recklessly?
I'm going to inform Lord Liu, let him send the Qi Condensation cultivators and innate martial artists to directly arrest this unruly martial artist and throw him into jail!"
It was only then that Xiahou Zheng's eldest son seemed to come back to his senses and immediately spoke fiercely.
"Slap".
Suddenly, Xiahou Zheng slapped his eldest son's face. Immediately, there were five clear finger marks left on his son's face.
"Father, you..."
"Unfilial son shut up!"
Xiahou Zheng's eyes instantly turned red, he roared angrily, "He is 'Immortal Slayer Saber' Lin Fei, his saber is bound to slay immortals! Even the top-level Qi Condensation cultivators have been slain by his single saber stroke.
Does your so-called Lord Liu dare to provoke Lin Fei? There is no one in the entire Chang City that Lin Fei does not dare to kill!
Only Lin Fei is a real martial artist. And I... I have not deserved to draw my saber..."
Xiahou Zheng's expression was full of despair. As for his son, he was completely dumbfounded. Covering his mouth, he didn't dare to speak. Top-level Qi Condensation cultivators all slain by a single saber stroke of Lin Fei?
He didn't know what the concept of a martial artist like Lin Fei was. However, he knew what it meant to be a top-level Qi Condensation cultivator. That was an immortal master who even the emperor had to respect!
Yet to Lin Fei, even such top-level Qi Condensation cultivators could be slain. Could a martial artist be this powerful? For a moment, the entire Mad Wind Martial Arts Hall fell quiet.
Lin Fei had already left the Mad Wind Martial Arts Hall. Heavenly Saber Art had integrated the "Mad Wind Saber Technique". This was an acquired martial art. It was a pity that it only increased the practice progress of Heavenly Saber Art by 5%.
According to Lin Fei's previous experience, the perfection saber techniques of the body refining level could increase the practice progress by 1%. Acquired level saber techniques could roughly increase the practice progress by 5%.
Of course, this was not absolute. Some saber techniques were especially powerful. Once they reached the perfection state and were integrated into Heavenly Saber Art, it was certain that they could increase the practice progress even more.
"There are three great saber masters in Chang City. Besides 'Mad Wind Saber' Xiahou Zheng, there are also 'Astonishing Goose Saber' Shen He and 'Soul Chasing Saber' Tie Lin. The next one, go find 'Astonishing Goose Saber' Shen He."
Lin Fei directly arrived at the Astonishing Goose Gate. This was a sect established by Shen He.
"Nine Profound Sect's Lin Fei especially came to learn saber techniques from 'Astonishing Goose Saber' Master Shen He!"
Lin Fei directly strode into the Astonishing Goose Gate.
A quarter of an hour later.
"Swish."
"Astonishing Goose Saber" Shen He, was disheveled. His hair was cut off by a strand of saber energy.
Lin Fei turned around and walked out.
"Shen He, your saber technique is stronger than Xiahou Zheng's. At least, you can draw your saber."
Having said that, Lin Fei didn't care what Shen He would do, he directly went to the Soul Chasing Gang, where "Soul Chasing Saber" Tie Lin was. This was a gang.
"Nine Profound Sect's Lin Fei especially came to learn saber techniques from 'Soul Chasing Saber' Master Tie Lin!"
Another quarter of an hour later. Lin Fei walked out of the Soul Chasing Gang. Tie Lin was also disheveled, a picture of desolation.
In one day, Lin Fei challenged the three great saber masters of Chang City and all of them were defeated with one move. Especially Mad Wind Saber Xiahou Zheng didn't even have the courage to draw his saber.
For a time, "Immortal Slayer Saber" Lin Fei, in Chang City, stirred up another frenzy.
However, Lin Fei was very disappointed. Among the three great saber masters, he only integrated three perfection-stage acquired saber techniques. It only increased his practice progress by a total of 15%. There was still a long way to go before Heavenly Saber Art could birth the saber intent.
"Looking for martial artists with perfect saber techniques is too inefficient. Especially now in Chang City, there are only three saber masters, and I've sought them all out.
Those Body Refining martial artists, or martial artists who have only perfected the Body Refining stage saber techniques, can also increase my saber technique foundation.
I need to find a way to get them to come to me. But how can I attract these Body Refining martial artists and acquired martial artists to come to me?"
A light flashed in Lin Fei's mind. He took out a porcelain bottle from his bosom. In the porcelain bottle, there was a pill. Heavenly Meridian Pill!
Lin Fei helped Ling Yao become the champion of the Royal Competition. He received a Heavenly Meridian Pill.
However, Lin Fei later consumed the blood of the Treasure Snake. Relying on its blood, Lin Fei directly reached the twelfth level of the acquired stage. Therefore, he didn't use this Heavenly Meridian Pill. He always carried it with him. Unexpectedly, it came into use now.
A Heavenly Meridian Pill, for Acquired martial artists and Body Refining martial artists, had an unimaginable attraction. After all, it could directly open up a meridian.
So, Lin Fei directly announced through the South King Mansion that anyone who had perfected saber techniques could challenge him. Just discussing saber techniques. No need for True Qi or inner power. If they can defeat him, they could get a Heavenly Meridian Pill!
Suddenly, countless acquired martial artists, especially saber practitioners, flocked to the South King Mansion.
However, even if they didn't use True Qi or inner power, just comparing saber techniques, Lin Fei was still one of the top saber practitioners.
In the blink of an eye, ten days passed. Lin Fei spent ten days at the South King Mansion and he defeated countless martial artists.
But although the Heavenly Saber Art integrated many martial arts, they were basically saber techniques at the Body Refining level. There were very few acquired-level perfection saber techniques. Therefore, in ten days, the cultivation progress of Heavenly Saber Art only increased by 20%.
Adding the 15% cultivation progress gained from defeating the three great saber masters, there was a total of 35% cultivation progress.
Previously, Heavenly Saber Art only had 1% cultivation progress. Up to now, it was only 36%. There was still a long way to go.
"Basically all the saber practitioners in Chang City have come to the South King Mansion. Continuing to wait has no meaning. When Liu Yibai obtained the 'Number One Sword Under Heaven', he did it by traveling all over the world and defeating everyone.
Now if I want to collect countless perfection saber techniques, and allow Heavenly Saber Art to birth saber intent. I'm afraid I also have to travel the world and meet saber practitioners from all over!"
Lin Fei had already made up his mind. Even, he gradually spread some news that he wanted to follow the disciples of the Hidden Sword Sect, travel all over the world, meet all the saber practitioners in the world, and seize the title of "Number One Saber Under Heaven"!
Whoever could defeat him, whether it was by martial arts or purely by saber techniques, he could give them a Heavenly Meridian Pill!
This news, with the constant spread by travelers and martial artists, spread all over the world in just a few days. It quickly caused a stir in the entire martial world.
After all, this was "Immortal Slayer Saber" Lin Fei! Now he was openly vying for the title of "Number One Saber Under Heaven". As the saying goes, there is no first in literature and no second in martial arts. Even the martial artist who was indifferent to fame and fortune, at this moment, couldn't sit still.
Number One Saber Under Heaven! The entire Great Chang hadn't had a Number One Saber Under Heaven for a long time. Instead, the Hidden Sword Sect's "Number One Sword Under Heaven" was well-known and revered.
South King Mansion.
Ling Yao looked at Lin Fei with a complex expression.
"Lin Fei, have you really decided?"
"Senior Sister Ling, I've made up my mind. The title of 'Number One Saber Under Heaven' must be mine! Only in this way can I attract the top saber practitioners in the world," Lin Fei said calmly.
"The title of 'Number One Saber Under Heaven' plus a Heavenly Meridian Pill. I believe it's enough to attract all the saber practitioners in the world."
Ling Yao knew that Lin Fei's grand display, known to everyone, was actually for the perfection of saber intent. Lin Fei was single-mindedly focused on the path of martial arts. But no matter how strong he was, he was still only innate. Was it worth it?
"Senior Sister Ling, what were you fighting for when you were contending for the position of a princess?" Lin Fei suddenly asked.
"To control my own destiny!" Ling Yao immediately replied. That was what she thought back then.
"But even if you inherit the title of the South Princess, can you really control your own destiny?"
Ling Yao fell silent. Only after becoming the princess did she realize how complex and difficult it was to seize power.
Lin Fei looked at Ling Yao, his gaze deep and calm. He spoke slowly, word by word, "Senior Sister Ling if you want power, what's so difficult about it? Don't even mention the title of South Princess, even if you want to become the Empress of Great Chang, it's not a big deal. If I become a Martial Saint, everything will be easy! I follow the path of martial arts for longevity.
Senior Sister wishes for power. But even if you gain power and control your destiny, it's just a few decades. What does it amount to?"
Lin Fei spoke word by word, staring at Ling Yao.
"Senior Sister Ling, I hope you can figure out what you want during this time. Next time I return to Chang City, it will be time to help you achieve your wishes. Martial arts, power... you can choose either!
If you choose martial arts, I will do my best to help you become innate! If you choose power, even if you want to become an empress, I will help you!"
Lin Fei's voice echoed in Ling Yao's ears. By the time Ling Yao came to her senses, Lin Fei had already left the South King Mansion, disappearing without a trace.
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There is no first in literature and no second in martial arts: This is a proverb. It means that even someone who writes exceptionally well would not dare to boast that their writing is the best in the world, while someone with great martial arts skills often boasts that their skills are unparalleled. It often refers to the tendency of martial artists to always claim superiority in their abilities. You know, martial artists are always competitive.
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Actually, I've always wanted to write a romantic scene between Ling Yao and Lin Fei, but I realized that I'm not really good at it, so you might find it a bit awkward.