Chapter 9

Lin Xuan’s blow didn’t take Chu Yang’s life directly because killing was prohibited in the marketplace. The City Lord’s Mansion had always treated him well, and he didn’t want to embarrass the City Lord or break centuries-old rules. 

However, with that strike, Lin Xuan left a trace of sword energy inside Chu Yang’s body. With just a single thought, he could take Chu Yang’s life, whether sooner or later—it was only a matter of timing. 

Lin Yanran blinked her bright eyes. She didn’t care about Chu Yang’s life or death. His gaze toward her earlier made her feel disgusted. Although subtle, she sensed his vile intentions—and her instincts were never wrong. 

“Brother Lin Xuan… is protecting me.” 

That was the first thought in her mind. Her eyes glistened with emotion, filled with admiration for the figure standing before her. 

“Teacher, what just happened?” 

Lin Yan was utterly confused. He didn’t even see what happened before Chu Yang was sent flying. It was as if Lin Xuan had performed some kind of magic—without even moving. 

A raspy, aged voice echoed in Lin Yan’s mind, laced with approval. 

“Xiao Yanzi, your family finally produced a remarkable talent. He’s so young, yet he has reached the True Essence Realm and even grasped the concept of Sword Intent.” 

“Click-click,” the voice clicked its tongue in admiration. 

While a sixteen-year-old True Essence Realm cultivator wasn’t unheard of, it was rare in a remote area like the Dayan Kingdom. Grasping Sword Intent on top of that was extraordinary. 

“He might become one of the top figures in the Dayan Kingdom and even has a chance to break into the Soul Palace Realm. But beyond that… I don’t think he’ll get much further.” 

The old voice was firm. Soul Palace cultivators were on a different level altogether—extraordinary beings. Breaking into that realm was nearly impossible, especially in such a remote area. 

“What? One of the top figures in the Dayan Kingdom? A chance to reach the Soul Palace Realm?” 

Lin Yan gasped, eyes wide. 

The Soul Palace Realm! 

Even the founding ancestor of the Dayan Kingdom had only reached that realm, which was also the highest martial realm Lin Yan knew of. If Lin Xuan could reach such heights, he would stand on par with the kingdom’s most powerful figures! 

“Tsk, you’re easily impressed. The Soul Palace Realm is nothing special. With my guidance and the supreme techniques I’ve passed on to you, conquering the Xuantian Continent is just a matter of time. Forget the Soul Palace Realm—reaching sainthood or even immortality is within your grasp!” 

Lin Yan’s lips twitched. “Supreme techniques”? Was the old man referring to the low-tier Yellow-rank technique he’d been given? 

Ignoring his master’s boasting, Lin Yan realized Lin Xuan’s talent was even more extraordinary than he’d thought. And now he was a True Essence Realm cultivator! Why did such a powerful figure have to cross paths with him? 

“Thank you… Brother Lin Xuan,” Lin Yan said, cupping his hands in gratitude. After a moment of thought, he realized he had to address the boy around his age as “cousin.” 

But such formalities didn’t matter. What mattered was that if Lin Xuan hadn’t stepped in, he would’ve been humiliated, disgracing the family. 

Lin Yan was straightforward—he repaid kindness with kindness and returned wrongs in kind. Although he had a tendency to show off, he understood his responsibilities as the clan’s young master and always acted to protect the family’s honor. 

Lin Xuan gave Lin Yan a glance and noticed a slight increase in his energy. It seemed his master had begun aiding him. His gaze then fell on the unassuming jade stone next to Lin Yan. 

“A martial skill at least of the Profound-rank… Truly, the child of destiny.” 

Lin Xuan sighed inwardly before giving a small nod. “Since we are both part of the Lin family, there’s no need to be so formal.” 

The only reason Lin Xuan helped Lin Yan was because they were family. 

He then turned his gaze toward the stall owner. “There’s no dispute over the ownership of this jade stone now, right?” 

“No problem, no problem! This jade stone belongs to Young Master Lin Yan—no, to Young Master Lin Xuan!” The stall owner shook his head frantically and quickly handed over the jade stone. 

This was someone who had no qualms about knocking down Chu Yang—the youngest Grade-One Alchemist in Taian City—and doing it right in the largest market. No enforcers had shown up so far. He couldn’t afford to offend someone like that! 

Lin Xuan didn’t take the jade stone. The stall owner, understanding the message, immediately handed it to Lin Yan. Only then did Lin Xuan nod in satisfaction. 

Before Lin Yan could say anything more, Lin Xuan turned and left with Lin Yanran following cheerfully behind him. 

There was no room for a third person in their world. 

Lin Yan watched the young girl happily trail after the white-clad boy. He clutched the jade stone in his hand, standing there in a daze. After a long moment, he gave a bitter smile. 

“Cousin and Sister-in-law get along… really well.” 

With those words, he cut off the last of his feelings for her. The boy’s secret crush drifted away like a passing breeze. 

“Xiao Yanzi, that boy must have noticed the jade stone was special, yet he gave it to you without hesitation.” 

“Is he a fool or just reckless?” 

The old voice in Lin Yan’s mind was filled with amazement. 

“That’s just his nature,” Lin Yan replied with a smile. Holding the jade stone, he added, “Teacher, I, Lin Yan, am not someone who forgets kindness.” 

The old voice sounded intrigued. “Repay him? With what—your position as young master?” 

“Not that it matters. If he showed his true abilities, not only would you lose your position, but your father might happily step down for him.” 

Lin Yan’s face darkened. He’d never give up his position—it was his only comfort. 

But then he grinned mischievously. “That’s what I have you for, Master. If I owe a debt, it’s only right that my master pays it back, isn’t it?” 

“Don’t even think about it!” 

“Dearest, invincible, most handsome master, adored by countless maidens, you wouldn’t tell me you don’t have even a low-tier Earth-rank technique, would you?” 

“Who said I don’t? That’s slander! I have plenty of Earth-rank supreme techniques!” 

“Ah, of course! My dearest, invincible, most handsome master is the best!” 

“Xiao Yanzi, I have truly misjudged you…”