Creak!
Ouyang Ye's sword split down the middle, the sound sharp and final.
His eyes widened in disbelief. That was a Heaven-grade sword!
Before he could recover from the shock, Lin Feng's sword had already reached his chest.
Bang!
The blow landed squarely.
Crack!
The dull, sickening sound of bones breaking echoed through the arena as Ouyang Ye was blasted backward, blood spraying from his mouth. His inner organs churned violently, qi scattering in chaos.
Before he could even steady his footing, Lin Feng was already upon him again—his movements blindingly fast. The sword flashed once more.
Bang!
Crack!
Ouyang Ye's body slammed against the ground, his robe soaked in blood, the deep wound across his chest exposing torn muscle. His vision blurred as the realization sank in—he, a Xiantian Realm expert, was being crushed by a mere Mortal Realm cultivator. Humiliation burned hotter than pain.
Before he could regain balance, Lin Feng appeared right before him again, his right fist drawing back like a coiled spring.
Bang!!!
The punch connected with Ouyang Ye's chest, sending him flying out of the arena like a broken doll.
"Senior brother!" Ouyang Yun shouted, rushing forward in panic.
"Ouyang Ye—a Xiantian Realm expert—was defeated!"
"Lin Feng… he did it in just two months since joining the sect! He's now the strongest among the Outer Court disciples!"
The entire sect buzzed with disbelief. Word spread like wildfire.
"A Mortal Realm cultivator defeating a Xiantian Realm expert—impossible!"
---
At the Ouyang Family Mansion
Ouyang Ye lay on a bed, pale and trembling, his chest still bandaged. His voice was low but filled with venom.
"Lin Feng… I will repay this humiliation a hundredfold."
---
Lin Feng's Courtyard
Under the dim glow of moonlight, Lin Feng sat cross-legged, refining his qi and healing his injuries. His breathing was steady, his aura calm and powerful.
Outside, Fatty's voice broke the silence.
"Boss! Boss!"
Lin Feng opened his eyes and smiled faintly.
"I've reached the eighth-grade Mortal Realm… but I've hit a bottleneck. It's time I temper myself outside the sect."
Fatty grinned from ear to ear.
"Boss, we've got five thousand points now!"
Lin Feng stood up, stretching slightly.
"Good. Wait for me—I'm going to see Master."
---
At the First Elder's Peak
Lin Feng bowed respectfully.
"Master."
The old man smiled faintly, his eyes gleaming with approval.
"My disciple, I heard of your achievements. You've made quite the stir."
Lin Feng smiled modestly.
"It was nothing, Master."
He hesitated before continuing.
"Master, I've reached a bottleneck. I'd like to go out of the sect to temper myself."
The elder nodded.
"Very well. But be cautious—especially of Ouyang Ye. He won't let this go easily."
"Understood, Master. I'll be careful."
Lin Feng cupped his fists respectfully and left.
---
At the Mission Hall
"Let's head to the mission hall," Lin Feng said.
Fatty followed eagerly, pointing as they entered.
"That section's for Outer Court disciples, and the other one's for Inner disciples."
As they walked in, whispers filled the air.
> "Is that Lin Feng?"
"He's so handsome!"
"I love his hair…"
At the counter, Lin Feng spoke calmly.
"We're here to take on missions."
The attendant smiled and handed him two scrolls.
Mission 1: Escort the Young Mistress of the Yang Clan – Time limit: seven days.
Mission 2: Eliminate Ye Yang of the Devil Sect – Time limit: one month.
Lin Feng glanced over the papers.
"What's the difficulty level of the first mission?"
"That's an S-rank mission," the attendant replied. "It may involve Xiantian Realm experts, but since you've displayed Xiantian-level combat strength, you're qualified."
"Alright. Give me the map and location."
The attendant nodded quickly and handed him a scroll, then discreetly pulled out a communication talisman as Lin Feng left.
"S-rank mission accepted by Lin Feng…" she whispered into the talisman.
Fatty looked uneasy.
"Boss, are you really taking an S-rank mission? That's too dangerous!"
Lin Feng patted his shoulder lightly.
"Don't worry. I'll be back in a few days."
"Alright, Boss. I'll be waiting."
Rumors spread across the sect once more.
"Lin Feng accepted an S-rank mission!"
"He's insane—too arrogant!"
Swoosh!
A flash of sword light split the forest. The massive silver-furred wolf collapsed in two clean halves, its blood staining the grass.
Lin Feng wiped his blade clean, murmuring,
"Two more days to reach the Yang Clan."
...
At the Yang Clan Gate
The guards stopped him immediately.
"State your business."
Lin Feng smiled, presenting his sect badge.
"Lin Feng, Outer Court disciple of the Sword Sovereign Sect. I'm here to escort the Young Mistress of the Yang Clan."
The guards exchanged glances, then bowed.
"Please come in."
Inside the hall, several elders sat in council.
"Elders, this is the disciple sent by the Sword Sovereign Sect," one of the guards announced.
The eldest frowned.
"Just a Mortal Realm cultivator? Is this a joke?"
Lin Feng's brows furrowed.
"If I wasn't capable, I wouldn't have been recommended."
Another elder scoffed.
"You'll be facing Xiantian-level threats. This isn't a game."
"Then you don't need to worry about it," Lin Feng replied calmly.
At that moment, a graceful figure entered.
"This is the Young Mistress you'll be escorting," the elder said respectfully.
Lin Feng blinked in surprise. She's even more beautiful than Ye Ning…
She glanced at him with clear disdain.
"A seventh-grade Mortal Realm cultivator is supposed to be my escort?"
"Young Mistress, he was sent personally by the Sword Sovereign Sect," an elder explained.
Lin Feng's patience thinned. They all looked down on him as if he were trash.
"Young Mistress, you need not worry about my cultivation level," Lin Feng said evenly.
She snorted.
"What right does a mere Mortal Realm like you have to speak before me?"
Lin Feng's eyes sharpened. He'd had enough. His aura exploded outward, filling the room like a crashing wave.
The air trembled. The elders' expressions changed instantly—his qi pressure was overwhelming.
The Young Mistress staggered slightly, her face paling. She could barely breathe under the weight of it.
Then she gritted her teeth, her own qi bursting forth.
Hmph!
The aura of a Xiantian Third Grade expert flared to life.