Lin Xuan looked over. Lei Bao was an old man dressed in a gray silk robe, about the same age as Lin Zhentian.
His eyes were sunken and sharp, radiating a cold, merciless aura.
"And beside him is Xie Qian, patriarch of the Xie family."
Xie Qian wore a constant smile, giving him an air of gentleness.
"Don't be fooled by that look. They call him the 'Smiling Tiger' for a reason," Lin Xia muttered under her breath.
To become the head of a great clan, none could be simple men.
Lin Xuan studied the two figures intently. From both, he could clearly feel the oppressive aura of Heaven Yuan cultivators.
They weren't concealing their strength, deliberately showing off to intimidate others.
Behind them, Lin Xuan spotted two familiar faces — Lei Li and Xie Yingying.
When the Lei and Xie families halted before the Lin clan, Lei Bao chuckled.
"Lin Zhentian, long time no see. It seems your old bones are still holding up."
"Haha, Lei old man, don't worry. These bones of mine will outlast yours yet." Lin Zhentian replied with a bright smile.
The two men laughed heartily, looking for all the world like old friends.
Yet beneath their words lurked barbs and hostility.
"Too many troubles shorten life," Lei Bao said coolly, sweeping his gaze across the Lin clan.
His eyes paused on Lin Xiao, noting the rich Yuan Power circulating in his body.
His brows furrowed slightly ....clearly aware that Lin Xiao had regained his former strength.
Another Heaven Yuan expert in the Lin family was no small threat.
Then Lei Bao's gaze fell on Lin Xuan.
Four months ago, after Lin Xuan's conflict with Lei Li, he had personally questioned his grandson.
Lei Li's response had been dismissive: "A bit of talent, but nothing to fear."
"This must be the Lin family's so-called rising genius?"
Lei Bao's snake-like eyes fixed on Lin Xuan, releasing a wave of oppressive aura.
Though Lei Li boasted confidence, Lei Bao wasn't fully convinced.
After all, Lei Li had struggled even when Lin Xuan was still only at the Body Tempering stage. Clearly, this youth was unusual.
Hmph, this old dog… Lin Xuan felt the pressure. His brow furrowed slightly, but otherwise he was unmoved.
Though Lei Bao was a realm higher, such aura meant little to someone who trained daily under a 300-jin burden, whose spirit attribute had already reached seventeen.
Still, Lin Xuan played along.
He feigned a strained expression, forcing his body to tremble, his face pale with false panic.
Sure enough, Lei Bao's eyes relaxed. In his mind, Lin Xuan was no threat compared to Lei Li.
"Hmph!" Lei Li snorted proudly behind his grandfather.
Now that he himself had advanced to Earth Yuan, even Lei Bao's aura no longer unsettled him.
Lin Zhentian noticed what was happening.
He immediately stepped in front of Lin Xuan and said calmly, "You flatter him, Lei old man.
Xuan is nothing more than a youngster with a small reputation.
How could he compare with your Lei Li?"
"Hehe, whether he can compare or not ... we'll find out soon enough.
Just prepare your wager." Lei Bao laughed heartily, then led his people past.
As Lei Li walked by, he halted briefly. Looking at Lin Xuan, Lin Dong, Qing Tan, Lin Xia, and the others, he sneered.
"Lin Xuan, there are plenty of beasts in the hunt. Be careful you don't die before reaching the central platform. I'll be waiting there."
Freshly advanced to Earth Yuan, Lei Li's arrogance had returned.
He had conveniently forgotten the humiliation Lin Xuan had once dealt him.
The Lin clan youths glared angrily.
"You'd better reach the platform yourself first," Lin Xuan replied evenly, not the least bit rattled.
To him, Lei Li was no longer a rival. His sights were already set on Lei Bao.
Still, he thought darkly ...this hunt might be the perfect chance to rid himself of Lei Li and shake the confidence of the Lei and Xie clans.
"Hmph!" Lei Li coldly snorted and strode away.
Another stir rippled through the crowd .... the Crazy Blade Martial Hall had arrived.
At their head was Luo Cheng, their master. Years ago, when he had first tried to establish himself in Qingyang Town, he had fought Lei Bao directly.
He took three of Lei Bao's strikes head-on and left a scar across his chest with one desperate slash.
From that day on, the Lei and Xie clans treated him with caution.
His disciples, like their master, carried the same unruly, aggressive spirit.
When Luo Cheng met Lin Zhentian, the two exchanged warm greetings.
Though no formal alliance existed, under the pressure of the Lei and Xie clans, they had long maintained a quiet goodwill toward one another.
"How about it? Got confidence against Lei Li and Xie Yingying, those two dogs?" Wu Yun strolled up to Lin Xuan, grinning mischievously.
"You'll find out soon enough." Lin Xuan answered vaguely.
"They're not easy prey. If you need my help, just say the word." Wu Yun patted his shoulder, clearly fishing for cooperation.
"Not needed. Thanks." Lin Xuan refused calmly.
He had no intention of teaming up ... his plan didn't require allies.
"Tch, fine! I'll enjoy watching how you manage on your own." Wu Yun muttered irritably and walked off.
If Lin Xuan lost to Lei Li, he would step in himself.
"Lin Xuan, why refuse? Wu Yun's strong. With him, you'd have a better chance," Lin Xia asked, puzzled.
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