This martial saint is too cautious.

Chapter 331 Provocation (Third Update, Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Ahead, at the main gate of the patrol and inspection department.

Han Muyang was walking side by side with a middle-aged woman and a middle-aged man, and the three of them were heading towards the entrance of the patrol office.

Han Muyang and the other two heard Wang Fuyin's voice, stopped in their tracks, and looked over immediately.

The next moment, Han Muyang's eyes lit up and he walked quickly toward them.

"It's over!"

Seeing the young master walking towards them, Chen Qingshuang's usually cold face showed signs of anxiety.

Even more subconsciously, she moved her feet, blocking Lin Yan and Lin Mingxi from behind.

"Young Valley Master."

Chen Qingshuang spoke, her voice not soft.

Han Muyang, who was walking over, was startled: "Hello, Junior Sister Chen."

However, after greeting Chen Qingshuang, Han Muyang walked straight past her and headed to the back.

At this moment, Lin Mingxi also noticed Han Muyang and said to Lin Yan beside her, "Lin Yan, this is the young master of our Tianyin Valley."

"Yes, I know him."

"know?"

Just as Lin Mingxi was wondering, Han Muyang, who was only a few feet away from the two of them, smiled brightly and said, "Brother Lin, you've come all the way to Qingyuan Prefecture, but you didn't even come to Tianyin Valley to see me. Didn't you let me do my duty as a host?"

"I was originally going to Tianyin Valley, but I happened to run into Sister Mingxi and the others in the city, so I thought I'd visit Brother Han later."

Lin Yan also stepped forward. Han Muyang was still at the half-step Dharma Aspect Realm and had not yet broken through to the Dharma Aspect Realm. However, Lin Yan sensed that Han Muyang's aura was much stronger than it had been a few months ago. He should break through to the Dharma Aspect Realm within a year at the latest.

Back in the Taiyi Sword Sect, Han Muyang said that he was already thirty-eight years old. It seems that Han Muyang still has a chance to be listed on the Dharma Aspect Prodigy Ranking.

Lin Mingxi, standing behind him, was momentarily stunned to see Lin Yan and Han Muyang chatting happily, but quickly came to her senses and a look of realization crossed her face.

Yes!

Lin Yan is a disciple of the Taiyi Sword Sect, and his father said that Lin Yan has already reached the half-step Dharma Aspect realm. The young valley master recently participated in the Sword Inheritance Conference, and it is said that he went to the Taiyi Sword Sect. Since they are both at the half-step Dharma Aspect realm, it is normal for the two to know each other.

Watching Lin Yan speak with the young valley master without showing any fear, Lin Mingxi's lips curled up slightly. As someone from Shandong...

The person who came also inherited the traditions of Shandong Road in some ways.

During their conversation, the young master was noticeably more attentive, which meant that in the young master's mind, Lin Yan's status was higher than his.

As Lin Mingxi watched, a complex mix of emotions welled up inside her.

In my memory, Lin Yan was unknown when he first joined the clan. Even after he showed his talent, he was still called "kid" by Ming Hai.

Yet this "youngster" now stands before the young master of Tianyin Valley, his posture upright and his expression calm, showing neither eagerness to curry favor nor stiff aloofness, but rather a natural demeanor.

A warrior's courage.

This shows that you have confidence.

Lin Mingxi came to her senses, but Chen Qingshuang still hadn't recovered.

Does the young master know Lin Yan?

Watching the two chatting and laughing, Chen Qingshuang felt like a clown.

It turns out that all my worries here were unfounded.

"Senior Sister Lin, is this your cousin?"

Wang Fuyin was the type who couldn't keep secrets. While tilting her head to look at Lin Yan, she asked Lin Mingxi curiously.

"Lin Yan is a disciple of the Taiyi Sword Sect."

Now that the young master has appeared, Lin Mingxi knows that Lin Yan's identity can no longer be hidden.

"A disciple of the Taiyi Sword Sect?"

Wang Fuyin's mouth was slightly open.

"Yes, it's the Taiyi Sword Sect that you always talk about, Junior Sister Wang. If you could let me join the Taiyi Sword Sect, I'd be willing to eat True Essence Pills every day."

puff!

Lin Yan, who was talking to Han Muyang, couldn't help but laugh when he heard Lin Mingxi's words.

Is this the martial arts world's version of taking and eating at the same time?

"Senior Sister Lin."

Wang Fuyin shook Lin Mingxi's arm coquettishly, her pretty face blushing.

"Ahem, that's just how Junior Sister Wang is. Senior Uncle Hao Lian is also quite lenient in his teaching of his disciples."

Seeing Lin Yan laugh out loud, Wang Fuyin's pretty face turned even redder, while Han Muyang smiled and offered an explanation.

"I understand."

From his previous interactions with Wang Fuyin and Chen Qingshuang, Lin Yan could sense that the higher-ups of Tianyin Valley were not the rigid and strict type when it came to managing their disciples, which might also be related to the fact that most of the higher-ups in Tianyin Valley were women.

"Brother Lin, you've come here for the Thunder Swamp Secret Realm, haven't you?"

"The Thunder Swamp Secret Realm?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Mingxi was taken aback, then subconsciously asked, "Lin Yan, you've broken through to the Dharma Aspect Realm?"

"Yes, I just broke through not long ago."

hiss!

The three women absorbed most of the warmth in the air.

"You—you have reached the Dharma Aspect Realm."

Even though she already knew that Lin Yan was a half-step Dharma Aspect, Lin Mingxi was still shocked at this moment.

How long has it been since our clan produced a Dharma Aspect Realm expert?

The difference between the half-step Dharma Aspect realm and the Dharma Aspect realm is only one step, but even this one step makes a world of difference in status.

Wang Fuyin's mouth opened even wider, and the cold expression on Chen Qingshuang's face disappeared. She felt the deep malice of this world towards her.

She had actually been worried about a powerful Dharma Aspect cultivator.

I'm tired!

From now on, I will never worry about others again.

Putting aside the three women's shock, Han Muyang was also introducing the middle-aged man and woman to Lin Yan.

Lin Yan then realized that these two were also elders of Tianyin Valley, and both were half-step Dharma Aspect martial artists.

Tianyin Valley is a sect that focuses on swordsmanship. Of the nine elders in the sect, five of them practice swordsmanship.

"Brother Lin, come here—"

After everyone greeted each other, Han Muyang asked a question out of curiosity, and his expression became somewhat strange as if he had thought of something.

Lin Yan, is he here to sabotage us?

"Don't get me wrong, I just came here with Sister Mingxi and the others to listen to the kendo lecture."

Upon hearing Lin Yan's words, Han Muyang's lips twitched, as did the others.

Attending a lecture?

A powerful cultivator from the Taiyi Sword Sect at the Dharma Aspect Realm, and a renowned prodigy on the Dharma Aspect Prodigy Ranking, has come here to listen to a swordsmanship lecture by a Void Aspect Realm martial artist.

Most importantly, this Void Realm martial artist was also his mortal enemy.

He just couldn't believe it no matter how he heard it.

Seeing the strange expressions on everyone's faces, Lin Yan was helpless. He really wasn't there to cause trouble.

Just as Lin Yan was about to explain again, his gaze turned to the gate of the patrol office.

Several figures strode out of the gate of the patrol office, and the middle-aged man in the middle, dressed in official robes, walked with a steady and powerful gait and a solid aura, clearly a Dharma Aspect expert.

In the Southern Guangdong region, those who can serve as inspectors in a prefecture are all experts at the Dharma Aspect Realm or the Void Aspect Realm; otherwise, they would have no say in the affairs of the major sects within the prefecture.

Entering the Dharma Aspect Realm, although one's strength cannot compare with some of the top experts of sects, as a Dharma Aspect Realm cultivator with the imperial court behind them, they at least have the opportunity to discuss matters.

"I am Zhao Wenhua, Director of the Patrol and Inspection Office of Qingyuan Prefecture."

Zhao Wenhua came out because he had just received a report from his subordinates guarding the gate that a powerful figure had appeared, and even the young master of Tianyin Valley was with him.

Upon hearing his subordinate's report, Zhao Wenhua also released his senses and quickly perceived the situation at the door.

He naturally knew Han Muyang, the young master of Tianyin Valley, and the two elders, but in his perception, there was one young man whose cultivation level he could never fathom.

There are only two possibilities: the other party is also a Dharma Aspect Realm expert, or the other party has cultivated an extremely profound Breath Concealment Technique.

But he had never heard of any concealment technique that could prevent even a Dharma Aspect expert from sensing his presence.

In the martial arts world, most of the techniques for concealing one's aura are for hiding one's aura, but the perception of a Dharma Aspect expert can detect the soul.

When a powerful Dharma Realm expert appeared and even arrived at the entrance of the Patrol and Inspection Office, he, as the Director of the Patrol and Inspection Office, naturally had to come out to welcome him.

Zhao Wenhua had initially thought that this Dharma Aspect Realm expert might have come to befriend Fang, a member of the Heavenly Sword Sect, after hearing him introduce himself. However, upon hearing Fang introduce himself, Zhao Wenhua's heart skipped a beat.

The name Lin Yan might not be familiar to martial artists below the Dharma Aspect level, but as a Dharma Aspect expert and the Director of the Inspection Department, Zhao Wenhua paid close attention to the Dharma Aspect Prodigy Ranking launched by the imperial court.

Lin Yan, a disciple of the Taiyi Sword Sect, ranks ninety-third on the list of prodigies of the Dharma Aspect.

Age, longsword —

All of these conditions are met, so there is absolutely no possibility of mistaken identity.

Under any other circumstances, Zhao Wenhua would have prepared a warm welcome for Lin Yan upon encountering him, but right now—

Inside the mansion, Fang, a member of the Heavenly Sword Sect, was still seated.

"This Lin Yan—could it be that he came here specifically because he knew Brother Fang was going to give a kendo lecture?"

Zhao Wenhua glanced at Han Muyang, who shook his head with a wry smile. He understood the meaning behind Zhao's gaze, but he was unsure what Lin Yan was thinking.

Sensing the tense expressions on everyone's faces, Lin Yan felt somewhat helpless. He now understood why some nobles in his previous life rarely went out. Sometimes, even if they simply wanted to go out for a walk, it would be interpreted in various ways by others.

Well, standing here in front of this gate, I'm afraid this Lord Zhao will be living in constant fear.

Just as Lin Yan was about to take his leave, a powerful aura suddenly shot up from the Patrol Inspectorate, like a sharp sword, heading straight for Lin Yan.

Inside the Patrol Office, the Void Realm martial artist from the Heavenly Sword Sect had also sensed the situation outside.

The moment the other party released their aura, Lin Yan narrowed his eyes slightly. This aura could not harm him, but Mingxi and the others behind him would definitely suffer.

Just as Lin Yan was about to make a move, Zhao Wenhua frowned, waved his right hand, and blocked the sharp aura.

"What does Lord Zhao mean by this?"

A voice rang out, and the next moment, a tall, middle-aged man walked out of the gate of the patrol office. The man had prominent cheekbones, and the moment he stepped out of the gate, his gaze fell on Lin Yan.

Lin Yan of the Taiyi Sword Sect!

Although he had never met him, he had heard of this person's name many times within the sect.

With a half-step Dharma Aspect realm cultivation, he killed five Dharma Aspect seedlings of the sect, and then killed two Dharma Aspect junior brothers in his Dharma Aspect form.

It can be said that this person trampled on the dignity of the Heavenly Sword Sect.

The disciples of the sect, especially those of the Dharma Aspect type, spoke of Lin Yan with murderous intent every time they mentioned him. The Sequence Hall even announced that anyone who could kill Lin Yan or defeat him to restore the sect's reputation would be richly rewarded.

Unexpectedly, such a good opportunity fell into my lap.

Lin Yan's appearance here must have the same purpose as mine: to enter the Thunder Swamp Secret Realm soon and obtain an opportunity to upgrade his Dharma Aspect power. Calculating the time, Lin Yan has only broken through to the Dharma Aspect stage for a few months now, which is only the first level of the Void Aspect Realm, while I had already stepped into the second level of the Void Aspect Realm a month ago.

"Brother Fang, this is a kendo lecture. If you have any grudges, you might as well put them aside for now."

Seeing that Fang Muyuan's gaze was fixed on Lin Yan as soon as he came out, Zhao Wenhua also spoke up and offered a tactful word of advice.

If these two were to fight in a different place, he would absolutely agree, and he would also be able to see what made the Dharma Aspect experts of the Taiyi Sword Sect and the Heavenly Sword Sect so extraordinary.

But this is in front of the Patrol and Inspection Bureau, and as the director of the Patrol and Inspection Bureau, he does not want to see a major battle take place here.

Fang Muyuan smiled slightly as he listened to Zhao Wenhua's words: "Brother Zhao, you are mistaken. I give lectures on swordsmanship and teach the methods of sword cultivation, but no matter how much I talk, it is not as good as demonstrating in person. Since there are people from the Taiyi Sword Sect here, it is a good opportunity for me to spar with Lin Yan, so that the young swordsmen of Qingyuan Prefecture can gain a deeper understanding."

Upon hearing Fang Muyuan's words, the many martial artists who had already noticed the commotion and gathered in front of the patrol office showed excitement on their faces.

Being able to witness the sparring between two masters of the Dharma Aspect Sword Dao is naturally much more exciting than simply listening to theoretical explanations.

"this----"

Zhao Wenhua hesitated for a moment, while Fang Muyuan turned his gaze to Lin Yan: "A disciple of the Taiyi Sword Sect, whose name is on the list of Dharma Aspect Prodigies, Lin Yan, you wouldn't be afraid to spar, would you?"

Facing Fang Muyuan's provocative gaze, Lin Yan narrowed his eyes slightly, while Lin Mingxi behind him reminded him, "Lin Yan, don't be impulsive."

In Lin Mingxi's mind, although Lin Yan's breakthrough to the Dharma Aspect Realm shocked and excited her, the Heavenly Sword Sect's expert was also a Dharma Aspect Realm expert and had been immersed in swordsmanship for more than 30 years, so he was definitely stronger than Lin Yan.

Moreover, the fact that the other party dares to provoke them means that they are confident in their own strength.

A person who lacks the strength to do so yet makes provocative remarks is so foolish that they could never cultivate to the Dharma Aspect Realm.

"Don't worry, Mingxi, I know what I'm doing."

Lin Yan turned around and nodded slightly to Lin Mingxi. When he turned back around, his expression had returned to calm.

The other side used an open strategy.

In front of so many martial artists from Qingyuan Prefecture, they challenged him to a sparring match to test his swordsmanship. If he refused, it would damage the reputation of the Taiyi Sword Sect.

Furthermore, since the other party took the initiative to approach me, I have no reason to refuse.

In the words of several senior brothers in the sword sect, if a disciple of the Taiyi Sword Sect encounters a disciple of the Tianjian Sect, they will fight even if the disciple does not show his face, let alone if he does.

If they show themselves, you have to take them down instantly.

Of course, the same applies to the Heavenly Sword Sect.

"Brother Lin, Fang Muyuan is currently at the second level of the Void Phase Realm. If it's inconvenient for you, I can inform my mother."

Han Muyang's voice could be heard in her ear.

"Thank you, Brother Han, but there's no need to trouble yourself."

Lin Yan replied, then looked at Fang Muyuan: "How would you like to spar?"

"It's very simple. Since the purpose is to let these young people in Qingyuan Prefecture understand the mysteries of swordsmanship, let's not use our Dharma forms and simply spar using swordsmanship. What do you think?"

When Fang Muyuan saw Lin Yan accept the offer, a hint of joy flashed in his eyes, and he immediately offered his method for sparring.

On the surface, he spoke in a grand and respectable manner, after all, this sparring was meant to instruct the young swordsmen of Qingyuan Prefecture, and if he were to use his Dharma Image, then the purpose of instruction would be lost.

The reason he made this request was because he knew that Lin Yan's Dharma form was somewhat strange. When Lin Yan first entered the Dharma form stage, he killed two of his junior brothers, so his Dharma form was probably not ordinary.

As long as Lin Yan's Dharma Aspect is restricted, with the advantage of his second-stage Void Aspect Realm Dharma Aspect power, coupled with his years of immersion in swordsmanship, he will have no problem crushing Lin Yan.

"That's a good suggestion," Lin Yan agreed.

"Since you two wish to exchange sparring tips with my young martial artists from Qingyuan Prefecture, I would like to express my gratitude on behalf of them. However, this place is not suitable for your sparring; perhaps you would like to move to another location—"

There's no need to move.

Fang Muyuan interrupted Zhao Wenhua directly, saying that only here would the news of his defeat of Lin Yan spread throughout Qingyuan Prefecture, including other prefectures in the Southern Guangdong region.

If the location were changed, Zhao Wenhua, out of consideration for Lin Yan and even the reputation of the Taiyi Sword Sect, might secretly instruct the spectators not to disclose the battle results to outsiders.

"Controlling it so as not to affect the surrounding area is not a difficult task, don't you think?"

Fang Muyuan looked at Lin Yan, who nodded. Since this person wanted to embarrass himself in public, he would grant his wish.

Upon hearing that Lin Yan and Fang Muyuan both agreed not to change positions, the surrounding martial artists consciously stepped back and made room.

"I began to learn about swordsmanship at the age of ten, sleeping with my sword every night. When I was fifteen, I began to cultivate martial arts. By the age of twenty, I had already comprehended five perfect sword intents. When I entered the Heavenly Sword Sect, my perfect sword intents had reached ten. After that, my sword intent comprehension continued to grow. When I reached the half-step Dharma Aspect Realm, I comprehended forty-five sword intents and even had two sword pellets."

Fang Muyuan began to speak slowly, and as he continued, the expressions of amazement on the faces of the young martial artists around him grew stronger.

"As expected of a Dharma Aspect expert from the Heavenly Sword Sect, he comprehended five perfect sword intents at the age of twenty, while I only had two perfect sword intents at the age of twenty."

"A lead at one step leads to a lead at every step; the martial arts world has always been this ruthless."

Sensing the amazement and admiration in the words of the martial artists around him, Fang Muyuan's smile widened. The reason he agreed to give a kendo lecture was simply because of the prestige, especially in his hometown.

"Lin Yan, now that my sword intent has reached one hundred levels, I will use my fingers as a substitute for a sword."

boom!

Fang Muyuan raised his hand, his fingertips radiating sword intent, which merged into the power of his Dharma form, emanating an aura that made everyone around him tremble.

Not to mention, these hundred sword intents shone with different colors, their multicolored sword light captivating the soul.

"Fancy and overly complicated."

Lin Yan whispered, without using the Abyss Sword, and pointed out with a finger as well.