This martial saint is too cautious.

Chapter 83 First Encounter (Please Subscribe)

The next day!

Early in the morning, Lin Yan went out for breakfast.

In the kitchen, Lin Yan ignored the many people's prying eyes.

From yesterday's attack on Lin Wang, choosing to expose the Thirteen Styles of Flowing Clouds, he had anticipated that he would become the focus of attention among the branch clansmen in a short period of time.

After finishing his meal, Lin Yan was about to get up and leave when a commotion suddenly broke out in the kitchen.

"There's good news. A sword master from the fifth branch family is teaching swordsmanship on the training ground, and our branch family members can also go and listen."

"Really?"

"This news came from the Fifth Branch. Didn't you see that there were very few people from the Fifth Branch? These guys went there very early this morning."

"Why didn't you say so earlier? I would have gone too."

"It's not too late to go now. Let's go together."

"Kendo... It's a pity I practice swordsmanship." Someone shook their head regretfully.

"Foolish. So what if you practice swordsmanship? Haven't you heard that all methods are interconnected? To put it another way, the more you learn about swordsmanship, the more confident you'll be when facing opponents who use swords in the future."

"That makes sense. I was being narrow-minded. Let's go—hurry up and go."

Lin Yan, who was originally preparing to return to his courtyard to pack his luggage for the Yangtian Mountains, narrowed his eyes slightly upon hearing these discussions. A sword master giving a lesson—

My Flowing Cloud Thirteen Styles and the Startling Swan Sword Technique are already perfected, but—I know too little about the Way of the Sword. Perhaps I can take this opportunity to learn more about the Way of the Sword.

Martial Arts Stage.

Located in the central square of the Lin Mansion, there were already over a hundred people there when Lin Yan arrived.

Besides the people from various branches, Lin Yan saw many unfamiliar faces in the front row below the platform.

These unfamiliar faces possessed extraordinary bearing; their temperament and aura were clearly different from those of the branch clansmen.

These people must be members of the fifth branch of the family.

The fact that the young members of the main family were able to come and listen made Lin Yan even more eager for the lecture by the sword master from the fifth branch.

Minute.

At the front, several young people from the main family were talking in hushed tones as they looked at the many branch clansmen behind them.

"It's been a long time since our Lin family has been this lively."

"There are over two hundred branch clan members. Mingjing, aren't you the one who loves to show off the most? Go take a walk around the disciples' quarters, and I guarantee there will be a bunch of people fawning over you."

"I do like to be in the spotlight, but I'm not interested in a bunch of people who have had their photos retouched three or four times."

"These branch clansmen are just here to join in the fun. With their swordsmanship skills, they simply cannot understand the swordsmanship that Uncle Wu teaches."

"That's true. None of these branch clansmen have even mastered sword intent. I don't know what the clan was thinking. If they wanted to teach swordsmanship to these branch clansmen, they could have just sent anyone. Having so many people is actually affecting my ability to listen to Uncle Wu's lessons."

"This wasn't arranged by the clan; allowing members of the branch clans to come and listen was decided by Fifth Uncle."

Upon hearing this, the two young men from the main family, who had initially been slightly dissatisfied, immediately composed themselves.

They dare to criticize their clan, but they wouldn't dare criticize their fifth uncle.

In recent years, my fifth uncle has become more self-disciplined, but he used to be known for his fiery temper, drawing his sword at the slightest provocation.

"I knew Lin Yan would come."

As Lin Yan stood still, a young man walked over with a smile and greeted him. Lin Yan replied, "I practice swordsmanship, so of course I wouldn't miss this opportunity."

Lin Yan also remembered the young man's identity: Lin Yu, the fourth-time skin-sharpening martial artist from the fifth branch.

The third branch only has conflicts with the fourth branch, and no grudges with the other branches. Since they took the initiative to greet each other and show goodwill, Lin Yan would not refuse them.

"Fifth Uncle is the number one swordsman in our Lin family, and even in the entire Qingzhou Prefecture. Those of you who practice swordsmanship are truly fortunate to be able to hear Fifth Uncle teach. Unfortunately—I practice spear."

As Lin Yu spoke, a look of regret crossed his face.

Before coming to the master's house, he had already practiced spear techniques. After arriving at the master's house, he selected a high-grade spear technique from the treasure pavilion. Although the master's house also arranged for a spear master to instruct him, how could he compare to his fifth uncle?

"All paths lead to the same goal; those who practice spear techniques may still gain insights from swordsmanship," Lin Yan comforted him.

"Haha, Lin Yan, what you said makes some sense. Actually, apart from you sword practitioners, most of the people who came this time are just here to join in the fun. The real protagonists are those young people from the main family at the front."

"The one on the far left, Lin Mingjing from the eldest son's family, is only nineteen years old this year, and it is said that he has already mastered sword intent."

"The second one is from the second branch of the family, a 22-year-old Blood Exchange Realm expert who has also cultivated sword intent."

Lin Yan narrowed his eyes slightly. Compared with the younger generation of the main family, these branch descendants were about five years behind in strength.

As soon as Lin Yu finished speaking, the previously noisy crowd suddenly quieted down, and everyone's eyes turned to the left side of the square, where a middle-aged man and a woman of marriageable age were walking slowly towards them.

"Lin Yan, the one walking in front is Fifth Uncle, and behind him is Fifth Uncle's beloved daughter, Sister Mingxi. Don't let Sister Mingxi's seemingly weak appearance fool you; she is a powerful expert in the Blood Exchange Realm."

Lin Yu lowered his voice, and Lin Yan was speechless. Where did he get the idea that she was a weak woman?

Today, Lin Mingxi changed into a fitted outfit with tight sleeves. Her long hair was casually tied up with a wooden hairpin, and a narrow sword hung at her waist. The outfit accentuated her slender and neat waist. Her steps were light yet steady. Her simple and unadorned beauty outshone all the elaborately dressed women around her.

She followed behind her father, her beautiful eyes scanning the crowd, trying to find the branch of the clan that had piqued her curiosity last night, but unfortunately—after scanning around, she realized that she couldn't recognize him at all.

"Fifth Uncle, Sister Mingxi."

"Fifth Uncle, Mingxi."

The young members of the host family in the front row, who had been nonchalant before, all straightened up and bowed.

"Um.

""

Lin Shouyuan nodded and walked straight to the high platform in the square, while Lin Mingxi stood at the very front, standing with the main family members.

"Sister Xi, why is Fifth Uncle suddenly giving a lesson today?"

"My dad needs to teach, is that not allowed?"

Lin Mingxi's rhetorical question silenced the group.

Why can't Uncle Wu teach? They wish they could hear Uncle Wu teach swordsmanship every day.

However—it seems that the last time Uncle Wu gave a lecture was seven years ago, and he notified the entire clan in advance, giving many clansmen who were in seclusion or away from home time to prepare.

Unlike this time, it happened without warning, and they would have missed it if they hadn't happened to overhear it.

Lin Shouyuan stood on the high platform without any further opening remarks.

He glanced at the sea of ​​people below the stage, his gaze calm, as if looking at a still pond.

"In the path of swordsmanship, some people practice their whole lives, only to become proficient, and stop at the level of sword posture."

His voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears: "Some people can develop sword intent after three to five years of practice."

"What's the difference?"

The audience was silent.

Lin Shouyuan didn't wait for anyone's reply and continued speaking to himself.

"The difference lies in two words: 'asking the sword'."

He raised his right hand, joined his index and middle fingers together, and casually made a sweeping motion in the air.

There was no sword, no fluctuation of qi or blood, just a simple gesture, but everyone below the stage felt a sharpness in that instant, as if an invisible sword had truly swept past their heads.

Lin Yan's eyes flickered slightly; this sword intent—it was incredibly strong.

Unlike his own "Surprisingly Beautiful Sword Technique" with its entangling sword intent, and unlike the flowing and smooth "Thirteen Styles of Flowing Clouds," this Fifth Uncle's sword intent carried an indomitable and sharp spirit.

However, most people looked bewildered and impressed.

"What is sword intent? Your sword is the answer to you."

"You asked it, and it answered. Its answer was your sword intent."

Finally, a young man from the main family in the front row couldn't hold back any longer and asked, "Fifth Uncle, how should we ask for the sword?"

He was still young and was the only one among them who had not yet developed sword intent.

"To understand swordsmanship, one must first understand the heart. Some people are fiery-tempered, while others are calm. It is easier for a fiery-tempered person to choose a fierce swordsmanship, but it is much less effective to practice a gentler swordsmanship. Therefore, the clever way to cultivate sword intent is to choose a swordsmanship that suits oneself."

Many people in the audience looked thoughtful. These words weren't profound; they could understand the importance of choosing the right sword technique based on one's personality.

"Fifth Uncle, the first sword technique you practiced was the Autumn Water Sword Technique—this sword technique and your temperament—"

Another young man from the family laughed and said, "My fifth uncle's temper was like a firecracker when he was young; he would explode at the slightest provocation. So he shouldn't have chosen the Autumn Water Sword Technique."

"What I just mentioned was the method of taking shortcuts. There is another type of person who doesn't care what kind of sword technique it is. These people are the true geniuses of swordsmanship, who can cultivate multiple sword intents."

hiss!

This caused the scene to become noisy once again. For those present, including the members of these branch clans, they were all considered geniuses in their respective counties, but being able to cultivate a technique to the point of perfection was already quite satisfying.

To be able to master multiple artistic concepts, how talented must one be?

Lin Yan was also deep in thought at this moment. If these kinds of people are considered geniuses, then what am I?

Lin Shouyuan took in everyone's expressions and laughed, "Don't you feel the gap is huge? If I told you that above these geniuses, there's another type of genius, wouldn't you all despair?"

"Fifth Uncle, although it's discouraging, we still really want to know what the next level of genius is like?"

Lin Mingjing smiled wryly and said that the others felt the same way. Having a gap is not terrible; only by understanding it can they have the motivation to catch up.

Everyone present, including Lin Yan, was staring intently, waiting for Uncle Wu to say something next.

"There is another kind of genius, born with a sword heart. What takes others three to five years to develop sword intent, they can do in just one and a half years. Not to mention two or three, they can master at least five sword intents. Compared with them, your talent in swordsmanship is like a mayfly seeing the blue sky, insignificant."

The scene was completely silent.

Even Lin Mingjing and his group, who were already prepared, were somewhat caught off guard.

It takes a year and a half to develop sword intent, and you need to master more than five techniques.

"Fifth Uncle, can this sword heart be cultivated later in life?"

Another young man from the main family spoke up. Upon hearing this question, Lin Yan's eyes also showed anticipation. If a genius with a sword heart could cultivate several sword intents, then if he possessed several sword intents, wouldn't that be equivalent to having a sword heart?

"Okay." Lin Shouyuan nodded, but just as a glimmer of hope arose in everyone's hearts because of his words, his next sentence shattered that hope.

"If one masters ten sword intents and cultivates all ten sword intents to perfection, one can forge a sword heart later in life. However, this path is more difficult than having a sword heart innately. In the entire Shandong region, only one or two people can be born with a sword heart every few decades. In the history of swordsmanship, I have only heard of one case of someone forging a sword heart by mastering ten perfect sword intents."

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes dimmed.

Being born with a sword heart is already one in ten thousand; in the entire Shandong region, there are only one or two like that every few decades. As for the acquired path of ten perfect sword intents, it is simply a dead end.

Lin Yan's mouth was slightly open, equally shocked, but he was more shocked because he thought of that senior Situ.

I was born with a sword heart—

Those who receive my guidance all possess a heart for swordsmanship.

He sensed that Senior Situ's words were somewhat Versailles-like, but he didn't know exactly how Versailles-like they were.

Now—he knows.

I was too narrow-minded and didn't think big enough.

Only one or two sword geniuses emerge in the entire Shandong region every few decades, barely enough to be qualified to receive guidance from this Senior Situ. How high must Senior Situ's status be?

And that little girl—

Standing at the back of the crowd, Lin Yu saw Lin Yan's mouth slightly open and thought that Lin Yan was also discouraged. He gently nudged Lin Yan with his elbow and said in a low voice, "Ten perfect sword intents—this is not giving hope. If I can cultivate ten perfect sword intents, what use is the sword heart? At that time, who can say that I don't have a sword heart? They might even say that I have an extremely rare hidden sword heart."

""

Hearing Lin Yu's complaints, Lin Yan was taken aback, but upon reflection, he realized that it made perfect sense.

When I achieve fame and success, great scholars will naturally come to analyze the classics for me.

"Practicing swordsmanship—you still need to be down-to-earth and not aim too high," Lin Shouyuan's voice rang out again, interrupting the whispers below the stage: "The Thirteen Forms of Flowing Clouds is the most difficult sword technique in my Lin family. Today I will demonstrate the sword intent once. How much you can understand depends on your own comprehension."

As Lin Shouyuan spoke, he extended his right hand. Lin Mingxi, who was below the stage, understood immediately. He untied the narrow sword from his waist, tossed it gently, and the sword drew an arc in the air before landing steadily in Lin Shouyuan's palm.

"Watch closely!"

Before the words were even finished, the sword was already drawn.

The first move: the sword's edge slices through the morning mist, leaving a faint trail like the first glimpse of clouds.

The second and third moves followed closely behind, each sword strike faster than the last, and the sword light began to leave afterimages in the air.

By the fifth move, he was no longer standing still; his feet moved lightly, each step landing in the gap where the sword light was about to disappear.

The moment Lin Yan stepped from the ninth form into the tenth form, his pupils contracted slightly.

It has begun; the Flowing Cloud Sword Intent has appeared.

The eleventh move was accompanied by a sudden, heavy sword light, as if muffled thunder was rolling in the air. Although it was just a narrow sword, the swing was like a whole dark cloud pressing down. The crowd below the stage involuntarily took another half step back, while Lin Mingxi cunningly turned her back to her father early on.

The twelfth move: Clouds split the sky.

An extremely sharp sword intent burst forth from the layers of sword light, like a crack suddenly appearing in the dark, cloud-covered sky, with the light of the sky like a sword piercing straight into the earth.

The thirteenth move, the final strike.

-

Lin Shouyuan's sword remained suspended in mid-air, not falling.

All the sword light, sword momentum, and sword intent vanished at this moment, as if the twelve swords had never been swung.

"So powerful. We both possess perfect sword intent, yet the power I unleash is worlds apart from that of Fifth Uncle."

This is the difference in their levels of understanding and the extent of their superiority.

"Coming to this class was the right decision."

Lin Yan felt fortunate. Having comprehended two perfect sword intents in a row, even if he tried to restrain himself, he couldn't help but feel a sense of superiority. But now, seeing his fifth uncle's sword strike, he realized that while sword intent could enhance strength, it was not invincible.

Fifth Uncle's sword strike shattered his own inflated ego, which he himself had never realized.

Lin Shouyuan sheathed his sword, turned around and stepped off the stage, but at the moment he turned around, there was a hint of disappointment in his eyes.

He's giving a public lecture this time because Lao Qi (Old Seven) approached him.

He owed Lao Qi a favor, as Lao Qi had asked him to guide Lin Yanjian, a member of the third branch of the clan, in the Dao, and he did so in this way.

Having just demonstrated the Thirteen Forms of Flowing Clouds, his perception enveloped everyone below. If Lin Yan truly possessed talent, he would be drawn by his sword intent, experiencing insights that would subtly alter his breathing and even his heartbeat.

However, apart from Ming Jing and a few others in the front row being drawn by his sword intent, he did not sense any change in the aura of anyone else.

It is indeed astonishing to master the Flowing Cloud Thirteen Styles into a sword stance in seven days, but it is not impossible if one has practiced swordsmanship before and has a foundation in swordsmanship.

It's very likely that Lin Yan lied to the third branch of the family; he had already practiced swordsmanship before coming to the manor.

There's no need for me to meet with a fake swordsmanship genius and a person with wicked intentions.

"So that's how it is. This is what I've been wondering about all along. I finally understand now. Thank you, Uncle Wu. — Where is Uncle Wu?"

'

In the front row, a young man from the host family was stunned for a dozen breaths before he came to his senses. When he looked at the platform again, there was no one there.

"Fifth Uncle has already left, let's go too. After watching Fifth Uncle's sword strikes just now, I have gained some insights. I need to go into seclusion this time and strive to improve my sword intent to a higher level."

As the crowd dispersed, Lin Yu spoke to Lin Yan, "Lin Yan, we'll all get together later, do you want to come?"

Seeing Lin Yu's gaze turn to the other four fourth-level skin-sharpening martial artists, Lin Yan knew that this gathering referred to a meeting among the fourth-level skin-sharpening martial artists from the branch.

"I'm afraid it won't work today. I've already taken on a task from my clan, which has been delayed for several days. I can't afford to delay any longer."

"Okay, then let's get together again when you come back and have time."

Lin Yu didn't press the issue. He felt that Lin Yan had potential and was willing to befriend him, since goodwill had already been shown.

"Father, haven't you seen Lin Yan from the third branch of the family?"

On the way out, Lin Mingxi asked curiously, "Yesterday, Uncle Qi came to our door in person, just for Lin Yan from the third branch of the family, wanting Father to give him some pointers on swordsmanship."

Today's sword teaching session was actually held for Lin Yan, so Father should have met Lin Yan.

"He's gone. That Lin Yan wasn't exactly a swordsmanship genius."

Lin Shouyuan shook his head: "Go to the third branch and tell your seventh uncle that Lin Yan had already learned swordsmanship before entering the manor, and your seventh uncle will understand."

"Father, isn't this a bit too hasty?"

"Unless Lin Yan didn't come, then there's no mistake." Lin Shouyuan shook his head and added, "If your father personally teaches him and Lin Yan didn't come—that just means he has no ambition in swordsmanship. He has talent but no ambition, so he's not worth your father's personal instruction."

Lin Mingxi: ————

-

"During this time, you should go into seclusion and practice the Thirteen Forms of Flowing Clouds diligently, striving to further improve your sword intent."

Lin Shouyuan suddenly spoke, noticing his daughter's puzzled look, and explained, "A friend of mine recently sent a letter mentioning that he's taken on a new disciple, saying the boy is dull-witted and hoping for some guidance." The guidance was a pretense; his real intention was to boast. I know this guy's personality too well. He's definitely taken on a disciple with exceptional swordsmanship talent. It won't be long before he brings his disciple to our door, and then he'll inevitably have that disciple challenge the younger generation of my Lin family. Your father doesn't want to see that smug look on his face in front of me."

"Dad, the friend you're talking about isn't Uncle He, is it?"

"Who else could it be but him?"

Lin Mingxi covered her mouth and chuckled. Uncle He and her father were close friends. They had ventured out together in their early years. Although her father and Uncle He always bickered when they met, when Uncle He was being chased, her father received the news and traveled thousands of miles alone with his sword for three days to help Uncle He out of the predicament.

Linfu Street.

Lin Yan led the horse and headed towards the city gate.

As a member of the Lin family, even a branch, he was entitled to ride a horse on the street, but Lin Yan chose to lead the horse on foot. He didn't like the feeling of being the center of attention on horseback.

After he had walked two streets, the number of pedestrians began to dwindle.

Qingzhou Prefecture is very large, and not every place is a bustling area. At this moment, the houses on both sides are gradually being replaced by sparse trees.

Just as Lin Yan mounted his horse, a chill ran down his spine.

Without any hesitation or even a second thought, Lin Yan drew his longsword from its sheath, its silver light cascading like a waterfall, unleashing the Thirteen Forms of Flowing Clouds.

At the same time, from the front and the left and right sides above the dense tree canopy, three figures descended almost simultaneously. These three were clearly skilled in concealment, keeping their auras extremely low until they made their move.

Ding!Ding!Ding!

The clang of metal rang out, and sparks flew everywhere.

The three longswords were all deflected, and the three figures landed, forming a triangle around Lin Yan. They were all masked, but their expressions beneath the masks were even more shocked than Lin Yan's at that moment.

The three of them, relying on their ability to conceal their auras, had ambushed and killed many martial artists stronger than themselves. Although they had received information that Lin Yan had only just broken through to the fourth level of the Skin-Refining Realm, they did not underestimate him at all. They chose to attack the moment Lin Yan had just mounted his horse and was distracted. Under such circumstances, unless it was a Blood Exchange Realm expert, it would be impossible for him to react in time, and even if he did react, he would definitely not be able to withstand their three-person attack.

According to the information they obtained, Lin Yan is not a member of a branch of the Lin family, and he has only recently broken through to the fourth level of skin polishing.

This reaction, this energy and blood flow—

Could it be that she just broke through the fourth skin smoothing step?

Lin Yan's face also showed shock and anger. This was the first time he had been ambushed and attacked. If his stone waist and thunder spine hadn't sensed the danger at the critical moment and reacted, he would have been seriously injured if he had been just a fraction slower.

With his long sword twirling in his hand, Lin Yan didn't ask why the other party had ambushed him.

At least, now is not the time to ask.

Swords rise!

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