Chapter 5

"According to the ancestral rules of the sect, anyone who reaches the third level of martial arts, regardless of their status, can become an outer disciple. However... you can't!"

The gray-robed steward spoke slowly, causing Lin Yun's expression to change slightly. He pondered and said, "Why, am I an exception?"

"Did you achieve this level on your own? Who in the sect doesn't know that Su Zhirao has given you countless pills, allowing you to reach this level solely through the use of pills? It's just a facade, what use does the sect have for you?"

The gray-robed elder chuckled and said indifferently, "I won't make it difficult for you. Choose any outer disciple from the Hall of Sect Affairs. If you can last ten moves, I'll give you the status of an outer disciple. Otherwise..."

His voice paused, and the gray-robed steward coldly shouted, "Go back and be a sword slave honestly. Don't waste the sect's resources."

The sudden change in the situation made the originally relaxed atmosphere in the Hall of Sect Affairs turn cold.

Some felt sorry for Lin Yun, thinking that his two years of effort had been in vain.

Others believed that the gray-robed steward was right; a cultivation level achieved through pills indeed had little potential.

But to last ten moves against them was truly asking too much.

Having just entered the third level of martial arts, how could he possibly last ten moves against those who had been practicing for years?

Lin Yun stared directly at the gray-robed steward, puzzled. They had no grudge or enmity, why was the other person making things so difficult for him?

"Don't panic, Xiao Lin. Senior Brother Zhou will take care of you. If you can last five moves against me, I'll let you through for the next five."

A voice came from behind, and Lin Yun turned to see Zhou Ping's half-smiling face in the crowd.

He understood a lot in that moment.

"Hey! You even brought a headband. What, do you think that makes you not a sword slave anymore?"

With a hint of mockery, Zhou Ping slowly walked forward, and the other outer disciples quickly moved aside.

Many who saw Zhou Ping come out had a look of realization in their eyes. No wonder Steward Yang was making things difficult for Lin Yun.

It was clear that Lin Yun was being targeted by Zhou Ping.

With Zhou Ping's status, getting Steward Yang to do this small favor was too easy.

Though they knew this, no one was willing to stand up for Xiao Chen. Who would go out of their way to help a sword slave?

"Steward Yang, may I ask if what you said is true? If I can last ten moves against Senior Brother Zhou, can I become an outer disciple?"

Ignoring Zhou Ping's mockery, Lin Yun turned and asked the gray-robed elder.

A flash of surprise crossed the gray-robed steward's eyes, and he said solemnly, "Of course. If you can prove that you're not just a facade, why would I make things difficult for you?"

His words were righteous, but the gray-robed steward was inwardly sneering. Facing Zhou Ping, who was one level higher, this sword slave was truly overestimating himself.

Inside the Hall of Sect Affairs.

Lin Yun, who was originally expected to back down, chose to accept the challenge, shocking the other outer disciples.

The current situation, with a little thought, was clearly a trap set by Zhou Ping.

He was waiting for Lin Yun to jump in. No one in their right mind would make such a choice, inviting humiliation.

Moreover, Zhou Ping was at the fourth level of martial arts, a full level higher.

"Senior Brother Zhou, please instruct me."

Walking to a relatively open area in the Hall of Sect Affairs, Lin Yun extended his hand.

"Hehe, you were once my sword slave. My offer still stands; you only need to last five moves."

As he spoke, Zhou Ping leaned forward, his arms spread like wings, and he charged at Lin Yun.

Whoosh!

The moment he started running, a strong wind surged, rushing straight at Lin Yun.

"Body like a bow, arms like wings, momentum like the wind—this is the Eagle Claw Technique!"

"The eagle hunts with great momentum. From his posture, it's clear that Zhou Ping has a good grasp of it. Once he takes flight, it will be formidable."

"No wonder Zhou Ping is confident enough to let Xiao Chen have five moves. His mastery of the Eagle Claw Technique is impressive, and he's not far from perfection."

An expert can tell at a glance.

The onlookers were not mere servants of the Sword Washing Pavilion but outer disciples, and they could see through Zhou Ping's true strength.

The strong wind blew Lin Yun's bangs, and Zhou Ping, charging at him, had a fierce and sharp gaze, his steps steady and heavy.

Compared to the arrogance and carelessness three days ago, he was now a completely different person.

If he had come without any preparation, he would have truly fallen here today.

Lin Yun remained calm, recalling the majesty of the tiger from the scroll in his mind. As the other side was building momentum, he was doing the same.

"Finished, this sword slave must be stupid, standing there motionless, waiting to die?"

"Once the Eagle Claw Technique is unleashed, its power is fierce and unstoppable. Unless one has exceptional agility, moving like a quick rabbit, hard combat is disadvantageous."

"A sword slave wouldn't know these things. Once Zhou Ping takes flight, the outcome is sealed."

"He's flying!"

Zhou Ping, who had been charging and building momentum, suddenly leaned forward, his arms spread like wings, and his feet stomped hard.

Whoosh!

His body shot up like an arrow, his arms spreading wide, resembling a soaring eagle, his gaze sharp as a sword.

A cruel smile curled on his lips, making his face look brutal and ferocious.

Forget the humiliation from three days ago; Lin Yun was Zhou Ping's main source of income. He couldn't let him become an outer disciple.

If he left, how could he continue to receive rewards from Su Zhirao?

"Defeat him!"

With a roar, Zhou Ping's attack, built up to its peak, reached its climax.

His right hand turned into a claw, like an eagle hunting, viciously grabbing down at Xiao Chen's head.

"How ruthless!"

The outer disciples on the scene sucked in a cold breath. Zhou Ping clearly had no intention of giving Lin Yun a way out.

A direct attack to the head would either kill or severely injure him.

Five moves?

He never intended to give Lin Yun five moves; he wanted to injure and humiliate him in one move.

Whoosh!

Before the eagle claw reached him, the strong wind already made it hard for Lin Yun to open his eyes, his hair flying wildly.

He took a step back with his right foot, bent his waist, and crouched.

In the eyes of the onlookers, Lin Yun's action seemed foolish, surprising everyone.

Was he retreating to avoid the attack? Could he retreat?

Not good!

The previously indifferent Steward Yang's right eyelid suddenly twitched, and his face changed drastically.

But it was too late. Before he could stop him, Lin Yun had already made his move.

I have a tiger in my heart, gently sniffing the roses!

The Tiger Fist, Roaring Tiger in the Mountains!

Lin Yun, who had taken a step back and crouched, did not retreat but advanced, his fingers tightly clenched, and he punched out.

In that instant, it was as if a painting unfolded behind him.

His bones crackled like a tiger's roar, and a continuous roar echoed. The punch sent a shockwave through the air, causing the wind to howl and the air to swirl.

This punch is for me. You shouldn't have blocked my path to becoming an outer disciple, using underhanded tactics!

"Perfected Tiger Fist!"

Some sharp-eyed outer disciples immediately recognized that Xiao Chen had perfected the Tiger Fist!

Bang!

The punch and the claw met. Zhou Ping's Eagle Claw Technique was not yet perfected, and he was sent flying by Lin Yun's sudden attack.

His palm split open, and his entire arm felt as if it were broken, his body flying backward.

His eyes filled with fear. How was this possible? Three days ago, the Tiger Fist was only at a minor level.

How did it break through in just three days?

The Tiger Fist, though a basic technique, was not easily perfected.

Worse still, he wanted to defeat Lin Yun in one move, and now, in mid-air, he couldn't change his position.

Lin Yun's expression was cold. He took two steps forward and leaped like a tiger.

His leap was not as high or swift as Zhou Ping's soaring eagle, but it perfectly captured the fierce and heavy essence of a tiger.

Tiger Descending the Mountain!

In mid-air, with his right arm powerless and unable to move, Zhou Ping could only watch helplessly as Lin Yun's even more ferocious punch hit his chest.

Crack!

Several ribs in his chest broke, and Zhou Ping's face contorted in pain, unable to cry out.

The second punch was for the original owner, Lin Yun. You shouldn't have bullied the weak and humiliated him for two years!

He retracted his fist and stood still.

After landing, Lin Yun moved his fingers, calming the surging internal energy in his body.

Zhou Ping, who was expected to severely injure Lin Yun in one move, was defeated in two moves, cleanly and decisively.

An unexpected outcome left the outer disciples in the Hall of Sect Affairs stunned.

Whoosh, the wind howled!

Steward Yang's figure flashed, and he landed beside Zhou Ping, checking his injuries.

His face turned dark, and he glared at Xiao Chen, furious. "You, a sword slave, have the nerve to be so ruthless. Lin Yun, you have injured a fellow disciple, showing no mercy or righteousness. I will now expel you from the Qingyun Sect!"

Lin Yun was slightly taken aback but not surprised. He said calmly, "The Tiger Fist is at a disadvantage against the Eagle Claw Technique. If I didn't use my full strength, his first claw could have shattered my skull."

"You dare to talk back to me!"

Steward Yang was furious. Zhou Ping was seriously injured, and he didn't know how to explain this to his father.

This little sword slave, with such a hard mouth, truly didn't know when to stop.

The atmosphere in the Hall of Sect Affairs suddenly became tense, and the pressure increased. The gray-robed steward was truly angry!

"Stop!"

Just as the gray-robed steward was about to punish Lin Yun, a hoarse voice came from upstairs.