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. But... 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 cultivation on your own? Everyone in the sect knows that Su Zhirao has given you countless pills. Your cultivation is entirely built on pills, and it's just a facade. What use does the sect have for you?"

The gray-robed elder sneered and said calmly, "I won't make it hard 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 obediently. Don't waste the sect's resources."

The sudden change in the atmosphere made the originally relaxed mood in the hall of sect affairs turn cold.

Some felt sorry for Lin Yun, as two years of effort ended up being in vain.

Others thought the gray-robed steward was right; cultivation built on pills indeed has little potential.

But to last ten moves against them was truly a difficult task.

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

Lin Yun stared directly at the gray-robed steward, puzzled as to why the other party would make things so difficult for him without any grudge.

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

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

In that moment, he understood a lot.

"Hey! You even brought a headband. What, do you think this 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.

Given Zhou Ping's status, it was too easy for him to get Steward Yang to do this small favor.

Knowing this, no one was willing to stand up for Lin Yun. Who would go out of their way to help a sword slave?

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

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

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

He spoke with a sense of righteousness, but in his heart, he was 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 expected to back down, actually chose to fight, shocking the other outer disciples.

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

No normal person would choose to jump into it, inviting humiliation.

Moreover, Zhou Ping was at the fourth level of martial arts, one level higher than Lin Yun.

"Senior Zhou, please instruct me."

Walking to a relatively open area in the hall, Lin Yun extended his hand and said.

"Hehe, at least 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 toward Lin Yun.

Whoosh!

The moment he started running, a strong wind surged, rushing toward 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 Zhou Ping has mastered it well. Once he takes flight, it will be formidable."

"No wonder Zhou Ping is willing to let Lin Yun have five moves. His mastery of the Eagle Claw Technique is close to perfection."

An expert can tell at a glance.

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

The strong wind blew Lin Yun's hair, and Zhou Ping, with a fierce and steady gaze, charged forward.

Compared to three days ago, when he was arrogant and careless, he was now completely different.

If Lin Yun had come without any preparation, he would have been defeated today.

Lin Yun remained calm, recalling the majesty of the tiger from the scroll in his mind. Both he and Zhou Ping were building momentum.

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

"The Eagle Claw Technique, once unleashed, is incredibly powerful. Unless one has exceptional agility, like a cunning rabbit, it's unwise to face it head-on."

"A sword slave wouldn't know these things. Once Zhou Ping takes flight, it's over."

"He's flying!"

With his body leaning forward and arms spread like wings, Zhou Ping, after a moment of building momentum, stomped his foot.

Whoosh!

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

A cruel smile curled on his lips, making his face appear brutal and fierce.

Not to mention the humiliation from three days ago, Lin Yun was a significant source of income for Zhou Ping. He couldn't let him become an outer disciple.

If Lin Yun left, where would he get Su Zhirao's rewards in the future?

"Defeat him!"

With a roar, Zhou Ping's attack, built on momentum, reached its peak.

His right hand transformed into a claw, like an eagle hunting, viciously grabbing down at Lin Yun's head.

"How ruthless!"

The outer disciples present drew a sharp breath. It was clear that Zhou Ping had no intention of giving Lin Yun a way out.

A direct attack to the head, even if Lin Yun survived, he would be severely injured.

Five moves?

He never intended to give Lin Yun five moves; he wanted to defeat 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 lowered his body.

To the onlookers, Lin Yun's action seemed foolish, causing surprise.

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 through the mountains!

Taking a step back and lowering his body, Lin Yun, instead of retreating, advanced. His fingers 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 loud explosion echoed through the air as he punched, causing the wind to howl and the earth to tremble.

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

"The Perfect Tiger Fist!"

Some keen-eyed outer disciples immediately recognized that Lin Yun's Tiger Fist had reached perfection!

Bang!

Fist and palm 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, Lin Yun's Tiger Fist was only at the minor level.

Why did it break through in just three days?

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

Worse still, he wanted to defeat Lin Yun in one move, but 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 eagle, but it perfectly captured the ferocity and weight of a tiger.

The Tiger Descends the Mountain!

In mid-air, with his right arm powerless and unable to move, Zhou Ping could only watch 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 Lin Yun. You shouldn't have bullied 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, decisively and cleanly.

An unexpected outcome left the outer disciples in the hall of sect affairs stunned.

Whoosh, the wind rose!

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

His face instantly turned dark, and he glared at Lin Yun, shouting, "You, a sword slave, have the nerve to be so ruthless. Lin Yun, you have injured a fellow disciple, acting unrighteously. 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 torn open 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 changed, the pressure increasing as Steward Yang was truly angry.

"Stop!"

Just as Steward Yang was about to punish Lin Yun, a hoarse voice came from upstairs.