Chapter 6

Previously, although he had anticipated that perfecting the Bull Strength Technique would allow him to break through, it was after all just a prediction.

Now that Ling Xiao personally experienced the destructive power brought by this fierce force, he was extremely excited.

It truly is a world where the heavens do not abandon the living; he had originally thought it would take a month to possibly break through to the second level of the Martial Vein.

But after obtaining the Mountain and River Martial Spirit, he broke through on the third day.

At this rate, the future is truly boundless.

The Mountain and River Diagram changed again, with the cloud layer dispersing a bit more, revealing a household.

However, this household was not human, but rather a member of the Bull Demon race, one of the ancient myriad races.

They all had bull heads and human bodies, incredibly strong, possessing very terrifying power.

What does this mean?

Ling Xiao was a bit confused, but he absolutely did not believe this was a coincidence. He had just perfected the Bull Strength Technique, and a Bull Demon household appeared in the village. To say there was no connection, he absolutely did not believe it.

However, thinking about such matters is futile; he should focus on how to face the annual competition of the Ling family.

This competition is the only chance for outer disciples to stand out!

Things that are usually unattainable can be obtained through such a competition.

Of course, you must achieve a ranking.

With rapid improvement in strength, one's ambitions also grow.

In the past, Ling Xiao absolutely did not dare to dream of becoming a Martial Vein third level warrior, as it seemed too distant and unrealistic.

The ninth level of the Martial Vein is divided into three stages: the first to third levels are the Awakening Stage, the lowest tier of warriors known as "Martial Students" in the secular world.

The best Martial Students can possess a thousand pounds of strength, capable of tearing apart tigers and leopards, and punching wolves and bears, already considered outstanding in the eyes of the secular world.

However, after the fourth level of the Martial Vein, there is a significant change.

The fourth to sixth levels belong to the Gang Qi Stage, where one earns the official title of "Martial Disciple." The most significant feature of this stage is that true qi transforms into Gang Qi, capable of injuring from a distance.

Possessing Gang Qi allows one to do much more, which is the goal pursued by countless warriors.

Many people spend their entire lives unable to reach this stage.

However, now, Ling Xiao strongly feels that he might have the opportunity to become a Martial Disciple!

This dream is no longer intangible but has become very real, within reach.

...

During the meal, Ling Xiao excitedly told his grandfather about his breakthrough to the second level of the Martial Vein.

The old man, in great shock, watched Ling Xiao's demonstration before finally shedding tears of joy in belief.

"Good child, seeing your progress like this, I can die content."

"Grandfather, after I participate in the annual competition, I will invite the best doctor to treat your injuries."

It's quite humiliating to know that his grandfather's ribs are broken but have no money for treatment, causing the old man to suffer from pain at night.

However, the only thing Ling Xiao can do is to strive for improvement. The rewards of the annual competition are very rich and can be freely chosen.

Just a little more patience, and it will be here soon.

"Grandfather, it's fine. Don't push yourself too hard. Although you have broken through to the second level of the Martial Vein, there are many warriors at this level. If you push too hard, you will get hurt."

The old man's thoughts are simple; he doesn't want Ling Xiao to get hurt for his sake.

But Ling Xiao's thoughts are equally simple. To heal his grandfather's injuries and stand out, he must achieve a good ranking in this annual competition.

There is still time. Next, he will go to the library to select a higher-level martial technique suitable for him.

With better martial techniques, he believes his progress will be even faster.

The library, as the name suggests, is a place for storing books. Apart from some family history books of the Ling family, most are martial arts classics.

After the meal, Ling Xiao eagerly ran to the library. Although many people pointed and whispered about him along the way, he did not care.

Improving in strength is better than anything else.

"Little beggar!"

Suddenly, a crisp voice rang out. It was a man and a woman coming out of the library entrance.

The woman was lively and cute, with a bold and flirtatious appearance.

The man was dashing and handsome, with considerable strength.

The one who called Ling Xiao a "little beggar" was the woman, the same girl who often bullied him and his grandfather in the past.

Later, when he became a disciple of the Ling family, this woman was very attentive to him. However, after he failed to break through to the second level of the Martial Vein for a long time, she began to speak harshly to him and threw herself into the arms of the young man beside her.

Ling Xiao had no good feelings for this girl at all.

What's the point of being cute if her heart is more venomous than a snake or scorpion? It's just a beautiful exterior with a rotten core!

"You are the little beggar that Rainy Sister mentioned? You actually broke through to the second level of the Martial Vein, not bad. However, among the outer disciples, you are still one of the weaker ones. You need to continue to work hard."

Before Ling Xiao could respond to Ling Yu, the young man looked down at him with a condescending gaze, speaking as if he were a superior.

"Ling Feng, a direct descendant of the Ling family, peak third level of the Martial Vein, a disciple of the Ling family's Elite Hall!"

Ling Xiao looked at Ling Feng. In the past, he felt only inferiority and helplessness in front of this person.

But now, he no longer cares. Just the third level of the Martial Vein; he will break through soon.

"Ling Yu, you have chosen a good man. However, Ling Feng, the woman who could treat me like a piece of grass will eventually treat you the same way."

Ling Xiao said calmly.

As a thirteen-year-old, he did not feel that Ling Feng was superior to him.

"Hmph, I don't think there's anything wrong with Rainy Sister. Women like strong men, as it has always been."

Ling Feng sneered.

Ling Xiao smiled lightly. "Are you so confident that I will never catch up to or surpass you?"

"Yes!"

Ling Feng said proudly.

"Alright, since that's the case, I won't say more. You two take your time, I still need to go to the library."

"Wait!"

Ling Yu looked at Ling Xiao with a smile. "Little beggar, a person's fate is determined by heaven. You were born a beggar, and you will always be a beggar."

"But I am now a disciple of the Ling family!"

"It's useless. You will eventually end up as a beggar. If you don't get a ranking in this annual competition, you won't be able to enter the Elite Hall. If you can't enter the Elite Hall, you must become a third-level Martial Vein warrior before you turn fourteen. Can you do it? If not, you will have to go back to being a beggar."

Ling Yu said smugly.

"Of course, there is another way, which is to obediently become a servant of the Ling family, like mixing with my Feng brother. He can protect you from Ling Chong's bullying."

Ling Xiao's face showed a disdainful sneer. Even without the Mountain and River Martial Spirit, he had never thought of becoming anyone's servant.

Moreover, he is now far from what he used to be. What are Ling Chong and Ling Feng to him? They will eventually be trampled under his feet. To make him a servant?

Ridiculous!

"Hasn't anyone told you that I have already beaten Ling Chong to the point of being hospitalized?"

Ling Xiao said calmly.

"Hmph, you are a waste, and Ling Chong is also a waste! What's there to talk about in a fight between two wastes?"

Suddenly, Ling Feng's voice rang out again.

"Waste? The last person who called me a waste ended up with two broken ribs. I wonder what will happen to you?"

Ling Xiao looked at Ling Feng, showing no intention of backing down.

"Ha ha ha ha, good! I'll give you credit for your bravery. Don't worry, I won't lay a hand on you today. The annual competition is less than half a month away. At that time, I will make you realize that a waste is always a waste, and a servant can never rise above the master!"

Ling Feng laughed maniacally, as if he had heard the funniest joke in the world.

"Then let's see who comes out on top at that time."