Chapter 17

For Lin Xun, Xiao Tianren's attitude was no longer just admiration; it even carried a hint of respect.

A thirteen-year-old boy, yet he could transform the mundane into the miraculous with the art of spirit patterns, helping them eliminate the pests in the spirit fields. This alone was enough to move and respect anyone.

However, through these few days of interaction, Xiao Tianren discovered that this thin and refined boy possessed a wisdom and courage far beyond his peers.

To be able to deduce so much from just a single word was not something an ordinary person could do.

Moreover, Lin Xun's combat strength was also quite remarkable, making Xiao Tianren even more astonished. This made him certain that Lin Xun's background was bound to be extraordinary.

After pondering silently for a moment, Xiao Tianren sighed and said, "What you said is correct. If we wait until Lian Rufeng and the others return, Feiyun Village will inevitably face a major upheaval. Therefore, during this period, I will make some preparations in advance."

As he spoke, his voice carried a firm resolve.

Seeing this, Lin Xun did not say more and immediately bowed to take his leave.

However, at this moment, a child beside him suddenly spoke up, "Village Chief, Uncle Lu Ting is gone. Are we still practicing martial arts today?"

Xiao Tianren was taken aback, thinking to himself that after suffering such a blow, how could Lu Ting still have the face to come and guide your martial arts practice?

Then, he suddenly remembered that a few days ago, Lin Xun had mentioned that the "Marching Fist" practiced by these children had some flaws. While it could strengthen their bodies, it would be detrimental to their future cultivation.

Thinking of this, Xiao Tianren looked at Lin Xun, hesitated for a moment, and finally said, "Lin Xun, can you spare some time each day to help guide these children in their martial arts practice?"

Swish!

All the children's eyes immediately turned to Lin Xun, their young faces filled with curiosity and a hint of anticipation.

They had just witnessed Lin Xun defeating Lu Ting in the blink of an eye, a scene that left them all deeply impressed.

Though they were only seven or eight years old, they could tell who was stronger.

Since Lin Xun could defeat Lu Ting, he must be more powerful.

Moreover, after witnessing Ying Liuer's tragic fate, these children were extremely afraid of Lu Ting and would rather have a new teacher to guide their martial arts practice.

Lin Xun scanned the crowd and then smiled bitterly at Xiao Tianren, "I have just started my cultivation, and I am inexperienced. How can I qualify to be a teacher?"

But then he changed his tone, "However, if it's just teaching the Marching Fist, I can help a bit."

Xiao Tianren laughed heartily, "That's enough! I won't let you work for nothing. From now on, you will also receive a share of the village's resources!"

The children, seeing Lin Xun agree, all cheered. Lin Xun was only thirteen, not much older than them, and his strength was formidable, making these children quite eager to follow him in cultivation.

Lin Xun smiled and gladly accepted the task. After a brief discussion with Xiao Tianren, they decided that once all the pests in the village's spirit fields were eliminated, Lin Xun would take on the role of the village's "martial arts instructor" and guide the children's cultivation.

Without further delay, Lin Xun hurried home. He was still preoccupied with the mysterious door in his mind, eager to uncover its secrets.

...

Feiyun Village was not large, and by the time Lin Xun returned home, all the villagers had already learned about what happened at the "martial arts field" today.

For a moment, many villagers were angry, feeling that Lu Ting had been too ruthless. If not for Lin Xun's intervention, the "Little Six" from the Ying family would have been severely injured.

At the same time, the villagers had a new understanding of Lin Xun. They now knew that besides being a spirit pattern apprentice, his martial arts strength was also quite formidable, at least enough to defeat Lu Ting.

This left the villagers marveling.

Only Lu Ting was gloomy, filled with extreme resentment and anger, hating Lin Xun to the core. At this moment, he was drinking alone at home.

Across from Lu Ting sat a lean and fierce gray-clothed man with dark skin and bright, eagle-like eyes.

This man was Qian Qi, the second strongest in the village after Lian Rufeng, possessing the cultivation of the third realm of martial arts, "Opening the Mansion." He was known for his ruthless and cruel nature.

"Cutting your whip in one stroke, it's clear that the sword in this boy's hand must be a treasure," Qian Qi mused aloud.

Lu Ting's whip was made from the spine and tendons of a ferocious beast, the "Water Leopard," and reinforced with tempered gold threads. Although it was not a treasure, it was extremely flexible and resilient, making it difficult for ordinary blades to cut through.

From this, it could be deduced that the sword in Lin Xun's hand was no ordinary weapon.

"Of course, I know that. If not for the sharpness of his sword, I wouldn't have suffered such a great loss," Lu Ting said angrily, his heart burning with rage at the thought of his public defeat.

"A mere boy, not only skilled in spirit pattern engraving but also possessing the cultivation of the second realm of true martial arts and a treasure sword, is indeed peculiar," Qian Qi frowned. "Have you found out this boy's background?"

Lu Ting shook his head, "According to the old man Xiao Tianren, this boy came to Feiyun Village on his own. No one knows his background."

Qian Qi sneered, "Do you believe that?"

Lu Ting was taken aback, then gritted his teeth, "Are you saying that the old man Xiao Tianren deliberately concealed this boy's background?"

Qian Qi smiled without speaking.

Lu Ting's face turned red with anger, "This old man! I didn't expect him to dare play such a trick on us!"

Qian Qi narrowed his eyes, like a venomous snake hiding in the shadows, "Don't rush. When Lian Rufeng and the others return, we can deal with this old man. For now, the priority is to eliminate this boy, Lin Xun."

Lu Ting's spirits lifted, "I've been waiting for you to say that! If this boy is not eliminated, he will indeed be a hidden threat. When do you plan to make your move?"

Qian Qi slowly sipped his wine and said softly, "It's not yet time to confront Xiao Tianren openly, to avoid him becoming desperate. We need to find a good opportunity to kill Lin Xun."

Lu Ting frowned, "So when exactly?"

Qian Qi smiled, "Do you remember the spirit field of Sun Mazi's family?"

Lu Ting replied without hesitation, "Of course, it's on the slope about twenty miles from the village, with Liyan Mountain on the other side."

Qian Qi nodded, "That's right. According to my information, in about five days, Lin Xun will set out with Sun Mazi to help eliminate the pests in that spirit field."

Lu Ting immediately understood, surprised and delighted, "You mean to act on that day?"

Qian Qi smiled, "Isn't that a good opportunity? We can lure Sun Mazi away, then you and I will act together to kill this boy. We'll throw his body into the abandoned mine shaft at the foot of Liyan Mountain. Who will know it was us? Even if Xiao Tianren asks, we can claim we know nothing."

Lu Ting grinned viciously, "Then let's wait five days. In five days, I'll personally bury this little brat!"

...

Back in his house, Lin Xun immediately sat down in a meditative posture to regulate his breathing, clearing his mind of all distractions. Only then did he focus his consciousness on the mysterious blood-red door in his mind.

Boom!

In an instant, Lin Xun felt a jolt, as if struck by lightning, his consciousness becoming hazy, as if his body no longer belonged to him.

When Lin Xun regained consciousness, he found himself in a strange space, pitch black and silent, as if time had stopped.

At his feet was a straight path leading to the distance, a path seemingly formed from green clouds, mysterious and profound.

At the end of this green cloud path stood a blood-red door.

The door seemed to have been opened in the void, towering ten zhang high, its surface deep red, as if freshly retrieved from a sea of blood, or a gateway to hell, shocking to behold.

The strange space, the straight green cloud path, and the blood-red door standing in the void...

Everything was so real, definitely not an illusion!

Lin Xun took a few deep breaths to calm himself, realizing that the blood-red door at the end of the green cloud path was identical to the mysterious door in his mind.

Vaguely, Lin Xun had already deduced that his presence here was closely related to the mysterious door in his mind.

What secrets did this place hold?

Was there a way to change his fate here?

After much contemplation, Lin Xun finally shook his head, dispelling his thoughts, and took a step forward, determined to explore the mysterious blood-red door.

Just as he took a step, a strange vibration spread from the green cloud path beneath his feet.

The vibration was so obscure, like ripples sweeping over Lin Xun's body, then disappearing.

Suddenly, a round, luminous screen appeared a foot in front of Lin Xun, glowing softly, with a mysterious and intricate pattern floating within.

Lin Xun was startled and dared not move forward, raising his eyes to look at the screen.

At that moment, a clear, cold, and emotionless voice echoed in the space.

"If you wish to approach the 'Heavenly Gate,' you must pass the 'Nine Levels of the Green Cloud Path' test."

"The first level of the Green Cloud Path is called 'Refining the Spirit.' Passing this level will grant you the 'Little Dark Spirit Technique.'"

"Seeker, do you wish to attempt the test?"

The voice was calm and hollow, its origin unknown, making Lin Xun stiffen, then regain his composure.

Heavenly Gate, Nine Levels of the Green Cloud Path, Little Dark Spirit Technique...

Could this be the "secret" Mr. Lu mentioned?

Lin Xun's heart raced, almost thinking he was dreaming.

—

PS: Today was a disaster. Not only did we have a power outage, but there was also an emergency. Plans couldn't keep up with changes, and I almost cried! I'll update twice today and three times tomorrow!