Chapter 367: A Contest Between Two Geniuses, A Promise Under the Moon

Under the moonlight.

Lin Chen and Pei Qingming were alone in a courtyard, with no one to disturb them.

The figures of the two were stretched long under the moonlight.

The two were now Daliang's... or more accurately, the Nine Nations' recognized most powerful geniuses.

"Brother Pei, what do you think about the Canglan Sect and the East Sea Donghai Shengong?"

Learning from Hu Hu Zhishi Gao that the sect was very interested in Brother Pei and that Brother Pei had cultivated flawless sword intent, he came to find Brother Pei the first moment he left the courtyard.

Pei Qingming didn't ask if Lin Chen was here to be a lobbyist, because he believed Lin Chen wasn't here to recruit him for the Canglan Sect.

"Daliang in the next ten years, what do you think it will be like?"

Pei Qingming didn't answer Lin Chen's question directly but threw out another question.

Lin Chen was startled; he vaguely guessed Brother Pei's thoughts.

"Brother Pei, I think in the next ten years, our Daliang shouldn't have any danger. I will also discuss it with the sect to see if we can give Daliang some protection."

Lin Chen smiled. Brother Pei's words meant that if Daliang wasn't stable in the future, he would choose the East Sea Donghai Shengong.

The East Sea Donghai Shengong was the number one sect in the East Sea Domain and also one of the twenty-four super sects, which could be said to be the hegemon of this sea area. If Brother Pei became a disciple of the East Sea Donghai Shengong and stepped into the Innate Realm in the future, those Innate martial artists would definitely not dare to have designs on Daliang.

Even if Daliang really encountered a crisis, Brother Pei could rush back immediately.

The Canglan Domain was in the inland hinterland of the Yan Yan Yan Huang Chao, and a round trip took several months. If Daliang really encountered a critical matter, he wouldn't be able to rush back in time.

Standing from the perspective of Daliang or selfishness, Brother Pei naturally choosing the East Sea Donghai Shengong was the best.

But he had asked Hu Hu Zhishi Gao and also knew from Hu Hu Zhishi Gao what flawless sword intent meant.

Answering Brother Pei's question "Daliang will be stable in the next ten years" was to let Brother Pei pursue his Martial Way path, rather than choosing the East Sea Donghai Shengong for the sake of Daliang.

"I asked Hu Hu Zhishi Gao of the sect, and Hu Hu Zhishi Gao told me that in the entire Yan Yan Yan Huang Chao, some super sects still have sword cultivators at the Innate Fifth Realm, but those who can reach the Innate Sixth Realm all come from the Guixu Sword Tomb. The Guixu Sword Tomb is the holy land for sword cultivators."

After Lin Chen finished speaking, he looked at Pei Qingming. Pei Qingming lowered his head, his fingers rubbing the sword sheath at his waist. Just as he was thinking, a voice came from outside the courtyard gate.

"Go to the Guixu Sword Tomb."

Lin Chen and Pei Qingming looked up at the same time and saw Kong Zhao Qifeng appearing at the door, both standing up.

"Master Kong."

Kong Zhao Qifeng first nodded to Lin Chen, then his gaze fell on Pei Qingming, and he said in a deep voice: "Qingming, you have paid enough for Daliang over the years. If it weren't for Daliang, you should have entered the First Rank long ago."

Hearing Master Kong's words, a look of surprise appeared on Lin Chen's face. Brother Pei, for the sake of Daliang, suppressed the breakthrough of his Martial Way realm?

"Does the Master know?"

"With your talent, how could you have been dormant for so many years? This old man now recalls that you entered the Seventh Rank at twenty-one, while the Han Guo genius Fei Mingxi of your era entered the Seventh Rank three months later than you. But at the Sixth Rank realm, Fei Mingxi surpassed you, two months faster than you. At the Fifth Rank, he was three months faster than you. At the Fourth Rank, he was six months faster than you."

Kong Zhao Qifeng looked at Pei Qingming with heartache in his old eyes: "If it weren't for Daliang, how could you have been surpassed by Fei Mingxi with your talent? Are you afraid that Han Guo would therefore sanction Daliang's Martial Way resource trade with other countries?"

Pei Qingming nodded: "At that time, Han Guo was the number one in the Nine Nations, and Fei Mingxi was the number one genius of Han Guo. If this junior surpassed Fei Mingxi, Han Guo would inevitably be wary of our Daliang. One Pei Qingming is not scary; what's scary is that Daliang will produce several Pei Qingmings."

A look of being moved appeared on Lin Chen's face. He understood what Brother Pei meant.

With Han Guo's style of doing things, they would absolutely not allow things that affected Han Guo's status to happen. If Brother Pei surpassed Fei Mingxi, Han Guo would inevitably be wary of Daliang. Today, a Pei Qingming could be born, and tomorrow, a second, or even a third, could be born...

On the contrary, Brother Pei, with the posture of a genius, was called the number one genius of Daliang in three hundred years, but after passing through the three realms of the Lower Rank, his cultivation speed slowed down and he was surpassed. In the eyes of Han Guo, even if the number one genius of Daliang in three hundred years was just so-so.

Stunning in the early stage, not worth fearing in the later stage.

Brother Pei was fighting for a path for the later young martial artists of Daliang that would not be sanctioned.

Any sanction has a lag. For Brother Pei, it wouldn't be affected because Daliang still had quite a bit of stock in its Martial Way resource trade with various countries. But one year, two years, three years... when these stocks were consumed and some medicinal materials needed for pills were gone, it would affect the later ones.

Lin Chen recalled his Martial Way path over the past few years, from becoming famous in Daliang after leaving his name on the Martial Way Mountain, and even breaking Brother Pei's record later, but Han Guo never took himself too seriously from beginning to end.

Because of Brother Pei's lesson, in the eyes of Han Guo's experts, being stunning in the early stage was useless. The growth potential in the later stage was exhausted, and it was just a second Pei Qingming.

By now, Lin Chen finally understood the meaning of Brother Pei's question "What will Daliang be like in the next ten years".

Brother Pei really cared about the entire Daliang.

For the sake of Daliang, he could give up his Martial Way future.

"The current situation in Daliang is very good. We old bones can still live for a few more years. You and Lin Chen should follow your own hearts in the Martial Way. Daliang is your homeland, but it absolutely shouldn't become a burden for you two to move forward on the Martial Way."

Kong Zhao Qifeng looked at Lin Chen and Pei Qingming: "These words are not only this old man's meaning, but also the meaning of several adults in the imperial court, and even more so, the Emperor asked me to convey them to you two."

Eagles spread their wings and fly high.

Homeland can be what an eagle soaring in the sky cares about in its heart, but it cannot be a burden for an eagle soaring in the sky.

The Yan Yan Yan Huang Chao is too big, and geniuses gather.

Lin Chen and Pei Qingming, these two most conspicuous geniuses of Daliang in three hundred years, want to make a name for themselves in the Yan Yan Yan Huang Chao. Daliang can be the motivation for their Martial Way cultivation, but it must never become a burden.

"This junior understands."

Pei Qingming nodded, and Lin Chen also smiled: "Brother Pei, there was you for the first fifteen years, and now there is me. Who can say that after we two leave, there won't be new geniuses in Daliang? Maybe in a few years, a few geniuses who surpass you and me will emerge. Don't forget that their starting point now is higher than ours."

Daliang now has contact with the Yan Yan Yan Huang Chao and has Innate martial artists stationed here. The new generation of young martial artists has a much higher understanding of the Martial Way than they do. At least they know that above the First Rank is the Innate Realm, and they will also come into contact with more Martial Way cultivation methods.

"Each generation has its own talents, each leading the way for hundreds of years."

Hearing Lin Chen's words, Pei Qingming also laughed, and the burden in his heart was finally put down at this moment.

"Tomorrow, I will leave Lord Lingxiao City, and after saying goodbye to my family, I will head to the Yan Yan Yan Huang Chao."

Pei Qingming was not a person who dragged his feet. This time, it was Lin Chen's turn to be surprised: "Brother Pei, you aren't waiting for me to go to the Yan Yan Yan Huang Chao together?"

"No. The sects of the Martial Way Alliance also have ships heading to the East Sea Domain. I am not joining the Canglan Sect, nor am I joining the East Sea Donghai Shengong, so I won't go to the Yan Yan Yan Huang Chao with Lin Lin Shidi."

Pei Qingming shook his head, then his mouth curled up: "However, before leaving, there is one more thing I need to do, and I hope Lin Lin Shidi will fulfill it."

"Brother Pei, please speak. As long as this junior can do it, I will never shirk."

"You and I will fight with all our strength. Let's see who is the number one genius of Daliang in three hundred years."

Originally thinking that Brother Pei had something he needed help with, he didn't expect it to be this request. Lin Chen was first startled, but then he understood Brother Pei's meaning and nodded: "Good."

"Then this old man will be the witness of your battle." Kong Zhao Qifeng stroked his beard and smiled.

Under the moonlight.

Sword light like splendor filled the entire courtyard.

Finger condensed mountains and seas, covering the courtyard sky. Sword intent permeated, shattering the moonlight pouring down.

A giant fire shadow burned the full moon sword Qi.

In two courtyards several li away, Gao Zeming's smile didn't fade, but in that satisfied smile, there were traces of regret.

What he was satisfied with was Lin Chen's strength, and what he regretted was that Pei Qingming didn't choose the Canglan Sect in the end.

In the courtyard next door, Hu Yunhua's expression was very complex.

Such a desolate land of the Martial Way could actually produce two such geniuses in the same era.

These islands in the sea, from the perspective of affiliation, belonged to their East Sea Donghai Shengong, but this time their East Sea Donghai Shengong didn't get one.

Soon, the instructors and disciples in the Martial Way Academy also sensed the movement here, but Hou Zhan Tian appeared on the periphery, preventing everyone from approaching.

A quarter of an hour later.

Lin Chen and Pei Qingming stopped at the same time.

Lin Chen's clothes were cut in many places by sword Qi, while Pei Qingming's clothes were not torn, but a few strands of long hair fell from his forehead.

The two were evenly matched.

"Lin Lin Shidi, you won."

Pei Qingming smiled freely, and his long sword returned to its sheath.

"Brother Pei, my miserable state, can it be counted as winning? It should be a draw."

"No matter what, I am decades older than you. A draw is a loss."

Pei Qingming shook his head, and seeing Lin Chen still wanting to speak, he waved his hand: "This time you won. I hope that next time we meet, Lin Lin Shidi, you can still win. Don't be surpassed by me. The breakthrough of a sword cultivator's realm doesn't follow common sense. I heard an Innate expert of the Martial Way Alliance say that there was once a sword cultivator senior who comprehended the true meaning of the sword and crossed two Innate realms overnight."

"Brother Pei, rest assured. Next time we meet, I will definitely not let Brother Pei down."

This battle was not really to decide the winner, but a promise between the two.

Separating this time, next time they meet, neither of them could fall behind.

Pei Qingming left.

He left the Lord Lingxiao Martial Way Academy early the next morning, walking very freely, refusing anyone to see him off.

"Lin Chen, how much longer are you planning to stay in Daliang?"

If it were an ordinary disciple, his coming to pick him up in person as a Hu Hu Zhishi would have given enough face, and he would have packed his luggage and left with him. But for Lin Chen, Gao Zeming was still very tolerant, knowing that Lin Chen had just come out of seclusion and that he had to deal with some things before he could leave with peace of mind.

"Hu Hu Zhishi Gao, this junior needs to say goodbye to my family."

Heading to the Canglan Sect of the Yan Yan Yan Huang Chao was within Lin Chen's goal. Having reached this point in the Martial Way, he couldn't give up the opportunity to continue growing, and continuing to stay in Daliang, he couldn't cross the threshold of the Innate Realm.

"Hmm, then set off and leave in ten days. This time coming to your island was borrowing the Long Wang Ship of the East Sea Donghai Shengong, so it's not good to delay for too long."

If there were no Hu Yunhua of the East Sea Donghai Shengong, it would be fine to stay for another month, but this time Hu Yunhua accompanied him, and there were several other Deacons of other sects on the way back, so it was not good to delay for too long.

Of course, Gao Zeming could also let Hu Yunhua go back first, but without the Long Wang Ship, returning to the East Sea Domain would take at least fifteen more days of travel.

"Lin Chen, with your current strength and age, the earlier you step into the Innate Realm, the more beneficial it is for you."

From here to the Canglan Sect, even if you travel without stopping, it takes three months, and Lin Chen is nineteen years old now, which is the age of racing against time.

The meaning of Innate Realm after twenty and Innate Realm before twenty is different, and entering the Innate Realm one step earlier can also impact a higher ranking on the Martial Way Mountain.

"Hmm, this junior will deal with family matters as soon as possible, and then head to the Canglan Sect."

Two days later.

Lin Chen returned to Raozhou Prefecture.

This time he returned without informing anyone, returning to Linhu Village alone.

"Mid-Rank martial artist?"

Feeling the several auras around the village, Lin Chen's eyes narrowed, but then he understood that this should be the protection force arranged by the imperial court for his family.

When Lin Chen entered the village, he didn't conceal his aura, and these few Mid-Rank martial artists also sensed it for the first time.

"Who?"

The four Mid-Rank martial artists appeared at the same time, but when they saw Lin Chen, there was excitement on their faces.

"Lin Shi is back."

In terms of age, these four could be considered Lin Chen's uncle generation, but in the Martial Way, the one who achieves first is the senior. Lin Chen now had the strength of a High-Rank martial artist. Calling him Master, these four had no reluctance at all.

"I trouble several seniors to guard the elders at home."

Lin Chen cupped his fists and saluted. One of them hurriedly said: "Lin Shi, these words are too much for us. Daliang can have today, Lin Shi has made great contributions. Being able to guard Lin Shi's family is our honor. What's more, the imperial court also gave us four a generous contribution score. This is a good job. I don't know how many colleagues envy us."

After exchanging a few pleasantries with these few Mid-Rank martial artists, Lin Chen said goodbye and headed toward his home in the village.

"Although Lin Shi is young, this aura is no weaker than those old masters."

The four Mid-Rank martial artists looked at Lin Chen's departing back, with emotion in their eyes.

"This land of Linhu Village, maybe it really is a treasure land of Feng Shui. I heard the old village chief chanting, it seems to be called something like a dry dragon coming out of the abyss."

"If there is a chance, I will move my ancestor's grave here."

"Don't dream. The land of Linhu Village, including some surrounding land terrain, is now registered in the Raozhou Prefecture. Every few days, people must be arranged to patrol. You can't even cut down a few trees, just for fear that the terrain will be destroyed and affect the treasure land of Feng Shui."

The theory of Feng Shui is ethereal.

But this thing is better to believe it exists than not.

Anyway, preserving the landform and terrain of Linhu Village is not a big burden for Daliang. In the past, villagers in the village cut firewood to burn fire in winter. Now, it's nothing more than transporting a batch of charcoal over. How much is that worth?

If it really destroys the Feng Shui because of cutting down a few trees or digging a mountain, affecting Lin Chen's subsequent Martial Way progress, that would be a sinner of the entire Daliang.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 368 =====