Chapter 52: Severely Wounding Qi Ming, Helping Ling Xiao Find a Dao Companion?

"I'm here!" As soon as the words fell, Qi Ming, who had launched the attack, was struck and sent flying backward. Hearing this, a wave of warmth surged in Chu Xuan's heart—he truly had not deceived her.

She felt the powerful arm encircling her waist, and when she lifted her gaze, she saw Ling Tian's face, somewhat shadowed and stern. Of course, the expression was not directed at her, but at Qi Ming. To be honest, Qi Ming was ruthless, but there were plenty more sinister than him; yet Ling Tian simply couldn't stand his ways and longed to strike him.

"Did you hear what that woman just said? She called him 'Friend Tian Ling.' That means this must be—"

"Are you blind? Isn't that the exact face from the Image Stone? If it's not him, who else could it be?"

"First on the Heaven's Pride Ranking—Tian Ling!"

"Who would have thought Tian Ling was connected to this woman..."

Ling Tian's arrival sent the crowd into a frenzy. After all, the title of Heaven's Pride Ranking's first was an aspiration they could only dream of.

"Here, take this. You did well." Ling Tian produced a healing pill and handed it to Chu Xuan, who bore numerous wounds; it would be unfortunate if they left scars. Besides, if she were to join his faction, what she gained would far surpass this mere pill.

He was certain that if Chu Xuan had suffered another blow like that, her Dao heart would have been further damaged, and perhaps she might never join his faction. With that thought, Ling Tian waved his hand gently, sending Chu Xuan down.

"Alright, you have won. Now it's my turn to challenge you!" Ling Tian's eyes narrowed as he regarded Qi Ming, sword aura swirling beside him. Since everyone knew he had reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship, there was no need to conceal it.

Qi Ming's expression was as miserable as if he'd swallowed filth. With one strike, he sensed Ling Tian was anything but ordinary. Now, hearing the crowd confirm he was Tian Ling, Qi Ming only regretted more. If he'd known, he would never have stepped up.

The truth was, he saw Chu Xuan defeat Zhao Jinying, and hoped that if he bested Chu Xuan, his ranking would rise. If he refused, in three years he would be expelled from the Heaven's Pride Ranking—it was updated every three years. And those on the ranking were handsomely rewarded. As for how the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion distributed rewards, he had no need to worry—they would always find him.

Qi Ming was unwilling to forgo the reward. If he could just withstand Ling Tian for one exchange, then admit defeat, it would suffice.

"Then let us fight!" Qi Ming nodded in agreement. He couldn't believe Ling Tian could do anything to him in just one move.

"Divine Binding!" Ling Tian seemed to read Qi Ming's mind. Qi Ming, after all, was at the king-sealing realm; Ling Tian would need some tricks to deal with him. The rules did not forbid using tools—they were part of one's strength. If anyone disagreed, they could go find one themselves!

"Damn it, I surren—" Qi Ming was bound, panic flashing in his eyes, and he immediately tried to admit defeat. Ling Tian gave him no chance; with his hand as sword, he struck.

A deep sword wound opened on Qi Ming's chest, bone visible, and he spat blood as he was sent flying, landing on the ground, his life or death uncertain.

The crowd fell silent, staring at the Human Emperor Banner in Ling Tian's hand. They had known he possessed this treasure, but never imagined its power was so formidable. Could it be that he had claimed the top spot with this artifact alone?

They forgot about Ling Tian's unique shield.

"Impressive, your swordsmanship has truly reached the highest realm. Might I request an exchange?" While the crowd marvelled at Ling Tian's treasure, only Ling Xiao noticed that his swordsmanship had reached its zenith. Moreover, that last strike had been without spiritual energy—had he used it, Qi Ming would be dead.

Ling Xiao stepped before Ling Tian, scrutinizing him.

[Second Divine Son of the Ling family, Ling Xiao—exceptional talent, broad-minded, guardian of the Demon Abyss, once aided you. His sole regret: lacking a Dao companion, suffering solitude.]

[Reversal task triggered.]

[Help Ling Xiao find and successfully introduce a Dao companion.]

[Reward: Nine Dragons Cauldron (Imperial Artifact)]

A prompt echoed in Ling Tian's mind.

Second Divine Son?

Ling Tian took a measure—his attire was indeed flamboyant.

"No," Ling Tian immediately refused, but then patiently explained, "I have a method for nurturing my sword, which requires forty-nine days to reach its utmost power. If you truly wish to challenge me, wait until then; only then will the duel be exhilarating."

Ling Tian noticed Ling Xiao's displeasure and offered an explanation. Ling Xiao hadn't actually issued a challenge, so Ling Tian's refusal wasn't really a violation, was it? Not quite...

"In that case, let us battle then!" Ling Xiao mused, not insisting—such was not his way. Hearing Ling Tian's method for nurturing swords, he thought Ling Tian would be even stronger then. Ling Xiao's eyes flashed with anticipation; he feared not a stronger opponent, only an unsatisfying match.

With that, he prepared to leave the martial platform, but Ling Tian drew close.

"Friend Ling Xiao, your character is truly remarkable, and your cultivation is unrivaled," Ling Tian said as he followed Ling Xiao down from the platform.

The crowd saw this and held their tongues; since Ling Xiao had agreed, any further challenges would only court disaster.

Ling Xiao said nothing, only feeling that unsolicited kindness must have an ulterior motive. Yet, with their positions side by side, he had no choice but to listen to Ling Tian's chatter.

"Well then, since there are no more duels, let us begin the discussion of the Dao," Jiang Xiqi stepped forward at the right moment, taking charge of the proceedings.

"By the way, Friend Ling Xiao, do you have a Dao companion, or perhaps someone you fancy?" Ling Tian, beside Ling Xiao, noticed his unease and suddenly shifted to this sensitive topic.

Ling Xiao instinctively glanced at Jiang Xiqi, then withdrew his gaze and replied calmly, "No."

Ling Tian's expression grew meaningful—it seemed there was indeed a spark!

Afterward, Ling Xiao ascended to share his insights on the Dao, delivering them with spirited eloquence, drawing all eyes.

Ah, truly, when one's heart is set on another, it cannot be concealed; one always wishes to impress the beloved.

Some would say this was a cliché. But if you keep your feelings hidden, how will the person you like ever discover your virtues? It is better to show them.

"Hmm?" Ling Tian murmured; he kept catching the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion's divine maiden stealing glances at him. Was he being overly self-important? Yet, the next moment confirmed his suspicion.

When Ling Xiao finished, Jiang Xiqi rose gracefully, "Friend Ling Xiao spoke well. Personally, I am quite interested in the Dao of the sword. Might Friend Tian Ling share his own insights?"