Chapter 294: Worry

Chen Lingxin shook her head, her face filled with confusion.

“A machine’s speed depends on its power. The stronger the power, the faster the machine can run. But where does this power come from?”

Lin Xiao posed a question, then answered it himself.

“Power comes from the conversion and transmission of energy. The more efficient the conversion and the faster the transmission, the stronger the power it can provide. Once sufficient power is achieved, can the machine operate at high speed? Not necessarily. While powerful energy can drive a machine, it can also destroy it. For the machine to function properly, every single component must be flawless, work in harmony, and the material itself must withstand the strain of full-speed operation.”

Chen Lingxin listened intently, a thoughtful look crossing her face as if she were grasping something faintly.

“A martial artist’s body is like a machine. Bright, Dark, and even Flowing Force are the power that drives this machine. Meanwhile, the nerves, muscles, bones, and blood vessels are its components. Do you understand what I mean?”

“I think I do… but also don’t,” Chen Lingxin said uncertainly, her brows slightly furrowed.

Lin Xiao smiled faintly. “It’s fine if you don’t understand it all at once. Take your time to think it through. But remember this. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. To master advanced martial arts, you need a solid foundation. Don’t be overambitious or impatient.”

Chen Lingxin pursed her lips and nodded firmly.

“Do you want to continue sparring?” Lin Xiao asked.

“No, I need to reflect on what you just said.” Chen Lingxin rubbed her sore, round hips with both hands and complained, “Besides, Master, you’re too rough. It really hurts.”

“Alright, then you can rest while I practice.” Lin Xiao rolled up his sleeves, set his stance for the Thunderbolt Fist technique, and closed his eyes, standing steady as a mountain.

The day after tomorrow was the appointed date for his confrontation with Duan Changhan.

He could already imagine the fury within the Golden Claw Sect after hearing of Jiang Linfeng’s death and Duan Changhan’s crippling at his hands.

Rather than waiting for their retaliation, Lin Xiao had chosen to take the initiative, to settle all grievances in one decisive move.

Over the past three days, the Golden Claw Sect had likely fortified their defenses, setting up a trap to ensure Lin Xiao’s death.

Lin Xiao knew this but felt no fear—only a hint of exhilaration.

His long-dormant fighting spirit surged anew.

To battle the heavens—how thrilling. To battle men—how exhilarating.

To prepare for the imminent clash, Lin Xiao focused on sharpening his mind, body, and spirit to their peak condition.

“Master, are you really going to Jiangdong Province the day after tomorrow?” Chen Lingxin sat on the sofa, gazing worriedly at Lin Xiao as he practiced. “Can’t we just not go?”

Her dislike for the Golden Claw Sect was deep-seated, but her concern for Lin Xiao’s safety was greater.

No matter how detestable the Golden Claw Sect was, it was a vastly more powerful faction than the Chen Martial Arts Hall. With thousands of disciples and multiple Dark Force masters—even with Jiang Linfeng dead and Duan Changhan crippled—it still had many strong practitioners.

And Lin Xiao? He was alone, with no backup.

To challenge the sect in its territory was unimaginably risky.

Even though she believed in Lin Xiao’s strength, deep down, Chen Lingxin couldn’t believe he could defeat the entire Golden Claw Sect on his own.

Lin Xiao didn’t answer her question.

There was no need. A man’s duties and principles were clear—some things must be done, regardless of the risks. Whether for himself or the Chen Martial Arts Hall, he had to go to Jiangdong Province.

As Lin Xiao concentrated on his practice, Chen Lingxin sat on the bench, bored out of her mind. She wanted to talk to him, but was afraid of interrupting his focus.

Eventually, unable to stand the monotony, she stole a glance at Lin Xiao, who sat with his eyes closed. Then, tiptoeing away, she decided to take a shower and enjoy some beauty sleep.

Chen Lingxin’s quiet departure didn’t distract Lin Xiao.

All his attention was inward.

Buzz…

The stillness of the practice hall was suddenly broken by a low, rumbling sound, akin to thunder.

But this wasn’t the same thunderous noise that Lin Xiao emitted during combat. It was softer, more rhythmic.

As the sound resonated, Lin Xiao’s muscles and bones started vibrating in sync. The faster the vibrations, the louder the rumbling grew.

When the sound reached its peak, Lin Xiao abruptly opened his eyes. A flash of piercing light streaked across his gaze. He raised his left hand, forming a claw, and struck toward the ground.

Crack!

With a crisp sound, Lin Xiao’s hand stopped two inches above the wooden floor. Below, five tiny claw marks appeared, perfectly matching the size of his hand.

“Finally mastered the Eagle Claw technique,” Lin Xiao murmured, examining his left hand. “Though it’s not seamless yet, and incorporating it into Thunderbolt Fist still needs work. Plus, the technique itself seems to have some flaws.”

Though he mused on these shortcomings, his expression remained calm. His goal in mastering the Eagle Claw technique was to address gaps in his repertoire and integrate it with Thunder Fist. While perfecting the technique would be ideal, it wasn’t a priority.

After Chen Lingxin finished her shower, Lin Xiao gave her some further guidance in training, this time without sparring.

“Tomorrow, I won’t be coming by. Focus on your training. Though you haven’t met my requirements to join me in Jiangdong Province, you mustn’t slack off. With your father injured, the future of the Chen Martial Arts Hall rests on your shoulders.”

“Yes, Master! Don’t worry, I’ll work hard,” Chen Lingxin promised.

Around 6 p.m., Lin Xiao left the martial arts hall. After reminding Chen Lingxin to stay diligent, he drove back to Yuan Yu’s home.

Wearing a cartoon apron adorned with bears, Yuan Yu was in the kitchen cooking. Hearing the door open, she ran out holding a cucumber, her slippers slapping against the floor. Her face lit up with a radiant smile.

“Big Brother Lin, you’re back!”

Yuan Yu knew nothing about the kidnapping attempt earlier that day, and Lin Xiao had no intention of telling her.

Lin Xiao’s greatest wish was for Yuan Yu to live a carefree, happy life, shielded from all storms.

“Yeah.” Lin Xiao hung his coat on the rack and gently patted her head.

Yuan Yu leaned into his touch, her bright eyes narrowing into cheerful crescents. “Big Brother Lin, guess what? Little Cow did something naughty today.”

“What did she do?” Lin Xiao asked.

“She snuck food during math class and got caught by the teacher,” Yuan Yu giggled.

In the warm, old house, her voice, like a lark’s song, rang out. Occasionally, it was joined by Lin Xiao’s low, magnetic responses.

Outside, darkness blanketed the land as lights began to flicker on, one by one.