Chapter 362: The Duel

The moment Lin Xiao stepped into the hall, two sharp gazes locked onto him.

Tang Heng and Ji Wei narrowed their eyes, scanning Lin Xiao from head to toe. Their gazes lingered on him for several seconds before both of them, almost simultaneously, showed a look of solemnity.

They were not blind fools. Even though Lin Xiao appeared ordinary on the surface, lacking any imposing aura, from the way he walked, the rhythm of his breathing, and the calmness in his demeanor, they could tell this man was no simple opponent.

Lei Qianting, who had been sitting with his eyes closed, slowly opened them and turned his head toward Lin Xiao, a sharp gleam flashing through his gaze.

“Oh?” A slight murmur of surprise escaped his lips.

Lin Xiao came to a halt.

He had also sensed Lei Qianting’s formidable presence. Others might not have noticed anything unusual, but in Lin Xiao’s perception, the energy within Lei Qianting’s body was as intense as a roaring furnace, constantly radiating heat outward.

This was the phenomenon of a body honed to its absolute peak.

“Wait outside. No need to come in,” Lin Xiao instructed Old Jin indifferently. “And when the fight starts, stay clear.”

“Understood.”

Old Jin’s face tensed. He knew Lin Xiao would not say such things without reason. He immediately halted his steps, stopping just outside the hall while also signaling his men to stay back.

Only then did Lin Xiao resume walking, heading toward Lei Qianting and his two disciples.

As Lin Xiao drew closer, the gleam in Lei Qianting’s eyes intensified. Meanwhile, Tang Heng and Ji Wei tensed up, treating him as an imminent threat.

The air was filled with an invisible pressure, currents of energy clashing silently.

“M-Master Lei, this is Mr. Lin.”

For some reason, Hao Lifeng felt his heart pounding erratically, the rhythm growing more chaotic by the second. Even his voice wavered.

“Mr. Lin… this is M-Master Lei…”

Standing beside him, Ma Qingye’s face flushed red. Though the hall wasn’t warm, his forehead was drenched in sweat. His towering frame trembled slightly.

“You two can leave. You’re not needed here.” Lei Qianting waved his hand dismissively.

Hao Lifeng and Ma Qingye were immediately relieved, as if granted amnesty. They quickly retreated from the hall, joining Old Jin and the others at the entrance, holding their breath as they watched the four figures inside.

Lei Qianting rose from the sofa.

His build was not particularly tall, yet as he stood, an imposing aura surged forth—steady as a mountain, towering and immovable.

Lin Xiao’s pupils contracted ever so slightly.

This man was a true master.

Lei Qianting gave off a presence no weaker than Wang Changguang, the head of Golden Claw Sect. Perhaps he was even stronger.

There was no doubt—Lei Qianting was at the peak of the Dark Force stage. Moreover, he was still in his prime, at least ten years younger than Wang Changguang. In terms of physical condition and combat experience, he was at his absolute peak.

Lin Xiao had not expected Hao Lifeng and the others to have found such a formidable fighter to challenge him. A Dark Force peak master was already among the elites of the martial world, far beyond what mere gangsters could usually command.

But after the initial surprise, Lin Xiao’s battle spirit ignited.

His previously calm and deep eyes flickered with two burning flames.

“My name is Lei Qianting. I hail from the capital and am the head of Thousand Blades Martial Hall. These are my disciples, Tang Heng and Ji Wei.” Lei Qianting clasped his hands politely, his voice as firm as iron. “Young man, I must admit, I didn’t expect to find someone like you in Jiangnan Province, a place so barren in ancient martial arts talent. My trip here was not in vain.”

“Master Lei, a pleasure. I am Lin Xiao.” Lin Xiao returned the gesture with neither arrogance nor servility. “I also didn’t expect someone of your caliber to be helping the underworld.”

“The world is full of obligations. Until one steps into the Flowing Force stage, there is no true freedom. I am no exception.” Lei Qianting observed Lin Xiao with interest. “Master Lin, I can see the killing intent lingering on you. I assume you just killed someone outside?”

Although Lei Qianting was significantly older than Lin Xiao, there was no trace of condescension in his tone. He regarded Lin Xiao as an equal.

Seeing their master show such respect, Tang Heng and Ji Wei exchanged odd glances.

After all, Lin Xiao was about their age, perhaps even younger.

There was a reason for Lei Qianting’s attitude.

He realized he could not gauge Lin Xiao’s strength.

It was as if Lin Xiao was simultaneously immensely powerful and deceptively weak. His aura fluctuated unpredictably, making it impossible to pinpoint his true capability.

Lei Qianting had spent years in the capital, encountering countless prodigies. He knew that some monstrous talents defied conventional understanding. Strength could not always be measured by age.

Even so, while he acknowledged Lin Xiao’s potential, he was not overly concerned.

No matter how much of a genius Lin Xiao was, his age remained a factor.

Lei Qianting was well-connected in the martial world, familiar with all the major factions, and he had never heard of Lin Xiao before. That meant Lin Xiao was not affiliated with any major powers.

And in martial arts, talent alone was insufficient—resources mattered greatly.

Without wealth, connections, and proper guidance, one could never reach the true pinnacle.

“Indeed. There are too many pests in this world. If they cross my path, I swat them. I won’t let them continue harming others.”

Lin Xiao’s tone was indifferent, but the chilling intent in his words sent shivers down the spines of Hao Lifeng and Ma Qingye, who stood at the entrance.

“What now? Master Lei, do you plan to avenge him?”

Lei Qianting’s eyes narrowed slightly. A cold glint flashed across them. “I was paid for a job, Master Lin. Your actions have put me in a difficult position.”

“There’s nothing difficult about it.” Lin Xiao’s eyes gleamed like polished steel, his battle spirit surging. “At the end of the day, this comes down to a fight. Draw your line, Master Lei. I’ll take it on.”

Lei Qianting’s gaze swept over Lin Xiao’s bandaged hands. “Master Lin, I am much older than you. If I were to fight you myself, wouldn’t that be bullying the younger generation? Why not let my disciples spar with you first?”

“Them?” Lin Xiao glanced at Tang Heng and Ji Wei. “They are not my match.”

His tone was calm and natural, neither arrogant nor dismissive. It was merely a statement of fact.

Tang Heng and Ji Wei were instantly enraged.

Tang Heng took a step forward, his eyes flashing coldly. “Kid, just because my master is polite doesn’t mean you can be arrogant. I’ll test how much you’re worth.”

Before Lin Xiao could respond, Tang Heng planted his feet firmly, then leaped.

He landed right in front of Lin Xiao, just two meters apart.

“Are you sure you want to fight me?” Lin Xiao asked, his expression unchanged.

“Do you even need to ask?”

Tang Heng’s sharp gaze bore into Lin Xiao, his entire body trembling slightly. A series of crisp cracking sounds echoed as his joints flexed, and a formidable aura erupted from his body.

“You dared to say I’m not your match? You’ll pay for your arrogance!”