Chapter 386: Witness

“Master Lin truly keeps his word. My wait these past few days has not been in vain.”

Lei Qianting’s demeanor was calm. “However, since we are having a fair duel here, we must have witnesses. I have already sent out invitations, inviting fellow practitioners of the ancient martial arts world from Jiangnan Province to observe. So I ask for your patience.”

Lin Xiao frowned slightly. “Master Lei, it’s merely a martial wager. Isn’t this making too much of a fuss?”

“Master Lin, although your martial skills are exceptional, it’s clear you are not of the ancient martial world and therefore unfamiliar with its rules.”

Lei Qianting explained, “There is no personal grudge between us. This duel is to determine victory or defeat, not life or death. However, fists and feet have no eyes, and injury is hard to avoid. Many grievances are born from such situations. The reason I invited fellow practitioners is to avoid such outcomes. With witnesses present, the victor is not pursued, and the defeated holds no resentment. What do you think?”

Lin Xiao had to admit, Lei Qianting made a fair point. As a hall master, he indeed thought of everything.

“Since Master Lei has considered all aspects, I have no objections.” Lin Xiao looked around and asked the question on his mind, “Is it just the two of us here?”

“Yes. Hao Lifeng, Ma Qingye, and their gang members, I’ve sent them away. Matters of the ancient martial world are not for them to meddle in.”

Lei Qianting’s gaze swept over Lin Xiao’s hands. He spoke in a low voice, “Master Lin, though we are opponents, I bear you no ill will. I am merely fulfilling a request. When we exchange moves later, I will not hold back. Please be prepared.”

Lin Xiao replied calmly, “As it should be.”

“Ji Wei, take Master Lin inside to rest. Once the fellow practitioners from Jiangnan’s ancient martial world arrive, the duel between me and Master Lin will officially begin,” Lei Qianting instructed.

“Yes, Master.” Ji Wei nodded respectfully, then turned to Lin Xiao. “Master Lin, this way, please.”

Lin Xiao said nothing, walking past Lei Qianting and following Ji Wei into the hall. He sat down on a grand armchair, composed and unmoved, like a mountain.

Lei Qianting’s gaze flickered. Lin Xiao’s composure exceeded his expectations.

He had assumed that with a battle imminent, someone as young and proud as Lin Xiao would be unable to stay calm. But clearly, he had underestimated him.

In his heart, Lei Qianting raised his evaluation of Lin Xiao once again—from an opponent he could easily defeat to one that might require a bit more effort. That was all.

From beginning to end, Lei Qianting had never considered the possibility of losing. This wasn’t arrogance, but the confidence of a true expert.

Ji Wei exited the hall and came to Lei Qianting’s side. She glanced back at Lin Xiao seated within and spoke softly, “Master, are you confident in defeating him?”

Lei Qianting cast her a faint glance. “What, even you don’t believe in your master now?”

“Of course I believe in you, Master. But I sense a very ominous aura from this man named Lin Xiao. That feeling… it’s hard to describe, but it makes my heart race.” Ji Wei furrowed her slender brows. “I’ve seen many experts, but he’s the first to give me that feeling.”

“Your instincts are sharp. This young man named Lin Xiao is indeed extraordinary. He carries a heavy killing aura, but what’s more impressive is that he can suppress it. Those who can do that are all top-tier experts.”

Lei Qianting, his eyes keen, gave his prized disciple a word of advice. “When I face him later, watch closely. Learn whatever you can.”

“I understand, Master.”

“Alright. Now, come with me to greet our guests. They should be arriving soon.” Lei Qianting stepped out.

***

Outside Dongxu Manor—

Several luxury sedans approached from a distance, stopping one after another at the mountain estate gate. From the cars stepped figures in training garb—men and women, old and young.

Had Lin Xiao been present, he would have recognized them all.

These were all renowned experts from Jiangnan Province’s ancient martial world, including Wuxu Martial Hall’s master Zhou Chenguang, Wei Martial Hall’s master Wei Chengxue, and Xuantian Martial Hall’s master Yang Yuanji.

As for the only young woman among them, it was none other than Chen Lingxin.

Chen Lingxin wore a black training uniform, her short hair brushing her ears, sword-like brows and starry eyes. Her expression brimmed with spirited energy and unmistakable sharpness.

The other hall masters had brought their disciples, but Chen Lingxin came alone.

With Chen Tianxing still recovering in the hospital and the martial hall temporarily closed, she had volunteered to attend after receiving Lei Qianting’s invitation.

“Chen Lingxin, how’s your father doing?” Yang Yuanji waved to her.

Chen Lingxin strode up to him and greeted him crisply, “Uncle Yang,” then added, “Thank you for your concern. My dad’s recovering fast. He should be discharged before long.”

“That’s good to hear.” Yang Yuanji lowered his voice. “Chen Lingxin, tell Uncle the truth. That matter that’s been spreading across Jiangnan and Jiangdong lately. Is it true?”

The nearby hall masters perked up their ears.

“What matter?” Chen Lingxin feigned ignorance.

“You little rascal, still playing dumb with Uncle Yang,” Yang Yuanji chuckled. “Of course, I mean the incident with Master Lin challenging the Golden Claw Sect. What else could it be?”

“Oh, that…” Chen Lingxin deliberately stretched her words. “Uncle Yang, you shouldn’t be asking me. You should ask my master.”

“You’re a real trickster.” Yang Yuanji was momentarily speechless but quickly latched onto her last sentence. “Lingxin, you’ve taken Master Lin as your teacher?”

“Yep.”

“Did you hold a formal apprenticeship ceremony?”

Chen Lingxin looked a bit guilty. “My master doesn’t care for that stuff.”

At her words, Yang Yuanji and the other hall masters all shook their heads.

“Lingxin, with Master Lin’s current strength and status, being able to become his disciple is your great fortune.”

Yang Yuanji spoke sternly, “Apprenticeship rites cannot be ignored. Otherwise, your title lacks legitimacy. Even if Master Lin doesn’t mind, can you, as his disciple, also disregard it? Looks like I’ll have to talk with your father.”

Chen Lingxin rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, “Stubborn old man…”

As they conversed, the group headed toward the manor gates.

After entering the manor, the topic turned to the reason for today’s gathering.

“Fellow hall masters, do you know why this Master Lei Qianting from the capital invited us here?” a middle-aged man in his thirties asked.

Everyone shook their heads.

“Lei Qianting from the capital is a renowned expert. Even in the capital’s ancient martial circles, he’s quite the name. Receiving his invitation is an honor.”

Another man, thin with prominent temples, added, “If we can witness his skills or even get a few pointers, the trip will have been well worth it.”

Just then, a firm and resonant voice rang out ahead: “Welcome, fellow practitioners. I, Lei Qianting, am deeply honored by your presence.”

Everyone turned simultaneously toward the voice. When they saw Lei Qianting in a white training uniform, their pupils all contracted. They could feel the vast, profound aura emanating from him.

What a formidable expert! The same thought crossed each of their minds.