Chapter 387: Choosing Sides

Lei Qianting wasn’t particularly tall or muscular, yet standing there, he resembled a mountain rising from flat ground—steady, solid, imposing.

Everyone present was trained in martial arts and highly sensitive to qi.

In their perception, Lei Qianting’s body seemed to contain a volcano, radiating intense heat. Even from a distance, a heavy pressure pressed against them.

For a moment, the crowd was stunned into silence.

A deep sense of defeat rose in each person’s heart.

Martial artists possessed pride and a competitive spirit—otherwise, they wouldn’t have pursued martial cultivation—but the instant they saw Lei Qianting, everyone understood that they were no match for him.

It was like standing before a mountain. No one would foolishly believe themselves taller than a mountain.

Several seconds passed before Yang Yuanji was the first to recover. Straightening his expression, he cupped his hands toward Lei Qianting and said, “Master Lei, your reputation precedes you. Meeting you today confirms every word. I am Yang Yuanji of Xuantian Martial Hall.”

Lei Qianting returned the gesture. “Master Yang, a pleasure. Forgive my poor hospitality.”

“No need to stand on ceremony.”

The others also stepped forward one after another to greet Lei Qianting.

“Master Lei, may I ask why you’ve invited us here today?” Zhou Chenguang asked.

Lei Qianting smiled faintly. “It’s nothing major. I’ll be sparring with someone today and wanted fellow martial artists to serve as witnesses.”

Everyone’s spirits lifted, and their eyes lit up.

To witness a master like Lei Qianting in action was a rare and invaluable experience for those in the traditional martial arts world.

“Who will be sparring with Master Lei?” a tall, burly man asked curiously.

“I am.”

With a calm and indifferent voice, Lin Xiao appeared at the hall’s entrance.

“Master Lin?!”

Everyone was shocked at the sight of Lin Xiao.

Lately, his name had spread like thunder throughout the region.

Especially the news of him going alone to Jiangdong Province and defeating the entire Golden Claw Sect. It had shaken the martial arts world of Jiangnan Province, making them proud and giving them something to talk about with enthusiasm.

Though young, Lin Xiao commanded universal respect. Anyone who saw him would address him as Master Lin. His reputation in the Jiangnan martial community was well-established and widely known.

Yet no one had expected him to appear here, at this time, and to be the one challenging Lei Qianting.

“Master?!”

From the crowd, Chen Lingxin rubbed her eyes in disbelief, then let out a joyful cry and ran out. She rushed to Lin Xiao’s side, grabbing his arm, overwhelmed with excitement.

Lin Xiao had already seen her and showed no surprise. He frowned. “Why are you here?”

“Master, aren’t you happy to see me?” Chen Lingxin pouted. “My dad’s in the hospital from his injury, and we got an invitation. So I came in his place.”

Lin Xiao nodded calmly. “Alright. We’ll talk later. Stand behind me for now.”

Chen Lingxin had much she wanted to say, but at his words, she grew sullen. “Okay.”

At that moment, Yang Yuanji, Zhou Chenguang, and the other hall masters stepped forward to greet Lin Xiao. Wei Chengxue, who had previously clashed with Lin Xiao, kept his head down and hid in the crowd, hoping not to be noticed.

“Master Lin, I didn’t expect to see you here,” Zhou Chenguang said, cupping his hands with a smile.

“Master Zhou, long time no see.” Lin Xiao returned the gesture.

“Master Lin, on behalf of everyone, thank you. You’ve helped the Jiangnan martial world vent its anger.” Yang Yuanji, usually solemn, forced a stiff smile. “You’ve only been away a short time, but your skills have grown even deeper. Truly humbling.”

Lin Xiao smiled faintly. “You’re too kind, Master Yang.”

“If you ever get the chance, please visit Xuantian Martial Hall and give us some guidance,” Yang Yuanji added. “And if you ever need anything from us, just say the word.”

As he spoke, Yang Yuanji glanced toward Lei Qianting not far away—his meaning clear.

“Master Lin, Master Yang is right,” Zhou Chenguang said firmly. “If you need anything from us, speak freely. We may not be that strong, but we can still cheer you on.”

The others also voiced their support for Lin Xiao.

Though Lei Qianting was powerful and influential, at that moment, these martial artists of Jiangnan Province chose to stand with Lin Xiao. Even Wei Chengxue, who had once opposed him, was no exception.

Lei Qianting’s eyes flickered at the sight.

Lin Xiao’s reputation and influence in Jiangnan’s martial world had exceeded his expectations.

“I deeply appreciate everyone’s goodwill,” Lin Xiao said, his voice soft but clear to all. “However, today’s match with Master Lei is a fair duel, unrelated to personal grudges. Please observe only, and do not interfere.”

Everyone looked at each other in silence.

“If Master Lin says so, then let’s just enjoy the match,” Zhou Chenguang suddenly said. “As martial artists, duels and sparring are natural. Seems we were making a fuss over nothing.”

The crowd nodded quietly.

At that moment, Lei Qianting also stepped forward. The crowd parted on its own, allowing him to stop three meters in front of Lin Xiao. His gaze swept across the others, sharp as lightning.

His eyes were so piercing that anyone caught in them felt a chill, as if they’d been seen through.

“Fellow martial artists, this is a fair spar with Master Lin. Only victory or defeat matters. Not life or death,” Lei Qianting said, his voice resounding with vigor. “Still, if any of you wish to stand up for Master Lin, I welcome you.”

His words carried overwhelming confidence and the domineering aura of someone who looked down on all others. As he finished speaking, a massive pressure of peak Dark Force surged from his body, sweeping outward from him.

The martial artists of Jiangnan felt as if a heavy stone had been pressed against their chests. Breathing became difficult, and expressions turned grave.

“Master Lei, rest assured. Today’s battle is between you and me. It has nothing to do with anyone else.”

Under the weight of Lei Qianting’s pressure, Lin Xiao’s eyes remained deep and calm. His voice held no fluctuation. “Masters, please step back. Don’t get caught up in the fight.”

Zhou Chenguang and Yang Yuanji exchanged a glance and led the Jiangnan martial artists to slowly retreat, clearing out a large space.

“Master, be careful!” Chen Lingxin whispered in Lin Xiao’s ear, then backed away with the others.