Chapter 392: Conclusion

The manor was deathly silent.

No one spoke. Only heavy breathing echoed in the air.

Everyone wore expressions of shock, staring wide-eyed at Lin Xiao and Lei Qianting.

Everything that had just happened replayed in their minds, but it had all occurred too quickly. Most still didn’t understand exactly what had happened.

There was only one thought in everyone’s mind: Lei Qianting actually lost?

A renowned expert from the Imperial Capital had been defeated by a young man.

If word of this got out, who knew what kind of uproar it would cause?

Of course, they all knew Lin Xiao’s strength was unfathomable. After his solo challenge to the Golden Claw Sect, his name had already become widely known in Jiangnan Province.

But Lin Xiao’s age remained a major concern. Though they had stood on Lin Xiao’s side before, the best outcome they had imagined was him barely holding his own.

None of them had expected that Lin Xiao would defeat Lei Qianting, an expert from the very heart of the Xia Country.

“I knew it! I knew Master would win!”

Chen Lingxin clenched her fists in excitement, eyes glowing with light. Had she not feared disturbing Lin Xiao, she would’ve already cheered out loud without restraint.

Compared to Chen Lingxin’s excitement, Tang Heng looked like he had lost his soul.

“How could Master lose to this guy?”

He couldn’t believe his eyes. He wiped them hard with the back of his hand, but nothing changed before him. “No, Master hasn’t lost yet. He hasn’t admitted defeat!”

Tang Heng stared at Lei Qianting with eyes full of hope, desperately wishing he would spring up from the ground and send Lin Xiao flying with a punch.

Ji Wei’s cold expression had completely vanished. Her rosy lips parted slightly as she stared blankly at Lin Xiao’s towering figure. Her heart was suddenly shaken, stirred by a surge of indescribable emotions.

“Just how powerful is this man named Lin Xiao…?”

As Lei Qianting’s beloved disciple, Ji Wei naturally knew just how formidable her master truly was.

It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that even an iron man would be smashed into unrecognizable scrap after taking that many punches from Lei Qianting.

Yet Lin Xiao had endured Lei Qianting’s fierce assault head-on, without even a change in expression.

How could she not be shaken?

She even wanted to dig out Lin Xiao’s heart and see if it was made of steel.

Unaware of Ji Wei’s thoughts, Lin Xiao was quite satisfied with this match.

Lei Qianting’s strength far exceeded his expectations. At first, he had only thought Lei Qianting was a bit stronger than the Golden Claw Sect Master, but not by much.

Unexpectedly, Lei Qianting was half a step into the Flowing Force stage—delighting Lin Xiao immensely. He had never fought a transformation-level master before.

Although Lei Qianting was only half a step in—and might never take the next step—for Lin Xiao, it was more than enough. It was just right.

After all, half-step Flowing Force was still just that. While it possessed some characteristics of full transformation, it still fell far short.

Though Lin Xiao had reached the Flowing Force stage at a young age thanks to the incomplete Thunder Decree, he had broken through only recently and lacked combat experience against ancient martial experts. Compared to others of the same level, his foundation was still weak. Against peers of the same level, he wouldn’t stand a chance.

This bout with Lei Qianting’s half-step breakthrough was a perfect opportunity for Lin Xiao to familiarize himself with Flowing Force-level combat without the risks of a full-force confrontation.

Lin Xiao remained calm and composed, battle intent still burning in his pupils. Coldness and heat blended perfectly within him.

His eyes remained fixed on Lei Qianting’s face. His fist still hung in the air, inner energy ready to strike—awaiting Lei Qianting’s response.

If Lei Qianting refused to admit defeat, his punch would fall without hesitation.

Though pleased with Lei Qianting’s strength, Lin Xiao hadn’t forgotten the original purpose of this duel.

Lei Qianting’s expression shifted repeatedly. His fists clenched tightly, then slowly relaxed—over and over.

He was unwilling.

As a renowned expert from the Imperial Capital, losing to a young man—such an outcome was hard to accept, even for someone as upright as Lei Qianting.

But he also knew that if they continued, it would no longer be a fair duel—it would become a fight to the death.

Moreover…

After stopping, he calmed down. Reflecting on the earlier exchange, he looked again at Lin Xiao’s composed expression. His eyes flashed with confusion, shock, and other emotions. After much inner turmoil, Lei Qianting let out a long breath. His tense body slowly relaxed, the golden hue on his skin faded, and his swollen figure returned to normal.

He stood up and respectfully cupped his fists toward Lin Xiao, his voice hoarse, “Master Lin… I’ve lost.”

“Master Lei, thank you for going easy.”

Lin Xiao retracted his fist and stood upright, returning the salute.

He held great respect for Lei Qianting. Though an opponent, he had fought openly and with integrity—truly the conduct of a martial artist.

Lin Xiao exhaled a straight, sword-like breath. A surge of white mist rose from his skin and head. The glow in his eyes dimmed, becoming calm and profound once more. His body returned to normal.

“Master Lin, I admit defeat wholeheartedly.” Lei Qianting’s voice was steady. Despite losing, he showed no loss of composure, demonstrating his firm will. “You are the most talented young expert I’ve ever seen. Your future is boundless.”

“Master Lei flatters me. I only won by a narrow margin,” Lin Xiao replied calmly. “Had it been a life-and-death struggle, it’s hard to say who would’ve emerged victorious.”

Lei Qianting glanced over Lin Xiao’s body and shook his head. “Master Lin, your victory was no fluke. If this had been a battle to the death, I would have stood even less of a chance. I’m not so blind as to not see that.”

Hearing this, Lin Xiao didn’t know how to respond, so he remained silent.

“Master Lin, since I’ve lost, I will no longer interfere in matters between you and the Mad Fang Gang.”

Lei Qianting spoke solemnly and cupped his fists again. “Supporting the Mad Fang Gang was never my true intention. My father owed his father a favor in the past. When he came to ask for help, I couldn’t refuse. I hope you’ll understand.”

“Think nothing of it.” Lin Xiao smiled. “In fact, I should thank the Mad Fang Gang. They gave me the chance to spar with a powerful opponent like Master Lei. I’ve gained greatly from this match.”

“Haha! Master Lin, the feeling is mutual.” Lei Qianting laughed heartily. “Now that this is over, I’ll be returning to the capital. Before I go, there’s one thing I’d like to say to you.”

“Please, go ahead.”

“Master Lin, shallow waters cannot raise dragons. Jinghai, Jiangnan Province, this place is too small for you.” Lei Qianting’s tone was sincere. “The capital is a gathering place of storms and hidden dragons. If you wish to advance further in this life, you must go there.”

“I wonder what Master Lei’s status is in the capital?” Lin Xiao’s eyes flickered.

“To be honest, though I have some fame in the capital, there are countless people above me, stronger than me.” Lei Qianting said earnestly.

“Thank you, Master Lei. I will go to the capital,” Lin Xiao said.

“Haha! Then I’ll be waiting for you, Master Lin. When you arrive in the capital, don’t forget to contact me.” Lei Qianting laughed. But soon, as if remembering something, his face shifted into thought. He stepped closer to Lin Xiao.

“Master Lin…”