Chapter 393: Reminder

“Master Lin, do you know the Wan family from the capital?”

“Wan family?” Though Lin Xiao was puzzled as to why Lei Qianting would bring this up, he still nodded and said, “Yes, I do. Why?”

“Then, did Master Lin capture one of the Wan family’s heirs?”

“You mean Wan Shixuan?” At this point, even Lin Xiao, no matter how dense, sensed something was off. He said directly, “Master Lei, if there’s something you want to say, just say it.”

“Very well, I’ll speak frankly…”

Lei Qianting then recounted the plan that the Wan family had discussed with him earlier at the villa, one detail after another. “Master Lin, though I did not agree to the Wan family’s plan, I believe Wan Shixuan’s father will not let this go. His influence within the Wan family is very strong. Master Lin, be careful.”

Wan Shixuan’s father…

Lin Xiao’s thoughts surged, though he didn’t take it too seriously. If troops come, he’ll face them head-on; if water floods, he’ll block it with earth.

“Thank you for the warning, Master Lei.” Lin Xiao’s voice was as calm as ever. “If there’s anything I can help with in the future, be sure to contact me.”

“Then it’s settled.” Lei Qianting took two steps back and cupped his hands, his expression solemn. “Master Lin, that’s all I have to say. I’ll take my leave. Until we meet again.”

“Alright. Until we meet again.”

Lei Qianting turned and left, leading Ji Wei and Tang Heng out of the villa without another word.

When they exited the villa gates, Tang Heng finally couldn’t help but ask, “Master, we’re just leaving like this?”

Lei Qianting didn’t respond. His expression was blank as he strode forward.

Only after walking several dozen meters, completely away from the villa, did Lei Qianting’s face suddenly turn pale. He covered his mouth and began coughing violently—blood seeping through his fingers.

Ji Wei and Tang Heng were shocked and quickly supported him from both sides.

“Master, what’s wrong?”

“Master, are you alright?”

Lei Qianting coughed for about half a minute before pulling out a handkerchief to wipe the blood. He exhaled a long breath tinged with a bloody scent. “What terrifying strength… such powerful force. I miscalculated this time.”

He had indeed miscalculated. He never expected Lin Xiao’s strength to be so astonishing, his punches so ferocious.

Even with the protection of the Diamond Iron Shirt during their fight, Lei Qianting still suffered internal injuries from Lin Xiao’s punches.

Not wanting to show weakness in front of others, he had been suppressing the injury with internal energy. Now, having left the villa, the moment he let his guard down, the injury erupted.

After spitting out the blood that had congested his chest, Lei Qianting felt much better.

Tang Heng asked in disbelief, “Master, is that Lin Xiao really so powerful that he could injure you?”

“He’s far more powerful than what he showed.”

Lei Qianting glanced at Tang Heng. His sharp gaze seemed to pierce deep into Tang Heng’s heart. “I know you’re not convinced, but from now on, do not provoke him again. Otherwise, even I won’t be able to save you.”

Tang Heng’s body trembled. He forced a smile and said, “Don’t worry, Master. I’m not a child. I know what to do.”

“There are people in this world who can’t be judged by common standards. Lin Xiao is undoubtedly one of them.”

Lei Qianting looked at his two disciples. “Failure is not shameful. What’s shameful is to collapse after failure. A true expert never fears failure, do you understand?”

Upon hearing this, Ji Wei looked thoughtful and nodded seriously, while Tang Heng’s face remained pale, a few cold drops of sweat appearing on his forehead.

After lecturing his disciples, Lei Qianting looked toward the villa with a trace of confusion and shock on his face. In a voice only he could hear, he muttered to himself:

“Flowing Stage…?”

“Master, what did you say?” Ji Wei asked, puzzled, seeing Lei Qianting suddenly stand motionless.

“Nothing.” Lei Qianting concealed his earlier expression. “Alright, we’re heading back to the capital. On the way, notify Mad Fang Gang to disband. I…”

“Hm? What’s that?”

Just then, as if sensing something, his gaze shifted toward the southeast side of the villa, where a dense forest stood.

Tang Heng noticed Lei Qianting’s expression. His pale face turned even whiter, and his entire body began to tremble.

***

Inside the villa.

While Lei Qianting and Lin Xiao were speaking, Chen Lingxin, Yang Yuanji, Zhou Chenguang, and the others stood far off, not daring to interrupt.

Once Lei Qianting left, they immediately surged forward, surrounding Lin Xiao, but still maintaining a respectful distance. Every expression was filled with complex emotions.

Shock, awe, respect, fear… all kinds of emotions flickered across their faces. Their gazes toward Lin Xiao carried a sense of reverence.

One could say, just now, they had witnessed the birth of a miracle.

A true miracle!

Previously, Lin Xiao had defeated the master of the Golden Claw Sect, but that had only been a rumor. Other than the sect’s disciples, no one else had seen it firsthand.

But today’s fight was different. Lin Xiao had, in a fair duel, under the watchful eyes of many martial artists from Jiangnan Province, defeated Lei Qianting.

Lei Qianting was in his prime, at his physical and experiential peak, far beyond the aging master of the Golden Claw Sect.

Moreover, his strength even seemed to have undergone a breakthrough. Though they couldn’t discern Lei Qianting’s true capabilities, judging by the villa’s main hall—flattened like it had been steamrolled—they could tell he was extremely powerful.

Thus, today’s battle was of immense value. It proved Lin Xiao’s terrifying strength, and its impact might reshape the landscape of Jiangnan’s martial arts world.

It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that after today’s battle, Lin Xiao could rightfully be called the number one martial artist in Jiangnan Province.

And the number one was so young.

Chen Lingxin excitedly pushed through the crowd and ran to Lin Xiao, smiling radiantly. She grabbed his arm and exclaimed, “Master, you’re soooo amazing!”

“It was just a narrow win. Nothing much,” Lin Xiao replied calmly.

“What do you mean nothing much? He was a top expert from the capital, with incredible cultivation, and still got defeated by you.”

Chen Lingxin shook his arm vigorously, overjoyed, stars practically sparkling in her eyes. “Master, I admire you so much! Come, let your disciple give you a kiss.”

With that, she pounced on Lin Xiao, puckering her lips as she aimed for his cheek.

That was just her personality—lively, spontaneous, doing whatever she pleased, completely unconcerned with others being present.

“Enough. Even if you want to mess around, pick the right time.” Lin Xiao frowned slightly and turned his head to dodge her lips. “Go stand behind me. Don’t interfere while I talk to the others.”

“Who’s messing around? I’m just happy for you. What’s wrong with a kiss?”

Chen Lingxin stomped her foot, clearly unhappy. “Always telling me to stand behind you. I don’t want to.”

Despite her words, she still obediently followed Lin Xiao’s instruction, moved behind him, and even started tidying his disheveled training clothes.

With this little interlude from Chen Lingxin, the heavy atmosphere on the field lightened considerably.