Chapter 394: Offering Apology

“Master Lin, your martial arts truly leave us in awe. I am completely convinced.”

Yang Yuanji raised both hands and cupped them with utmost sincerity toward Lin Xiao. “I used to think my skills were decent, but after witnessing your battle with Master Lei, I realize now I was like a frog at the bottom of a well—ignorant of the vastness of the world…”

After speaking, Yang Yuanji sighed heavily, clearly feeling greatly affected. In truth, everyone in the ancient martial arts world present felt the same after witnessing Lin Xiao’s display.

“Master Yang is right. Master Lin, you’re so young, yet your cultivation is already extraordinary. Compared to you, I, Old Luo, have lived all these years for nothing.” Zhou Chenguang also shook his head and sighed, then changed his tone. “Master Lin, if you have time in the future, please grant me the chance for a personal lesson!”

After Yang Yuanji and Zhou Chenguang spoke, the others followed suit. Their voices overlapped, and the once-quiet manor instantly turned noisy like a bustling market.

None of these people were fools. Lin Xiao, just in his twenties, had defeated a top expert from the imperial capital like Lei Qianting. With such strength and talent, he was destined for greatness.

For someone with such limitless potential, if they didn’t seize the opportunity to build rapport now, then when would they?

Forming a connection now could bring immeasurable benefits.

Even Wei Chenguang, who had previously clashed with Lin Xiao, now plastered a smile on his face and shamelessly offered flattery.

Lin Xiao was uncomfortable with the scene and could only respond perfunctorily. Before long, a hint of weariness appeared between his brows.

Standing behind him, Chen Lingxin had been observing Lin Xiao’s expression. Smart and perceptive, she noticed his impatience and quickly spoke up to interrupt everyone, “Master, you just had a big fight. You must be tired, right?”

Lin Xiao gave Chen Lingxin an approving look. This disciple, though taken in conveniently, was reliable when it counted.

“Mm, I am a bit.”

“If Master’s tired, then you should rest properly.”

Chen Lingxin’s bright eyes swept over Yang Yuanji and the others as she spoke with clear implication. “Uncles, if you have something to say to my master, maybe next time. This isn’t the place to talk, and there’s no rush in trying to build connections, right?”

Her words were blunt. Everyone present blushed with embarrassment and, unable to continue crowding Lin Xiao, offered a few polite farewells and took their leave.

Soon, the spacious manor was left with just Lin Xiao and Chen Lingxin.

“Master, am I awesome or what?” Chen Lingxin bounced in front of Lin Xiao, lifting her fair chin proudly. “Just one sentence, and I drove them all away. Heehee, praise me!”

But as she spoke, her voice gradually lowered, because she noticed Lin Xiao’s complexion didn’t look right.

Lin Xiao’s face was full of fatigue, his spirit seemed drained, and his face had turned pale. His body swayed slightly.

“Master, what’s wrong?” Chen Lingxin was startled. She quickly opened her arms to support Lin Xiao and prevent him from falling. “Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine. Just mentally overexerted. Help me over there to rest a bit.”

During the fight with Lei Qianting, Lin Xiao had been analyzing Lei’s moves, especially that Iron Shirt technique. He had even been mentally simulating it continuously.

Of course, it wasn’t because he intended to secretly learn it. Not only was time too short for complete analysis, but stealing martial techniques was something universally despised in the ancient martial arts world. Lin Xiao had a good impression of Lei Qianting and disdained such actions.

Previously, he had only stolen the Eagle Claw technique from the Golden Claw Sect because they were enemies. He showed no mercy to foes.

His reason for analyzing the external skill was that the martial path must not be rigid or complacent. Only by embracing and studying many different styles could one unify them all.

However, this kind of analysis consumed a lot of mental energy. Even with Lin Xiao’s Flowing Force cultivation, it still took a toll.

Chen Lingxin helped Lin Xiao to a nearby bench to sit down, then turned and ran off.

“Where are you going?” Lin Xiao asked, puzzled, watching her elegant figure dash away.

“Of course, I’m going home to get medicine.” Her voice came from the doorway. “Master, wait for me, I’ll be right back!”

“No need. Just a short rest will do.”

“Really?” Chen Lingxin stopped abruptly, turned around, and glared at Lin Xiao in frustration. “Why didn’t you say so earlier? I was so worried.”

Lin Xiao felt a warmth in his heart. “Come back. We’ll rest for ten minutes, then leave.”

Chen Lingxin returned and sat down next to Lin Xiao. “Master, I have a question for you.”

“Hmm?”

“Did you eat some magical elixir or something?” She widened her eyes and examined him up and down. “How are you so strong?”

Even though she already knew Lin Xiao was amazing, she couldn’t help but ask. He was even younger than she was, yet his cultivation was so advanced.

Lin Xiao smirked, glanced at her, and said nothing.

“Come on, tell me.” Chen Lingxin clung to his arm, acting like a spoiled child.

Lin Xiao simply closed his eyes, choosing to block her out entirely. He ignored her teasing and focused inward, circulating his inner energy to repair his body.

Seeing this, Chen Lingxin gritted her teeth in frustration. She wanted nothing more than to bite Lin Xiao on the neck.

Five minutes later—

Two figures walked into the manor, one behind the other.

The one in front was Hao Lifeng of the Mad Fang Gang, followed by Ma Qingye of the Green River Gang. Both men wore ashen expressions, their minds unsettled. Deep in their eyes hid fear and anxiety.

The first thing they saw was devastation.

Shattered stone tiles, overturned soil, ruptured ground—and even the two-meter-tall artificial mountain had been reduced to rubble.

They had already heard about Lei Qianting’s defeat, which was why they had hurried over. But seeing the battlefield with their own eyes still left them deeply shocked.

Could this really be caused by a fight between men?

Then, they saw Lin Xiao sitting on a bench, eyes closed in meditation.

The two looked at each other, gathered their courage, and walked toward Lin Xiao. Their steps unconsciously lightened, and even their backs were slightly hunched.

“Who are you?” Before they could approach, Chen Lingxin’s sharp voice rang out, unwelcoming.

Still holding in her frustration, her tone was particularly harsh.

Hao Lifeng and Ma Qingye both felt a chill run down their spines. Hao Lifeng forced a smile and said, “We… we’re here to offer an apology to Mr. Lin.”

Chen Lingxin glanced at Lin Xiao’s closed eyes, then at the two nervous men, and said sternly, “If you have something to say, say it from there.”

“O-Okay…” Hao Lifeng swallowed hard, carefully choosing his words. “Mr. Lin, we’ve heard about the outcome of your match with Master Lei. The Mad Fang Gang and the Green River Gang will be disbanded immediately. We’ll retire and leave Jinghai. Will that be acceptable to you?”

Lin Xiao didn’t even lift his eyelids, as if he hadn’t heard a word.

Cold sweat began to soak through the backs of Hao Lifeng and Ma Qingye’s shirts.

Though Lin Xiao sat still, in their eyes, he appeared like a fearsome beast lying in wait—one wrong move, and they’d be torn apart.

“Mr. Lin, we will also donate a large sum of money to charity. Furthermore, all remaining assets from the two gangs will be handed over to public welfare organizations,” Ma Qingye said, trembling. “We only ask for your mercy. If we ever do evil again, may we die a thousand deaths, pierced by countless blades!”