Chapter 395: Southern Martial Exchange Conference

Lin Xiao still did not speak.

Hao Lifeng and Ma Qingye stood three meters away with heads bowed, like two convicts awaiting judgment. Their heads drooped lower and lower, their bodies gradually hunched, and sweat appeared on their foreheads.

No one knew how long passed before Lin Xiao slightly parted his lips and lightly uttered a single word, “Alright.”

Lin Xiao’s voice was not loud. Due to internal injuries, it was a bit hoarse and low, but to Hao Lifeng and Ma Qingye, it was like celestial music.

Though it was just one word, it meant their lives had been spared.

Overjoyed, the two of them exhaled in relief at the same time, as if a heavy weight had been lifted from their hearts.

At that moment, a gust of wind blew past Hao Lifeng and Ma Qingye. The two couldn’t help but shiver, feeling a chill down their backs.

In just three minutes, their backs were already soaked through. It was a testament to the pressure they had endured.

“Mr. Lin, if you have no other instructions, may we take our leave?” Hao Lifeng asked in a low voice, fearing he might disturb Lin Xiao, who had closed his eyes to regulate his breath.

“One more thing.”

Their hearts immediately tensed again. They exchanged glances, and Ma Qingye respectfully said, “Please speak, Mr. Lin.”

“Control your respective gang members. I don’t want to see the Mad Fang Gang and Green River Gang disbanded, only to have new gangs rise in their place.” Lin Xiao’s tone was calm and indifferent, yet it carried an indescribable pressure. “Also, don’t make today’s events widely known.”

“Yes, we understand.” Hao Lifeng and Ma Qingye nodded in unison.

Lin Xiao said no more, only waving his hand.

As if receiving amnesty, Hao Lifeng and Ma Qingye bowed once again to Lin Xiao, retreated several steps, then turned and jogged away from the manor, as though something terrifying was chasing them.

Watching the two of them leave with visible relief, Chen Lingxin giggled, “Master, you really scared those two half to death.”

“They’ve done many bad things. Guilt weighs heavy,” Lin Xiao opened his eyes, a flash of light quickly disappearing from his gaze. After just ten minutes of meditation, his internal injuries had mostly recovered. “Alright, let’s go.”

With that, Lin Xiao got up and walked out.

Chen Lingxin walked beside him, shoulder to shoulder, “Master, did you know the Southern Martial Exchange Conference is coming up soon?”

“Southern Martial Exchange Conference?”

“Yeah, it’s a major annual event for the ancient martial world of several southern provinces. Many hidden experts show up. Master, with your martial skills, don’t you want to see how you measure up against them?”

Chen Lingxin’s voice was clear and lively, rambling on and on, “Also, it’s a great chance to make a name for yourself. Don’t you want to become a grandmaster admired by all?”

“I’m not interested. Not going,” Lin Xiao replied without hesitation.

Chen Lingxin hadn’t expected such a blunt refusal and was left speechless. But clever as she was, she quickly shifted tactics, switching to a pitiful tone, “Master, if you don’t go, I’m doomed…”

Lin Xiao raised an eyebrow and turned to look at her. “Why?”

Delighted inside, Chen Lingxin knew this was her chance. What she feared most wasn’t Lin Xiao asking questions—it was him not asking at all. 

“Master, did you know the exchange conference is also the martial hall evaluation event?”

“Martial hall evaluation?” This was the first time Lin Xiao had heard of such a thing. His interest was piqued.

Chen Lingxin nodded: “That’s right. Martial schools are ranked into grades A, B, C, and D. Grade A is the highest, D is the lowest. Our Chen Martial Hall and three others are known as the Four Great Martial Halls of Jiangnan Province because we’re all Grade B.

“The evaluation is held once a year. Halls that pass keep their grade. Those who fail get downgraded. You can also challenge higher-ranked halls and take their place, but you’ll have to fend off others who might challenge you in turn. So the evaluation is a huge deal for every martial hall.”

After hearing her explanation, Lin Xiao nodded slightly. “Understood. I’ll attend the martial arts exchange you mentioned.”

Hearing Lin Xiao agree so quickly, Chen Lingxin was caught off guard. “Master, are you really going?”

“You’re leading this year’s evaluation for Chen’s Martial Hall, right? Uncle Chen is injured, and no one else can handle it. No wonder you’ve been working so hard lately, trying to master dark force.”

Lin Xiao patted her on the shoulder. “Don’t pressure yourself. If the sky falls, I’ll hold it up for you.”

Chen Lingxin suddenly stopped, turned, and blocked Lin Xiao’s path. Her white teeth bit her lower lip. Her pretty eyes shimmered with emotion as she stared at him.

“What’s wrong?” Lin Xiao touched his face.

Suddenly, Chen Lingxin threw herself into his arms, hugging his waist tightly. She rubbed her face against his chest, pressing herself close. “Master, you’re so good to me. How should I repay you?”

Lin Xiao could feel her heartfelt joy. A smile played at the corners of his mouth. “Repaying me is easy, just don’t keep giving me headaches.”

Chen Lingxin lifted her head from his chest and looked at Lin Xiao’s handsome profile. Then, on tiptoe, she kissed his cheek.

Her rosy lips left a moist mark with a soft smack.

Lin Xiao froze, glanced down at her, and his expression grew a little strange. Her action had caught him off guard.

Chen Lingxin herself was startled by her boldness. Her face turned bright red as her heart pounded like a drum.

‘I’m doomed! Why did I kiss Master all of a sudden? If he makes me take responsibility… does that mean I’ll have to marry him? But we’re master and disciple, can we even get married?’

Countless thoughts raced through her head in an instant. Her inner monologue was incredibly dramatic.

Lin Xiao had no idea about her mental chaos. After a moment of surprise, he recovered and cleared his throat. “That’s your way of repaying me?”

Chen Lingxin giggled at his words. Her embarrassment eased a bit. She pulled away, glanced at him with a sidelong look, her eyes gleaming with charm and strength.

“Yup! Master, are you satisfied with your disciple’s reward? If not, I can give you a few more~”

Hearing that, Lin Xiao’s heart fluttered slightly. He flicked her forehead with his fingers. “No manners. Where’d you learn that from?”

His flick wasn’t light nor heavy, but it left a faint red mark on her forehead. Chen Lingxin cried out in pain, covered her head, and took two steps back. “Master, why’d you flick me?”

“Did it hurt?”

“Of course it did!” she pouted.

“Good. That’s punishment for your sass.” Lin Xiao laughed and stood up. After a few minutes of rest, his energy had mostly returned. “If there’s nothing else, head home. Send my regards to Uncle Chen and the old man.”

“My dad’s been talking about you nonstop. He said once he’s out of the hospital, he’s got to thank you properly for helping us with the big crisis.”

Chen Lingxin walked behind Lin Xiao, hands clasped behind her back, following closely. “Master, why don’t you come over to our place? Maybe give me a little more guidance?”

“In a few days,” Lin Xiao said, pointing to his ragged training clothes and bare feet. “I’ve got to go change first. Can’t exactly show up at your house looking like this.”

Chen Lingxin’s spirits dropped. She pouted. “Okay then… I’ll head back too.”

As they spoke, the two of them exited the manor. Outside was an orange-red Mini Cooper—presumably Chen Lingxin’s car.

“By the way, when exactly is that exchange conference?” Lin Xiao asked.

Standing by her car, Chen Lingxin looked at him reluctantly. At his question, she counted on her fingers. “Maybe four or five days? I’m not sure. I’ll call you once I check at home.”

“Alright, stop standing around. Go on home.”

Lin Xiao got into his car, fastened his seatbelt, and waved.

“Bye, Master~” Chen Lingxin said reluctantly as she got into her Mini and rolled down the window to wave. Her Porsche Mini roared to life, a streak of orange-red vanishing into the distance.

After Chen Lingxin left, Lin Xiao prepared to leave too. But at that moment, he suddenly sensed something. He lifted his head and looked toward the forest southeast of the manor.

“Come out.”