36: exchange

Inside the Hidden Dragon Academy's C-7 Courtyard, Lin Mo and Death Warriors Wu were observing the partially unsealed rusted sword on the table.

“Young Master, since the first layer of the Seal was opened, the amount of Qi the sword body absorbs daily has gradually increased.”

Wu held a specialized Sensing Jade Tablet in his hand. When the tablet was close to the sword body, it emitted a faint fluorescence.

“The absorption rate is about three times that of the initial unsealing, and it mainly concentrates during the Zi and Wu hours.”

Lin Mo stretched out his finger and lightly brushed the sword body.

Beneath the cold, hard touch, he could feel a weak but continuous stream of energy flowing into the depths of the sword body through the “seven stars of the mountain peak” mark near the Crossguard.

“Can the source of this energy be determined?”

“The preliminary assessment is that it is related to the naturally existing Spiritual Qi between heaven and earth, but it is extremely sparse.”

Wu replied, “The feedback from the Basic Formation Identification skill suggests that there might be miniature Spirit Gathering or Energy Storage Structures inside the sword body.

However, it cannot be analyzed with existing knowledge.”

Lin Mo nodded.

“Young Master.” Si's voice rang out from outside the door. “The Martial Academy bell has rung three times. That is the signal to gather all Disciples of the Hidden Dragon Academy at the Main Hall.”

“The honored guest has arrived.” Lin Mo stood up and put the rusted sword into a specialized Sword Case.

He changed into a brand new azure Hidden Dragon Robe, fastened his Purple Token, and pushed the door open.

The atmosphere in the Hidden Dragon Academy's Main Hall was solemn.

Over thirty Hidden Dragon Disciples were lined up on both sides. Instructor Zhao Zhenshan, Liu Qingli, and others were also present.

At the head seat, Academy Master Sun Changqing was seated beside an unfamiliar White-Robed Elder.

The White-Robed Elder's hair and beard were completely white, his face was lean, and a sharp light flashed in his eyes whenever he opened and closed them. His aura was profound.

Lin Mo felt a slight sting in his eyes just by looking at him, and his spirit was instantly alert.

This person's cultivation was definitely above Sun Changqing's, at least a Blood Exchange Grandmaster, or perhaps even touching a higher level!

A young man stood beside the elder.

He was about twenty years old, dressed in an embroidered white robe with cloud patterns, a Dragon-Patterned Jade Pendant hanging from his waist. His face was handsome, and his demeanor naturally carried the nobility and detachment of someone long accustomed to a high position.

His expression was composed, and his gaze swept over everyone in the hall. He seemed gentle, but deep in his eyes, scrutiny and evaluation were hidden.

“This is an honored guest from The Capital. He is Senior Sikong Xuan, the Vice Director of the Heavenly Supervision Department,” Sun Changqing introduced, his tone carrying a trace of rare respect.

“The person next to Senior Sikong is Young Master Shangguan, also from The Capital.”

The Heavenly Supervision Department!

It is the secret organization of the Great Qian Dynasty that monitors the world and reports directly to the Emperor, possessing immense power.

For the Vice Director to come in person, this was no small matter.

As for that “Young Master Shangguan,” although his identity was not explicitly stated, his background could be imagined given that Sikong Xuan accompanied him.

“Greetings, Senior Sikong and Young Master Shangguan.” The Disciples bowed in unison.

Sikong Xuan nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, finally pausing on Lin Mo for a moment, a flicker of imperceptible surprise crossing his eyes.

Young Master Shangguan said warmly, “Everyone, please dispense with the formalities. I am Shangguan Yun. I have long heard that the Qinglan Martial Academy is blessed with outstanding talents, and the Hidden Dragon Academy is particularly renowned for producing heroes. I came specifically to visit today, pardon the intrusion.”

“Young Master Shangguan is too kind,” Sun Changqing said. “May I ask the purpose of your visit this time?”

Shangguan Yun smiled slightly: “To be honest, my travels this time are twofold: first, to broaden my horizons, and second, to follow My Father's command to inspect young talents across the various regions.

The Grand Competition of the Thirty-Six Prefectures two months from now will be personally presided over by His Majesty, making it extraordinarily significant. My Father hopes I can familiarize myself with the talents from each prefecture beforehand, so I may recommend them to His Majesty when the time comes.”

Recommend? The Disciples' hearts stirred.

This Young Master Shangguan's “My Father” was likely an influential figure in the court, perhaps even a certain Prince or King!

“I see.” Sun Changqing stroked his beard. “Since that is the case, let our Academy's Disciples demonstrate their skills, and we invite Young Master Shangguan to offer guidance.”

“I wouldn't presume to offer guidance; let's just spar and learn from each other.”

Shangguan Yun smiled kindly, but his gaze fell upon Lin Mo. “When I entered the hall just now, I felt that this Junior Brother possessed an extraordinary presence. May I know your name?”

Instantly, all eyes focused on Lin Mo.

Lin Mo stepped forward, neither humble nor arrogant: “Disciple Lin Mo greets Young Master Shangguan.”

“Lin Mo...” Shangguan Yun softly repeated the name, a hint of deep meaning flashing in his eyes. “Are you the Lin Mo who repelled the Unknown Bandits and protected the people of Qingyuan Town?”

As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the hall subtly changed.

The incident at Qingyuan Town happened last night, yet this Young Master Shangguan, who is far away in The Capital, already knew? The speed of the information transfer was startling.

Lin Mo's expression remained unchanged: “Protecting the territory and securing the people is the Martial Artist's duty, and I dare not accept the Young Master's praise. Last night, there were indeed petty criminals attempting to attack Qingyuan Town. Fortunately, thanks to the unity of the townspeople and the effective guidance of the Martial Academy, we were able to repel them.”

“What a fine 'Martial Artist's duty',” Shangguan Yun praised.

However, his tone shifted. “It is said that the attackers were not ordinary bandits, but well-trained and well-equipped armed forces.

Junior Brother Lin was able to lead the people to defeat them; presumably, your subordinates are also extraordinary?”

“Qingyuan Town is my hometown. The young and strong men in the town spontaneously organized the Town Guard to protect their homes, and they are usually instructed in rudimentary martial arts by retired Instructors from the Martial Academy.”

Lin Mo responded calmly, “Last night, we relied entirely on familiarity with the terrain and the united will of the people, coupled with the attackers' underestimation of us and aggressive advance, which allowed us a narrow victory. In terms of strength, we are far inferior to the Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters of the Hidden Dragon Academy.”

Shangguan Yun gave him a deep look, ceased his questioning, and then smiled, saying, “Academy Master Sun, may I ask if Junior Brother Lin could spar with me a little? It would allow me to witness the elegance of Qinglan's Hidden Dragons.”

The hall fell silent.

Given Shangguan Yun's status, who would dare truly injure him during a supposed sparring match? But intentionally holding back would damage the Martial Academy's reputation. Furthermore, his intention in specifically naming Lin Mo was unclear.

Sun Changqing looked at Sikong Xuan. The White-Robed Elder closed his eyes to rest his spirit, acting as if the matter did not concern him.

“Since Young Master Shangguan has such an interest, Lin Mo, you shall accompany the Young Master for a few moves,” Sun Changqing said slowly. “Stop before injury.”

“Yes.” Lin Mo clasped his fists and walked toward the open space in the hall.

Shangguan Yun unfastened the jade pendant from his waist, handed it to his Attendant, and stepped into the arena.

He did not take out a weapon, yet merely by standing there casually, a perfectly harmonious aura naturally emanated from him, as if he had merged with the surrounding environment.

“Great Accomplishment of Muscle, approaching Perfection.” Lin Mo instantly assessed that Shangguan Yun's cultivation was actually slightly higher than Liu Qingli's! Moreover, his Foundation was extremely solid, definitely not built up relying on Medicinal Pills.

“Junior Brother Lin, please begin.” Shangguan Yun smiled and gestured.

“Pardon me.” Lin Mo did not stand on ceremony. His body moved, executing the Willow Catkin Following the Wind Step. Like a gentle breeze, he instantly closed the distance, sending a punch straight toward the Center.

A flash of appreciation crossed Shangguan Yun's eyes. He neither retreated nor dodged, meeting the attack with a punch of his own. The momentum of his punch was simple and unadorned.

“Bang!”

The two fists met with a sound like a muffled drum. Both figures swayed simultaneously, each retreating half a step.

They were evenly matched!

But Lin Mo knew clearly that the opponent's punch was executed effortlessly, obviously not using full strength. And he himself had only used part of his Physical Body strength.

“Good boxing technique.” Shangguan Yun laughed. “Again!”

The two instantly engaged in combat.

Lin Mo primarily used the Bedrock Fist, fighting steadily and surely, supplemented by the Willow Catkin Step for maneuvering.

Shangguan Yun's palm techniques were unpredictable, sometimes soft as cotton, sometimes fierce as thunder. He seemed proficient in multiple martial arts, switching between them seamlessly.

In the blink of an eye, thirty moves passed. The two exchanged punches and kicks, dazzling the onlookers.

On the forty-fifth move, Shangguan Yun suddenly changed his palm to a finger, and a wisp of Pale Gold Internal Qi, condensed to near substance, shot out from his fingertip, aiming straight for Lin Mo's Danzhong Acupoint on his chest!

This finger strike was incredibly fast and its angle devious. The wind generated by the finger ripped through the air with a sharp screech!

“Golden Scale Finger!” A knowledgeable Disciple exclaimed softly. This was one of the secret martial arts passed down by the Great Qian Imperial Family!