11: Chapter 11 The Spirit Field Turmoil

Three months had passed since the birth of Qing Yao, and life in Qingyun Cottage was stable and fulfilling.

Lin Wan spent his days cultivating the five elements sword Qi, studying the Foundation Establishment chapter of the Great Five Elements Sword Art and the insights on Five Elements Foundation Establishment obtained from the Sword Tomb. His cultivation was steadily advancing toward the "Great Perfection" of the Five Elements. Liu Ruyan had recovered excellently from childbirth. Benefiting from the feedback of giving birth to a child with an Innate Dao Physique, she had naturally broken through to the Middle Stage of the Qi Refinement Stage. Her Foundation was solid, and her spiritual power faintly carried a trace of Qing Yao's Innate spiritual Aura, making her cultivation of the Yin-Yang Harmony Guidance Technique even more efficient. Besides caring for Qing Yao, she also devoted her energy to managing a low-grade "Earth Fire Furnace" that Lin Wan had exchanged from the Treasure Pavilion. She began attempting to refine more complex Medicinal Pills, such as "Qi Nourishing Pills" and "Rejuvenation Powder." Her success rate steadily improved, and the quality of the pills she refined was superior to common goods on the market. Apart from personal use, she could sell a small amount to subsidize household expenses.

Xiao Yun's Turtle-Crane Longevity Technique was nearing Major Achievement. Her strength was comparable to a Middle Stage Body Cultivator, and she was light as a swallow, sharp of ear and eye, managing the household affairs in an orderly fashion. She had also learned some basics of identifying Spirit Medicine and processing Materials from Liu Ruyan. Nanny Zhao and Wang Tiezhu also performed their respective duties, managing Qingyun Cottage like a small cultivation Family—not luxurious, but full of vitality.

Qing Yao had become the joy of the whole Family. Every day, besides eating and sleeping, the little girl would open her lively, three-colored eyes to curiously gaze at the world. Occasionally, she would unconsciously draw in the faint Spiritual Qi around her, forming a tiny three-colored halo. She seemed naturally close to Lin Wan and Liu Ruyan; as long as her parents were near, she would babble and reach out to be held. No matter how busy Lin Wan was, he would find time to accompany his daughter, using his own pure Five Elements Spiritual Qi to nourish her Meridians. Although Qing Yao was still far from formal Cultivation, this subtle nourishment would be of great benefit to her future Dao path.

However, the peaceful days did not last long.

On this day, Lin Wan was in the quiet room condensing fire-element Sword Qi (the fire element was the weakest and needed special strengthening) when Wang Tiezhu's urgent shouts suddenly came from outside the courtyard, accompanied by a burst of noisy quarreling.

"Senior Brother Lin! It's bad! The spirit fields... something happened to the spirit fields!"

Lin Wan frowned, ceased his Cultivation, rose, and pushed the door open.

He saw Wang Tiezhu running into the courtyard, panting, his Face filled with panic and anger, his sleeve torn. Behind him followed three young men wearing the blue robes of Inner Sect Disciples, their expressions arrogant. The leader was around twenty-seven or twenty-eight, with a hooked nose and triangular eyes, at the ninth level of the Qi Refinement Stage. The two behind him were also at the seventh or eighth level.

Lin Wan had some impression of these three; they seemed to be Disciples from an affiliated Family under Tianjian Peak, surnamed Chen. They usually did miscellaneous chores in the peak like patrolling or managing low-grade medicine gardens. Their reputation was mediocre, and they were the type to bully the weak and fear the strong.

"What is going on?" Lin Wan walked into the courtyard, his gaze sweeping over the three before landing on Wang Tiezhu.

"Back... back to Senior Brother Lin!" Wang Tiezhu pointed at the three and said indignantly, "They... they are forcibly trying to take away the three acres of spirit fields behind the mountain! They say the spirit fields belong to the Sect and need to be centrally planned and distributed to meritorious Senior Brothers to plant high-grade Spirit Medicine! I wouldn't let them, so they were about to pull up the Jade Bud Rice and Condensed Dew Grass we planted! I tried to reason with them, and they pushed me!"

Lin Wan's eyes turned cold as he looked at the hook-nosed youth: "This Senior Brother, may I ask your name? Is what Wang said true?"

The hook-nosed youth looked Lin Wan up and down, a trace of wariness flashing in his eyes. But thinking of the instructions from the person behind him, he puffed out his chest and feigned arrogance: "I am Chen Hao, manager of the Spirit Planting Department of the Deacon Hall of Tianjian Peak. This Junior Brother, you must be the newly joined Junior Brother Lin Wan, right? What he said is correct. The three acres of spirit fields behind the mountain are Sect property. They were previously unmanaged and temporarily used by you. Now, the Deacon Hall has decided to reclaim them and incorporate them into the Spirit Planting Department's unified plan to plant 'Purple Cloud Flowers,' which the Sect urgently needs. Please be accommodating, Junior Brother, and clear the crops in the fields within three days and hand over the spirit fields."

"Sect property?" A cold sneer curled the corner of Lin Wan's mouth. "When I moved into Qingyun Cottage, the Deacon Hall clearly informed me that this Immortal Cave came with three acres of spirit fields for my use, and I only needed to hand over a fixed quota of produce annually. When did it become Sect property that requires your 'unified planning'? Senior Brother Chen, could you be mistaken?"

Chen Hao's Face sank: "That was before! The situation has changed! Purple Cloud Flowers are one of the auxiliary medicines for refining Foundation Establishment pills, and the Sect is in urgent need of them. These three acres of spirit fields have excellent soil and abundant Spiritual Qi, making them just right for planting. Junior Brother, the Sect's interests come first; surely you understand that, right?"

"The Sect's interests come first, I am naturally aware of that." Lin Wan said unhurriedly, "But if the Sect truly needs them urgently, there would naturally be an order from an Elder and a document from the Deacon Hall. Senior Brother Chen, do you have a transfer order? If you have no document, just your empty words, and you want to reclaim the spirit fields attached to my Immortal Cave, that is too much like a child's play. Could it be... that you, Senior Brother Chen, see that my spirit fields have good yields and want to line your own pockets, abusing your power for personal gain?"

At the last sentence, Lin Wan's voice suddenly turned sharp. He no longer concealed his Great Perfection of the Qi Refinement Stage Aura, which felt like a drawn sword, pressing directly onto Chen Hao!

Chen Hao's expression changed. Stunned by this Aura, he retreated two steps, feeling horrified inside. This Lin Wan was indeed as troublesome as the rumors said. This Aura was even sharper than an ordinary Great Perfection of the Qi Refinement Stage cultivator! The two behind him were even paler, trembling with fear.

"You... you are making false accusations!" Chen Hao tried to stay calm, saying with a fierce expression, "I am acting under the orders of Elder Li of the Deacon Hall! Elder Li is in charge of the Spirit Planting Department, and his command is the document! Lin Wan, do not mistake your path! A mere newly promoted True Disciple dares to defy an Elder's order?"

"Elder Li?" A thought stirred in Lin Wan's mind. The Deacon Hall of Tianjian Peak had several Elders, and there was indeed an Elder surnamed Li, a Middle Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, who managed miscellaneous affairs like spirit plants and Spirit Beasts. It was said this person had some friendship with Zhao Kun and was the clan uncle of the Fifth Senior Brother, Zhao Yuan. Could it be...

Was it Zhao Kun, unwilling to give up, using someone else to kill him? Or was it that Fifth Senior Brother, Zhao Yuan, dissatisfied with this newly joined "Junior Brother"?

No matter who it was, these spirit fields must not be given up easily. This was not just about Face and resources, but a test. If he retreated today, they might push for more tomorrow.

"Since it is Elder Li's order, do you have Elder Li's written order or a sound transmission Talisman as proof?" Lin Wan did not give an inch. "If you cannot produce it, then you, Chen, trespassing into my Immortal Cave today, destroying my spirit fields, and hurting my servant is a violation of the Sect rules. According to the Sect rules, I can take you down on the spot and send you to the Law Enforcement Hall to be judged!"

Before he finished speaking, Lin Wan stepped forward. His figure appeared in front of Chen Hao like a ghost, his right hand hooked like a claw, carrying faint gold-element Sword Qi, and grabbed towards Chen Hao's shoulder! The speed was so fast that Chen Hao could not react at all!

Chen Hao was shocked and wanted to activate his protective spiritual light in his haste, but Lin Wan's claw had already landed on his shoulder. With a slight force from his five fingers, the gold-element Sword Qi penetrated his body, instantly sealing several of his major acupoints, causing his spiritual power to stagnate and his entire side to go numb.

"You... you dare to make a move?!" Chen Hao was shocked and angry. He did not expect Lin Wan to be so decisive—acting as soon as he spoke.

"What is wrong with taking down someone who trespassed into an Immortal Cave, destroyed spirit plants, and attacked a servant?" Lin Wan said coldly, looking at the two behind Chen Hao, "Do you two want to try as well?"

The two were so scared that they stepped back repeatedly, their Faces pale, not daring to step forward.

"Lin Wan! You... let me go! Elder Li will not let you off!" Chen Hao struggled, roaring with a fierce look.

"As for Elder Li, I will go and ask for an explanation myself." Lin Wan remained unmoved and said to Wang Tiezhu, "Tiezhu, get the Spirit Binding Rope, tie this person up, and lock him in the woodshed first. You two, get out and tell the people behind you that if they want the spirit fields, bring an official Sect document. If you dare to come here and cause trouble again, don't blame me for being heartless with my sword!"

The two felt like they had been granted amnesty and scrambled away.

Wang Tiezhu quickly brought the rope, tied Chen Hao up tightly, and dragged him to the woodshed to be locked up. Chen Hao was still cursing, so Wang Tiezhu stuffed his mouth with a rag.

After dealing with Chen Hao, Lin Wan walked to the spirit fields in the back yard. He saw the ridges were trampled into a mess, several Condensed Dew Grass plants near the edge were trampled, and a patch of Jade Bud Rice had fallen over. It was clear there had been a struggle just now. His Face grew colder.

"Tiezhu, what is the loss?"

"Back to Senior Brother, a dozen Condensed Dew Grass plants were trampled, and a patch of Jade Bud Rice fell. The loss is not big. But they are too bullying!" Wang Tiezhu said indignantly.

"Hmm. You go clean up the spirit fields and strengthen the defenses. In the future, if there is a similar incident, immediately activate the warning Formation and notify me." Lin Wan instructed.

"Yes, Senior Brother!"

Returning to the main building, Liu Ruyan was holding Qing Yao, coming to meet him with a worried look: "Senior Brother, is everything okay? I just heard the noise..."

"It's fine, just a few flies, already dealt with." Lin Wan took his daughter, gently teasing her, and comforted her, "You and Qing Yao stay home in peace. I will go to the Deacon Hall to ask about the situation."

"Take care, Senior Brother." Liu Ruyan urged. She knew Lin Wan's status was different now, but the relationships within the Inner Sect were complex and undercurrents surged, so he had to be careful.

"Don't worry." Lin Wan handed Qing Yao back to her, took out the protective Spirit Jade, and hung it back on Qing Yao's neck, "Make sure Qing Yao wears this at all times, just in case."

"Hmm." Liu Ruyan nodded.

Lin Wan changed into his Tianjian Peak True Disciple robes, hung the True Disciple token and the Floating Light Sword at his waist, rode the wind, and left Qingyun Cottage, heading straight for the Deacon Hall of Tianjian Peak.

The Deacon Hall was located halfway up Tianjian Peak, a large complex of buildings responsible for handling all miscellaneous affairs within the peak. The Spirit Planting Department was just one small department.

Lin Wan arrived at the side hall where the Spirit Planting Department was located, with Disciples on guard at the entrance. He showed his True Disciple token, and the guarding Disciples hurriedly saluted and let him through.

Inside the hall, several deacon Disciples were busy. Seeing Lin Wan enter, one of them recognized him and stepped forward to ask politely: "Senior Brother Lin, why are you here? Is there anything that needs to be handled?"

"I am looking for Elder Li." Lin Wan said indifferently.

"Elder Li is dealing with official business in the back hall. Please wait a moment, Senior Brother, I will go and report it." The deacon Disciple did not dare to be slow and hurriedly went inside to report.

A moment later, the Disciple came out, his expression a bit strange: "Senior Brother Lin, Elder Li invites you in."

Lin Wan nodded and walked into the back hall.

The back hall was simply furnished, with only a desk and a few chairs. Behind the desk sat a middle-aged Daoist wearing dark green Daoist robes, with fair skin and three long strands of beard. It was Elder Li, a Middle Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. He was holding a teacup, looking leisurely, but the occasional flash of sharpness in his eyes showed he was not as gentle as he appeared on the surface.

"Disciple Lin Wan, pays respects to Elder Li." Lin Wan bowed and saluted, neither humble nor arrogant.

"Hmm, it is Nephew Lin, sit." Elder Li put down the teacup and pointed to the chair next to him, "I heard you have something to find me for?"

"Indeed, there is an important matter I would like to ask the Elder about." Lin Wan sat down and got straight to the point, "Just now, three people claiming to be managers of the Spirit Planting Department broke into my Immortal Cave, Qingyun Cottage, saying they were acting under your order, Elder, to reclaim the three acres of spirit fields attached to my Immortal Cave to plant Purple Cloud Flowers. The Disciple was confused, so I came to verify. I wonder, Elder, do you have such an order?"

Elder Li raised his eyebrows, seemingly surprised that Lin Wan was so direct. He stroked his long beard and said slowly: "Oh? There is such a thing? I have indeed been planning to expand the planting of Purple Cloud Flowers recently to meet the Sect's needs. However, the specific spirit fields to be requisitioned are handled by the managers below. Why, did they go to your place? I remember those three acres of spirit fields are indeed Sect property, temporarily for your use. Now that the Sect is in urgent need, reclaiming them is only right. Nephew Lin, you should prioritize the big picture."

These words seemed high-sounding but were actually vague. He neither said there was an order nor said there was no order, instead solidifying that "the Sect is in urgent need, and reclaiming is reasonable."

Lin Wan sneered inwardly but remained calm on the surface: "The Elder is right, the Sect's interests come first, the Disciple naturally understands. However, when the Disciple moved in, the Deacon Hall had clear documents stating that those three acres of spirit fields were for the Disciple's use, only requiring an annual quota of produce. If they are to be reclaimed, shouldn't there be an official document specifying compensation? To be so unclear, and have a few managers come to forcibly seize them, destroy my spirit plants, and hurt my servant, is a bit improper, and it is easy to cause gossip, saying the Elder is not strict in discipline, or that someone is using the Elder's name to line their own pockets."

His words were needles hidden in cotton, pointing out the procedural problems, implying that someone might be faking the order, and even subtly putting the hat of "lax discipline" on him.

Elder Li's Face darkened slightly. He did not expect Lin Wan to be so difficult to deal with, not only refusing to be suppressed by the "big picture" but also having a reason for every sentence and even counter-attacking.

"This matter, perhaps the people below were hasty and did not report it in detail." Elder Li picked up the teacup, took a sip, and said indifferently, "How about this, since you have already planted on those three acres of spirit fields, just use them for now. After this season's harvest, they will be reclaimed. As for compensation... the Sect has its own rules, and you will not be treated unfairly. How about that?"

He wanted to use a delaying tactic to stabilize Lin Wan first and plan for later.

However, was Lin Wan an easy person to deal with? He came today to get a clear statement and completely cut off the thoughts of some people.

"The Elder is considerate, and the Disciple is grateful. However, the Disciple has one thing I don't understand." Lin Wan stared directly at Elder Li, "When the Sect requisitions spirit fields, what is the compensation procedure? Is it calculated in contribution points, or exchanged for equivalent spirit fields? If it is calculated in contribution points, what is the standard? If it is exchanged for spirit fields, how should the location, quality, and area be determined? I ask the Elder to clarify so that the Disciple can prepare early, to avoid trouble from the people below and hurting the harmony between fellow Disciples."

The hand holding the teacup paused slightly. He looked at Lin Wan deeply, a flash of imperceptible cold light in his eyes. This child was not only strong but also so meticulous and aggressive; no wonder he could catch the eye of Peak Master Yue Lingyun.

"This matter, let me think about it carefully and discuss it with other deacons in the hall before deciding." Elder Li put down the teacup and issued an eviction order, "If Nephew Lin has nothing else, go back first. Cultivate well and don't be distracted by these mundane affairs."

This was to drag it out.

Lin Wan understood and knew that asking further would yield no results. He stood up, bowed and said: "In that case, the Disciple will take my leave. However, among the three managers, one is named Chen Hao, who acted domineeringly, not only breaking into my Immortal Cave and destroying spirit plants but also injuring my servant. The Disciple has already taken him down and temporarily detained him in the woodshed. This person claimed to be acting under the Elder's order but could not produce any proof and even spoke rudely to the Elder. According to the Sect rules, trespassing into a fellow Disciple's Immortal Cave, destroying property, and attacking a servant are multiple crimes, and he should be sent to the Law Enforcement Hall for severe punishment. I wonder, Elder, what do you think?"

He threw the problem back. I have caught the person and set the charges. Do you want to protect him or not?

Elder Li's eye twitched. Chen Hao was his person, and it was only after his hint that he went to test Lin Wan. He thought a newly promoted True Disciple with an unstable Foundation could be scared into submission. He didn't expect to kick an iron plate and have his person detained. If he was really sent to the Law Enforcement Hall, Chen Hao would inevitably be punished, and he himself would not look good.

"Chen Hao..." Elder Li pondered for a moment, then spoke slowly, "This person's actions were indeed rash. However, considering it was his first offense and he was anxious about Sect matters, it is excusable. Junior Brother Lin, why not give this old man some Face and release him? A small punishment will suffice as a warning. This old man guarantees that the people from the Spirit Plant Division will never disturb Qingyun Cottage again. As for the matter of the Spirit Fields, let it rest; those three mu of Spirit Fields will remain under your use. How about that?"

He had compromised. It was not worth completely falling out with Lin Wan over a single Chen Hao, especially without absolute certainty of suppressing the other party, and with Peak Master Yue Lingyun standing behind him.

Lin Wan sneered inwardly. This was the result he wanted. The Spirit Fields were secured, his Face was regained, and he had given Elder Li a way out. As for Chen Hao, he was just a running dog; releasing him didn't matter, and it would make him appear magnanimous.

"Since the Elder has said so, how could this Disciple dare to disobey?" Lin Wan followed the slope down, "Senior Brother Chen Hao, this Disciple will release him upon returning. However, I hope the Elder will strictly discipline your subordinates in the future to avoid such misunderstandings again, lest it damage our camaraderie as fellow Disciples."

"Hm, rest assured, Junior Brother." Elder Li nodded, his expression easing slightly.

"This Disciple takes his leave." Lin Wan bowed and exited the back hall.

Walking out of the Deacon Hall, Lin Wan's expression was calm, but his heart was not relaxed in the slightest. Today's event appeared to be him gaining the upper hand and forcing Elder Li to retreat. But at the same time, he had completely offended this powerful Elder and the forces behind him (Deacon Zhao Kun, Zhao Yuan?). The waters of the Inner Sect were deeper than he had imagined.

"It seems I must improve my strength as quickly as possible and find ways to make more allies. Relying solely on Revered Master's name can deter others for a while, but it is difficult in the long run." Lin Wan pondered as he rode the wind back to Qingyun Cottage.

Returning to the cottage, he released Chen Hao as promised. Chen Hao had been locked up for most of the day; shocked and afraid, his previous arrogance was long gone. After being released, he bowed repeatedly to Lin Wan and scurried away in disgrace.

The matter seemed settled, but Lin Wan knew the undercurrents had not subsided. He strengthened the vigilance around Qingyun Cottage, turned the power of the Wood-Origin Azure Formation to the maximum, and spent contribution points to purchase several sets of warning and defensive Formation Plates, arranging them around the Spirit Fields and the courtyard.

At the same time, he accelerated his own Cultivation. Among the five elements sword qi, the fire and earth Sword Qi were his weaknesses and needed to be strengthened as soon as possible. He utilized his remaining Fortune Points to exchange for some spiritual items in the System store that would help condense fire and earth Sword Qi, such as "Earth Fire Essence" and "Breath of Thick Earth," and cultivated diligently every day without pause.

Furthermore, he did not forget the root of "Many Children, Many Blessings." Liu Ruyan had recovered well after childbirth, her physical state was excellent, and because she gave birth to Qing Yao, her Physique seemed to have undergone some optimization, making it easier to conceive. While consolidating his own cultivation, Lin Wan also diligently practiced the Yin-Yang Harmony Guidance Technique, engaging in Dual Cultivation with Liu Ruyan without stop; this could not only improve both their cultivation levels but also increase the probability of conception, fulfilling the task of "Spreading Branches and Scattering Leaves (II)."

Qing Yao's existence seemed to have some mysterious nourishment for Liu Ruyan. While using her own Spiritual Qi to warm her daughter's Meridians every day, Liu Ruyan discovered that her own Spiritual Qi circulation had become smoother, and her sensing of water and wood Spiritual Qi had significantly enhanced. This was perhaps the connection between mother and child, the feedback of an Innate Dao Physique to its closest kin.

One day, while Lin Wan was in the silent room trying to fuse "Earth Fire Essence" into his fire Sword Qi, he suddenly received a sound transmission Talisman from his Fourth Senior Brother, Xu Feng.

"Junior Brother, come to the 'Sword Platform' immediately, there is something important."

The Sword Platform was where the Disciples of Tianjian Peak usually sparred and practiced sword techniques. For Xu Feng to send a message now, there must be a reason.

Lin Wan put away his Cultivation Technique, gave a word to Liu Ruyan, and rushed to the Sword Platform.

The Sword Platform was located in an open area on the mountainside of Tianjian Peak, paved with hard obsidian, covering an area of one hundred mu, and surrounded by defensive Formations. At this moment, many Tianjian Peak Disciples had gathered on the Sword Platform, forming a circle and discussing heatedly.

In the center of the circle, two people were confronting each other. One was Shi Yong, whom Lin Wan knew. He was currently shirtless, his muscles bulging, his skin glowing with a bronze luster, but there was a charred sword mark on his chest, blood at the corner of his mouth, and his Aura was slightly chaotic; he had clearly suffered a loss.

The other person was a young man wearing a brocade robe, with a feminine Face, holding a long, narrow soft sword; it was the Fifth Senior Brother, Zhao Yuan! He was standing there leisurely, his soft sword pointing obliquely at the ground, faint firelight swirling on the blade, a mocking expression on his Face.

"Junior Brother Shi Yong, your 'Mountain Physique' is nothing special after all. You couldn't even take my three strikes; it seems your second place in the Outer Sect Grand Competition was quite inflated." Zhao Yuan chuckled, his tone filled with undisguised ridicule.

The surrounding Disciples were either indignant or gloating. Shi Yong had a straightforward personality and was well-liked on Tianjian Peak, but Zhao Yuan had a deep background (Elder Li's clan nephew, closely related to Deacon Zhao Kun) and was strong himself (Qi Refining Great Perfection, skilled in fire-type sword techniques and Formations), so ordinary Disciples dared not provoke him.

"Zhao Yuan! Stop being smug! If you hadn't cheated and trapped me with a Formation, how could I..." Shi Yong's eyes widened with anger, and he wanted to fight again, but the movement aggravated his injuries, and he coughed up another mouthful of blood.

"All is fair in war, Junior Brother Shi Yong; a loss is a loss." Zhao Yuan shook his head, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, "Is there any other Junior Brother who wants to come up and offer some guidance on my sword techniques?"

The crowd was silent. Shi Yong's strength was already top-tier among those in the Qi Refining Stage; if even he was defeated, others going up would only be bringing humiliation upon themselves.

Xu Feng stood at the edge of the crowd, his brows locked. Although he was the Fourth Senior Brother, his strength was on par with Zhao Yuan's, and he was not good at fighting, so it was not easy for him to step forward forcefully.

Just then, a calm voice rang out:

"Since Fifth Senior Brother has such interest, this Junior Brother, though untalented, is willing to ask for a few pointers."

The crowd parted, and Lin Wan walked slowly into the arena.

"Junior Brother!" Xu Feng's eyes lit up, but he was also somewhat worried. Although Lin Wan was strong, Zhao Yuan was a veteran True Disciple, and his methods were ruthless...

"Lin Wan?" Zhao Yuan saw Lin Wan, a flicker of gloom crossed his eyes, and then he smiled, "So it is the Seventh Junior Brother. Why, do you want to stand up for Junior Brother Shi Yong too?"

"Fellow Disciples sparring for mutual improvement, why speak of standing up for someone?" Lin Wan walked to Shi Yong's side and handed over a bottle of healing Medicinal Pill, "Senior Brother Shi Yong, go heal your wounds first."

"Junior Brother Lin, be careful, this guy's soft sword and Formations have some tricks." Shi Yong took the Medicinal Pill and whispered.

"Hm." Lin Wan nodded and looked at Zhao Yuan, "Fifth Senior Brother, please."

Zhao Yuan sized up Lin Wan, seeing his Aura was steady and his gaze calm, he inwardly put away some of his contempt. Being able to defeat Shi Yong and win the top spot was definitely not a fluke.

"Good, then this Senior Brother will give the Seventh Junior Brother some pointers." Zhao Yuan flicked his soft sword, the blade trembling like a spirit snake, emitting a hissing sound, with faint red sparks of fire shooting from the tip. "Be careful!"

Before the words fell, his figure flickered, actually turning into three afterimages, stabbing at Lin Wan from different directions! The afterimages were indistinguishable between real and fake, and the trajectory of the soft sword from each afterimage was tricky and bizarre, like a venomous snake flicking its tongue, specifically attacking vital points like the throat, heart, and Dantian! Even more bizarre was that between the three afterimages, faint fire threads were connected, and he had actually set up a simple fire-attribute trapping Formation while moving!

The moment he attacked, it was a killing move! Combining movement technique, sword technique, and Formation!

"Well done!" A flash of brilliance appeared in Lin Wan's eyes; he did not dodge or evade. Utilizing the Floating Light Sweeping Shadow, his figure also turned into afterimages, weaving through the sword light and fire threads. At the same time, his right hand was held in a void grip; the Flowing Light Sword was not unsheathed, but a condensed gold-element Sword Qi was attached to his fingertip. Spotting the place where the Spiritual Qi fluctuation was most solid among the three afterimages, he pointed a finger!

"Ding!"

Metal clashed, sparks flew! One of Zhao Yuan's afterimages was struck, the soft sword shook violently, and the offensive stalled. The other two afterimages also swayed, and the fire thread Formation showed signs of disorder.

"Break!" Lin Wan gave a low shout, his left hand pinching a seal, and several pale blue water-element Sword Qi shot out, winding towards those fire threads like spirit snakes. Water overcomes fire! The water-element Sword Qi touched the fire threads, emitting a sizzling sound, and the fire threads dimmed and snapped at a speed visible to the naked eye. The simple fire Formation was broken in an instant!

"Water-element Sword Qi?" Zhao Yuan's expression changed slightly, the afterimages merged into one, his true form appeared, and the soft sword attacked like a storm, the sword moves even more fierce, each strike carrying scorching heat, wanting to burn Lin Wan to ashes.

Lin Wan stepped on profound footwork, wandering in the sword light, sometimes resisting with gold-element Sword Qi, sometimes neutralizing with water-element Sword Qi, sometimes using wood-element Sword Qi to urge vines to interfere. The five elements sword qi rotated, endless and continuous, taking on each of Zhao Yuan's attacks.

The two fought inextricably on the Sword Platform, sword light crisscrossing, Spiritual Qi surging. Zhao Yuan's soft sword was bizarre and changeable, his fire-type sword techniques were explosive and fierce, and he would occasionally throw out a few low-grade Talismans or secretly set up small Formation traps, insidious and vicious. Lin Wan, on the other hand, fought steadily; the five elements sword qi changed infinitely, and coupled with his agile movement and keen Divine Sense, he could always detect and avoid the traps in advance, responding in the most appropriate way.

In the blink of an eye, they had exchanged dozens of rounds, and Zhao Yuan was becoming more and more alarmed as he fought. He found that he couldn't gain the slightest advantage! Lin Wan's Spiritual Qi seemed endless, the five elements sword qi generated each other, and the consumption was far less than his. Moreover, the other party's grasp of timing and application of the Five Elements' mutual generation and restriction were terrifyingly exquisite.

"Cannot drag this out!" A fierce look flashed in Zhao Yuan's eyes; he suddenly pulled back, while his hands quickly pinched seals, and he slammed the soft sword into the ground!

"Blazing Earth Surge Formation!"

Using the soft sword as a guide, complex red Formation patterns suddenly lit up on the ground beneath his feet, and violent fire-attribute Spiritual Qi surged out from the ground, turning into a sea of fire several zhang in diameter, enveloping Lin Wan! Inside the sea of fire, countless fire snakes condensed, roaring and pouncing on Lin Wan!

This was his trump card, a mid-grade Formation, with power comparable to a strike from the Early Stage of Foundation Establishment! It consumed a great deal, but it was excellent for trapping and killing enemies.

"Junior Brother, be careful!" Xu Feng exclaimed.

Shi Yong also clenched his fists.

Lin Wan was in the sea of fire, feeling only the scorching heat, his protective Spiritual light fluctuating violently, and countless fire snakes biting at him. His expression remained unchanged, his hands formed seals in front of his chest, and five-colored lights—gold, blue, green, red, and yellow—lit up around him, the first time he had simultaneously activated the five elements sword qi in front of everyone!

"Five Elements Rotation, All Laws Immune!"

The five-colored Sword Qi centered on him, turning into a slowly rotating five-colored sword wheel. As the wheel rotated, the gold-element Sword Qi slashed and extinguished the fire snakes, the water-element Sword Qi cooled and neutralized the fire, the wood-element Sword Qi absorbed the vitality from the fire to nourish itself, the fire-element Sword Qi assimilated the flames, and the earth-element Sword Qi suppressed the earth fire.

With the Five Elements mutually generating and restricting, although this "Blazing Earth Surge Formation" was strong, it was completely suppressed in front of the complete five elements sword qi! The sea of fire shrank rapidly, and the fire snakes collapsed one after another.

"What?! five elements sword qi?!" Zhao Yuan gasped, his eyes full of disbelief. He had never heard of anyone who could Cultivate the five elements sword qi to such a level during the Qi Refining Stage! How could this be possible?!

Before he could react, Lin Wan had already stepped out from the dissipating sea of fire, the five-colored sword wheel contracted, turning into a condensed five-colored sword light, attached to the tip of the Flowing Light Sword.

"Fifth Senior Brother, take this strike—Five Elements Return to One!"

The Flowing Light Sword was unsheathed! The sword light was like a rainbow, carrying the sharpness of gold, the softness of water, the vitality of wood, the intensity of fire, and the thickness of earth; the Five Elements returned to one, turning into an incomparably gorgeous yet terrifyingly powerful five-colored sword rainbow, tearing through the air and stabbing straight at Zhao Yuan!

This strike was Lin Wan's initial Fusion of the five elements sword qi; although it had not reached the perfect, unimpeded state of "Foundation Establishment via Five Elements," its power already far exceeded ordinary Qi Refining Stage Spells!

Zhao Yuan's Face turned pale as he felt a fatal threat. He roared, crossed his soft sword in front of his chest, simultaneously activated several protective Magical Artifacts on his body, and threw out a large handful of defensive Talismans.

"Bang, bang, bang, bang—!"

The protective Magical Artifacts exploded one after another, and the Talisman light shields shattered like paper. The five-colored sword rainbow slowed slightly, but still ruthlessly stabbed into the soft sword.

"Clang—!!!"

With a piercing loud noise, Zhao Yuan was struck as if by a heavy blow, spraying blood from his mouth, the soft sword in his hand flew out, and his whole body flew backward like a broken sack, falling heavily on the ground ten zhang away, his whole body charred, his clothes tattered, his Aura withered; he was already seriously injured.

The whole place was dead silent.

Everyone stared at this scene, dumbfounded.

Fifth Senior Brother Zhao Yuan, a veteran True Disciple, at the Qi Refining Great Perfection, skilled in Formations and sword techniques, was actually defeated in one strike by the newly initiated Junior Brother, Lin Wan?! And, just now, that was... five elements sword qi unleashed all at once?!

After a brief silence, thunderous exclamations erupted.

"five elements sword qi! Senior Brother Lin has actually cultivated the five elements sword qi!"

"Defeated Senior Brother Zhao in one strike! Too strong!"

"Is this the true strength of the Outer Sect top dog?"

Xu Feng and Shi Yong also looked at Lin Wan in shock, their eyes full of surprise and admiration. They knew Lin Wan was strong, but they didn't expect him to be this strong.

Lin Wan sheathed his sword, walked to Zhao Yuan, and said lightly: "Fifth Senior Brother, I accept the win. It's just a sparring session between fellow Disciples, stop at the limit; Senior Brother won't mind, right?"

Zhao Yuan was both ashamed and angry, spraying another mouthful of blood, pointing at Lin Wan, wanting to say something, but his vision went black, and he fainted.

Disciples familiar with Zhao Yuan immediately stepped forward to carry him away for treatment.

Lin Wan ignored them, nodded to Xu Feng and Shi Yong, and prepared to leave.

"Seventh Junior Brother, wait." Xu Feng called him, whispering, "Although you won today, you have completely offended Zhao Yuan, as well as Elder Li and Deacon Zhao Kun behind him. You need to be careful of their retaliation in the future."

"Thank you for the reminder, Fourth Senior Brother, I have my own measure." Lin Wan said. Striking today was firstly to stand up for Shi Yong, and secondly to establish his prestige. Since he couldn't avoid it, he would show his blade. Within the Inner Sect, strength is respected; blind retreat would only make others push further.

"Good. If you need anything, come find me anytime." Xu Feng patted him on the shoulder.

"Junior Brother Lin, words cannot express my gratitude for such a great favor!" Shi Yong also cupped his hands, his Face full of gratitude.

"Senior Brother Shi Yong, you are too polite." Lin Wan cupped his hands and rode the wind away from the Sword Platform.

After this battle, Lin Wan's reputation on Tianjian Peak soared again. five elements sword qi, defeating Zhao Yuan in one strike—such strength already had the momentum of the number one True Disciple. No one dared to underestimate this newly initiated "Junior Brother" anymore.

However, Lin Wan knew that the real challenge had just begun.

Foundation Establishment via Five Elements was imminent.

Only by successfully establishing his Foundation could he truly gain a firm foothold in the Inner Sect and have no fear of open spears or hidden arrows.

Returning to Qingyun Cottage, he briefly told Liu Ruyan about today's events. Although Liu Ruyan was worried, she also knew this was a necessary path, only softly urging him to be careful in everything.

After comforting his Family, Lin Wan entered the silent room again.

He took out those two Foundation Establishment Pills (Ordinary and Three-Turn), then took out that Perfect Foundation Establishment Pill, as well as the "Insights on Foundation Establishment via Five Elements" obtained from the Sword Tomb.

"The Five Elements Spiritual Qi are all approaching Perfection; it is time to prepare for Foundation Establishment."

He looked out the window; Tianjian Peak was shrouded in clouds and mist, and higher up were the Immortal Caves where Golden Core Immortal Masters cultivated, and even the places where Nascent Soul Old Ancestors secluded themselves.

His immortal path would set off again from here.