Chapter 126: The Challenge

“Welcome, young Yang Xiao. I have been awaiting your arrival for quite some time,” Lin Ke said with a broad smile upon seeing Yang Xiao.

“My grandfather was truly delighted to hear of your arrival, Brother Yang Xiao,” Lin Tian added, standing beside him.

“Elder Lin, you flatter me. I am but a junior; I dare not accept such praise,” Yang Xiao replied courteously, bowing with his hands clasped.

“Knowing that you, young Yang Xiao, are here brings me great joy. Our family now has a hopeful chance of victory in the upcoming contest,” Lin Ke said. Then he introduced the two young people beside him to Yang Xiao. “This is my granddaughter, Lin Ling, and my other grandson, Lin Hao.”

As he introduced Lin Ling, the young girl glanced at Yang Xiao twice before politely bowing in greeting. Lin Hao, however, snorted coldly, showing evident hostility.

Yang Xiao observed the contrasting attitudes of the two youths and took note of their cultivation levels—Lin Ling was at the early Qi Condensation stage, while Lin Hao was in the late Qi Condensation stage.

Understanding their cultivation, Yang Xiao guessed the reason for their differing attitudes. Lin Ling, being of lower cultivation, showed respect, whereas Lin Hao, surpassing Yang Xiao himself, likely resented his family bringing in a weaker aide and thus felt disdainful.

Though aware of the cause, Yang Xiao remained composed and returned their greetings, acknowledging their acquaintance.

At that moment, Lin Ke was somewhat displeased. “Lin Hao, how can you be so rude? You have not even properly greeted Brother Yang Xiao.”

Lin Ling tugged at Lin Hao’s sleeve and said, “Brother Lin Hao, no matter what, he has come to assist our family. He is an honored guest and deserves a proper greeting.”

Reluctantly, Lin Hao bowed to Yang Xiao, who responded with equal courtesy.

“I have heard that Brother Yang Xiao possesses extraordinary skills. Might I have the honor of witnessing them firsthand, so I may be convinced?” Lin Hao then challenged.

“Brother Lin Hao, you flatter me too much. While I have some skill, I dare not show off before a late-stage expert like you,” Yang Xiao replied humbly.

Lin Hao smirked with a hint of pride. “It’s good that you recognize your limits. Among the young people in our family, I am the only one at late Qi Condensation. There are a few at the mid-stage, but it seems our family’s contest won’t require your involvement after all.”

“If I do not intervene, and your family can defeat your opponents, then so much the better. I shall simply enjoy my time here,” Yang Xiao said with a smile.

“Brother Lin Ke, please don’t say that. I am aware of Yang Xiao’s skills. His strength far surpasses that of our mid-stage cultivators. Otherwise, I would not have invited him here. Outside the Linlang Sanctuary, Brother Yang Xiao once defeated two young demonic experts at the late Qi Condensation stage. None of our mid-stage cultivators possess such ability. Even you, Brother Lin Ke, would hesitate to claim you could defeat other late-stage experts, wouldn’t you?” Lin Tian remarked.

Hearing Lin Tian’s words, the others were stunned. Lin Ke seemed calm, as if he had long known this. Lin Ling and Lin Hao, however, appeared somewhat disbelieving. Lin Ling cast another glance at Yang Xiao, while Lin Hao ceased his indifferent manner and scrutinized him closely.

“If he truly has such skill, Lin Tian, your words alone are not proof. I won’t believe it until I see it for myself,” Lin Hao said skeptically.

“Since Hao questions this, young Yang Xiao, why not have a friendly duel? Just a spar; I will judge the outcome accordingly,” Lin Ke suggested.

“Very well, Brother Lin Hao, I look forward to your instruction,” Yang Xiao nodded.

“Alright, Brother Yang Xiao, prepare to receive my move,” Lin Hao said, producing a bridge-shaped treasure from his storage pouch. The bridge shimmered with seven colors, dazzlingly beautiful.

“The Rainbow Bridge. It seems Brother Lin Hao is using a formidable treasure right from the start. Brother Yang Xiao, you should be cautious,” Lin Tian warned.

Before Lin Tian finished speaking, the Rainbow Bridge emitted a cascade of seven-colored light, surging toward Yang Xiao.

Yang Xiao, wary, drew the Dragon-Snake Sword and entered the Sword Soul Realm. Streams of sword light gathered in the air and collided with the seven-colored rainbow.

The clash erupted with tremendous sound and spectacle, shaking the entire cave dwelling. Lin Tian and Lin Ling wisely stepped back, joining Lin Ke at a safe distance.

Lin Ke cast protective spells over Lin Tian and Lin Ling, his expression grave as he watched the intense battle.

The Rainbow Bridge and countless flying swords collided, sparks flying everywhere, causing the whole cave to tremble. Fortunately, the cave was fortified by a powerful formation, sturdy enough to avoid any collapse beyond the shaking.

After more than ten minutes, the duel ended in a stalemate, neither side gaining the upper hand.

Yang Xiao was naturally surprised. The opponent’s treasure and technique were indeed exceptional; winning with the Dragon-Snake Sword alone would be extremely difficult.

Yet, for a mid-stage cultivator like Yang Xiao to hold his own against a late-stage expert astonished the onlookers.

Lin Ke now fully believed Lin Tian’s words; Yang Xiao indeed possessed the strength to challenge late-stage cultivators.

Lin Ling gazed at the duel with disbelief, but her attention was mostly on the treasures. Upon seeing Yang Xiao’s Dragon-Snake Sword, she thought its power was extraordinary. In a barely audible voice, she murmured, “If this sword were further refined, it could become a supreme spiritual treasure. Truly an exceptional blade.”

For Lin Tian, witnessing Yang Xiao’s duel for the first time confirmed the legendary prowess he had heard about. Inviting Yang Xiao here was undoubtedly a wise decision.

Lin Hao’s expression darkened. Yang Xiao’s skill forced him into a full-on fight, yet the opponent’s cultivation was lower. How could he bear such a humiliation? Resolute, he prepared to unleash a desperate technique.

But Lin Ke detected Lin Hao’s unusual intent and intervened at the right moment. Raising his arm, a mighty surge of true energy burst forth, separating the Dragon-Snake Sword and Rainbow Bridge, halting their clash.

“Hao, cease your attack and step back. I have now witnessed Yang Xiao’s strength firsthand. Indeed, he is worthy to represent our family in this contest,” Lin Ke declared.