Chapter 1098: Chapter 1097: Return to the Void
Seven days passed.
Under the pavilion at Cuiyun Residence.
Ling Chen remained quietly seated there, as still as a statue, not moving an inch.
A gentle breeze swept across the lake, causing Ling Chen’s clothes to flutter. As the wind passed, his eyes suddenly opened, and a crimson light emerged abruptly.
A wave of intense heat also abruptly surged forth.
Swoosh!
Ling Chen stood up from the ground, and the Red Sky Sword at his waist simultaneously drew out, slashing toward the lake.
Chi chi chi chi chi!
The scorching sword qi surged forth, rapidly writhing and transforming, coalescing into a circular pattern.
Beneath it, the lake water began to boil fiercely, as if it was being brought to a boil.
The circular sword qi region was about ten zhang in diameter, but it only existed for an instant before suddenly contracting, annihilating everything within the area, crushing it into nothingness.
Bang!
The lake below suddenly exploded, creating a massive black hole as the water fanned out in all directions.
After the explosion, Ling Chen’s body floated onto the lake surface, a faint expression of satisfaction appearing in his eyes.
This sword technique was called ’Return to Ruin.’
One strike of the sword, all things return to ruin.
With Ling Chen’s current Ninety Percent Fire’s True Intention, the power of this move is extraordinary.
Moreover, Ling Chen had a premonition that this ’Return to Ruin’ sword strike wasn’t its strongest form and had the potential for advanced enhancement.
However, this move still required more practice to become proficient.
At that moment, the sound of knocking suddenly came from outside Cuiyun Residence.
Ling Chen’s mind stirred, "Please come in."
The Array Formation of Cuiyun Residence operated, and the door automatically opened.
The visitor was a woman dressed in white, with gentle and refined features. It was none other than Lin Wan.
"Elder Sister Lin."
Ling Chen sheathed his sword and approached Lin Wan, realizing that her arrival must be important.
"Are you comfortable living here?"
Lin Wan nodded slightly. Initially, she felt some resentment towards Ling Chen because of Mo Yang, but after the incident with Zhou Qingqing, she held no ill feelings towards him. Besides, Ling Chen was valued by Shen Bingxin, and as Shen Bingxin’s disciple, she naturally had to interact with Ling Chen without causing trouble for herself.
"Yes, I’ve gotten quite used to it. Thank you for your concern, Sister."
Ling Chen bowed slightly. This place was already the best residence he had ever lived in, leaving nothing to criticize.
"That’s good."
Lin Wan nodded again, flipping her palm to produce a Waist Tag, extending it to Ling Chen. "This is your identity Waist Tag. The Second Elder has granted you the status of a Lingyue Island disciple, so from now on, you will be a disciple under the Second Elder’s tutelage."
"Oh? Is the recruitment of Lingyue Island disciples always so casual?"
Ling Chen accepted the token, looking somewhat surprised. Normally, joining a Sect requires passing various tests and examinations to earn a spot, yet now he’s effortlessly joining Lingyue Island?
"It’s not that recruiting disciples at Lingyue Island is casual, but because the Second Elder personally intervened."
Lin Wan shook her head, "You may not know, but the Second Elder’s status in the Sect is such that her words are rarely opposed. While it may not be a decree of Nine Cauldrons, it’s not far from it."
"The Second Elder has made many contributions to the Sect but seldom involves herself in Sect affairs. Now, she’s personally decided to take you as her disciple, a small matter the Sect naturally would agree to."
"I see."
Ling Chen showed an expression of realization, nodding. With the status of a Lingyue Island disciple, his stay here would be legitimate, allowing him to remain for as long as he wished, unlike if he weren’t part of Lingyue Island, which would be inconvenient.
Regarding the choice of joining a Sect, Ling Chen had no particular thoughts. These reclusive sects, no matter how powerful, wouldn’t provide significant assistance to him, so which Sect he joined didn’t make much difference.
"You’re now considered a direct disciple of the Second Elder, an uncommon identity. Still, you must prepare for challenges, as there are currently only two direct disciples under the Second Elder, and you’re the second."
"This position has been desired by countless disciples on the island, including Zhou Qingqing, whom you encountered before, but none succeeded."
Lin Wan looked at Ling Chen with envy, knowing that although she was under Shen Bingxin, she wasn’t one of Shen Bingxin’s direct disciples. Shen Bingxin’s standards for accepting disciples were frighteningly strict.
"Oh? Who is the other person?"
Ling Chen’s interest piqued. Considering Shen Bingxin’s stringent standards, he likely became her direct disciple through the connection with Red Sky Sword Saint, rather than a traditional mentor-disciple relationship.
"He’s our Lingyue Island’s super talent. Have you heard of the Free and Unrestrained Marquis?"
Upon mentioning the name Free and Unrestrained Marquis, Lin Wan’s face instantly reflected admiration, the previously gentle and composed woman transforming into a fangirl in seconds.
"Never heard of him."
Ling Chen shook his head. His knowledge of the younger generation remained on the information Murong Qingcheng had shared with him last time.
The younger generation includes the four Kings, the Twelve Divine Marquises, the Eighteen Heavenly Talents, and the Thirty-six Heroes.
Since the Free and Unrestrained Marquis has the title "Marquis," he must be one of the Twelve Divine Marquises.
"Senior Brother Free and Unrestrained Marquis is one of the Twelve Divine Marquises. His strength and Light Skill are unmatched. Among the Twelve Divine Marquises, he’s ranked in the top three, second only to the four Kings, a top figure of the second tier in the younger generation."
The admiration on Lin Wan’s face grew stronger.
"Indeed, an outstanding figure."
Ling Chen nodded. Based on his previous estimation, his strength could barely rank among the Eighteen Heavenly Talents. However, with the enhancement of Fire’s True Intention and the acquisition of the unrivaled sword technique ’Return to Ruin’ from the Flame Emperor Order, his ranking could surely rise.
Yet, Ling Chen acknowledged he was still somewhat below the Twelve Divine Marquises’ level, let alone the Free and Unrestrained Marquis, who ranked in the top three.
It seemed his senior brother was quite a formidable figure, no wonder he caught Shen Bingxin’s attention.
Only now, having openly passed through the backdoor, transforming into Shen Bingxin’s direct disciple, would he face explosive reactions among Lingyue Island disciples, with countless jealous and coveting eyes upon him, ensuring his days here would be anything but peaceful.
