บท 14: Unexpected Conflict
Ling Tian pondered on the options before him and finally selected the [Intermediate Martial Arts Prodigy (Green)]. A surge of energy appeared and traveled gradually throughout his body, nourishing it and enhancing his martial arts talent. This surge of energy finally arrived at his soul, purifying it and giving him a more clear-headed feeling.
He then reviewed the information from the simulation. This time, he learned about the Martial Arts Path and made quick progress with the help of his new talent. Although he was eager to do another paid simulation, he found that it now required 128 low-tier Spiritual Stones, which he did not currently have. Undeterred, he continued refining Tier 1 weapons to acquire Spiritual Stones in the process.
The next day, Ling Tian went to the marketplace as usual. While he was strolling, he came across a book about the basics of swordsmanship that introduced some fundamental concepts of the way of the sword. After haggling with the stall owner, he bought it for 50 low-tier Spiritual Stones. Just as he was about to pack the book and return to his residence, an arrogant voice laced with disdain resounded from behind him, "Wait, I want this book."
Ling Tian turned his head and observed the owner of the voice. Upon closer inspection, he recognized Zhao Yun, a philandering young master of the Zhao Clan. He was accompanied by three followers at the peak of the Body Tempering Realm. The Zhao Clan was one of the most prominent clans in the city, having many Innate Realm cultivators, with its leader Zhao Bei at the peak of the Innate Realm. Zhao Yun, being the youngest son of Zhao Bei, was always doted on and granted anything he desired, with his messes often cleaned up by his father.
Ling Tian responded in an indifferent voice, "Zhao Yun, I have already bought and paid for this book."
Zhao Yun sneered upon seeing Ling Tian's face. "Well, isn't this the trash eldest young master of the Ling Clan? Do you think that with your mediocre talent, you will be able to understand the way of the sword?"
Zhao Yun then turned to the stall owner and said, "Return him the Spiritual Stones, and I will pay you double the amount he paid."
The stall owner looked troubled and approached Ling Tian. "This…. Young master Ling Tian, it is better not to offend Zhao Yun. He has a notorious reputation for snatching things forcefully in this marketplace, and many who refused him were found dead later on. Take back your Spiritual Stones and leave before you attract trouble for yourself."
Ling Tian replied calmly, "No need, keep the Spiritual Stones." He then forcefully snatched the book from the stall owner and headed in the direction of his residence ignoring Zhao Yun in the process.
The stall owner, angry and embarrassed, packed up his stall and left in a huff, muttering, "I warned you."
Zhao Yun's face alternated between blue and red with anger as he observed Ling Tian ignoring him and leaving. He turned to his followers and said fiercely, "Follow him and do as usual without leaving any traces. I will go ahead first and wait for you at the residence."
The three followers nodded, "Yes, young master."
While heading to his residence, Ling Tian felt someone was following him. When he arrived at the corner of a dark alley, he proceeded to enter it. The three followers arrived at the entrance of the alley. One of them spoke to the others, "It seems we were discovered. Be careful of any sneak attacks after entering."
The other two nodded.
As soon as they entered the alley, they saw Ling Tian with his back facing them, standing as if waiting for them. The three exchanged glances and decisively pulled out their swords, attacking him. Just as the weapons were about to hit Ling Tian, he turned around and clamped the tips of the three swords between his fingers.
Ling Tian looked at them with an indifferent face. "Zhao Yun sent you, didn't he?"
The followers turned pale with fear, exerting all their strength to pull the swords from Ling Tian's fingers, but to no avail.
"Click." With a sudden exertion of strength, Ling Tian shattered the swords into shards that scattered in the air. Channeling Spiritual Energy from his Dantian to his hand, he pushed the shards toward them as they whizzed through the air piercing their vital points and killing them instantly. Ling Tian adjusted his mood, summoned his purple flame, burned their corpses to ashes, and left the alley, continuing his way back to his residence.
Time quickly passed, and night arrived. Ling Tian packed his things and sneaked out of the Ling Clan silently, heading toward the Zhao Clan grounds. Upon arrival, he quietly killed the guards after he questioned them about the way to Zhao Yun's residence. As he walked towards it, he killed all patrol guards encountered, burning their bodies to ashes.
Arriving at Zhao Yun's residence, he observed Zhao Yun through a window gap. Zhao Yun shuttled in the room and looked angry, roaring at the servants, "Those trash spent so long to get rid of that useless Ling Tian and still haven't returned. When they do, each will get 100 lashes."
"Oh, it seems you are bound to be disappointed," Ling Tian's cold voice startled Zhao Yun and his servants.
Zhao Yun shouted, "Who is it?! Show yourself."
Ling Tian's figure quickly crossed the door and appeared in the room. Zhao Yun, initially fearful, relaxed upon seeing Ling Tian. "So, it's you, Ling Tian. It seems you managed to escape them. Never mind, since you're here, you can dream about leaving alive."
Zhao Yun's aura surged as he attacked Ling Tian swiftly. Although Zhao Yun rarely focused on cultivation, his father's resources elevated his cultivation to the Peak of the Body Tempering Realm. As his palm neared Ling Tian, his face showed a ferocious expression. "Die!"
Suddenly, Ling Tian's figure disappeared, and Zhao Yun found his view spinning. He realized he was close to the roof, looking down at his still body without a head and stretching a palm. "Is this my body?" was Zhao Yun's last thought before he lost consciousness.
The servants, wanting to scream, were quickly killed by Ling Tian. Despite today being his first time killing in this world, he adapted quickly, understanding the necessity in a world ruled by power and strength and where the weak can be easily stepped on by others. After adjusting his emotions, he searched the room, finding 200 low-tier Spiritual Stones and other miscellaneous items. He swiftly left the Zhao Clan grounds and returned to his residence.
Back at his residence, Ling Tian practiced for a while, absorbing and storing the inborn Spiritual Energy in his Dantian before going to sleep.
The next morning, rays of light awakened him. He got up, started refining weapons, and then took a break to do another paid simulation.
[Ding, discovered 270 low-tier spiritual stones in the host's possession. Do you want to pay 128 low-tier spiritual stones for one paid simulation?]
Ling Tian replied, "Pay."
[Ding, Simulation starting...]
A new screen appeared, showing a refreshed talent pool.
[Ding, Talent Refresh Successful, congratulations to the host for refreshing two Talents. You can choose one of them.]
[Basic Sword Affinity (White): Slightly increased proficiency with sword techniques.]
[Calm Mind (White): You stay composed under pressure.]
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