"Did you hear? Senior Uncle Ling Feng defeated Di Jingtian, the top talent in the Qi Formation Realm from the Liuyun Sword Sect!"
"What's that? Even the Broken Sword Elder from the Liuyun Sword Sect was infuriated to the point of spitting blood. Haha! Those bastards from Liuyun Sword Sect always like to bully the disciples of our Wenxian Sect when they are outside cultivating because of their numbers. This time, Senior Uncle Ling Feng has finally vented our grievances!"
"Exactly! I've long found those fellows from Liuyun Sword Sect displeasing. If Senior Uncle Ling could take me along the next time he goes out for cultivation, I'd love to let my sword taste the blood of those Liuyun Sword Sect brats!"
"Dream on! With your limited skills, you'd only end up being a burden to Senior Uncle Ling Feng!"
The news spread like wildfire. Ling Feng's defeat of Di Jingtian on the martial arts square and the incident where he forced the Broken Sword Elder to retreat echoed throughout the Wenxian Sect.
They used to revere Ling Feng before merely because of his connection with the young lady of Cangqiong Sect. Now, most people genuinely admired him.
After all, a man who relied on a woman could, at best, be considered a toy boy. Only by relying on one's own strength could true respect be earned.
This time, Ling Feng avenged all the Qi Formation Realm disciples of the Wenxian Sect and the sect itself.
Hence, calling him Senior Uncle Ling Feng became more and more natural. This was indeed what a senior uncle should do!
When this matter reached the ears of the sect leader and the high-ranking elders of the sect, they didn't pay it much attention, letting it take its course naturally.
However, as Lin Canglang witnessed Ling Feng's rising reputation within the sect, a subtle sense of concern began to grow in his heart.
Having acquired two precious swords and a sword manual, Ling Feng had already returned to Little Bamboo Peak.
Seated cross-legged on the cliff where he usually practiced, Ling Feng slowly retrieved the manual given to him by the Broken Sword Elder. It was precisely the Falling Leaves Sword Technique displayed by Di Jingtian.
Indeed, this sword technique possessed formidable power, and its grade was on par with the complete Ninefold Ocean-Guarding Fist.
Ling Feng felt a secret sense of relief. If he hadn't acquired the Boundless Sword Steps, enabling him to easily evade Di Jingtian's killer move, while defeating him would not be difficult, it would be impossible to kill him with one move.
Ling Feng had already grasped the basics of the Falling Leaves Sword Technique from the exchange with Di Jingtian. While the utility of this sword manual might not be significant, it could still serve as a supplementary aid in his cultivation.
Ling Feng nodded in satisfaction after perusing the sword manual. This sword technique was indeed much more powerful than the Crimson Sunset Sword Technique he had learned from Li Changqing and even stood on par with the Starshatter Sword Technique.
With these two sword techniques, coupled with the Boundless Sword Steps, Ling Feng felt an urge to spar with an expert in the Pulse Formation Realm. He wanted to see where exactly the gap lay between himself and someone in the Pulse Formation Realm.
Facing the sea of clouds, Ling Feng harbored ambitious aspirations in his heart.
He was no longer the small, passive physician. In his heart, there was an infinite thirst for power!
"Continue cultivating, Boundless Sword Steps!"
"Senior Uncle Ling Feng, Senior Uncle Ling Feng!"
As the sun set, the lingering radiance of the setting sun bathed the ever-changing sea of clouds, as if draping it in a faint golden veil. The rolling and tumultuous sea of clouds was also about to descend into the deep mountains, returning to tranquility.
Ling Feng stood sword in hand at the pinnacle of the cliff, having spent another day immersed in diligent training.
This was the usual routine of Ling Feng's life. Apart from daily activities like gathering herbs and preparing medicine for Duanmu Qingshan, most of his time was dedicated to cultivation. Even at night, he would be meditating and practicing to enhance his cultivation.
The disciples of Wenxian Sect only knew how extraordinary Ling Feng was, but little did they realize that behind this, there was Ling Feng's relentless and tireless dedication to cultivation.
Hearing someone call his name, Ling Feng felt a bit puzzled. Normally, there shouldn't be any disciples daring to come to Little Bamboo Peak, a place known for its troubles.
Ling Feng turned to look, and there was a sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl, fairly attractive, gracefully executing the Cloud-Chasing Steps as she dashed towards him.
Her cultivation level wasn't particularly high, at the third level of Qi Formation Realm. She seemed to be a relatively new inner sect disciple.
With a swift movement, Ling Feng, like an eagle in flight, reached the girl's side and asked casually, "Who are you?"
His voice was indifferent, carrying a hint of aloofness.
"I-I'm called Hongxiu, S-Su Hongxiu." The girl, evidently intimidated by the formidable aura emanating from Ling Feng, stood frozen in place. Her voice trembled slightly.
Su Hongxiu's heart raced uncontrollably. While Ling Feng was her idol, his reputation for being ruthless was well-known in the Wenxian Sect.
"Is there something you need?" Ling Feng retracted his imposing presence. During his sword training earlier, the murderous intent lingered, and the killing aura had yet to dissipate. No wonder Su Hongxiu was frightened out of her wits.
"S-Senior Uncle Ling, Elder Li asked me to deliver a message. He hoped that you can lead a group of us new inner sect disciples on an external training mission in 3 days," Su Hongxiu timidly conveyed.
"Elder Li? Li Liang?"
"Yes, it's him." Su Hongxiu raised her eyes slightly, stealing a glance at Ling Feng. "Senior Uncle Ling, can you agree? Many of our senior brothers and sisters were really looking forward to it when they heard this news!"
Ling Feng rubbed his nose. Although he wasn't sure what Li Liang and the others were up to, they wouldn't dare to harm him.
Perhaps, they hoped to gain my complete allegiance by involving me in the sect's activities.
Ling Feng's guess was indeed accurate.
Seeing Ling Feng's growing reputation within the Wenxian Sect, those cunning and crafty individuals like Lin Canglang would naturally try to exploit this opportunity.
These old foxes were well aware of the aspirations in the hearts of young people. A young and inexperienced lad always carried a determination to become a hero and to receive admiration from peers.
They intended to use the sect, the bonds with companions, to bind Ling Feng's heart, making him belong completely to the sect and, consequently, to Lin Canglang.
Unfortunately, in Ling Feng's heart, he had never equated the Wenxian Sect with Lin Canglang.
"Sure." Ling Feng nodded. After a month of meditation, he had indeed reached a bottleneck.
In this situation, it would be good to go out and explore, searching for an opportunity to break through.
"Haha, that's great!" Su Hongxiu jumped up in excitement. "Thank you, Senior Uncle Ling Feng. I'll go back and good news with everyone!"
"Go ahead." Ling Feng smirked, having a faint understanding of why Li Liang chose Su Hongxiu to deliver the message to him.
With her straightforward and innocent nature, a girl like Su Hongxiu, devoid of any hidden motives, would easily capture the admiration of spirited young men like Ling Feng.
"Mhmm, mhmm." Su Hongxiu nodded repeatedly, suddenly remembering something. She added, "Oh, Senior Uncle Ling Feng, Elder Li also mentioned that he has prepared some small gifts for you. You can drop by to see him anytime in the next few days. He would like to discuss the details of the upcoming external training with you."
"Understood." Ling Feng raised an eyebrow, silently thinking, Li Liang, oh Li Liang, you are quite adept at winning people over. However, your true intentions have long been revealed to me!
Despite his disdain, Ling Feng wasn't one to refuse something for nothing!
"I'll go see him tomorrow!"