Chapter 33: Inviting the Wolf into the House

"Manager Wu, the Inner Clan's Scripture Pavilion is a restricted area of the Ling Clan. Even the geniuses of the Inner Clan must meet specific natural talent requirements to enter—at the very least, a 'Dragon Gate Three-Zhang' level of talent. While Master Tianbao possesses the Innate Alchemy Saint Physique and has unique gifts in the way of pills, it is not certain he possesses such talent in other areas."

Ling Zhen transmitted his voice to Ling Wu, "We are both alchemists, and we should know better than anyone that alchemy consumes almost all of our energy. Generally, we are relatively weak in other aspects, especially in combat techniques and fighting. More importantly, the Ling Clan has clear regulations, and entering the Inner Clan's Scripture Pavilion requires an extremely strict review process."

"Do not worry. Given my current status, my review carries sufficient authority. As it happens, my younger brother is on guard duty at the Scripture Pavilion tomorrow. I will take Master Tianbao there, and no one will be the wiser. I'll let him go in for an hour to pick any combat technique he likes."

Ling Wu replied, "Although it doesn't follow the rules, it isn't a major issue. If we can cultivate an Alchemy King for the family, who would care about such trifles? Those who achieve great things do not sweat the small stuff. Master Tianbao is our lucky star; such a person is destined to become a great figure in the future. If we befriend him now, we are bound to prosper later."

Ling Wu's words left Ling Zhen glowing with excitement, feeling as if he were about to experience a second youth. Indeed, they were now great contributors to the Ling Clan, and potentially even greater ones in the future. At the same time, they had unconditionally befriended a peerless Alchemy King, guaranteeing a boundless future.

Moreover, as long as Master Tianbao served the Ling Clan wholeheartedly, who would care about a single combat technique? Besides, with only an hour of time, it would be difficult enough for this young man to find even one suitable technique.

That evening, Lin Hao returned to the Alchemy Pavilion and found Ren Baichuan.

"No, I do not agree."

Upon hearing that Lin Hao intended to head to Mount Lingyun, Ren Baichuan jumped to his feet. "Are you insane? I absolutely refuse. I brought you out and promised Master Ximen and the Holy Maiden that I would return you unharmed. Now you want to enter the Ling Clan? How am I supposed to explain this?"

Ren Baichuan looked at Lin Hao, almost ready to kneel before him. "Please, stop this madness! You are already on the verge of single-handedly destroying the Lingyun Pavilion; isn't that enough? Mount Lingyun is a true den of tigers and dragons. Do not underestimate the intelligence capabilities of the number one martial arts family. We must return to the Taixuan Sect immediately. If the Ling Clan finds even the slightest trace of evidence, it will all be over."

"It is precisely because it is a den of tigers and dragons that I am going. As for my identity, I trust in the capabilities of the Holy Maiden and Master Ximen. Once they learn of what has happened here, they will have surely implemented countermeasures and sealed off the Taixuan Sect. For the time being, my identity will not be an issue."

Lin Hao’s eyes shone with brilliance; he appeared exceptionally calm. "The Ling Clan and I are like fire and water. I will not let go of any opportunity to deal with them. I have made up my mind; I enter Mount Lingyun tomorrow."

"Sigh!"

Ren Baichuan knew he could not persuade this young man. He truly wanted to forcibly take Lin Hao away and flee back to the Taixuan Sect, but he also understood clearly that some things could not be solved by force.

"Do not worry, Elder Ren. Before the Great Competition of the Hundred Sects, my identity will not be exposed."

Lin Hao bowed deeply to Ren Baichuan. "There is still more than half a month until the competition. I will not stay in the Ling Clan for long. Wait for me here; I will return before the competition and go with you back to the Taixuan Sect."

With that, Lin Hao turned resolutely, pushed open the door, and disappeared into the night. Watching his retreating figure, Ren Baichuan remained deeply unsettled.

"He truly possesses an inexplicable magic—tenacity, wisdom, and courage. Perhaps only such a prodigy can walk further on the path of cultivation. Alas, I am old, and I have long since lost the fighting spirit of my youth."

Ren Baichuan sighed, "Good luck, young man."

Ren Baichuan liked this youth from the bottom of his heart, but he also felt indignant and outraged at his plight. Abandoned by his own father in childhood and now oppressed by a powerful clan—how difficult must his path ahead be?

Yet, the strength of the enemy had not broken the youth's spirit. He had taken the initiative to step onto this path of defiance, chanting a song of blood and passion. The one who walks against the current shines with the most brilliance! Like a dragon emerging from the abyss, the youth was destined to stir the winds and clouds.

Early the next morning, Lin Hao followed Ling Wu directly to the Ling Clan.

Mount Lingyun was very close to Danqing City, only a thousand miles away, located at the far east of the Imperial Capital. As the ancestral land of the Great Xia's number one martial arts family, the magnificence of Mount Lingyun far surpassed that of the Taixuan Sect.

The vast mountain range centered on a massive peak that hung like an inverted giant sword, with nine other peaks piercing the sea of clouds. It was shrouded year-round in pale golden energy, with the land beneath resembling a coiled dragon. Even standing outside Mount Lingyun, one could feel the dense essence of heaven and earth.

Even as an enemy, Lin Hao had to offer a word of praise: it was truly worthy of being the number one martial arts family.

"Master Tianbao, how does it feel?" Ling Wu stroked his beard, looking at Lin Hao with a smug expression. As a member of the Ling Clan, it had always been Ling Wu's pride; this identity was enough to let him hold his head high wherever he went.

"Magnificent and grand, like a fairyland. It is truly worthy of being the number one martial arts family; it is awe-inspiring," Lin Hao praised.

Ling Wu was very satisfied with the answer. He tugged at Lin Hao's sleeve and said, "Master Tianbao, let me take you to the Scripture Pavilion first. However, I can only secure one hour for you; I hope you understand."

"Yes, an hour is enough for me to select a combat technique suitable for myself," Lin Hao said.

"Good. I have prepared a private place for your practice, ensuring you will not be disturbed. After you choose your technique, you can go to your quarters to rest. I will go and arrange for you to enter the Lightning Pool for body tempering tomorrow. The day after tomorrow, a secret realm of the Ling Clan will open, and a large portion of the young generation from both the Inner and Outer Clans will enter for training. If you wish to participate, I will make arrangements; if not, you can practice alone," Ling Wu said.

"I am willing to participate," Lin Hao said. He had to participate; after all, he didn't come to the Ling Clan for a vacation.

Entering the Ling Clan, Lin Hao felt calm inside, but a faint smile played on his lips. "The Ling Clan vowed not to let me step foot in the Imperial Capital alive. Today, not only have I come to the capital, but I have stepped into your gates, entered your Scripture Pavilion, will use your Lightning Pool, and will storm your secret realm."

The more Lin Hao thought about it, the more pleased he felt, wanting to burst into laughter, but he held it back.

The Inner Clan's Scripture Pavilion was located at the summit of a main peak, a grand and imposing hall. At that moment, a middle-aged man with a cultivation level at the Tianyuan Realm stood before the doors, gazing into the distance, clearly waiting for something.

Seeing the two figures approach, the man quickly stepped forward to greet them.

"Brother, you've arrived. This must be the Master Tianbao who has recently made a name for himself in the Imperial Capital. Truly a talented youth." The man looked at Lin Hao, sizing him up, not daring to show the slightest neglect.

"That's right, this is Master Tianbao of the Innate Alchemy Saint Physique," Ling Wu introduced. "Master Tianbao, this is my younger brother, Ling Wen. He is one of our own."

"Greetings, Elder Wen," Lin Hao cupped his hands.

"Master Tianbao, no need for formalities. My brother has already told me; you may go straight into the Scripture Pavilion, but you only have one hour," Ling Wen said.

"Understood." Lin Hao did not stand on ceremony. As the doors to the Scripture Pavilion opened for him, he stepped inside.