Wuchen Courtyard, in the main garden.
As evening approached, the lingering glow of the setting sun sprinkled across the garden, casting shimmering ripples.
Ling Chen and Ling Yin were both present.
"It seems your recent cultivation has been very effective. In less than a month, you’ve cultivated the Taiyin True Scripture to the third level," Ling Chen said, his eyes lit up slightly as he glanced at Ling Yin, who was manipulating her True Qi before him.
In just a month, Ling Yin had dispersed all the True Qi from her previous Tidal Spell cultivation and had restarted her cultivation of the Taiyin True Scripture. Incredibly, in less than a month, Ling Yin’s Taiyin True Scripture had reached the third level.
Ling Chen, despite cultivating for so long, had only advanced his Ling Tian Sword Scripture to the second transition.
Of course, the Ling Tian Sword Scripture was a Saint-level Cultivation Technique, while the Taiyin True Scripture was only a Heavenly-level Cultivation Technique. The two couldn’t truly be compared.
"How far have you progressed with the Flying Shadow Sword Technique?" Ling Chen pondered for a moment, then asked again.
The Flying Shadow Sword Technique was a Top-notch Earth Grade Swordsmanship that Ling Chen had taught Ling Yin. It was suitable for women to practice and wasn’t difficult. A Heavenly-level sword technique would have been too large a leap. After all, Heavenly-level swordsmanship is generally difficult to master unless one possesses a profound understanding of it.
For instance, Song Hailan, although he had learned the Qingfeng Sword Art, the Qingfeng Sword Art he executed was less potent than a Top-notch Earth Grade sword technique.
"The fifth technique," Ling Yin replied softly.
Hearing this, Ling Chen frowned. "The Flying Shadow Sword Technique isn’t difficult to learn. Reaching only the fifth technique by now means your progress is a bit slow."
If others had heard Ling Chen’s statement, they would have scoffed at him for such an unrealistic expectation. Reaching the fifth technique in a month is slow? Then what about those of us who’ve spent half a year or more learning just one or two techniques? Should we all just go commit suicide? they would think.
However, from Ling Chen’s perspective, Ling Yin’s progress was indeed unsatisfactory.
"Mm, I’ll work twice as hard," Ling Yin nodded. I don’t know what’s considered fast, she thought, but if Ling Chen says I’m slow, then I must be.
"Ling Chen, you seem to care quite a lot for your child-bride-to-be," a voice interjected.
Just as Ling Chen was preparing to return to his quarters, a figure walked in from outside. It was Xu Ruoyan. Her tone was clearly tinged with acidity.
"What child-bride-to-be? She’s my sister. Watch your mouth," Ling Chen frowned. Such words would displease anyone.
"Fine, not a child-bride-to-be," Xu Ruoyan conceded. She didn’t actually believe Ling Chen was such a scoundrel, but his evasive attitude still irked her. She spared Ling Yin a glance and continued, "Ling Chen, tomorrow is the last day of the three months we agreed upon."
As she spoke, her gaze grew solemn. She wanted to see Ling Chen’s reaction.
"Is it that time already?" Ling Chen wore a thoughtful expression, then nodded. "Then I’ll accompany you to the Sky Void Palace tomorrow. I always keep my promises."
"What if I say I’ve changed my mind?" Xu Ruoyan’s beautiful eyes stared directly at Ling Chen. "I don’t want to call off the engagement anymore."
Hearing this, Ling Chen’s expression subtly shifted. He then shook his head. "Marriage is a serious matter, not child’s play. You can’t just say you regret it and take it back."
"We should clarify our relationship sooner rather than later, Xu Ruoyan. With your status, countless talented young men would pursue you, many of whom are worthy of your noble standing. I am insignificant. If we forcibly entangle ourselves, it will only lead to mutual destruction," Ling Chen said sternly.
Xu Ruoyan drew her Long Sword and pointed its tip at Ling Chen’s neck. "Ling Chen! You truly are a heartless scoundrel!"
She had thought that after spending three months together, Ling Chen would have developed some attachment to her. Yet, he remained so resolute about annulling the engagement. Any ordinary man would surely try his best to make me stay, wouldn’t he?
Taking a deep breath, Xu Ruoyan ultimately didn’t strike. She sheathed her Long Sword, then turned and walked away. "Tomorrow morning, I’ll wait for you at the mountain gate."
With that, she headed towards the courtyard gate.
Watching Xu Ruoyan’s resolute departure, Ling Chen sighed. His mind, usually as tranquil as still water, felt a rare stir of agitation.
"Brother Ling Chen, watch out!"
Just then, Ling Yin’s urgent cry sounded in his ear.
At that moment, Ling Chen felt a strong killing intent, and goosebumps instantly erupted all over his body.
Almost instinctively, Ling Chen dove forward, rolling across the ground.
A green, poison-tipped arrow pierced through the wall, whistling past Ling Chen’s face, grazing his skin and drawing blood.
Instantly, the skin around the scratch turned a sickening purplish-black.
"Poison!" Ling Chen exclaimed, quickly taking a Detoxification Pill from his Heavenly Mansion Ring and swallowing it.
"Get down!" Ling Chen dashed forward, pulling the still-dazed Xu Ruoyan down to the ground with him.
Who dares to attack within the Divine Intent Sect? Ling Chen was secretly stunned. He had always considered the Divine Intent Sect an absolutely safe haven, but it seemed nowhere was truly secure.
"Why are you worrying about me? If an assassin killed me, wouldn’t that be exactly what you wish for?" Xu Ruoyan bit her silver teeth, retorting coldly.
"This isn’t the time for tantrums." Ling Chen’s gaze was intense. He could feel that murderous aura still lingering, like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows, ready to strike with a Hidden Weapon at any moment.
The Lingtian True Qi Ling Chen cultivated was exceedingly formidable and highly resistant to toxins. However, the poison on that arrow was exceptionally virulent. Even after swallowing a Detoxification Pill and circulating his Lingtian True Qi, he could only temporarily suppress the poison’s spread.
"Brother Ling Chen, the assassin is on a rooftop about fifty meters to your right."
At this moment, Ling Chen’s voice drifted over.
"Fifty meters away? How do you know that?" Xu Ruoyan looked at Ling Yin in disbelief. It was already quite dark; how could anyone spot an assassin hiding fifty meters away? That’s impossible! No one could do that!
"That’s Ling Yin’s special ability." At this critical juncture, Ling Chen had no time to explain further. He looked towards the rooftop fifty meters away. So, the assassin is there?
"He’s about to shoot!" Ling Yin’s voice grew frantic.
"Quick, dodge!" Ling Chen pushed Xu Ruoyan aside, and they both rolled across the ground.
Almost in the next instant, another poison-tipped arrow shot down from above, thudding into the ground right where Ling Chen and Xu Ruoyan had been moments before.
This left Xu Ruoyan utterly stunned. She stared at Ling Yin in horror. This little girl... she’s not normal, is she?