Zhao Minghai's provocation

Coming out of the room, Jiang Yun saw a lively scene in Lin Yi's courtyard. Not only was Lin Shenhe present, but Lin Feier and Lin Xiang'er also stood by with smiles on their faces, watching as Lin Yi engaged in a martial arts duel with another man.

Lin Yi was using the Flaming Wood Blade Technique, but his understanding of this technique was still shallow, limiting the power he could exert. Although he was faster than before, the strength was insufficient, lacking the essence of the Flaming Wood Blade Technique. It was merely a form without the spirit.

The man who was sparring with Lin Yi had considerable strength. Judging from his spiritual energy, he was at least at the seventh level of Qi Martial, possibly even at the eighth level.

Soon, the situation on the field became one-sided. The man wielded a Nine-Curve Spear, employing techniques of blocking, seizing, thrusting, stabbing, poking, and flicking in a dazzling manner. Coupled with his tall figure and well-defined features, he displayed a certain elegance. Under this man's relentless spear attacks, Lin Yi found it increasingly difficult to defend himself.

"Zhao Minghai truly lives up to his reputation as one of the Three Heroes of Yanjing. His Nine-Curve Spear is unparalleled in the city. But Yi'er is still too young. However, Yi'er's blade technique seems to be newly acquired. I can tell that this technique is swift and formidable. Once perfected, it will undoubtedly possess remarkable power. I'm interested to know who taught Yi'er this blade technique," commented Lin Shenhe, observing the fight with discerning eyes. Lin Feier had informed him earlier that she had found a martial arts instructor for Lin Yi.

"Father, Lin Yi has only been practicing this blade technique for two days. It's already quite impressive to achieve this level of proficiency," said Lin Feier to her father. Then, noticing Jiang Yun coming out of the room, she smiled and continued, "As for the person you want to see teaching Lin Yi the blade technique, it's perfect timing."

Lin Shenhe was surprised to see someone as young as Jiang Yun being capable of teaching such advanced martial arts. He had imagined the instructor for Lin Yi's Flaming Wood Blade Technique to be an elderly person of considerable age.

"Brother Li Tao, this is my father," Lin Feier introduced as she saw Jiang Yun approaching. "Father, Brother Li Tao is Lin Yi's martial arts instructor."

Jiang Yun respectfully saluted and said, "Greetings, Master of the Lin family."

Lin Shenhe, without any airs, replied, "I never expected that the person who could teach such profound martial arts would be so young. My son is dull-witted, so I rely on your guidance."

"Lin Yi has good talent and works hard, so I don't need to put in too much effort," Jiang Yun responded.

Jiang Yun didn't have a favorable impression of Lin Shenhe. Although he had agreed to the annulment of the marriage himself, it was unlikely for him to completely let go. However, he had other plans at the moment, so it wouldn't be appropriate to show displeasure to Lin Shenhe. His tone remained polite.

While the group was engaged in cheerful conversation, the duel between the two combatants had already concluded. Although Lin Yi had lost, he didn't display any signs of disappointment. On the contrary, he seemed to have gained a deeper understanding of the Flaming Wood Blade Technique, as a hint of joy appeared on his face.

Zhao Minghai, eager to play the role of a mentor, said, "Lin Yi, why didn't you use the technique I taught you? If you had employed the Surging Waves Blade Technique, you could have at least lasted ten moves."

"Hehe."

Zhao Minghai was about to assume the stern teacher role and offer some guidance to Lin Yi, but his words were interrupted by the laughter of Lin Xiang'er. Frowning, he noticed Jiang Yun and Lin Shenhe engaged in conversation, while Lin Feier and Lin Shenhe wore smiles on their faces.

Zhao Minghai was the cousin of Lin Shenhe's wife and had lived in the Lin family since the age of four due to a family accident. Despite being dependent on them, Zhao Minghai possessed exceptional martial talent. At the age of twenty-three, he had already reached the Elemental Martial Realm, holding a respectable position within the Lin household.

Lin Shenhe treated Zhao Minghai well, regarding him as a member of the family. He had called Zhao Minghai back this time because he needed assistance for an event at the Qingyang Cave in a month's time.

Zhao Minghai had affection for Lin Feier, but he had never expressed it openly. Instead, he treated Lin Yi well indirectly. He had given Lin Yi the Surging Waves Blade Technique, intending to test how well he had practiced it today. However, during the duel, Lin Yi hadn't used it at all.

When Zhao Minghai approached Jiang Yun and the others, Jiang Yun happened to be discussing the Flaming Wood Blade Technique with Lin Shenhe.

"The power of the Flaming Wood Blade Technique lies not in its speed, but in its blade force. When mastered, the blade force of the Flaming Wood Blade Technique can burn like flames, incinerating everything in its path," Jiang Yun explained.

It finally dawned on Zhao Minghai that Lin Yi had actually learned the Flaming Wood Blade Technique from the person in front of him, discarding the Surging Waves Blade Technique. With his remarkable talent and high self-esteem, Zhao Minghai perceived Lin Yi's abandonment of the Surging Waves Blade Technique in favor of learning the Flaming Wood Blade Technique as an act of disdain towards him.

Feeling extremely dissatisfied, Zhao Minghai's jealousy surged even higher when he saw Lin Feier gazing at Jiang Yun with eyes fixated and flushed cheeks.

Upon hearing Jiang Yun's lavish praise of the Flaming Wood Blade Technique, Zhao Minghai sneered, believing that Jiang Yun was merely bragging without any substance. He understood that blade force could inflict harm, but the notion that it could burn everything was something only an Earth Martial Realm warrior could achieve. He didn't believe that Jiang Yun could be such an expert.

"So, you're the person who taught Lin Yi this technique," Zhao Minghai rudely interrupted Jiang Yun.

Lin Feier furrowed her brows, but seeing Lin Shenhe's amused expression, she didn't say anything. After all, Lin Shenhe was present, and she couldn't casually speak her mind.

Lin Shenhe, wearing a cunning look in his eyes, pretended to exaggerate as he introduced Zhao Minghai, "Minghai, you've arrived just in time. This little brother Li Tao is extraordinary. He can teach such profound martial arts like the Flaming Wood Blade Technique. Both of you are young heroes, so it's perfect for you to get acquainted."

Zhao Minghai couldn't stand Lin Shenhe being so polite to Jiang Yun, so he retorted in an aggressive tone, "I heard you mention the Flaming Wood Blade Technique just now. Are you exaggerating when you say its blade force can burn everything?"

Jiang Yun understood Lin Shenhe's little trick. He was trying to provoke Zhao Minghai's hostility towards him, hoping to instigate a fight between them and test his own skills. However, Lin Shenhe's move played right into Jiang Yun's hands, as he had planned.

"Do you not believe me, Brother Zhao?" Jiang Yun responded without his usual casual demeanor.

This unexpected change in Jiang Yun's attitude surprised Lin Feier, who gave him a strange look.

"I'm a straightforward person. I only believe what I see with my own eyes. How about Brother Zhao and I have a friendly exchange so that I can demonstrate it to you?" Zhao Minghai's tone was disdainful, although he used the term "friendly exchange," he probably thought of it as a lesson.

Lin Shenhe felt triumphant. Although Zhao Minghai had outstanding martial talent, he was firmly under Lin Shenhe's control. With just a few words, Lin Shenhe could manipulate Zhao Minghai's emotions.

"Brother Zhao has made the request. I dare not refuse," Jiang Yun responded, inwardly amused that Zhao Minghai was being used as a pawn by Lin Shenhe.