Chapter 53: Jin Xing

Chapter 53: Jin Xing

"I must decline your request…"

In the quiet of the bamboo room, Lin Mo's voice rang clear as he directly turned down Lin Langtian's request.

Despite there being over a dozen slots for the Tower Battle, giving one to Lin Langtian would technically be no issue, yet Lin Mo still chose to decline. His decision was driven not only by doubt about Lin Langtian's abilities as a Symbol Master but also by a desire to protect him.

As one of the Lin family's elder powerhouses, Lin Mo knew that those who reached the pinnacle of cultivation were supported by unwavering, unshakable conviction. If that faith were broken, it could halt one's progress, or even cause a descent into stagnation. Lin Langtian had impressive power, but he'd never shown a particular affinity for spiritual abilities. Should he face a crushing defeat against elite Symbol Masters in the Tower Battle, it might undermine his confidence in his martial path, hindering his future advancement.

Thus, to safeguard the Lin family's once-in-a-century prodigy, Lin Mo resolutely refused.

Hearing this, Lin Langtian remained calm, unsurprised by the decision. While he didn't know that Lin Mo was attempting to shield him, he realized that without displaying his spiritual power, it would be difficult to win the elder's approval. He was just about to demonstrate his abilities when there was a knock at the door.

"Come in," Lin Mo called out, and the bamboo door opened slowly as a graceful figure stepped in.

Lin Langtian turned to look and was taken aback by the woman's striking appearance. She was tall, her golden gown embroidered with intricate designs. Her skin was porcelain, her brows delicate, and her features refined, sculpting a face of stunning beauty. Yet, her cool and frosty expression was a clear signal to keep a respectful distance.

"Teacher."

The woman greeted Lin Mo with a respectful bow, her voice carrying a hint of chill. Glancing over, she seemed surprised to see Lin Langtian, her beautiful eyes flashing with a hint of recognition. Lin Langtian's name was well-known throughout the Great Yan Dynasty, especially in Lin City, the heart of the Lin family.

"Heh, Langtian, this is my prized disciple, Jin Xing," Lin Mo said with a smile. "She advanced to the rank of low-level Spirit Symbol Master just last month and is one of our primary contenders for Lin City in the upcoming Tower Battle. I'll tell you what—if you can withstand one strike from her spiritual power, I'll grant you a place in the Tower Battle. What do you say?"

Lin Mo's plan was simple: to discourage Lin Langtian from participating by giving him a taste of Jin Xing's true strength.

"A low-level Spirit Symbol Master, you say? Very well, I accept," Lin Langtian replied confidently. While he was only a four-seal Symbol Master and thus not quite at a Spirit Symbol Master level, he was certain he could withstand one strike.

"Oh…" Lin Mo's eyes gleamed with surprise at how readily Langtian had agreed, while Jin Xing's own gaze sharpened with interest. While she'd heard much about Lin Langtian's martial talent, she was confident that in terms of spiritual prowess, few could rival her across Lin City or even the entire Great Yan Dynasty—including Lin Langtian.

"In that case, I apologize in advance, Langtian," Jin Xing said coolly, her chin slightly raised. Without moving, she released a surge of spiritual energy, sharp as lightning, directly at Lin Langtian.

Lin Langtian raised an eyebrow, immediately impressed by her power. Still, he was no weakling. He responded swiftly, summoning a formidable surge of spiritual power from his mind palace to intercept the incoming force.

"Whoosh!"

Lin Mo and Jin Xing both registered the potent wave of spiritual energy Langtian had summoned, their faces showing visible surprise. This was no beginner's power!

"Four-seal Symbol Master!"

Eyes narrowing, Lin Mo observed Lin Langtian with astonishment. He hadn't expected the family's top prodigy to also be an accomplished Symbol Master. Recalling that Langtian had once visited the Symbol Master Guild to borrow a training manual, Lin Mo realized that he might have begun cultivating his spiritual power as early as a year ago. If true, this rate of progress from novice to four-seal Symbol Master was beyond extraordinary.

While Lin Mo grappled with surprise, Jin Xing's gaze hardened in response to Langtian's spiritual strength. She split her spiritual energy into several streams, deftly avoiding his defenses and continuing toward him.

Seeing this clever manipulation, Lin Langtian's eyes glinted with renewed interest. He wasn't dealing with an average opponent; Lin Mo's favored pupil was indeed skilled. Refusing to back down, he gathered his energy to form a mental spear, launching it directly at Jin Xing.

Each wielded their powers with silent intensity, poised to inflict harm if either failed to counter the other. Jin Xing's cold expression remained, her frosty eyes fixed on Langtian as she deftly dispersed his spear. Another wave of her spiritual power collided with the spear, shattering it into a fine mist.

"Enough. That will do," Lin Mo interrupted, the duel lasting only moments. Having gauged Langtian's capabilities, he addressed him with approval. "I didn't expect you to be this proficient in spiritual arts. Truly, you deserve the title of Great Yan's foremost prodigy. With both elemental and spiritual mastery, you could well become a top-tier dual cultivator."

Jin Xing huffed quietly, though she couldn't deny her surprise. Langtian's four-seal Symbol Master level marked him as an elite among his generation, especially since spiritual power was secondary to his primary cultivation focus.

Langtian acknowledged Lin Mo's praise with a quiet smile, and then asked, "Does that mean I've met your requirements, President Lin Mo?"

Lin Mo nodded with satisfaction. "Indeed, a four-seal Symbol Master's strength more than qualifies. Tomorrow, return here, and you'll join us as we travel to Huangpu City for the Tower Battle."

(End of Chapter)