Mysterious Intent to Kill

Lin Xi stood upon the ice, embracing the tempest of wind and snow. 

"The Windwalker not only possesses formidable archery skills but also a profound awareness and judgment of the surrounding environment and the flow of the wind. By keenly sensing the direction of the wind and its influence on the arrows, one can shoot with greater precision, distance, and force." 

Tong Wei's words echoed in Lin Xi's mind, resonating with exquisite clarity. 

Initially, he sought to leverage the harshness of his surroundings to push his physical and mental limits to the brink of collapse, thereby enhancing his soul power. Yet, unexpectedly, he found himself grasping the very essence of the wind and snow, experiencing a breakthrough in perception and archery. 

It was akin to a fisherman who, venturing onto the frozen lake in pursuit of a mere fish, inadvertently nets an otter as well. 

Thus, Lin Xi was filled with joy, utterly unaware that his hair and eyebrows had turned completely white from the ice and snow, rendering him the image of a frostbitten elder. 

"What exactly are you trying to accomplish... Can you endure such training?" 

At this moment, Lin Xi remained oblivious to the petite figure trembling in another nearby cave, staring in bewilderment and shock at the sight of him, barely visible amidst the swirling storm, genuinely concerned that he might freeze to death right there. 

Suddenly, Lin Xi sensed a peculiar shift, as if a powerful presence had altered the direction of a gust of wind overhead. 

He tilted his head back, straining to blink against the wind, gazing towards a higher, snow-covered expanse. 

Like a divine apparition, he beheld a young man standing upon a snow-laden cliff. 

The young man's features bore a striking resemblance to Wu Qilong from his familiar world, and his figure amidst the snow exuded an unspoken steadiness and determination, prompting Lin Xi to perceive him as exceptional, followed by a sense of radiance. 

For this young man stood at the upwind point, not only shielding himself from the storm but also adorned in golden attire—the vibrant hue synonymous with the Thunder Academy's garb. 

A student from the Thunder Academy. 

It was astonishing to discover another Thunder Academy student training in such dire conditions on this icy expanse. 

While Lin Xi momentarily marveled, the Thunder Academy student had evidently spotted him as well, taking several steps forward, allowing Lin Xi to see him more clearly—a refined and outstanding youth with coarse, dark hair braided into a long plait, swaying behind him in the fierce wind and snow. 

... 

He Lan Yuexi caught sight of Lin Xi. 

Just as Lin Xi had felt upon first seeing him, He Lan Yuexi sensed the exceptional nature of this Qingluan Academy student, and he too was inexplicably astonished that someone from Qingluan Academy would dare risk their life to train in such a place. 

Numerous paths lay before practitioners, but some could only be traversed by the elite among the elite. He Lan Yuexi had thought himself solitary on his journey, yet in a sudden revelation, he discovered a companion. 

It was an extraordinarily peculiar feeling; He Lan Yuexi believed this Qingluan Academy student would undoubtedly become his most formidable rival in destiny. 

Thus, unlike Lin Xi's tranquility, his heart was instantly filled with an overwhelming chill of murderous intent. 

In any other setting, their respective identities would have allowed him to conceal this murderous intent well, but here, amidst the vast, desolate snow-capped mountains, and given the apparent limits of his opponent's strength, he was certain that if he could swiftly eliminate Lin Xi before any distress signal was raised, even the instructors from Qingluan Academy would remain oblivious. 

Consequently, He Lan Yuexi, the strongest among the new students of Thunder Academy, made a swift decision: he would kill Lin Xi amidst the raging snowstorm, burying this potential threat before it could grow. 

Without uttering a word, he discerned the landing point below and leapt directly from the icy precipice. 

With a single foot shattering a solid block of ice, he soared upward, landing deftly on a second firm slab of ice as he approached Lin Xi. 

The unique aura of bloodshed emanating from He Lan Yuexi was palpable, devoid of words or pretense, prompting Lin Xi to immediately sense the hostility and murderous intent of this exceptional Thunder Academy student. 

Lin Xi swiftly grasped the rudimentary longbow slung over his shoulder, his fingers, though somewhat stiff, nocked an arrow. 

Though unaware of the reasons behind his adversary's direct intent to kill, Lin Xi understood that if the other sought his life, he must reciprocate; his philosophy was that simple. 

The petite figure that had previously huddled in the nearby cave also sensed He Lan Yuexi's murderous intent. The power he displayed in that leap made her realize that Lin Xi was no match for him. Without further thought, she emerged from the icy hollow, shattering several icicles with a loud crack. 

He Lan Yuexi's motion came to an abrupt halt. 

The pressure stemmed from the simple bow and arrow in Lin Xi's hands and the sudden appearance of the Qingluan Academy female student clad in a black cloak. 

Though Lin Xi's bow and arrow were exceedingly rudimentary, the aura he exuded suggested that even this simplicity could inflict harm. Even the slightest wound might lead to the pursuit of the Qingluan Academy instructors, serving as undeniable evidence. Moreover, with the unexpected arrival of another person, even if he could kill Lin Xi immediately, that student would surely have time to send a distress signal. 

"What a pity." 

He Lan Yuexi sighed inwardly, a hint of regret flickering between his elegant brows. 

He ceased his advance, began to retract his murderous intent, and regarded Lin Xi, who stood at a distance with bow drawn, inquiring, "What is your name?" 

Though perplexed by the source of the other's intense murderous intent, Lin Xi, naturally averse to such bloodthirstiness, coldly retorted, "Who are you?" 

"I am He Lan Yuexi, the top-ranked new student of Thunder Academy this year," He Lan Yuexi replied, looking at Lin Xi. For most, proclaiming one's name along with a claim to the top rank would appear arrogant, yet his demeanor was utterly natural, as if those words were his rightful due. 

Lin Xi regarded He Lan Yuexi and replied, "I am Lin Xi." 

"Ah, the chosen one of the Disarmament Department," He Lan Yuexi remarked, raising an eyebrow. After a moment's contemplation, he added, "We shall meet again." 

With that, this top-ranked new student of Thunder Academy turned and walked into the snowstorm, vanishing without a trace in mere moments. 

Lin Xi furrowed his brow tightly; the other's murderous intent and parting words led him to believe that the presence of Thunder Academy students in the Tianlong Mountain Range held deeper implications. 

"I wonder if An Ke Yi is aware of any hidden truths and whether she would be willing to share them with me." 

Initially, Lin Xi had no desire to dwell on distant matters, but circumstances had changed. He understood that as long as there was an opportunity, He Lan Yuexi would likely remain unhesitant in his intent to kill him. It seemed this was his first true enemy in this world. 

After sheathing his bow, Lin Xi turned to find a girl from the Spirit Ritual Department whom he did not recognize. Beneath her black cloak, he discerned the garb of her department. The slender girl had lips tinged a faint blue from the cold, her hair slightly yellowed, and her chin overly pointed, giving her a countenance that suggested a background of humble origins and insufficient nourishment. 

Lin Xi regarded this seemingly resilient girl with admiration and could not help but ask, "You are from the Spirit Ritual Department, what is your name? … What are you doing here?" 

"I am Ai Qilan." Although she was well aware of Lin Xi's significance to the academy, recalling how he had embraced the storm like a madman and the danger he had just faced, Ai Qilan glared at him with annoyance, saying, "What are you doing here?" 

Lin Xi was momentarily taken aback, replying, "I am training here." 

Ai Qilan cast a glance at Lin Xi, "So am I." 

Lin Xi exclaimed, "You are truly remarkable... daring to train in such a place." 

His words left Ai Qilan momentarily speechless; she realized he understood the inherent dangers yet still chose to train here. While it was indeed somewhat reckless, it was precisely this kind of courage that defined Qingluan Academy. In that instant, her anger dissipated, replaced by a swirl of complex emotions. 

Lin Xi was unaware that Ai Qilan, like him, harbored unique secrets; he simply perceived her as somewhat introverted and difficult to converse with. However, her earlier appearance endeared her to him. Turning to the direction He Lan Yuexi had departed, he casually inquired, "Do you think that guy was trying to kill me?" 

Ai Qilan shivered slightly, tightening her cloak, and nodded thoughtfully, "It seems so." 

"Your stamina is nearing its limit; why did you attempt to confront him with a bow instead of signaling for help at the first opportunity?" After nodding, Ai Qilan looked at Lin Xi, unable to restrain herself, "He jumped down from the cliff so casually; he must be at least a high-tier soul master. What gives you such confidence to confront him?" 

Lin Xi could not reveal his chance for a do-over; after a brief hesitation, he smiled and said, "His leap was undeniably impressive, and he truly is strong. I just happened to have an epiphany, so I really wanted to shoot an arrow at him to see if I could inflict any damage." 

"You are quite mad," Ai Qilan thought to herself, chastising him internally, yet recognizing that even the brightest stars might share such madness. She could only shake her head, pondering how Lin Xi's calm and serene exterior masked such a fierce and reckless spirit. 

"Do you still intend to continue training here?" After taking a deep breath, she asked Lin Xi. 

Lin Xi nodded earnestly, stating, "Since there is such an opponent who wishes to kill me, I must strive even harder..."