Rise In Status

Ling Xiao who had obtained a martial will didn't rest immediately but rather sat cross-legged in the training room. He wanted to properly determine what a martial will was.

How did one apply it to martial arts?

After all, a martial will was an illusory thing. There was a difference between possessing one and truly mastering it.

After four more hours, Ling Xiao spat out some turbid qi.

Still, excitement shone on his face.

Before, he had planned to treat <Bull Demon Technique-Hundred Steps Baleful Sword> as a hidden trump card, but now, the martial will had replaced it.

However, this was better. Having more hidden trumps would only increase his chances of becoming first in the finals.

Merely, this was not enough.

As far as the current situation was concerned, his attack power and movement speed were sufficient, but he had a huge flaw: his defense.

A martial artist's body was a wonderful thing. The more one tempered it, the higher its defense. Now, he lacked defensive martial arts.

Although <Barbarian Bull Strength> could be used for defense, it was not very useful against stronger opponents.

Thinking this, he left the training room.

Some things couldn't be forced. He intended to take a break first. Now, his brain was somewhat dizzy from continuous cultivation.

Returning to his room, Ling Xiao rested for roughly two hours before rising.

Especially gang qi stage martial artists who had broken through to Rank Four Martial Vein, they didn't need to rest much, and their recovery speed far exceeded ordinary people's.

"Little fellow, someone's looking for you outside!"

Hong Qi's voice pierced through the door.

"Coming, Grandpa!"

Ling Xiao got up, washed his face, and walked out of his room. He saw a middle-aged man sitting in the hall.

This middle-aged man was about 40 years old. With a square face and a dignified appearance, he had quite a domineering air about him.

"Uncle Er!"

Ling Xiao was flabbergasted. This person was Ling Xiaotian's second son. His cultivation was closing in on Venerable Sir Ling's. He was regarded as the strongest amongst the 16 sons of the Ling Clan.

His Landscape Martial Soul couldn't see through Uncle Ling Er's strength.

"Hahaha, so you are Ling Xiao! Not bad, not bad!"

Uncle Ling Er examined Ling Xiao as if he wanted to see through this young man.

Honestly speaking, Ling Xiao was somewhat nervous facing his gaze. Fortunately, the other party was unable to overcome the template's disguise.

"Peak Rank Three Martial Vein with over 99% of your gang qi condensed. You're only a step away from breaking through to Rank Four Martial Vein."

"Many thanks for the praise, Uncle Er. I wonder what brings Uncle Er here today?" Ling Xiao respectfully inquired.

He didn't want to stir up trouble. Offending Ling Shisan, he would still have a chance to live, but if he offended this Uncle Ling Er, he would die beyond a doubt.

"I'm very optimistic about you!"

Uncle Ling Er came straight to the point. "Reaching this level at 13 years, you are more outstanding than Ling Feifan. I want you to be my person."

"Why?"

Ling Xiao asked in confusion.

"Very simple, my old man has 16 sons. All of them want to fight for the patriarch's seat. I will not ask you to do anything during ordinary times, I just need you to support me at a critical time."

Uncle Ling Er explained with a smile.

"Uncle Er must be joking. This junior is just a trifling Peak Rank Three Martial Vein martial artist. How can I help you?" Ling Xiao cautioned.

"I haven't misjudged you. Although you are only a Peak Rank Three Martial Vein right now, I also know that it took you half a month to reach here from Rank One Martial Vein. Your potential is terrifying. I have never heard of such a matter, so I firmly believe that you have a bright future."

Uncle Ling Er seriously said, "Cooperate with me, and you will certainly not suffer a loss. Regardless of whether it be Ling Jiu or Ling Shisan, if they want to make a move on you, they have to ask me first."

Ling Xiao carefully considered it. Although he now had the Landscape Martial Soul and terrifying potential, he was still not strong enough.

If Ling Jiu and Ling Shisan truly disregarded the clan rules and absolutely wanted to kill him, while he might escape, his grandfather Hong Qi would be implicated.

It was nothing bad to accept Ling Er's protection. Sooner or later, he would anyway have to stand on one side. In this kind of big clan, internal struggles were very serious.

"Okay, since Uncle Ling Er thinks so highly of this junior, this junior will agree with you."

Ling Xiao nodded.

"Good, you are straightforward!"

Uncle Ling Er slammed the table and said, "Since this is the case, I'll rest at ease. In addition to providing you protection, you can get 1,000 taels of silver from me as training expenses each month. You will also get pills and martial arts."

"Furthermore, I know that you're building a house. I have already made them stop construction. How can that place match you? Later, you and your grandfather should move to a house I give you. Not only is the environment better, it's also more suitable for cultivation!"

Hearing this, Ling Xiao couldn't help but feel surprised.

This Uncle Ling Er truly intended to cultivate him.

Although 1,000 taels of silver and a house were nothing for people like Uncle Ling Er, this showcased his sincerity.

One should know that he had not been qualified to get even one tael of silver from the Ling Clan before, let alone a house.

"I'm honored to be cultivated by Uncle Ling Er. If one day Uncle Ling Er needs help, then this Ling Xiao will do my best!"

He would not sell himself to Uncle Ling Er's service, but if Uncle Ling Er were ever in trouble, he would naturally help.

"Good! Since we've decided, we must lose no time. You people, why aren't you helping Ling Xiao move already?"

Uncle Ling Er ordered the people outside the room.

This was truly acting without delay.

Ling Xiao also didn't object.

Soon, he followed Uncle Ling Er into a new house.

This place was much bigger than his rented house from before, and various kinds of installations were all prepared. In addition, there were two maids responsible for managing everyday activities.

All kinds of articles for daily use and furniture were present.

Like this, Ling Xiao didn't need to worry about Hong Qi's living conditions.

This old man could fully enjoy his old age.

As for security, there were no problems. No one would rashly trespass unless they wanted to be killed by Uncle Ling Er.

Without any day-to-day problems, Ling Xiao didn't have to worry about the future. Now, he could focus on improving his strength at ease.

All this seemed possible because Uncle Ling Er had decided to cultivate him, but it was truly because of his strength.

Uncle Ling Er appreciated his huge potential.

In fact, if not Uncle Ling Er, other people might have recruited him. In such a big clan, wanting to remain alone was a stupid decision.

Ling Xiao had had his own considerations when agreeing to Uncle Ling Er.

Uncle Ling Er's strength was the best among the 16 sons of Ling Xiaotian; moreover, he was comparatively bold and uninhibited, resembling Ling Xiaotian's style.

He was not as narrow-minded as Ling Shisan or Ling Jiu.

Now, Ling Xiao's cultivation of Rank Four Martial Vein had stabilized, so he would practice <Bull Demon Technique-Meteorite Baleful Fist> to sublimity.

Improving his strength by even one point would provide him a higher chance of achieving victory in the finals.

Another day passed, leaving only six days before the finals.

Ling Xiao continuously cultivated to finally upgrade <Bull Demon Technique-Meteorite Baleful Fist> to sublimity.

Entering sublimity, it might become even more terrifying. With his thick gang qi, once he punched, a demon bull roared, and a meteorite would fall with huge momentum.