Cultivation: Being Immortal

Chapter 244:

Zhongzhou, Shenmu Sect

Lin Jiang followed Lin Batian, Lin Die, and the group to this place. In these years, the Lin family has finally become quieter, and Lin Batian has also reduced his attacks on the four major families.

Because some can no longer fight, the Lin family has suffered heavy losses in recent years, with many members of the family dead or injured. Seeking revenge cannot rely solely on Lin Batian, so he decided to lay low and recover before making any profitable moves.

Lin Jiang didn’t know the connection between Lin Batian and Shenmu Sect, but after arriving at the sect’s gate, the Tao Achieving elder of Shenmu Sect personally appeared.

"Passing by Shenmu Sect several times, I always found this legendary tree incredible. But upon closer inspection, it becomes even more awe-inspiring."

Lin Die looked at the majestic Shenmu Sect’s sacred tree and said. The towering sacred tree is truly awe-inspiring.

"I’ve been in Shenmu City for many years, but I’ve never seen the sacred tree up close like this. It is truly impressive."

"This sacred tree must be the oldest being in the cultivation world. It has outlived any cultivator or demon."

"Yes."

Lin Jiang nodded, thinking to himself, "But maybe I will live longer than it. I should get to know this sacred tree so that my future won’t be lonely. It’s no fun without a challenger in this long-lasting competition."

"Come on, let’s go, and your Third Auntie will support you."

Lin Die said, already knowing from Small Shadiao about Lin Jiang’s encounter with the Nascent Soul chief Duanmu Ling in Shenmu City. This made Lin Die furious. She wouldn’t let anyone bully Lin Jiang. When it comes to protecting her loved ones, she’s just as good as Lin Batian.

Lin Die’s behavior in protecting her loved ones was rough and lacking finesse. She suddenly became arrogant, finding faults in Shenmu Sect’s hospitality, complaining about this and that.

As one of the top sects in the world, disciples of Shenmu Sect naturally carry a sense of arrogance. Lin Die’s confrontational attitude instantly angered the disciples, and when she proposed a fight with them, they got excited and started boasting, wanting to teach Lin Die a lesson.

Shenmu Sect has a special training ground. Lin Jiang stands outside the training ground, surrounded by disciples of Shenmu Sect. Meanwhile, Lin Die has already started fighting inside the training ground.

Lin Die has reached the advanced stage of Nascent Soul cultivation. His opponent is also at the advanced stage of Nascent Soul. Both sides are fighting intensely.

Lin Die has learned various skills. She initially studied spear techniques and later dabbled in alchemy. However, none of these suited Lin Die’s path. In the end, she chose to learn swordsmanship. Lin Batian, after revealing his true identity, taught her many secret techniques from the four major families, greatly enhancing her combat prowess.

"Boom!"

After dozens of rounds of combat, Lin Die sends a Shenmu Sect disciple flying with a single strike of her sword, knocking him out of the battle.

"The Chief has arrived."

"Brother Du Muke."

"Yes, Brother Du Muke has arrived."

At this moment, Duanmu Ling also receives news that someone is provoking Shenmu Sect. Accompanied by a crowd of people, Duanmu Ling arrives at the training ground.

"Shenmu Sect Duanmu Ling has come to learn superior skills from Taoist friend."

"No problem, I came specifically for you."

"Has Duanmu Ling offended Taoist friend?"

"Look over there, that’s my nephew."

Lin Die pointed at Lin Jiang, Duanmu Ling turned around and saw Lin Jiang smiling at him. Duanmu Ling didn’t remember much about Lin Jiang, but he remembered Small Shadiao, who was with Lin Jiang, very clearly and immediately thought of him.

"Taoist friend, this is a misunderstanding."

"I know it’s a misunderstanding, so today we can have a friendly match."

"Okay."

Duanmu Ling didn’t say much anymore. He did have some crooked thoughts, but Lin Jiang was quick to react, and in fact, he didn’t do much.

"Come, try to block my move. If you can, you win."

"Arrogant."

"The Sword Approaches."

Lin Die shouted loudly, and her spiritual power surged into the flying sword. The sword instantly multiplied several times in size, emitting a terrifying aura that quickly spread. Many people were captivated by this attack.

"Go."

The flying sword descended from the sky, thrusting towards Duanmu Ling. Duanmu Ling’s expression turned serious as he knew that Lin Die’s attack was her most powerful move. He knew that her spirit, energy, and focus were all concentrated in it. He dared not underestimate it and infused his own sword with his spiritual power.

"Boom."

The two swords clashed, and a dazzling light burst from their blades. Lower-ranking disciples were injured by this light, some even screaming in pain. The defensive formation of the training field crumbled quickly, and those in charge of maintaining it couldn’t react in time. Fortunately, the formation in the training field was connected to a protective mountain formation, which provided energy and eventually stabilized it.

The light dissipated, and everyone saw the two figures in the training field. Lin Die stood in her original spot, with seven or eight cracks beneath her feet. Duanmu Ling, on the other hand, was half-kneeling on the ground, trembling uncontrollably, relying on the sword in his hand for support.

"Come again."

"No, you won."

"Come again."

Duanmu Ling yelled angrily. He lost, but he didn’t accept it. He thought Lin Die had cheated and felt that he lost unfairly.

"No need to fight anymore."

A voice came from the sky. A Soul Changing expert appeared and declared that the competition had already determined a winner.

"Martial Uncle, I…"

"The techniques used by Lin, my young friend, seem to be a fusion of sword and spear skills, utilizing at least three secret techniques simultaneously. These are battle formations and killing techniques that cannot be learned within the sect. You lost because of your mindset. You could have blocked that last strike, but you didn’t, because you didn’t fight with everything you had. If you continue, you will die here."

Shenmu Sect’s Soul Changing expert commented, leaving Duanmu Ling looking gloomy, while Lin Die bowed and said. As a person from the countryside, competing fiercely, I apologize for any inconvenience caused to the seniors.

"The cultivator fought against the heavens, and you winning is only natural. Disperse now."

"Yes, Martial Uncle."

Everyone scattered away, and Duanmu Ling was supported and taken away by someone.

"Third Auntie, thank you for your hard work."

"It’s nothing. But this Duanmu Ling is truly deserving of being the Shenmu Sect’s top disciple. If we were to truly battle, I might not be able to defeat him."

"But didn’t you win?"

"I just found a clever way."

Lin Die smiled. Why did she say that predicting the outcome with a single move was clever? She approached the situation with a life-or-death mentality, while Duanmu Ling didn’t have this mindset. Moreover, Duanmu Ling didn’t get the chance to use his strong points, like his protective treasure. Considering Duanmu Ling’s background, he is certainly better off than her. If they were to continue fighting, the outcome would be uncertain.

At the same time, in another place within the Shenmu Sect, Lin Batian apologized to a senior Tao Achieving cultivator of the Shenmu Sect with a sincere expression. "I apologize for the negligence in teaching the younger generation. My daughter was overly wild and rude. Rest assured, I will make sure she apologizes to your esteemed sect’s disciples later."

"Put away your little thoughts, my Shenmu Sect is not at a point where we can’t afford to lose."

"Senior, you have a vast knowledge, and I’ve learned from you."

"Hmph."

Some people were unhappy, thinking that Lin Batian and his daughter were indeed too rude.

"Senior, I wonder how you have considered the suggestion I made."

"Let us discuss further; you can rest for now."

The Tao Achieving cultivator of Shenmu Sect said, waving his hand to bid farewell. Lin Batian didn’t say much and quickly left.

"It’s most difficult to repay emotional debts among people. We received a favor from his ancestors back then. Now, sigh, senior brother, what do you think we should do?"

"Agreeing to Lin Batian’ request means we will be at odds with the four major families of the Qing State. There are still two Tao Achieving cultivators among them, and considering their strength, it is possible for another one or two to join them. Shenmu Sect should not provoke such strong enemies."

"I think the same way, but the favor from that year…"

"Junior brother, consider it for yourself. I also can’t handle this matter well. The four major families are like ferocious tigers, and Lin Batian is not willing to give in. In the battle with Divine Kingdom, eight people at the same level of Soul Changing were killed, even Tao Achieving cultivator Chen Zheng was sneaked and killed."

"I am also worried. This person now uses politeness before force. If we forcefully refuse, sigh…"

Shenmu Sect’s Tao Achieving cultivator hesitated greatly. He really didn’t want to get involved in the internal strife of the four major families. The background of these families is too terrifying. After inheriting for so many years, who knows what hidden cards they still have. If they rashly refuse, it won’t be a good thing either.

"Why not ask the ancestor?"

"Well, that’s not so good. It would disturb the old ancestor."

"There’s nothing wrong with that. Lin Batian specifically came for the old ancestor. We as the younger generation shouldn’t interfere with the decision of the old ancestor."

"It should be so. I’ll go talk to the old ancestor."

Shenmu Sect’s Tao Achieving cultivator nodded. That makes sense. The Lin family has a deep connection with the old ancestor, so let the old ancestor decide.