Decaying World

Chapter 105

The two sat cross-legged. Lin Hui took the tea powder Wang Yueheng had left behind, scooped it into the teapot, added water, and set it to boil.

The March weather still held a touch of late spring chill. Small insects had begun to stir, flitting around the gazebo only to be swept away by a gentle breeze generated by Lin Hui’s Internal Force.

"Temple Master, a single word from you salvaged so much... Lady Liu Xiao has now broken through to become a Divine Officer. Within the Rain Palace, she has truly ascended to the upper-middle echelon. With a status like hers, a single sentence can determine one's future. If she really intended to target someone..." Yan Wanqiu sighed as she took her seat.

"Is it that exaggerated? Can a Divine Officer's authority influence the Chen clan's main branch?" Lin Hui was surprised. He gestured for her to sit properly, and they settled into the gazebo.

He quite enjoyed entertaining guests here now, chatting over brewing tea.

"The three families of the Inner City are of the same breath and branch;

they have long since infiltrated and interconnected with one another. Above the Divine Officers of the Rain Palace, there are only the High Divine Officers, the Elders, and the Palace Masters and Vice Palace Masters. These three tiers are the true powerhouses capable of governing a district of a million people in the Inner City. Even with my top-tier aptitude, it would take at least ten years to reach that step. That time is too long—it holds too many uncertainties. Who knows what might happen along the way?"

Yan Wanqiu continued, "So, theoretically, although my aptitude is top-tier—on the same level as your elder sister—I do not have her favorable background. Our resources have been different since childhood. Secondly, potential is merely a possibility, but your sister has already converted her potential into strength. Therefore, the gap between us is larger than you imagine."

"So that's how it is..." Lin Hui came to a realization, gaining a better understanding of the situation in the Inner City. He pondered for a moment. "Rest assured regarding my sister. I will persuade her."

"Many thanks. Consider this a favor I owe you," Yan Wanqiu said earnestly. "In a few days, it will be my wedding to Yan Zhao. If the Temple Master has time, please honor us with your presence. This is the invitation."

She presented a bright red invitation with both hands."Alright. I'll be there to offer my congratulations," Lin Hui said with a faint smile.

This was his first time dealing with this genius from his town. Her attitude was better than he had imagined. Aside from being a bit poor—she brought no gifts when visiting—the fact that she remembered her childhood friend after finding success showed her nature wasn't bad. She was worth socializing with.

After exchanging a few words about the Chen clan and the Rain Palace, Yan Wanqiu did not stay long and rose to take her leave.

Lin Hui once again entered a period of dull, bitter cultivation.

Two days later, he went alone to Yan Wanqiu's wedding to offer his blessings. This public gesture earned him a round of ridicule from Liu Xiao, whom he encountered after returning home.

However, Lin Hui’s skin had grown thicker. After speaking a few placating words, Liu Xiao’s attitude returned to normal.

He visited his little sister, who was still only crawling, then returned to the headquarters to continue his cultivation. Everything was calm and tranquil.

Soon, another uneventful week passed.

After a long period of bitter cultivation, he finally reached the Third Rank of Body Tempering for the Wild Wind Sword Technique.

His Internal Force also reached its final qualitative change—the Sixth Layer Perfected. This was rumored to be the limit for External Martial Artists.

….

Outside Xinyu Town, inside a dilapidated temple.

A white-haired old farmer carrying a hoe on his shoulder walked slowly through the broken door. He arrived in front of the deity statue, put down his hoe, and pressed his palms together in prayer.

"You're late, Number 5." A slightly raspy female voice came from behind the statue.

"Where is the Protector? I brought the latest intelligence," the old farmer said in a deep voice.

"Arriving shortly. The branch was wiped out this time;

thirty-five people, including the Incense Masters and sect members, were killed. This case has alarmed the entire District Incense Hall. The Hall Master personally ordered Protector Zhou to come investigate and kill the murderer. The severity is even greater than the previous struggle for the Imitation Longevity Wheel. The Clear River Sect has never had its Incense Masters slaughtered in one go before," the female voice said in a low tone.

"That is why I have already investigated everything possible," the old farmer nodded.

"Then you may speak." A crisp female voice suddenly came from the entrance of the broken temple.

The voice was like a silver bell, carrying a faint, magnetic pull that made anyone who heard it instantly feel a hazy sense of goodwill toward its owner.

"Greetings, Protector!" A woman in a grey cloth skirt walked quickly out from behind the statue. Together with the old farmer, she bowed her head in respect to the person entering through the main gate.

The newcomer wore a sky-blue martial outfit draped with a heavy white cloak. Hanging at her waist was a palm-wide, silver-bright single-edged blade.

Her face was cold and severe, her features possessing an androgynous neutrality that made it difficult to distinguish her as male or female.

"The goods on this route were betrayed by a traitor. I just finished killing them and closing the mission. I need to rest and resupply. While I rest, organize the case files here for me," the newcomer said in a deep voice.

"Yes! However, Protector, the trouble this time lies in the fact that the murderer has deep connections with the three major powers of the Inner City. Acting rashly might provoke trouble," the old farmer warned.

"It doesn't matter. Since the Incense Masters and subordinates here are all dead anyway, it makes no difference. I'll leave after the kill. I have no connection to what happens in Tuyue's Inner City." The newcomer patted the hilt of her blade. "Speak. Who is the target?"

"It is the Temple Master of Clear Wind Temple, Lin Hui. Judging from the residual traces on the burned corpses, the fatal wounds were all caused by a sword that instantly cut vital points. In this vicinity, the only one with such strength is the master of Clear Wind Temple, the Formless Sword, Lin Hui," the old farmer answered. "The most troublesome part is that this person's movement technique is extremely fast. Even the Circulation Realm martial artists who have fought him couldn't catch up. Therefore, killing him will be extremely difficult."

"Speed-type, is he? Barely counts as a speed-type Circulation Realm. That is somewhat troublesome... Does this person have anyone important? Close relatives, friends, wife, children, descendants?" the Protector pondered.

"He does. Suitable candidates for threats include his mother, Yao Shan. She is just an ordinary person and is easy to capture. Then there is his father and the sect disciples... However, his father has always been protected by experts and has a very deep relationship with the Liu family of the Inner City, so he is not easy to move against. The easiest to target are the disciples of Clear Wind Temple, but I haven't heard which disciples he is closest to."

"Then choose his mother," the Protector said casually. "Capture her first and use her to threaten him to come over. Then, as long as he gets within five meters, he will undoubtedly die."

…

Wild Wind Plains.

Lin Hui held his long sword, gazing into the distance at a merchant caravan that had just returned from the mist zone. After confirming they were not people from his Clear Wind Temple, he withdrew his attention.

He swung his long sword casually. He could clearly feel the improvement brought by the Body Tempering of the Wild Wind Sword Technique.

It was a comprehensive enhancement across the board—strength, speed, and reaction time. There was even a faint layer of invisible airflow around the outer layer of his skin, which seemed to be the embryonic form of the special effect, Surrounding Wind.

This layer of invisible airflow was very weak, but it protected every inch of his skin at all times. This caused Lin Hui's robes to flutter slightly even when he stood still, making him look quite ethereal.

Even his long hair drifted occasionally behind him.

Only Rank 3 Body Tempering, yet my base state is already about as fast as when I activated special effects before. This speed increase is truly somewhat exaggerated...

Lin Hui sighed inwardly.

By now, he had almost no opponents in the Outer City. His daily cultivation was more of a habit, driven by worry about dangers that might occur in the future.

"It seems you've grown somewhat lax." A clear voice suddenly came from the distance to his right.

The voice was transmitted via some secret technique. Although the person was not present, the words sounded as if they were spoken right in his ear.

Lin Hui turned to look in the direction of the voice.

There stood a person, physically fit, draped in black clothing, and wearing a silver dragon mask, slowly approaching.

"Who are you?" Lin Hui narrowed his eyes, sizing the stranger up. He was sure he had never seen this person before.

Although they wore a mask, people these days didn't rely solely on faces;

more details were hidden in one's physique.

And this person's physique gave him a distinct sense of unfamiliarity.

"You can call me Dragon Lady." The newcomer smiled faintly. "This is my mother's mask. I inherited her position and continued her title."

"Your identity? Your objective?" Lin Hui asked.

"You will know my identity in the future. As for my objective..." Dragon Lady smiled. "Naturally, I am here to tell you that a great calamity is imminent for you!"

"Me?" Lin Hui sneered. "Your opening is no different from those charlatans in the martial world trying to swindle money. Can you change to a fresher script?"

"You think I'm lying to you?" The figure in the dragon mask shook her head. "Your Internal Force has broken through, your reputation has spread far and wide, and you have an elder brother and sister at home looking after you. Logically speaking, you shouldn't encounter danger. But what if the danger doesn't come from your own provocation, but from others actively approaching you?"

"What do you mean?" Lin Hui's expression changed slightly, as if he had realized something.

"The literal meaning." Dragon Lady smiled. "Alright, I won't keep you in suspense. I came to notify you that becoming the head of a territory has its benefits, but also its detriments. The benefit is that resources and profits are maximized, and no one dares to fight you for them. The detriment... is that whenever there is trouble, you are the first one targeted."

This time, without waiting for Lin Hui to urge her, she continued.

"The Three Sects and Six Associations (Gangs) and the wandering experts of Xingdao fought a battle in the mist zone. Casualties were heavy, requiring a large amount of compensation. The Inner City has finished dividing its profits, so someone proposed carving out a portion of the benefits from the New Martial Alliance to compensate the injured. A total of twelve pieces were divided, and your territory is among them."

"What does that mean? The New Martial Alliance isn't subordinate to the Three Sects and Six Associations, is it? Furthermore, I merely joined the New Martial Alliance;

I didn't sell myself to it. My territory has always been my own. What right does the New Martial Alliance have to divide it?" Lin Hui frowned.

"Indeed, many people think that way. But in reality, the Alliance Leader and Vice Alliance Leader of the New Martial Alliance are top experts from the Three Sects and Six Associations. The so-called New Martial Alliance is merely a tool for the Inner City martial artists to gather Outer City martial artists and resources," Dragon Lady laughed.

"And then? If they say divide, I have to divide?" Lin Hui said coldly.

"Naturally not. Actually, very early on, when you first stabilized the situation at Clear Wind Temple, someone wanted to come and cause trouble. But they were blocked by your family, and since you roped in the disciples of the Wang family, you were safe for the time being," Dragon Lady said. "But it's different now. Others with connections and backgrounds also have to give up some meat. If you refuse to give anything at all, you'll have to provide manpower to fight against Xingdao. Are you willing?"

"I'm not willing to fight either. My little patch of land hasn't been attacked by any Xingdao experts," Lin Hui calmed down.

"But they claim the great righteousness—borrowing resources to resist the invasion of Xingdao experts to sponge off everyone. If you don't pay, you must provide people," Dragon Lady smiled.

"They didn't notify me in advance, and I've never heard of this so-called great war. If there are any objections, let the people from the New Martial Alliance come speak to me themselves."

Lin Hui remained noncommittal. There were plenty of such matters, yet this person had run over mysteriously just to tell him this.

Since her motives were unknown, he was more wary of her than the rumored demand for benefits from the New Martial Alliance.

"You fellow... you really are impervious to reason..." Seeing that Lin Hui didn't care at all about what she said, the smile on the dragon-masked figure faltered.

"Then let's not talk about that. You should know about the Clear River Sect, right?" She changed the subject. "They have their eyes on you. As a terrorist organization that has always used the Internal Force Realm to test modification technology, this is not a good thing. In recent years, no fewer than a hundred Internal Force experts have died at their hands."

"Enough. You've said so much. What exactly do you want to do? Just giving some hearsay and rumors about 'possibilities' won't scare anyone," Lin Hui saw through the other party's intent and spoke directly.

"Actually, I plan to represent our Benevolent Heart Sect in inviting you to join as an Outer Sect Protector," Dragon Lady said solemnly. "If you join us, these matters can be easily settled."

"...Let's talk when the events actually happen. Just relying on your mouth, no one can tell what's true or false. Lin Hui's expression was flat.

"True enough. This is my contact method." Dragon Lady raised her hand and tossed out a piece of black jade. "When you encounter trouble and truly cannot get past the hurdle, you can crush it. But there is only one chance. Remember that."

"What a big tone..." Lin Hui narrowed his eyes. He tipped the black jade with his scabbard, flicking it up and catching it on the flat of the blade near the hilt. When he looked up again, he found that the dragon-masked person had vanished.

No sound of wind, no movement. It was as if the other party had never existed.

This method doesn't seem like a martial artist...

He guessed inwardly.

The Outer City was getting livelier. The Clear River Sect, the Wanhua Sect, the Benevolent Heart Sect, various factions, plus the New Martial Alliance, the Three Sects and Six Associations, and a large group of Called Ones trying to stick a foot in the Outer City's profit plate.

It was simply a dance of demons.

Song Zhanlong truly didn't die unjustly. Looking at this, even if he hadn't died at Lin Hui's hands that time, he would have died in subsequent incidents.

He had no interest in joining these factions. He only wanted to cultivate alone, improve his strength, and ensure the safety of himself and his family.

Ignoring the intimidation of the dragon-masked figure, he continued to clear his mind and practice the Wild Wind Sword Technique for Body Tempering.

And on the third day after the dragon-masked figure appeared...

His father, Lin Shunhe, returned.

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