Chapter 876: Chapter 881: Pursuing Lin Guodong (Part 3)
Lin Guodong gripped the half-foot long blade, his eyes coldly fixed on Ling Chen as he circled slowly around him, seemingly searching for an opportunity to strike.
Suddenly, Lin Guodong leaned forward, moving at lightning speed, and in the blink of an eye, he was in front of Ling Chen, thrusting the blade towards a vital point.
From the moment Lin Guodong moved, Ling Chen’s gaze remained locked on him, watching his every move. At this moment, as the blade approached, Ling Chen’s eyes narrowed slightly, showing a hint of surprise.
What speed!
Before this, Lin Guodong had never demonstrated his martial skills. However, just from that single move’s speed, Ling Chen could be one hundred percent certain that Lin Guodong’s skills were not only formidable but also very strong.
No wonder this guy didn’t show any fear when facing me alone; turns out, he has such strong abilities. It seems that he has always been hiding his strength, only revealing it at a critical moment.
With the blade closing in, Ling Chen had no time to think. He slightly sidestepped, quickly evading Lin Guodong’s attack. Immediately after, Ling Chen spun around, launching a steel fist fiercely towards the air.
Though his fist didn’t make contact with Lin Guodong, Ling Chen, being an Earthly List expert, unleashed Hua Realm energy throughout his body, capable of harming someone from a distance with ease.
However, contrary to Ling Chen’s expectations, as the Hua Realm energy burst forth, Lin Guodong’s wrist flicked, sweeping the blade to effortlessly neutralize his energy.
Earthly List expert!
Ling Chen’s pupils shrank, filled with astonishment as he looked at Lin Guodong.
He knew Lin Guodong had trained in martial arts and was very strong, but he didn’t expect him to be an Earthly List expert. Moreover, Lin Guodong’s ease in neutralizing his Hua Realm energy indicated that his realm was far above his own.
An Earthly List expert’s Hua Realm energy increases step by step as their realm advances, with more energy being utilized as the realm reaches higher levels.
Feeling the shock in Ling Chen’s eyes, Lin Guodong’s lips curled into a cold smile, "Did you think I was easy to bully? If that’s what you thought, I’m sorry to disappoint you."
Ling Chen nodded, replying, "I admit I underestimated you. Well, the Ling Family was once a Martial Arts family, so how could you, as part of it, not know kung fu?"
With that, Ling Chen stepped forward, steel fists clenched, assuming a defensive stance.
"Come, let me experience just how formidable the Ling Family truly is."
Upon hearing these words, Lin Guodong looked at Ling Chen meaningfully and said, "You know quite a lot. Since you know, I won’t hide it anymore. Yes, I’m from the Ling Family. But Ling Chen, don’t forget your own identity; you’re also part of the Ling Family. As a member of the Ling Family, will you really oppose your own people?"
"I bear the name Ling, but don’t lump me in with the Ling Family. In my memory, the Ling Family has nothing to do with me. To me, you’re just a bunch of strangers. Even if I acknowledge a blood relation with you, so what? Do you think I’d go along with you?"
"Forget it!" Lin Guodong waved dismissively, "I know I can’t persuade you. If I could have brought you to our camp, I would have done so long ago. I’m telling you this for no other reason than to remind you—if you don’t consider our Ling Family, think about yourself and your parents."
"My parents?" Ling Chen’s expression changed slightly, with a hint of doubt in his ink-black pupils.
He knew about his father Ling Kun, but from childhood to adulthood, his father never mentioned his mother. Even if he asked, his father always found excuses to avoid the topic.
Seeing Ling Chen’s puzzled expression, Lin Guodong couldn’t help but laugh.
"What, your father never mentioned your mother at all? I suppose not—that kind of thing he wouldn’t tell you. But if you beg me, maybe I’ll be merciful enough to tell you."
"Shut up!" Ling Chen coldly snapped, "Even if I wanted to know, I wouldn’t ask you. Lin Guodong, don’t waste your breath—let’s fight!"
"Fine, since you’re seeking death, I’ll grant it to you."
With those words, Lin Guodong stepped forward boldly, raising his arm to hack towards the top of Ling Chen’s head with the sound of wind being sliced.
As the blade neared, Ling Chen shifted left and right, continuously changing positions.
Noticing Ling Chen’s movements, Lin Guodong’s arm holding the blade paused slightly, his eyes tightly tracking Ling Chen, trying to predict his movements and position. At that moment, Ling Chen slipped, disappearing instantly from Lin Guodong’s view.
Nine Yang Qiankun Step!
With the movement technique unfolding, Ling Chen’s body was like a nimble eel, swiftly moving around Lin Guodong, repeatedly approaching closely to launch a surprise attack. However, Ling Chen somewhat underestimated Lin Guodong’s prowess. Each time he got close, Lin Guodong seemed to have heightened senses, accurately judging his position, forcing him to retreat fruitlessly.
"Nine Yang Qiankun Step?" Lin Guodong sneered, the tone laced with disdain.
"You know?" Ling Chen felt curious; Lin Guodong could actually recognize his movement technique.
"Why wouldn’t I know? The Nine Yang Qiankun Step is a martial arts Absolute Skill from hundreds of years ago, passed down through generations. Until a century ago, the master who possessed the Nine Yang Qiankun Step hadn’t found an heir and met an untimely death. Since then, the Nine Yang Qiankun Step was lost. However, it was lost only in name; a copy of the manual remains in the martial arts circles. Coincidentally, an ancestor of the Ling Family was fortunate enough to obtain a copy of the Nine Yang Qiankun Step manual. Although it was later taken by others, the Ling Family had already made a copy and retained it. Any Ling Family member is entitled to practice this skill. So don’t think that you and Su He are the only ones in this world who know the Nine Yang Qiankun Step."
Upon hearing this, Ling Chen was once again taken aback.
Lin Guodong actually knows the Nine Yang Qiankun Step! Moreover, from what Lin Guodong said, there are quite a few in the Ling Family who know it.
Seeing Ling Chen’s stunned expression, Lin Guodong smiled arrogantly, "Ling Chen, don’t underestimate the Ling Family. The Ling Family possesses things far beyond your imagination. What is the Nine Yang Qiankun Step? The Ling Family has plenty of martial arts manuals. If you ever get the chance to visit the Ling Family, the things there would keep you awake for three days and nights."
"Rest assured, I’ll visit the Ling Family sooner or later, but not as a guest—I’ll be there to raid and pillage."
"For that, you’ll have to have the capabilities," Lin Guodong spoke as he swung his arm, bringing the blade around to threaten Ling Chen’s neck from behind.
"Begone!"
With a light shout, Ling Chen swept his right leg horizontally, kicking away Lin Guodong’s hand holding the blade. Using this opportunity, Ling Chen tapped the ground with his toes, closing in on Lin Guodong in an instant and launching both fists simultaneously like a dragon searching the sea.