WBICDPH Chapter 97

Chapter 97: Intimidated into Hesitation

Lin Jin’s Ninefold Killing Formation didn’t just defeat Li Jingcheng—it stunned everyone present into submission.

Liu Xun was extremely satisfied. She glanced at the group from Piaomiao Pavilion, who stood there slack-jawed as if struck by lightning, then leisurely fanned herself as she rose and walked over to meet Lin Jin as he stepped off the arena.

Using her round fan, she lightly tapped his shoulder and, in a voice loud enough for Mushan and the others to hear, casually commented,

“Not bad. Just a bit too flashy—more like a performance than an actual fight.”

Lin Jin could tell from her expression that she was deliberately saying this for others to hear, so he played along and lowered his head.

“This disciple will take note next time. Thank you for your guidance, Master.”

“Mm. As long as you know where the problem is. Go on, have fun.”

Liu Xun felt secretly pleased. After dismissing Lin Jin with a wave, she returned to her seat, but still felt it wasn’t enough. Raising her voice, she said to Jiang Lou beside her:

“Jiang Lou, have you ever seen a young genius with no foundation who, after one year of study and five years of seclusion, can already draw Profound-grade talismans with such ease?”

Jiang Lou cooperated with her act, letting out an exaggerated sigh.

“Other than your Lin Jin? Truly unheard of!”

“Exactly. Such a flawless gem—how could someone raise him for over a decade and still claim he ‘can’t cultivate,’ ‘has made no progress,’ or is ‘worse than an ordinary person’? Tell me, were they deliberately suppressing his talent with ulterior motives, or was his so-called teacher simply that foolish—too blind to see his gifts, dragging him down into a ‘waste’?”

“No idea. But either way, it’s utterly ridiculous.”

“Indeed, haha…”

The two of them played off each other so well that the elders of Piaomiao Pavilion turned ashen with embarrassment. Their dignity in tatters, they sat restlessly for a moment before quietly giving a few instructions to their disciples and leaving early, unable to watch the rest of the matches.

Lin Jin glanced back at them, catching a smug look from Liu Xun.

Just from her expression, he knew exactly what she was thinking—

Brat, I drove them off for you!

His master had the temperament of a child. If she had the moral high ground, she would latch onto it and lecture for days until the other party admitted fault. If she was wronged, she would settle it on the spot—dragging people onto the arena if necessary. When she got angry, no one could stop her; anyone who tried would just get scolded.

In Yanyu Mountain, not only the disciples but even the elders were wary of her. Even Zheyu would give her some leeway.

With a personality like that—headstrong and impossible to reason with—even her own people couldn’t handle her, let alone outsiders.

Lin Jin used to be afraid of her. But now, as her disciple—someone she favored—things were different. Whenever she protected him so fiercely, the sense of security he felt was incomparable.

Warmth spread through Lin Jin’s chest. A faint smile curved his lips. Just as he was about to look away, he caught sight of someone approaching him from the edge of the arena.

Li Jingcheng.

His expression was stern, his presence serious. His eyes were fixed on Lin Jin, making him feel slightly uneasy.

Lin Jin wasn’t sure why he had come after the match—but surely it wasn’t for revenge?

As Li Jingcheng approached, Lin Jin nodded in greeting.

It turned out he had overthought things.

Although Li Jingcheng looked intimidating, he made no aggressive move. Instead, he raised his hand in a formal salute and said earnestly:

“Your talismans and formations are very impressive. I came to apologize. If not for my arrogance and underestimation, this fight could have been far more satisfying.”

“It was already satisfying. Brother Li, your strength is overwhelming, and you even have teleportation. If you were also meticulous and flawless in your strategy, I wouldn’t have stood a chance at all.”

Lin Jin smiled and added half-jokingly,

“Let’s just say you went easy on me?”

“In martial matters, not even an inch is yielded. A loss is a loss. That was my mistake. I simply feel some regret—I did not become an opponent worthy of your effort.”

Li Jingcheng clearly didn’t understand the concept of humor. He rejected Lin Jin’s joke outright and continued:

“Yanyu Mountain, under Master Liu Xun, dual cultivation in talismans and formations—Lin Jin. I will remember you. If there is a chance in the future, I will challenge you again. At that time, I hope you will face me with your full strength. I will not repeat the same mistakes. I look forward to seeing more of your talismans and formations.”

“….”

His overly formal tone made Lin Jin feel a bit awkward.

Not knowing how to respond, he simply nodded seriously in return.

“Alright! I’ll do as you wish!”

A flicker passed through Li Jingcheng’s eyes. Having achieved his purpose, he gave another respectful salute, said “Until we meet again,” and turned to leave.

After he left, Hua Nanzhi and Han Ao—who had apparently been watching nearby for quite some time—popped out.

Hua Nanzhi grabbed Lin Jin’s shoulder tightly, practically grinding her teeth as she said:

“Lin Jin, I knew it! Five years in seclusion and you come out hiding something big! Tell me—when did you learn Profound-grade talismans? Five years—that’s it! How did you improve this fast? And what was that flashy formation?!”

“It’s just… something I figured out myself…”

Even Lin Jin’s explanation sounded weak.

What kind of luck was this? He had just sent off one battle fanatic, only to be ambushed by another overachiever. Why were all these weirdos targeting him?

“Lin Lin, that was amazing! After you left last night, our masters specifically warned us about Li Jingcheng from Qingxin Sect. They said he’s one of the strongest contenders in this Sword Trial Assembly, and if we faced him, we should be extremely careful—even forfeiting wouldn’t be shameful. Who would’ve thought you’d knock him out in your very first match? You basically cleared a huge obstacle for us!”

Han Ao was genuinely happy for Lin Jin. But as he spoke, he glanced at the still-buzzing crowd and unconsciously lowered his eyes, gripping his sword tighter.

Lin Jin didn’t notice the subtle change. Still fending off Hua Nanzhi’s interrogation, he quickly changed the subject:

“There was some luck involved too… Huh? Where’s the little wolf?”

“Qi Xiaolang went to the forging room to prepare for his match.”

Han Ao released his grip slightly and stretched.

“You’re free now. Must be nice.”

“Mm.”

Lin Jin smiled and nodded.

“I’ll spend the rest of the day watching you two perform.”

According to the rules of the Sword Trial Assembly, each person only fights once per day. Matches are decided by random draw, and no one knows who they’ll face next.

Having finished his match, Lin Jin felt relaxed, but instead of returning to rest, he stayed by the arena to observe the others.

Partly to support his friends, and partly to study potential opponents—after all, anyone here could face him in the future. Knowing both yourself and your enemy ensures victory.

As Liu Xun had said, the participants varied widely in skill—some as strong as Xiaoyun Kong and Jiang Zhenfeng, others mere newcomers at the Foundation Establishment stage.

In such conditions, luck played a role as well.

For example, Hua Nanzhi was quite lucky. Her opponent had a similar cultivation level, but her combat experience and aggressive style gave her an overwhelming victory.

She basked in the praise from the surrounding crowd, hands on her hips and chin raised proudly.

Seeing her like this, Lin Jin found it amusing.

He was about to tease her when a voice rang out from the arena:

“Next match: Han Ao of Yanyu Mountain versus Yao Fang of Piaomiao Pavilion!”

“Well, what a coincidence! I’m right before you!”

Hua Nanzhi grinned and waved her fist.

“Come on, Han Ao! Ride my momentum and beat your opponent into a pulp!”

“….”

Lin Jin instinctively looked at Han Ao, about to offer encouragement—but caught the subtle tremor that ran through his body upon hearing the announcement.

Lin Jin frowned slightly.

He knew Han Ao was nervous, so he patted his shoulder reassuringly.

“It’s fine. Yao Fang of Piaomiao Pavilion… I don’t recall hearing that name. If I remember correctly, Master and Sect Leader Yu didn’t mention him yesterday either. He shouldn’t be too strong. Just stay calm.”

Han Ao gripped his sword and nodded.

Forcing himself to appear steady, he stepped onto the arena—but only he knew that his entire body was trembling uncontrollably.

When Lin Jin had won earlier and received the crowd’s admiration, Han Ao had been sincerely happy—and sincerely envious.

Since childhood, he had dreamed of becoming a free-spirited hero, admired and revered by all.

But now that the opportunity stood before him, he found himself unable to take it.

Lin Jin, on the other hand, had grown stronger and more dazzling with each step.

Han Ao no longer wanted to be the cold, ruthless protagonist—but he also didn’t want to fall too far behind his companions.

More importantly, if he remained ordinary, how could he fight for what he wanted—or for the person he liked?

He was trapped in a painful contradiction.

He wanted to grow stronger, to carve his own path—

But he was afraid.

He couldn’t.

He couldn’t even lift his sword.

As his opponent approached, Han Ao’s blade felt as heavy as a thousand pounds. He couldn’t raise it, couldn’t swing it.

In that moment, something inside him seemed to break.

His trembling hand loosened.

With a loud clang, the crude iron sword fell to the ground.

Amid Yao Fang’s sharp advance and the confused murmurs of the crowd, Han Ao took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

“I concede.”