Chapter Twenty-Three: Foundation Establishment... Is the Only Prerequisite to Stand Before Me

As Xiao Lin’s final word slowly faded, the entire Sword Palace fell into a deathly silence, so quiet that the drop of a needle could be heard. It felt as if a harsh winter had descended, with heavy snow burying every sound. In reality, it was Xiao Lin’s words that had been deafeningly profound. Anyone could sense that his outburst was not a sudden impulse, but the result of long-pent-up emotion. The pain, sorrow, and helplessness of killing his own master with his own hands—combined with the indignation of being inexplicably lectured by Yue Suxian—had all erupted at this moment, just like the sword strike he had unleashed earlier.

This was especially true for Yue Rongshan and Tang Qianxue, who had reached the side hall and heard Xiao Lin’s interrogation. Only now did Tang Qianxue realize, in hindsight, why Little Qilin had appeared so calm after purging the Fallen Sword Immortal. She had seen no trace of sadness on his face; he had even managed to offer her comfort. It turned out he wasn’t unaffected; he had simply bottled every emotion deep inside. They say that a man should not shed tears easily. But when their master entrusted the heavy burden of purging the Fallen Sword Immortal to Little Qilin, had he forgotten that the boy was only sixteen? He was still just a child. Tang Qianxue felt a heartfelt ache for her junior brother, followed immediately by fury—fury directed at Yue Suxian. Even if she were truly their master’s lover, her actions were chilling. It was as if she were the only one allowed to feel grief and pain over their master’s passing. Moreover, she only held a modicum of affection for him; by what right did she call herself a "mistress"? And by what right did she dare to lash out at Little Qilin, who had all but saved the entire world?

Tang Qianxue gritted her teeth in anger. "Elder Yue, can't you discipline her as well?"

Yue Rongshan hurriedly cautioned, "Mind your tongue, Little Xue. At this distance, Elder Yue could easily overhear you."

Tang Qianxue pouted, sounding both aggrieved and sorrowful. "You only know how to bully us now that we’ve lost our master..."

At these words, not only Yue Rongshan but the other three arriving elders saw their expressions change abruptly. If the disciples of the late Sect Master were to be bullied by their own kind, the Sect Master’s spirit would surely be so enraged that he would return from the grave tonight. Yue Rongshan said solemnly, "This time, Elder Yue has indeed gone too far. Rest assured, we will certainly provide you with an explanation."

*“Third Junior Sister is so good at speaking; she’s terrified those elders, hahahaha.”*
*“Shen Wuya: So you’re bullying my disciple, huh? Don’t sleep too soundly tonight!”*
*“Does nobody care about our little junior brother?”*

*“I care! Why on earth are they bullying Little Qilin like this!”*
*“Brother Lin was wronged, but he didn't let us be wronged. Didn't he scold her right back on the spot?”*
*“I am guilty, I confess. I previously thought Xiao Lin was too cold, remaining so calm even after his master died, but it turns out he was just suppressing it all.”*
*“If not for Shen Wuya, he would have died in the frozen wilderness. How could he not be sad?”*
*“I think I know why this crazy woman was arranged—to let us see the real Brother Lin.”*
*“Makes sense, but Yue Suxian is still trash.”*
*“Also, did no one notice Xiao Lin is lashing out at a Golden Core expert? He isn't venting his temper on the weak.”*
*“Drawing his blade against the strong—what a man.”*

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Seeing these comments, Xiao Lin chuckled inwardly. This move was meant to be. It was true that his being wronged would make the audience sympathize with him, but in the end, that would only be the more emotional segment of the viewers. To the majority, it would only make him appear less impressive. Therefore, he had to strike back on the spot. By striking back, he could satisfy the audience’s need for justice without hindering their sympathy for him. Why wouldn't he do it? Most importantly, scolding such a love-obsessed fool felt truly exhilarating.

Xiao Lin took a deep breath, as if releasing all the suppressed emotions from his heart. His expression returned to normal, and he bowed to Yue Suxian with a tone of apology. "My apologies. I lost my composure. I have offended you, Elder. Whether you wish to strike or punish me, I am at your disposal."

Yue Suxian, who had already begun to reflect on her own behavior, furrowed her brows again upon hearing this. "Are you trying to have your cake and eat it too?"

Xiao Lin lowered his head and cast his gaze downward. "If the Elder says so, then it is so."

"In that case..." Yue Suxian raised her fair hand.

At that very moment, "Elder Yue, stop!" Several figures rushed in. Yue Suxian naturally lowered her hand, but remarked, "He was the one who said it—to strike or punish as I see fit."

Tang Qianxue was about to speak out, but was hurriedly stopped by Yue Rongshan. He transmitted his voice to her, "Do not be angry, Little Xue. Elder Yue is just looking for a way to climb down." Everyone present, except for Tang Qianxue, was a seasoned veteran. They could see at a glance that after calming down, Yue Suxian realized she was in the wrong but refused to lose face; she needed a graceful exit, and it was up to them to provide it.

Hearing this, Tang Qianxue frowned. All sorts of harsh words were on the tip of her tongue, but in the end, she didn't let them out. She heard Yue Rongshan say, "The rules of the Sword Mountain are indeed as you say, Elder Yue, but setting aside your cultivation, your status alone is worlds apart from Xiao Lin’s. To take action personally would risk the appearance of a senior bullying a junior..."

"Elder Yue is quite right," added an elder with white hair and beard, perfectly matching the stereotypical image of a practitioner. "In my view, why not have Elder Yue send one of her own disciples to spar with Xiao Lin? If he loses, take it as a lesson; if he wins, let this matter be settled here."

Yue Suxian said coldly, "But the disciples under my tutelage are all at the Foundation Establishment stage..." As she spoke, her gaze fell on Xiao Lin, the implication clear enough.

Before Xiao Lin could react, Tang Qianxue grew anxious. Wasn't she also at the Qi Refining stage? "If you’re so capable, let my senior brothers and sisters..."

"Then Foundation Establishment it is," Xiao Lin suddenly interrupted, cutting off Tang Qianxue. He stood in the side hall, beneath the eyes of all the elders. Though his expression remained unchanged, there was an inexplicable sense of confidence about him.

"Do you know what you are saying?" The white-haired elder’s question seemed like a challenge, but in reality, it was an opening for Xiao Lin to retract his statement.

However, Xiao Lin drew his blade, *Immortal Extinction*, which he had embedded in the stone floor to steady himself, a faint curve playing on his lips. "This disciple says that since the disciples under Elder Yue are all at the Foundation Establishment stage, then send one at the Foundation Establishment stage."

The white-haired elder frowned, feeling that Xiao Lin was being too impulsive. He clearly remembered that Xiao Lin had only reached the top eight in the sect tournament. Every opponent he had defeated was at the Qi Refining stage. Although he had won cleanly and decisively, the gap between Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining... was it really so easily bridged?

The white-haired elder was about to offer another warning, but Xiao Lin, as if having guessed his thoughts, said softly, "This is not an impulsive act by this disciple, but rather... that higher realm of Foundation Establishment is the only qualification they have to stand before me."