Chapter Eighteen: Bringing You Under Master Jiang’s Tutelage

Although Zi Xun Jiang knew that Yin Lin had become a disciple of the old master and, coupled with his own strength, would surely astonish everyone on the day of the imperial examination, guaranteeing admission to a prestigious academy—such as the renowned White Deer Academy within the Greater Xia—she still wanted to try her luck.

This time, the reform at the Galaxy Academy was no ordinary change.

From the admissions director, she sensed that Galaxy Academy was determined to assemble the mightiest team in Greater Xia.

The resources invested came directly from the Royal Court!

The Royal Court is the very core of the human race—not just a nation but a place akin to the imperial palace gardens.

Legend has it that Greater Xia, Great Zhou, Da Wu, and other states are the eight principalities enfeoffed by the Royal Court.

She had even heard from the old master that the Royal Court held the authority to command the eight human nations directly.

"Let's see how things unfold," Yin Lin smiled without giving an immediate answer.

He aimed to enter the Flesh and Blood Great Wall with greater strength, which meant he had to study rigorously at the most powerful academy.

If he could attend an even stronger martial arts academy, that would be ideal.

“Alright then,” Zi Xun Jiang shrugged and watched Yin Lin walk toward the balcony. “Planning to train?”

“Yeah, I’ve rested a few days; I need to keep increasing my vitality.”

As usual, Yin Lin took off his upper garment, exposing his torso, and under the setting sun, he began to temper his body with various steel instruments.

Zi Xun Jiang showed no intention of leaving, sucking on a lollipop, occasionally glancing at Yin Lin, then quickly averting her gaze.

Soon, Yin Lin ceased his physical conditioning and picked up a strange blade.

Now, he only needed to enhance his vitality; his blade techniques would naturally improve.

Without reservation, Yin Lin began training in front of Zi Xun Jiang, advancing toward the third tier of the Three Thousand Blades Slash.

Zi Xun Jiang watched intently, her expression growing serious and heavy.

She felt as if she had seen each of Yin Lin’s moves countless times before, as if she had witnessed them firsthand somewhere.

Three hours later, Yin Lin emerged from his focused state and looked up, smiling wryly.

“It’s late. Zi Xun, aren’t you going home to rest?”

Unexpectedly, Zi Xun Jiang casually rolled out a spare quilt.

“I’ll rest here with you for a while, and I can observe your blade techniques more.”

With that, she treated the place as her own home, finding an empty room to rest in.

Yin Lin shrugged. “Alright then.”

Before going to sleep, he checked his vitality level: 551!

He had entered the fifth realm of vitality.

Everything was progressing steadily.

At this rate, breaking through the Bone Condensation stage would take just over ten days, fitting perfectly before the imperial examination.

But it must be noted that other martial artists—even Lin Tianjiao, who had amassed countless talents and treasures—took nine months to reach Bone Condensation!

A slender, gaunt figure stood quietly outside the martial arts base in Galaxy City.

Curiously, passing martial artists paid no attention to him, as if he were invisible.

Inside the martial arts base, Old Jiang, reviewing sales documents, suddenly removed his reading glasses and stared sharply out the window.

The gaunt figure suddenly leapt up like a blade slicing the night air, entering Old Jiang’s office through the window.

“Did Old Zhang tell you?” Old Jiang, whose deputy Old Zhang was one of the Lin family’s loyal agents in the capital, was not surprised.

“I am Kai from the Lin family’s imperial guards. Greetings, Old Jiang,” the slender figure said evenly.

“Yin Lin is my disciple,” Old Jiang said simply, and Kai quietly left.

Actually, Kai had only come to seek confirmation firsthand.

He had traveled a thousand miles to Galaxy City; Old Zhang had informed him that Old Jiang had brought Yin Lin to the martial arts base.

Old Zhang did not know Yin Lin’s identity, only his appearance.

Following that clue, Kai had tracked down Old Jiang.

But hearing Old Jiang’s acknowledgment, Kai immediately realized that even with the family head’s orders, he could not so much as touch Yin Lin, the heir of the Lin family, in Galaxy City.

Finding a secluded place, Kai reported the latest intelligence to Lin Zhengyang.

In the capital, Lin Zhengyang’s expression was unsettled.

“What’s wrong, Zhengyang?” Yang Huier asked softly.

“That rebellious son actually has the ability to become a disciple of Old Jiang, that old demon of Jixia.”

Hearing Old Jiang’s name, Yang Huier’s face showed surprise but also a trace of happiness.

“Old Jiang! The great demon of Jixia, who once slew a demon king with his sword and refused a royal title from the Royal Court?”

“Yes.”

Yang Huier’s face lit up with joy.

Her son was indeed capable!

Old Jiang had never taken a disciple in his life!

“Could it be that I’ve underestimated him?” Lin Zhengyang frowned, muttering to himself, “He has a heavenly-level technique, profound blade skills, and has become Old Jiang’s disciple... Hmph!”

Even as a Martial King, Lin Zhengyang couldn’t help but doubt himself.

Was Yin Lin truly the incompetent and weak son he remembered?

“What are we waiting for? Quickly prepare gifts for Old Jiang so he’ll teach Yin Lin well!”

Yang Huier jumped up, eager to prepare royal gifts.

But Lin Zhengyang stopped her.

“Wait, I just thought of something.”

“What?”

“If Old Jiang can accept Yin Lin, then... could he also accept Tianjiao?”

Yang Huier hesitated. “Not sure...”

“Whether or not it works, we have to try!” Lin Zhengyang stood up suddenly, eyes serious.

“I was right to raise two sons—at least one can pave the way! Hurry! Prepare the gifts and bring Tianjiao. Tomorrow, we’ll visit Old Jiang together!”

Clearly, being accepted as a disciple by Old Jiang was a great attraction to Lin Zhengyang.

“Alright!” Yang Huier nodded with a smile. “If both our sons can train under Old Jiang, that would be perfect.”

The next morning, the Lin family royal convoy set off in grand fashion.

Four heavy armored vehicles loaded with gifts—various herbs, pills, weapons, martial arts manuals, treasures, and antiques—led the procession.

Inside the lead vehicle, Lin Tianjiao was already excited, his face flushed as he kept flattering his parents.

“Thank you, Dad, thank you, Mom, for all your hard work!”

“I swear I’ll train diligently under Old Jiang and never disappoint your expectations!”

Lin Tianjiao had long heard of the great demon of Jixia’s fame.

The only thing displeasing him was that his “frog in a well” older brother had already become Old Jiang’s disciple before him.

At the thought, a shadow of gloom and resentment flickered in Tianjiao’s eyes.

Is it true that the child who cries gets fed?

You cut ties and ran away, and our parents hurried to arrange for you to join Old Jiang as compensation.

But a frog in a well remains a frog in a well wherever it goes.

Perhaps their parents’ actions were only a trial, testing the waters.

Indeed, Lin Zhengyang had told Lin Tianjiao: your brother has joined Old Jiang’s disciples; now it’s your turn.

Lin Tianjiao misunderstood this to mean his father was testing things out with Yin Lin first; if successful, then he would be arranged afterward.