Chapter 162 – Versus
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"Master, your disciple has returned."
In the Sword Palace, Lin Jichen stood nervously in the grand hall.
Leng Feiyan, sitting in the Sect Master's seat, was as stunningly beautiful as ever.
She leaned against the back of her chair, her flawless jade hand supporting her delicate chin.
A strand of black hair hung loosely, adding to her natural elegance.
She resembled a proud snow lotus, or perhaps a pristine water lily.
But at this moment, Leng Feiyan's face was expressionless as she looked at Lin Jichen.
"You still remember to come back? Why do I feel like your attachment to the mortal world is a hundred times stronger than your dedication to the sect?"
Leng Feiyan spoke coldly, her tone unfriendly.
There was an indescribable quality to her voice, like... the resentment and jealousy of a beautiful woman who had waited alone for too long, towards a husband who stayed out all night.
Lin Jichen hurried to explain; if he didn't, he wouldn't have a good day ahead.
"Cough, cough, Master, you've misunderstood. Your disciple has no attachment to the mortal world. Besides running a shop to earn money for gifts for you, I've been diligently cultivating."
"Is that true?" Leng Feiyan's expression softened a bit.
"Of course, when I left the sect, I was only at the early Foundation Establishment stage. Now, I'm already at the later stage."
Leng Feiyan glanced at him, nodding in approval. "Your cultivation has indeed progressed rapidly. It seems you have been working hard during this time."
Lin Jichen sighed with some regret. "I've always remembered your words to cultivate diligently, so I haven't dared to slack off for a moment. I intended to follow your orders and go to the Thunder Marsh, but..."
He hesitated.
"But what?" Leng Feiyan asked curiously.
"But I missed you too much, Master, so I couldn't help but come back," Lin Jichen said sheepishly.
Leng Feiyan was caught off guard, her beautiful cheeks flushing with a hint of red. She said, half-jokingly, "Should I believe such sweet talk?"
"How could you not believe me, Master? I've always remembered our date in Everwinter City. I've been looking forward to it every day," Lin Jichen said urgently.
Leng Feiyan's face turned even redder, and she quickly corrected him, "What date? Nonsense! I asked you to take me there to understand the Dao Heart."
Lin Jichen chuckled, "Yes, yes, to understand the Dao Heart, to understand the Dao Heart!"
Damn! Such a confident and domineering master! Love it!
Lin Jichen got serious.
He summoned the Dark Night Sword, standing opposite Leng Feiyan, his aura blending seamlessly with the environment and resonating with his sword.
Leng Feiyan's eyes showed more approval and surprise.
She hadn't expected Lin Jichen's progress to be so rapid. She could see at a glance that his swordsmanship had improved significantly, just like his cultivation.
After a moment of contemplation, Lin Jichen stepped forward and suddenly moved!
His entire figure shot forward like a bolt of lightning, closing in on Leng Feiyan in an instant, his sword gleaming!
A slash!
Leng Feiyan's approval deepened, but her figure vanished like a fleeting shadow under Lin Jichen's sword.
Without thinking, Lin Jichen immediately used Phantom Step.
Just as he left his original spot, a branch struck where he had been standing.
Lin Jichen felt lucky. If he hadn't moved in time, he would've been hit.
Just as he relaxed slightly, something poked his back.
He flew out, crashing to the ground in an embarrassing heap.
"-2155!"
Lin Jichen looked up to see Leng Feiyan holding the branch, smiling at him. "Disciple, you let your guard down too soon."
Blushing, Lin Jichen got up and said defiantly, "Again!"
"Come at me," Leng Feiyan taunted.
This completely ignited Lin Jichen's competitive spirit.
He no longer held back, launching a frenzied assault on Leng Feiyan, using all his sword techniques and skills.
But to his despair, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't touch Leng Feiyan.
All his attacks were effortlessly dodged or deflected by her with the branch.
Even though Leng Feiyan was using only 1% of her strength, just a touch from her would cost Lin Jichen thousands of health points.
Lin Jichen ended up battered and bruised, covered in injuries.