Chapter 500 498: Poaching

The Bu Family was ecstatic, but the expressions of the Yan Family and Su Family turned ugly. If they had previously doubted Lin Xuan's strength, no one had anything to say now.

Strong Soul Power was only one part of Lin Xuan's strength. Now, it was clear that not only was his Body Technique formidable, but his physical power was just as brutal. It would be impossible to achieve such an effect without terrifying strength.

Shi Yalong's shield was said to be indestructible, but that didn't mean it was truly indestructible. If a force surpassed a certain threshold, it could be shattered with ease. Everything has its limits, and this shield was no exception.

On the other hand, the Chen Family, Shi Yalong's family, showed no great dissatisfaction. They could only lament that Lin Xuan's strength was superior and their own had been outmatched. There was nothing to complain about; after all, Lin Xuan hadn't used a heavy hand. He hadn't sent Shi Yalong to the grave with a single punch. So, while they were unhappy with the result, they held no significant animosity toward Lin Xuan.

Lin Xuan hadn't been ruthless because the Chen Family wasn't his enemy. Why would he need to be? The enemy of my enemy is my friend. The Chen Family didn't have a good relationship with the Yan and Su Families, so there was no need for him to ruin this potential connection.

Otherwise, if the Chen Family became dissatisfied with him, he would surely be targeted later.

"This Mu Shuang is so strong. It seems Mu Junjie really was defeated by him alone." Yan Jingyun's expression was grim. They had always believed it was a group attack, but now it seemed that wasn't the case at all. Lin Xuan's strength was just that terrifying!

"He has some skill..." A flicker of excitement showed in Mu Qianlong's eyes, but it was overshadowed by hatred!

How could he possibly swallow this grievance when his own brother had been killed? Moreover, this was a powerful expert blocking his path. He would absolutely never forgive Lin Xuan.

"He made it into the top fifteen..." Qing Deyun slowly closed his eyes. He took a deep breath before slowly opening them again.

This result was simply too shocking. The Soaring Dragon Empire had never achieved such a high ranking. Beside him, Zi Yanyun also closed his eyes, but his was a pained expression. They could have forged a much better relationship, but now that chance was ruined—ruined by his own son.

"Father, I was wrong..." Zi Yanqian sighed. He could do nothing but apologize again and again.

"Say no more. I need to step away for a moment..."

Zi Yanyun stood up and walked out of the spectator stands. Once outside, he took a Jade Pendant from his Storage Ring and crushed it fiercely. This was a pendant worth several hundred thousand Primordial Stones. As he did, he spoke: "Make Zi Yi a Vice Pavilion Master of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion's Main Pavilion. Lin Xuan has broken into the top fifteen and has a high chance of aiming for the top ten, or even the top five!"

This short message traversed a great distance, reaching the Main Pavilion of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion. The numerous Elders were stunned when they received it. A moment later, all the Elders fell silent. One of them finally spoke in a deep voice, "Then, according to the Chief of the Main Pavilion's words, spread this news immediately. Make Miss Zi Yi a Vice Pavilion Master!"

Immediately after, another Elder crushed a Communication Jade Pendant worth hundreds of thousands of Primordial Stones, sending the short message out. The information spread throughout the entire Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion. All the higher-ups were informed and tacitly approved the decision.

This ranking was just that important. It was like the Martial God Tower before; emerging from a sea of so many geniuses, barring any accidents, he was destined to become a super-powerful expert. The Void Spirit Stage would be his bare minimum. If they didn't build a good relationship now, who would Lin Xuan even bother with when he became a powerhouse?

Once he became a powerhouse, any gift would merely be adding flowers to a brocade; it couldn't compare to the significance of providing charcoal in a snowstorm. They couldn't give him much now, but at the very least, they could raise the status of Zi Yi, who had a good relationship with Lin Xuan. This would improve the situation.

Zi Yi, who had been watching from the audience this whole time, had no idea she had just been appointed a Vice Pavilion Master. And not just any Vice Pavilion Master, but one at the Main Pavilion, a position with far more authority than a Deputy Sub-Pavilion Master. The Pavilion Masters of the sub-pavilions all had to obey the Pavilion Master of the Main Pavilion; this was the highest authority.

If Zi Yi knew she had been appointed a Vice Pavilion Master of the Main Pavilion, she would never believe it was due to her own efforts. Instead, she'd know she was basking in Lin Xuan's glory! After all, this was an immense amount of power. Zhao Fei's father was only a Vice Pavilion Master, which meant Zi Yi was now his equal.

This was a perfect example of the saying, "when one person achieves the Dao, their chickens and dogs ascend to heaven." If Lin Xuan hadn't achieved such a result, this would never have happened.

After this match finally ended, the preliminary rounds were officially over. Only a dozen or so people remained—to be precise, sixteen people! There could have been more, but due to a considerable number of mutually destructive battles, the count was slightly lower. It was not a major issue, however.

Sixteen people were enough to advance to the finals; it didn't have to be ten. As long as the number was small enough, they could proceed. It was precisely because he had officially entered the finals that Zi Yanyun had given that order.

If Lin Xuan were to die during the final matches, Zi Yi's position as Vice Pavilion Master would go up in smoke.

After several consecutive battles, everyone finally had a chance to rest. The next round of the finals would be in one week. They would rest for a full week before the competition resumed.

Just as he was about to leave, someone called out to him. "Brother Mu, our Elder has a request. I wonder if you would grace us with your presence?"

The one who called out to Lin Xuan was not from the Bu Family, but surprisingly, from the Yan Family!

"No need. I'm going back to rest." Lin Xuan refused flatly. 'Who would go with you to the Yan Family? Isn't that like a sheep walking into a tiger's den?'

"Wait!" The person hurriedly stopped Lin Xuan. A trace of displeasure flickered in his eyes, but he didn't express it. Instead, he spoke politely, "The Elder knew you would refuse outright, so he asked me to relay a message. I wonder if you'd be willing to hear it?"

"What message?" Lin Xuan frowned.

"Brother Mu, you are with the Bu Family, that is correct. However, the Yan Family is willing to let you join us. Not only can we provide you with the best resources, but we can also offer you a superior Cultivation Site, one far better than anything the Bu Family can provide!" The man smiled. "As for whether the Bu Family will cause trouble for your Empire or for you, the Yan Family will bear all of it. We guarantee there won't be the slightest problem!"

As he said this, he felt a great sense of pride. The Yan Family was the strongest; there was no reason to refuse, especially with so many tempting offers on the table.

"How kind of you. You won't even hold the matter of me killing Mu Junjie against me?" Lin Xuan asked.

"That's right. As long as you choose to join the Yan Family, all past matters will be forgotten! We will also protect your Empire, ensuring no harm comes to it." Seeing that Lin Xuan seemed moved, the man sneered inwardly. 'As expected, no one can resist temptation.'

"Your magnanimity is truly vast. However, I will not be joining. You can get lost now." Lin Xuan replied calmly and walked away without a second glance.