This Martial Saint is Too Cautious

Chapter 129: Chapter 11: Thunder Bone

Lin Yan entered the pavilion, first nodding to the others around him. His gaze finally settled on the young man sitting in the middle of the railing.

This was Lin Qi, the only Fourth-Time Skin Smoothing Martial Artist among the branch family members from the Third Branch.

"Lin Yan, if Zhaowu hadn’t mentioned it today, I wouldn’t have even known you were part of our Third Branch. You’re quite the mysterious one," Lin Qi said with a smile.

"I’ve been cultivating in my courtyard lately, so I rarely venture out."

Hearing Lin Yan’s explanation, Lin Qi said calmly, "Quite a few branch family members have come this time. We’re all from the Third Branch, so we must band together to face the provocations from the other branches—especially the Fourth Branch."

"Brother Qi is right. Those guys from the Fourth Branch are way too arrogant. Yesterday, I went to the Task Hall to accept a mission, and someone from the Fourth Branch snatched it right from under me. They didn’t go after anyone else, only me. It’s obvious they were targeting me just because I’m from the Third Branch."

"Early this morning, I ran into a few people from the Fourth Branch, and their words were dripping with sarcasm. We in the Third Branch can’t take this anymore."

...

Listening to their indignant words, Lin Yan began to understand the situation.

’The branch family members of the Third and Fourth Branches can’t stand each other. Although they haven’t come to direct blows yet, they’ve certainly had their fair share of verbal spats and dirty tricks. Overall, the Third Branch has been at a disadvantage due to their smaller numbers.’

However, he had no interest in feuding with the members of the Fourth Branch. He just wanted to break through to the Fourth-Time of Skin Smoothing in peace.

"I know you are all very unhappy with the Fourth Branch, brothers. But the clan rules forbid fighting in private, and besides, we in the Third Branch are at a disadvantage when it comes to numbers," Lin Qi said, seeing that the mood was right.

"So we’re just supposed to do nothing, Brother Qi?"

"The clan doesn’t allow members to fight in private. If there are grudges, you can go to the Combat Platform to spar. And on the Combat Platform, it’s one-on-one."

Lin Qi looked at the crowd, who had fallen silent at his words. Even the few who had been so indignant a moment ago were quiet now. His expression didn’t change; this was exactly what he had expected.

’Anyone can talk tough and shout slogans, but when it comes to actually fighting, not everyone is so willing.’

"Brothers, our Third Branch can’t let the Fourth Branch keep pushing us around. If I’m not mistaken, the main family of the Third Branch must be watching our situation. Don’t forget why we came to the Lin Family. It wasn’t just to stay in the Disciple’s Quarters—the main family of the Third Branch is our ultimate destination."

Lin Qi’s voice rose, his expression grave. "You all should have some idea how deep the grudge between the Third and Fourth Branches runs. We can’t interfere in the conflicts between the main families, nor do we have the strength to. But if we don’t make a good showing now, I’m afraid the Third Branch will lose its patience with us."

As soon as he said this, the expressions of many in the crowd turned serious.

"Brother Qi, it’s not that we don’t want to fight the Fourth Branch, but there’s a real gap in our numbers. Even when it comes to Fourth-Time Skin Smoothing Martial Artists like you, we have fewer than they do."

"What’s there to be afraid of? Group fights aren’t allowed on the Combat Platform. We’ll use its rules to our advantage by picking a few people to challenge the Fourth Branch. I’ll take on one of their two Fourth-Time Skin Smoothing Martial Artists."

Lin Qi’s gaze swept over everyone. "As for the Third-Time Skin Smoothing level, we’ll choose two people. We’ll settle this in a best-of-three. Let’s show the main family that we branch members aren’t cowards—that we have guts and strength! So, which two brothers are willing to stand with me and beat the hell out of those bastards from the Fourth Branch?"

A brief silence fell over the crowd.

"Since Brother Qi has put it like that, count me in."

"Count me in too. I reached the Third-Time of Skin Smoothing three years ago. There aren’t many at this level who can beat me."

"I’m in."

In the pavilion, several people started to volunteer.

Lin Yan stood near the back, impassively observing Lin Qi’s expression.

The sole Fourth-Time Skin Smoothing Martial Artist from the Third Branch had an indignant expression on his face, but the flicker of anxiety deep in his eyes did not escape Lin Yan’s notice.

’What’s the rush?’

Lin Yan wondered to himself. ’Logically, Lin Qi is already at the Fourth-Time of Skin Smoothing; he stands head and shoulders above the other branch members. There should be no need for him to rush to take the lead and clash head-on with the Fourth Branch. Unless... he has a reason that forces him to step forward.’

Seeing that more than half were willing to fight, Lin Qi inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.

According to the information he had gathered, the Fourth-Time Skin Smoothing Martial Artists from the other branch families had all been summoned by the main family. Yet, no one had come for their Third Branch, and he had not been summoned either.

This was why he couldn’t help but feel anxious.

He was only twenty-three this year and still hoped for a chance to step into the Blood Exchange Realm. But to achieve that goal, he absolutely needed the main family’s support.

Since the main family wasn’t taking the initiative to summon him, he had to find a way to attract their attention. And what better way to do that than by defeating the members of the Fourth Branch?

He was confident in his own strength. If the two people he chose could also defeat their opponents from the Fourth Branch, it would be a huge gain of face for their main family.

By demonstrating the might of the Third Branch, they would surely be rewarded by the main family.

"I know all of you are willing, but to be safe, we still need to pick the two strongest people at the Third-Time Skin Smoothing Realm. Brothers, if you’re willing, please state your current situation."

"Brother Qi, I reached the Third-Time of Skin Smoothing three and a half years ago. I was originally planning to push for the Fourth-Time of Skin Smoothing by the end of this year."

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