Chapter Ninety-Eight: A Friendly Duel

Link himself no longer knew exactly how strong he had become, but one thing was certain: he was definitely no weaker than a late fifth-tier cultivator, and might even have reached the peak of the fifth tier.

Setting aside the tremendous improvements in offense and defense, the most significant change was his recovery ability. Now equipped with potent Holy Light magic, he no longer had to worry about injuries. His only remaining weakness was the endurance of his internal and magical energy. Fortunately, with the perfected Nine Yang Divine Skill and an intermediate magical core, this problem was resolved.

The intermediate magical core was ten times stronger than the basic one; its effects were obvious. While Link still couldn’t use magic recklessly, he could sustain spells much longer and recover energy much faster.

The Nine Yang Divine Skill was renowned for its endurance and explosive power. In the legend of the Heavenly Sword and Dragon Saber, once Zhang Wuji mastered the Nine Yang Divine Skill, he could easily overpower the leaders of several major sects. His internal energy was inexhaustible, and his recovery speed seemed almost supernatural. For Link now, this skill was even more beneficial than an unparalleled martial art like the Lonely Nine Swords.

However, Link was somewhat surprised that the perfected Nine Yang Divine Skill was still classified as an intermediate-level divine skill. But upon reflection, he understood why. If the Nine Yang Divine Skill were considered an advanced skill, advanced skills in general would seem rather underwhelming. No matter how strong it was, the Nine Yang Divine Skill was still from a martial arts novel, whereas there were immortal cultivation skills among the prize items. If Nine Yang Divine Skill was advanced, what about those immortal skills?

Moreover, advanced items were never simple. Take the Paladin’s Hall, an advanced building, for example—its hidden abilities were staggeringly powerful. Compared to that, if the Nine Yang Divine Skill were advanced, it would seem far too weak.

Of course, the Nine Yang Divine Skill’s quality was undeniable. Among intermediate divine skills that enhanced the body, there were few stronger than it. With this skill and an intermediate magical core, Link could easily dominate the Red Moon Province without breaking a sweat.

Early the next morning, Link eagerly sought out Lin Xi, hoping to spar and gauge his current level.

Although there were many experts in their sect, only Lin Xi, who was at the peak of the fifth tier, could match Link. While Saga could burst forth to the early sixth tier or late fifth tier, such bursts were temporary and exhausting. Link merely wanted to test his level, not seek pain or inflict it.

After much consideration, Lin Xi was the only one who met his requirements.

Since their last reconciliation, Link had intended to assign Lin Xi a better position, but she had declined. She preferred to remain as the personal guard of Eliya, the quasi-Saintess. Lin Xi said that aside from her martial skills, she was mainly good at household chores and caring for others, and was unsuited for roles demanding much mental effort. She felt content with guarding Eliya and didn’t wish to change her job.

Seeing this, Link did not press the matter. Every morning when Eliya went to study and train with the three cardinals, Lin Xi was called to rest. With nothing to do, she usually spent her time practicing in Ling Meng’s small chapel and chatting with her, living a relaxed and pleasant life.

Today was no different. When Link found Lin Xi, she was practicing martial arts in front of the chapel, while Ling Meng sipped morning tea and watched. Though her expression was calm, she missed no movement Lin Xi made.

This was at the request of the three cardinals. Having learned that Lin Xi’s martial art was a refined version of the Heavenly Spirit Fist, Ling Feng and the others told Ling Meng to observe Lin Xi’s moves regularly. This way, if the High Priestess and the Female Martial Saint ever needed to coordinate in battle, they wouldn’t hinder each other due to unfamiliarity.

Though Ling Meng was usually indifferent, when given a task she took it seriously. Even with her usual lackadaisical demeanor, she completed her duties well.

“Oh, so you two really are here,” Link said with a smile as he approached the two women.

Seeing Link, Ling Meng raised her right hand and greeted with a casual “Yo,” true to her style. Lin Xi couldn’t help but exclaim joyfully, “Neil, you’re here?”

Link was normally busy with various tasks at this hour, so it was no wonder Lin Xi was pleasantly surprised.

Link smiled and said, “I just came to ask you for a favor.”

“A favor?” Lin Xi was momentarily stunned before assuming a serious expression. “If it’s something you need, just say it—I’ll definitely handle it well.”

Link shook his head with a smile. “Don’t be so serious. It’s only a small matter.” He paused, then added, “I’ve recently broken through again in cultivation, so I want to spar to test my level. After considering it, you’re the only one in the entire Father God Church who fits my requirements.”

“I see,” Lin Xi nodded in understanding, relaxing and smiling again. “Sure, no problem. How do you want to spar?”

“A light touch is enough. Afterward, you can give me some feedback.”

“All right. Shall we start now?”

“Yes, let’s begin now. Consider it some post-meal exercise.” Link smiled and removed his cardinal’s robe, revealing a lean training outfit.

Seeing this, Lin Xi also smiled. “Looks like you were ready all along. I won’t say much then—attack.”

She took a stance reminiscent of Wing Chun’s initial posture but with subtle differences. Her position seemed flawless, as if any attack against it would be ineffective.

Link glanced at her then immediately activated his internal energy and used the Lingbo Weibu footwork to attack. Propelled by the perfected Nine Yang Divine Skill, his speed was far beyond before, like a raging storm. In an instant, he reached Lin Xi and threw a straightforward punch.

His entire offensive was the epitome of speed, even surpassing many at the peak of the fifth tier. Lin Xi’s eyes flashed with surprise.

But almost instantly, her gaze returned to calm. With her hands moving slowly yet deliberately, she lightly blocked and pushed, and Link felt his whole body lighten, followed by a dizzying spin.

Looking again, Link realized Lin Xi had thrown him aside.

He was genuinely astonished, but his deep cultivation and excellent lightness skill allowed him to avoid falling. At the last moment, he executed a midair flip to stabilize and land safely.

Though unharmed, Lin Xi’s display of skill amazed him. “Xi Jie, is this what they call using ‘four ounces to move a thousand pounds’?”

“‘Four ounces to move a thousand pounds’?” Lin Xi blinked, then tilted her head in puzzlement. “Is that an expression from the Eastern Cloud Empire? It fits quite well. It’s a technique in the Illusory Spirit Martial Arts called ‘Illusory Throw,’ which means using the opponent’s force against them—basically the same idea. I used your own strength to toss you away.”

“Of course,” Link nodded with understanding. When it comes to redirecting force, most think of Tai Chi, but this technique isn’t exclusive to Tai Chi. Many martial arts, even foreign ones, have similar methods. It’s a matter of how well one can apply them.

This technique isn’t particularly difficult nor especially powerful, but it’s highly effective against fierce, forceful fighting styles—softness overcoming hardness.

Link was strong but favored direct, forceful martial arts. Whether the Nine Yang Divine Skill or the Great Strength Vajra Palm, all were straightforward and powerful. Lingbo Weibu was an exception, but it was a lightness skill, not a combat technique.

Under these circumstances, facing Lin Xi’s mastery of redirecting force put him at a disadvantage.

Yet Link did not want to give up the spar. On the contrary, his fighting spirit grew stronger. Now that he had someone who could reveal his weaknesses, he needed to learn how to counter such techniques. Waiting to figure it out only when facing a deadly enemy who used them would be disastrous. One mistake then could cost him his life.

With this in mind, Link got up and said to Lin Xi, “Xi Jie, can you teach me how to deal with this kind of leverage technique?”

Lin Xi was momentarily surprised but smiled and nodded. “Of course. The best way to counter this is to learn the technique yourself. I think your foundation is solid; it won’t be hard to master. Just attack me directly. Learning through practice is the fastest.”

At her words, Link launched a new attack. Lin Xi fought back with the leverage technique, explaining and demonstrating it as they sparred.

After mastering the Nine Yang Divine Skill, Link learned new martial arts quickly. Zhang Wuji once mastered Tai Chi in an instant, and Lin Xi’s technique was far less sophisticated, making it even easier for him to grasp.

In just five minutes, Link had learned the leverage technique and how to counter it. But as he felt elated, Lin Xi offered a critique and a question that dampened his mood:

“Neil, your martial arts are impressive. You picked up the leverage technique so quickly. But is it just me, or does your combat experience seem lacking? Although you have powerful skills, your application doesn’t seem to match your strength. Are you holding back deliberately?”

Link scratched his nose, somewhat helpless. It wasn’t his fault—the system granted him skills directly, bypassing the grueling cultivation and experience normally required. As a result, after every upgrade, his foundation was unstable, and he needed to spar and train to consolidate and familiarize himself with his abilities.

He wasn’t the first to be questioned like this; he had faced the same with Atair before and had always blamed the Father God. This time, he had to do the same.

He adopted a devout expression and said, “That’s because my power is a gift from the exalted Father God.”

“I see. Power granted by the Father God. No wonder a true deity can make someone so strong with ease,” Lin Xi admired. Then, suddenly changing tone, she said, “But although the Father God is great, you shouldn’t rely too heavily on the power granted. No matter how strong, such power is less useful than strength cultivated step by step on your own.” She paused, then spoke solemnly, “I’m not doubting the Father God, but since you’ve leapt up so much at once, your foundation is unstable. It’s easy for your internal power to lose control. Neil, if you get the chance, you should take time to consolidate your cultivation. Otherwise, problems will arise sooner or later.”