"Is that truly Lin San of Tianxin City?"At once, murmurs surged through the crowd—his name clearly far from obscure.It was said his talent bordered on monstrous, his swordsmanship already exceptional. Many experts had even prophesied: within a hundred years, he would be the foremost swordmaster of the age.
Ding—Heaven's Chosen Detected: Epic Tier!Qin Feng's eyes lit up, his heart practically bursting with delight.Because Qin Hao was his own brother, he had never dared to go all out—afraid that their parents might take it the wrong way. That was why, even after five whole years, he'd only managed to collect 240,000 villain points.But now, this Lin San wasn't kin, wasn't friend—wasn't anyone. How could he possibly let such a perfect punching bag go to waste?And if memory served, his own brother was also an epic-tier Chosen One.
At this moment—Both families exchanged awkward smiles, yet not one voice rose to halt the impending duel.Lin Hao had come with the hope of alliance, but no father would hand over his daughter to a weakling.Qin Tian, naturally, hoped his eldest son would demonstrate power befitting a future emperor.And if he lost? No shame in that—after all, he was only eight, while Lin San was nearly fourteen, already at the third level of the Transcendence Realm.But if he won… the face gained would be priceless.
"Very well—let's spar a little, then."Qin Feng caught the meaning behind his father's glance. It matched his own intentions perfectly.With a deep breath, his aura surged, sending the leaves around him gently into the air.
"Transcendence Realm—Level One?!"The expressions of Lin Hao and his Tianxin City elites shifted dramatically.In their hearts, one truth rang clear: This child possesses the makings of an emperor.Eight years of age—and already in the Transcendence Realm. Truly unprecedented.Especially the technique of lifting leaves—wasn't that the signature move of the Qin Clan's Tenth Patriarch, the famed Falling Leaves in the Wind?If they weren't witnessing it with their own eyes, who would believe such a feat?Now, Lin Hao finally understood why the Great Xia imperial clan had been so restless lately.If these two boys were allowed to mature… what emperor would dare remain complacent?
"Please, guide me."Lin San, ever the gentleman, offered a courteous salute.But he clearly overestimated Qin Feng's integrity.The latter never held back against Chosen Ones—and certainly not when outmatched.Before Lin San even finished his bow, Qin Feng's fingers formed a seal—In a heartbeat, the floating leaves turned into a vortex of blades, shooting toward Lin San from all directions.
"Hey! Aren't you shameless?!" Lin Xiner shouted furiously, scandalized. "He didn't even say start—and already pulled out a finishing move! How despicably underhanded!"
Clang!Calm and collected, Lin San unsheathed his sword. With a graceful flick, a streak of cold light shimmered through the air. His sword danced like moonlight on rippling water, delicately cutting down the rain of leaves.Another stroke—sharp winds stirred, causing the airborne blades to spiral off course, drifting harmlessly to the ground. Lin San's silhouette weaved among them, swift and elusive.
Boom!A brilliant flash of sword light shattered the last of Qin Feng's technique.Though Lin San remained elegant, his sleeves bore faint cuts, and the rise and fall of his chest betrayed the energy consumed.
"A perfect opening!"Qin Feng, true to his creed—strike while the iron is hot, or while your foe is dizzy—activated Phantom Mirage Steps.In an instant, he closed the gap between them, and his fist—broad and solid as a stone mallet—drove straight for Lin San's jaw.
"Argh!"With a grunt of pain, Lin San was sent flying.
"Brother, that was amazing!!"Qin Hao danced with joy, cheering loudly.Lin Xiner, however, pouted unhappily and screamed for Lin San to fight back.
Ding—Congratulations, Host! Punch landed on Heaven's Chosen. +200 Villain Points.Seeing the points added, Qin Feng's fighting spirit ignited further.He was just getting started.
But he had clearly underestimated Lin San.The older boy stabilized mid-air, his form darting back like a startled hawk. His blade shimmered——now cloaked in a cold, spectral brilliance.
"Sword Intent!"The elders of both families gasped aloud.True Sword Intent—so young, and already grasping the essence of the blade? He was no mere genius. He was a future legend.
"Not good!"Qin Feng sensed the threat immediately. Dodging rather than clashing, he hoped to wear the boy down.But Lin San had broken free from his earlier hesitation.With a cultivation two levels higher and the edge of Sword Intent, he now moved like a breeze—light, swift, and sharp.Dozens of sword shadows whirled out in every direction, chasing Qin Feng like the tide crashing against a boat.
"Go, Lin San! Beat him up for me!!"Lin Xiner cheered gleefully, sticking out her tongue at Qin Hao."Go, Brother!!"Qin Hao's little face turned red with effort as he screamed back with unwavering loyalty.
The crowd was no longer paying attention to the children's rivalry.They were stunned—breathless—Eight years old and in the Transcendence Realm.Fourteen and already comprehending Sword Intent.Could they, in their youth, have achieved even a fraction of this?
When the young rise, the old must yield…All present couldn't help but sigh: a new era was about to begin.When Heaven's Chosen gather, the world shall once more be divided.
At this moment—Qin Feng had no time for poetic thoughts.He was busy trying not to be beaten into paste.So this… this is what it feels like to be the villain getting smacked by the protagonist?!He gritted his teeth, dodging with all his might—But the pressure was mounting fast.
He couldn't lose. Not here.The moment had come."System, I need it! Exchange Phantom Mirage Steps: Volume Two now!"Ding—1,000 Villain Points deducted. Exchange complete!
"One thousand! My poor, poor points…"Qin Feng winced. Just thinking of how many days of spanking his brother it took to earn that much made his heart ache.But there was no choice. He had to win them back—with interest.
With a deep breath, he let the second volume's insight flood his limbs—His movement now blurred like mist, slipping through Lin San's sword light with ghostlike ease.
"What?!"The crowd gasped. His footwork had evolved—right before their eyes.Faster, smoother, sharper. He danced between blade shadows like a leaf upon the wind.
"Haha! Good, good, good! My son Qin Feng truly bears the mark of an Emperor!"Qin Tian roared with delight, nearly shouting directly into Lin Hao's ear.
"Incredible…"Lin San's expression turned solemn.He could no longer hold back.His sleeves flared as spiritual energy coiled around him.The sword in his hand trembled with power, air itself weeping as it was split—
Qin Feng narrowed his eyes.He raised his hand toward the heavens.And cried out—"Sword—come!"