With such a perfect start, Lin Yun trained even more arduously. Lin Xiaotian took note of it all and instructed his subordinates that they were absolutely not to disturb Lin Yun's cultivation unless it was something truly important.
'Incredible. To have such power just at the Entry Level... It truly is an Unparalleled Technique.' After completing ten Great Cycles, Lin Yun sighed in amazement.
Both the War God Technique and the Demon Emperor Technique were divided into nine layers, with a world of difference between each one. Lin Yun had yet to even reach the First Layer; he was merely at the Entry Level. Nevertheless, the power of both Cultivation Techniques was already undeniable.
From a purely practical standpoint, in a contest of Elemental Power, Lin Yun was now no weaker than a Martial Artist at the Third Layer of Opening Realm. In a life-or-death battle, Lin Yun was certain that even a Martial Artist at the Fourth Layer of Opening Realm would be no match for him. Only someone who had reached the Fifth Layer of Opening Realm could possibly pose a threat.
He walked out into his courtyard, which Lin Xiaotian had now completely secluded. Aside from Zhang Jingxiang, practically no one else ever set foot inside. This was to provide Lin Yun with a quiet environment for his cultivation.
As he executed a set of the Tiger Roar Fist, the entire courtyard instantly echoed with the sound of roaring tigers. The Tiger Roar Fist he now performed was worlds apart from the one he had used on the tournament stage.
Each roar was powerful enough to shake one's soul, as if a real, ferocious tiger were roaring from a mountaintop.
"The Young Master is practicing the Tiger Roar Fist again. It's so powerful. Compared to ours, it's like a completely different Martial Skill."
"You think you can compare to the Young Master? Let me tell you, he's a genius! The General has been saying for days that the Young Master is a late bloomer and his future accomplishments will be immeasurable."
Two soldiers passing by heard the sounds of the Tiger Roar Fist coming from the courtyard, a look of admiration appearing on their faces.
Just as the two were gazing toward the courtyard in admiration, Lin Xiaotian approached with a powerful, commanding stride. "General," the two called out respectfully upon seeing him.
At their words, Lin Xiaotian gave them an uncharacteristically warm smile and a brief reply. From his expression, it was clear that he was in an excellent mood.
Without lingering, Lin Xiaotian headed for the courtyard, a smile on his face. Upon entering, he didn't interrupt, simply watching Lin Yun practice his fist forms from the side, his expression filled with gratification.
The Tiger Roar Fist, a basic Martial Skill, was now being executed by Lin Yun with its True Intent. It was as if a real, ferocious tiger had appeared before Lin Xiaotian's very eyes.
"Excellent, excellent! Yun'Er, you've already grasped the True Intent of the Tiger Roar Fist. Well done, well done," Lin Xiaotian said with a hearty laugh, waiting until Lin Yun had completed the entire set.
Hearing the voice, Lin Yun finally noticed his father. He quickly walked over and asked with a smile, "Father, what brings you here?"
"Can't a father come to see his own son?" Lin Xiaotian retorted, teasing him for a change.
Unaccustomed to his father's teasing, Lin Yun was momentarily speechless. But Lin Xiaotian's expression quickly softened into a smile as he patted Lin Yun's shoulder.
"Tomorrow is the start of Iron Gate Pass's annual hunting season. Now that you've broken through to the Opening Realm, I want you to go to the Yunlu Mountain Range to gain some experience. What do you say?"
Hearing this, Lin Yun agreed without a second thought. 'The Yunlu Mountain Range… I've been thinking about going there myself these past few days. A Martial Artist can't achieve anything just by cultivating in seclusion. Combat is the only path to rapid growth—especially life-or-death battles.'
October was always the best time to hunt Demon Beasts. In the past, because Lin Yun's strength was too low, Lin Xiaotian had never allowed him to go. But now that Lin Yun had broken through to the Opening Realm, Lin Xiaotian was the one urging him to go.
The Yunlu Mountain Range was notoriously dangerous. Not only was it home to countless Demon Beasts, but there was also a high probability of encountering Martial Artists from the Nan Feng Kingdom.
As the son of Grand General Lin Xiaotian, Lin Yun had been taught from a young age that he couldn't grow up sheltered in a greenhouse. The truly strong are forged in a crucible of blood and slaughter.
"Good! You truly are my son," Lin Xiaotian laughed heartily, seeing Lin Yun's unhesitating agreement. "Come with me." With that, he led Lin Yun out of the courtyard.
They made their way to the depths of the Lin Mansion. Before them stood a room constructed entirely of Refined Iron, and a fiery glint appeared in Lin Yun's eyes. This place was the Lin Family's Forbidden Land; no one besides Lin Xiaotian was permitted to even approach it.
Inside were the Cultivation Techniques and weapons Lin Xiaotian had collected over the years.
"Since you're going to the Yunlu Mountain Range, I'll give you a suitable weapon," Lin Xiaotian said with a smile as he opened the iron door and led Lin Yun inside.
Upon entering the room, Lin Yun's eyes were met with rows of Martial Skill manuals and an array of weapons that glinted with a cold, sharp light.
Sabers, spears, swords, axes... there was a weapon for every purpose. Lin Yun stared, captivated.
"Weapons are divided into several ranks based on their materials and refinement, from Mortal Soldiers to Spirit Soldiers, then to Treasure Soldiers, and so on. Yun'Er, with your current Cultivation, an Earth Spirit Soldier would be the most suitable choice."
Spirit Soldiers were divided into Earth Spirit Soldiers and Celestial Spirit Soldiers. Someone in the Opening Realm could bring out one hundred percent of an Earth Spirit Soldier's power. As for Celestial Spirit Soldiers, one must reach the Qi Sea Realm to fully master them. That was why Lin Xiaotian made his recommendation.
Hearing this, Lin Yun nodded and immediately fixed his gaze on the eight Earth Spirit Soldiers.
Seeing Lin Yun completely unmoved by the other weapons, his focus sharp and direct, Lin Xiaotian gave a silent, approving nod. 'A Martial Artist's Mental Realm is crucial. Those who are too greedy are destined to die a miserable death.' Lin Yun's behavior greatly satisfied him.
"Choose one for yourself. Remember to lock the door when you're done." With that, Lin Xiaotian left, showing no signs of concern about leaving Lin Yun alone.
'What a fine sword… what a good saber…' Looking them over one by one, Lin Yun, who was seeing Spirit Soldiers for the first time in this life, was dazzled. 'It's not that I haven't seen better—back in the Divine Realm, people wouldn't even accept a Spirit Soldier as a gift. But this time, I'm choosing my own weapon.' The feeling was naturally different.
He examined seven of the Spirit Soldiers in succession, but with only one left, he still hadn't made a decision. None of the seven were the weapon he was looking for.
"Overlord Spear, the Tyrant of Weapons." The final Earth Spirit Soldier was a long, black spear. It was nearly three meters long, and its head radiated wisps of chilling energy that sent a shiver through Lin Yun.
"Alright. It's you." In a single glance, Lin Yun had set his heart on the Overlord Spear. He gripped its shaft with his right hand, grunted with effort, and lifted it.
It was heavy. The spear weighed at least five hundred pounds, but with his monstrous physique, Lin Yun lifted the long spear with ease.
"A fine spear. Overlord Spear, the Tyrant of Weapons. Good. I, Lin Yun, will not bring shame to your name." A wave of domineering spirit surged from within him.
As if it understood his words, the jet-black Overlord Spear began to tremble uncontrollably, its shaft humming as it sliced through the air.