WebNovels

Chapter 4 - Chapter 4: Treating the Terminus Devil Body

A loud shout rang out, halting Lin Hong's charge.

"It's Sister Lin Xia!" voices of surprise echoed from the crowd.

A young girl stepped out from among them, her pretty face taut with anger.

Dressed in red, around seventeen or eighteen years old, she had a charming presence. Her chestnut ponytail swung lightly behind her slim waist as she walked.

Lin Xia—Lin Dong's cousin and the daughter of his uncle—was known as one of the most gifted cultivators among the Lin family juniors, rivaling even Lin Hong in strength.

"It's Lin Xia," Lin Hong said, smiling faintly at her arrival.

"Lin Hong," Lin Xia frowned, "we're all part of the same family. Do you really need to use spiritual energy in a friendly spar?"

Lin Hong shrugged casually. "My dear cousin Lin Dong said he wants to defeat me in the clan competition. As his elder, I thought I'd help him get used to my moves beforehand. Wouldn't want the Lin family to be embarrassed later."

"What kind of nonsense is that?" Lin Xia snapped. "If you really want to prove yourself, wait until the Qingyang Town hunting season and challenge the younger generation of the other clans. That's what real strength looks like."

"You're right," Lin Hong said coolly, waving two attendants over to carry the unconscious Lin Shan away.

As he passed Lin Dong, he suddenly stopped and patted him on the shoulder with a familiar smile. "In the clan competition half a year from now, I'll make it into the top three and have Grandfather arrange a marriage between me and Qing Tan. Take good care of her for me, cousin. She's my future wife, after all."

'A toad wanting to eat swan meat?' Lin Dong sneered inwardly.'The clan competition in half a year? Fine. Let's see how someone in the Qi Refining Realm plans to beat me once I've stepped into the Zhuanzhai Realm.'

As Lin Hong walked away, Lin Xia turned to Lin Dong, her expression full of surprise.

"Lin Dong, are you okay?"

The fact that he had floored Lin Shan with just two palm strikes and stood his ground against Lin Hong had clearly shaken her.

"I'm fine. Thank you, Lin Xia."

The two had always been on good terms—both now and in the past. Ironically, even Lin Shan and Lin Hong would one day stand beside him, loyal and proud.

"I can't quite sense your strength anymore," Lin Xia said softly. "It seems you really did inherit your father's talent..."

Then she grew serious.

"But don't get reckless. Lin Hong reached the sixth level of Qi Refining three months ago and has already formed a Yuan Qi Seed. You're not on his level yet. Avoid direct conflict for now."

"I understand," Lin Dong said, not bothering to explain further.

"Good. Work hard. I have to return—Grandfather is guiding me again soon. You better keep up! Your father is counting on you in the upcoming competition."

She grinned, playfully ruffling his hair, then exchanged farewells with Qing Tan and the others before striding off, her ponytail swaying behind her.

"Lin Xia is so cool," Lin Changqiang muttered with admiration. "Even Lin Hong doesn't act smug in front of her. Grandfather really likes her... He even teaches her personally sometimes."

"You should work hard too," Lin Dong chuckled. "One day, you'll step over Lin Shan and punch Lin Hong in the face."

"Me? Forget it." Changqiang sighed. "But you—if you can do that during the clan competition, that'd be enough."

Lin Dong gave a light shrug. Changqiang wasn't exactly talentless—just undisciplined. With a glance at the sky, Lin Dong led Qing Tan away. Changqiang followed for a bit before turning to head home.

"Lin Dong," Qing Tan tugged at his sleeve, "I'm sorry. I won't sneak off to pick herbs again..."

"It's fine," Lin Dong replied. "From now on, if you need herbs, just take them straight from the clan storehouse."

"Huh?" Qing Tan blinked, confused.

"Let's go."

He didn't bother to explain.

——

Later that evening, during dinner, Lin Xiao suddenly set down his bowl.

"Did you fight Lin Shan again this afternoon?"

"Father, it wasn't Lin Dong's fault. It was mine..." Qing Tan said softly, lowering her head.

Lin Xiao's gaze lingered on her for a moment before turning to Lin Dong. "I heard you knocked him out with two palm strikes?"

"I did," Lin Dong admitted.

"Give me your hand."

The moment Lin Dong reached out, Lin Xiao gripped his wrist and pulsed his energy lightly. His eyes widened in disbelief.

"You're at the fifth level of Body Tempering already? So fast?"

Lin Dong hesitated, then pulled out the ancestral stone.

"Father. This helps guide my cultivation."

Lin Xiao examined the stone. It didn't appear to be metal, wood, or jade—he couldn't figure out what it was or why it felt so special.

"It's extraordinary," Lin Dong said. "But more importantly, it might be able to heal your internal injuries."

Lin Xiao's expression froze. Then he shook his head with a faint, bitter smile.

"To heal my injuries? I've tried every remedy. The clan poured countless resources into it. Nothing worked."

He moved to hand the stone back.

"Just keep it with you for one night," Lin Dong urged. "Please."

"This is Lin Dong's heartfelt wish," Liu Yan added gently. "Even if it doesn't work, just keep it for tonight."

"Haha, alright then!" Lin Xiao smiled, slipping it away.

Then, with careful hands, he retrieved a roll of cloth from his chest and opened it on the table. A fragrant aroma filled the room, revealing a pale gold branch.

"A second-grade spiritual herb... Golden Jade Branch." Lin Dong murmured.

Lin Xiao laughed. "I went up the mountain yesterday and got lucky. Liu Yan, tomorrow, have Lin Dong brew it."

But just then, he coughed twice, his face turning pale.

"Xiao Ge!" Liu Yan exclaimed.

"It's nothing. Just a small strain. I ran into a wild beast on the way." Lin Xiao waved it off. "Focus on your cultivation. I'll get more herbs."

"Father... I won't let you down," Lin Dong said seriously. "I'll prepare the herb myself. The stone talisman can help extract all of its medicinal power."

Lin Xiao smiled faintly. "Alright. Get some rest now. You've got training tomorrow."

Lin Dong and Qing Tan got up to leave.

——

As he stepped into his room, a sudden chill made Lin Dong pause. He immediately turned back toward Qing Tan.

At that very moment, Qing Tan's delicate face had gone deathly pale. A visible frost spread out from her small body, forming thin ice across the floor.

'The demon body... it's awakening again...' Lin Dong's heart tightened.

Without hesitation, he picked her up and laid her on the bed.

"Lin Dong, I'm okay," Qing Tan whispered, wrapping herself in the blanket. "I... I can handle it."

"It's alright. You'll feel better soon."

Lin Dong placed his palm gently on her cheek, transmitting warmth through his Yuan Qi.

Qing Tan's eyes fluttered open as warmth spread through her. The coldness in her body began to recede for the first time in years.

"Lin Dong...?"

Even Lin Xiao had failed to suppress this yin energy—he'd once been bedridden for half a month after trying.

"Be good. You'll be fine tomorrow," Lin Dong whispered.

He had sealed the cold energy deep within her. When her cultivation advanced, she would learn to control it gradually. Rushing it would only backfire later when she tried to break into the Ancestral or Sovereign Realm.

"Mhm..." Qing Tan murmured, already drifting into a peaceful sleep.

Watching her sleep soundly, Lin Dong smiled faintly, then quietly returned to his room.

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