In the blink of an eye, seven days had passed since the magnificent battle, and Jiang Yun's reputation as the Sword God had become increasingly legendary in Yanjing City. However, Jiang Yun remained secluded in his residence since that day.
This left many martial artists who came to admire his swordsmanship feeling frustrated, with some determined individuals even waiting outside the Lin residence's gate. Unfortunately, they were unable to catch a glimpse of him as Jiang Yun rarely ventured outside.
During these days, Lin Shenhe's attitude towards Jiang Yun had grown increasingly affectionate, to the point where they could be considered peers. However, Lin Shenhe had never mentioned the upcoming Qingyang Cave expedition.
Nonetheless, Jiang Yun had enough patience. If Lin Shenhe didn't bring it up, he would spend his days practicing the Nine Li Divine Technique and the Yi Jin Jing in seclusion. Over these seven days, he had made some progress. Not only did he break through to the seventh level of the Nine Li Divine Technique, but his inner strength in the Yi Jin Jing also became increasingly powerful.
Jiang Yun now had the confidence that even without the extraordinary trick of the Sword Art, he could defeat Xiao Dong if they were to encounter each other again. The martial artists in Yanjing City spoke of the extraordinary Sword Art displayed by Jiang Yun that day, claiming that he could surpass even ordinary Earth Martial Masters with his current swordsmanship alone.
As Jiang Yun walked along the corridors of the Lin residence, he spotted Lin Xiang'er rushing towards him. He called out to her, "Why are you in such a hurry? What happened?"
Upon seeing Jiang Yun, Lin Xiang'er's flustered expression brightened slightly. She grabbed his arm and pulled him outside while explaining, "Quick, Miss Lin is in trouble."
"Lin Feier is in trouble?" Jiang Yun furrowed his brows. He had a good impression of Lin Feier, finding her knowledgeable, reasonable, and charming. However, since being defeated by Xiao Dong, Lin Feier had rarely left her room, so Jiang Yun hadn't seen much of her in the past few days.
Hearing that Lin Feier was in trouble, Jiang Yun felt somewhat concerned. But Lin Xiang'er didn't say anything else, she simply pulled him along, leaving Jiang Yun slightly bewildered.
"What happened exactly? There aren't many people in Yanjing City who dare to trouble your young miss."
Upon Jiang Yun's inquiry, Lin Xiang'er suddenly realized that she hadn't explained the situation. She quickly clarified, "It's like this. Today, Miss Lin and I went to the Treasure Pavilion to buy a suitable sword. Unexpectedly, we encountered a stalker there."
Lin Xiang'er was not weak, and she could easily handle an ordinary stalker. It was only if the person's strength far surpassed hers that it would pose a problem.
Lin Xiang'er led Jiang Yun to the entrance of the Treasure Pavilion, where they indeed found a young man in his twenties following closely behind Lin Feier.
Lin Feier's keen eyes spotted Jiang Yun and Lin Xiang'er approaching. Her face brightened, and she quickly walked up to Jiang Yun. Then, she turned to the young man behind her impatiently and said, "Can't you stop following me?"
"Swish!"
The young man unfolded the folding fan in his hand and spoke, feeling suave, "Miss, I was just worried that you might encounter trouble, so I insisted on escorting you home. If you don't appreciate it, then forget it. Why would you say I deliberately followed you?"
Lin Feier looked at the young man in silence, with an expression that indicated she couldn't understand why he couldn't take a hint. She angrily said, "I already said I don't need your company, yet you continue to follow."
At this moment, Jiang Yun probably understood the situation. It seemed that this young man was tailing Lin Feier because he found her attractive. But even if you want to play, openly and brazenly pursuing someone is just too much.
With a pleading look in her eyes, Lin Feier sought help from Jiang Yun. Frustrated, Jiang Yun stepped forward and intercepted the young man, saying, "Brother, when it comes to matters of the heart, it's important to respect mutual consent. Since the lady is clearly not interested in you, it would be best for you to stop."
Jiang Yun was already being quite polite, but in the eyes of the young man, it seemed different. He looked at Jiang Yun with a sidelong glance, his folding fan resting on Jiang Yun's hand as he blocked him. "Who do you think you are? How dare you meddle in the affairs of Qingmu Sect?"
This person turned out to be from Qingmu Sect? Wasn't that the same sect as Xiao Dong?
Jiang Yun forced a bitter smile and replied, "If I'm not mistaken, Xiao Dong is from your sect, right?"
Finally, the young man looked Jiang Yun directly in the eyes and said, "You know Xiao Dong's junior? Well, since that's the case, I'll give Xiao Junior face. Let's consider this matter resolved."
Thinking that his words would make Jiang Yun back off, the young man then smiled and looked at Lin Feier, saying, "May I ask the lady's name? Once I finish my business with my master, I'll come back and continue our fate. Why are you still stopping me?"
Jiang Yun cleared his throat and said, "Brother, I think you might have misunderstood. I do know Xiao Dong, but we're not close."
The young man glared at Jiang Yun in anger and turned fierce once again. "I see. Looking at your weak spiritual fluctuations, how could Xiao Dong's junior know a useless person like you?"
At this point, the presence of the young man and Jiang Yun had already attracted the attention of many people. Now, the young man had the audacity to call Jiang Yun useless, which annoyed the onlookers. Jiang Yun was the rising idol of Yanjing City, and to be called useless was unacceptable.
"Who is this person? He's so arrogant, daring to call the Sword God useless. How audacious."
"Didn't you hear him say that Xiao Dong is his junior? He's probably from Qingmu Sect."
"Qingmu Sect is impressive, huh? Weren't they defeated by the Sword God?"
It had to be said that after the Yanjing Martial Arts Tournament, Jiang Yun's idol status in Yanjing City had almost surpassed Xiao Dong. At this moment, Jiang Yun had yet to speak, and the spectators around were teasing and ridiculing the young man.
The young man's name was Wang Qiniang, and he and Xiao Dong were disciples of the same master. While Xiao Dong was arrogant, Wang Qiniang was frivolous. Although they were both failures in terms of character, their talents within Qingmu Sect were among the best.
Xiao Dong possessed remarkable talent in the path of swordsmanship, while Wang Qiniang had a deep understanding of Qingmu Sect's knife techniques. Now, hearing the mockery from the onlookers, how could Wang Qiniang, a genius accustomed to praise, tolerate it?
"Kid, it seems like you've made quite a name for yourself here. Well, today I'll borrow a bit of your fame."
Wang Qiniang folded his fan and swung it like a knife towards Jiang Yun. Judging by his stance, if this strike landed on Jiang Yun, he would definitely suffer.
However, Jiang Yun was no longer the same person he was seven days ago. He had made significant progress in strength, and even facing Wang Qiniang, who was at the First Layer of Elemental Martial Arts, he didn't back down. With his index and middle fingers close together, he formed a sword gesture and pointed it towards Wang Qiniang.
Wang Qiniang only felt a slight breeze brushing past his ear. Then he realized that a large chunk of his left temple hair was shaved off, and there was a cool sensation near his right ear. Subconsciously, he reached up to touch it and realized that his scalp was exposed. Wang Qiniang was instantly consumed by rage.
He believed that while one's head can be severed and blood can be shed, one's hairstyle must remain intact. As a principled martial artist, Wang Qiniang always placed great importance on his appearance. At this moment, he felt utterly humiliated.
"Hahaha, this is the outcome. The Sword God is truly formidable."
The mocking laughter from the sidelines further infuriated Wang Qiniang.
"Ah, I'll kill you!"
Wang Qiniang had the appearance of someone ready to kill. If he had brought a weapon with him, he probably would have drawn it by now.
"Qiniang, stop fooling around. Don't delay important matters."
Just then, a majestic voice sounded behind Wang Qiniang, and a middle-aged man with slightly graying facial hair appeared in the crowd.
As Wang Qiniang looked at the middle-aged man, his momentum instantly weakened, although he still glared fiercely at Jiang Yun. "Remember this, I will come back for you."