Cultivation System: Stronger with Age

On the mountainside platform, ever since the sounds of fierce fighting on the summit's Cloud Mist Platform ceased, the hundreds of Martial Cultivators had stood up one by one, staring intently at the summit. They could hardly believe anyone could surpass Chu Qing, the top of the Hero List, but as Martial Cultivators of Great Marsh Prefecture, they also yearned for someone who could raise their spirits!

As everyone craned their necks to look, they saw two figures gradually emerging from the mist. When they finally made out the faces and demeanor of the two, they all held their breath.

The two figures coming down from the summit were none other than Lin Xuankong and Ding Rui, a True Disciple of the Profound Phoenix Celestial Sect. To the amazement of the martial heroes on the mountainside, Ding Rui was actually following respectfully beside Old Lin, with an air of great reverence.

Ding Rui, who had always given them orders; Ding Rui, who held a higher status than their Patriarchs, Clan Chiefs, or Sect Leaders; Ding Rui, who could command ninety percent of the martial sects and martial families in Great Marsh Prefecture, was being so respectful to this Old Lin?

At this moment, Ding Rui escorted Lin Xuankong to the mountainside platform and cupped her hands. "Brother Lin," she said, "I still have things to attend to, so I won't chat with you any longer! However, this journey down with you has been quite amusing; your words were very witty!"

Lin Xuankong, a bit speechless, cupped his hands back at her. "No need to be so polite, Miss Ding. If you have matters to attend to, please go ahead!"

Ding Rui heard this, her expression calm, but she was inwardly pleased. This Old Lin has a good temperament indeed, she thought. He didn't act arrogant, even though the Saintess treats him so well, nor did he become overbearing because I was polite to him. Truly, he is a man who remains composed whether favored or disgraced!

After cupping her hands again, Ding Rui glanced at the surrounding Martial Cultivators, her expression turning cold as she said coolly, "The tournament is over. The remaining Martial Cultivators need not wait any longer!"

Without explaining further, she turned and left gracefully.

This Ding Rui probably rarely flatters others, Lin Xuankong thought to himself. It's either praising me for looking like I'm in my twenties or saying my remarks are amusing, but I hardly said two words on the way down! Sigh, her flattering skills are so lackluster; it's making me uncomfortable. She really needs to practice more!

The remaining Martial Cultivators who had not yet participated, along with the hundreds of others nearby, were left standing stupefied by Ding Rui's words.

Ye Kai squeezed over quickly, wearing a friendly smile. "Brother Lin…"

However, before he could finish speaking, he was pushed aside by Han Feiyan, who cupped her hands respectfully. "Brother Lin, you fought with that Mysterious Female Cultivator for more than ten breaths. What was the result—did you win, or did you win?"

Lin Xuankong: …

Hundreds of Martial Cultivators around: …

Pushed to the side, Ye Kai was speechless. This Big-faced Yan is indeed a die-hard admirer of Brother Lin! he thought. You might as well ask if that Female Cultivator lost or lost…

Lin Xuankong smiled awkwardly at Han Feiyan and looked at Zhao Yufei, who was gazing at him steadily from a distance.

"Fortunately, I didn't let you down," he said. "In this tournament, I won the Demon Pearl reward!"

The hundreds of Martial Cultivators around instantly froze, their faces full of shock. Winning the Demon Pearl reward meant that Old Lin had injured the Mysterious Female Cultivator… He wasn't just the foremost hero of Great Marsh Prefecture, not only had he lasted for more than ten breaths, but he had actually injured that Female Cultivator?!

Zhao Yufei quickly walked over. She had already witnessed the combat scene through her Blood Seal Heavy Pupils. But now, hearing her husband speak of his achievements before hundreds of people, she couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. She grabbed Lin Xuankong's hand and declared proudly, "My husband is obviously the foremost hero of Great Marsh Prefecture! Injuring that Mysterious Female Cultivator is nothing remarkable. That so-called Hero List compiled by the Feng Family, which ranked you so low, is utter nonsense!"

"Hahaha, it is indeed nonsense, totally baseless!" Han Feiyan's square face bloomed into a wide smile as she laughed heartily upon hearing of Lin Xuankong's accomplishments. Having spent many days with him, she had developed great respect for Lin Xuankong and had been hoping for his success in the fight. Now that her wish had come true, her heart was filled with joy!

At this moment, Liang Qinhu approached, cupping his hands. "Among the thousand Martial Cultivators in Demon-Suppressing Valley, you, Brother Lin, are the strongest! That Hero List from the Feng Family is indeed nonsense, completely unreliable! Thinking back, when you and I sparred, Brother Lin, you must have held back considerably, far from using your full strength! Brother Lin, I've ordered my clansmen to prepare a banquet at the stone tower at the foot of the mountain. Why don't we have a few drinks to celebrate?"

Lin Xuankong looked around, seeing every Martial Cultivator on the mountainside platform staring at him with blazing eyes. After pondering for a moment, he shook his head. "Now that the tournament is over and I have the Demon Pearl, there's no need for me to stay here. I plan to hunt some more Demons before the Demon Slaying Conference ends, so I won't trouble you, Mr. Liang!"

Hearing this, Liang Qinhu was momentarily stunned, his dark face showing a hint of disappointment.

The hundreds of Martial Cultivators around had their mouths agape, their faces already filled with immense envy.

The incredibly precious Demon Pearl reward! A choice between the Marsh Python Demon Pearl and the Evil Sheep Demon Pearl…