Chapter 309: Sister-in-Law Master

The swift wind of swords, along with the fierce sword energy, made Lin Dong feel a chill enveloping his body, leaving him both amused and frustrated. He had originally thought that by revealing his relationship with Yun Lan, these two would at least show some restraint if not be satisfied—surely they wouldn’t dare to harbor murderous intent. Unexpectedly, they became even more aggressive, attacking without even a warning.

Lin Dong didn’t know whether to be upset about his low status as an inn owner or to marvel at Yun Lan’s popularity.

With a flash of blue light and two crisp sounds, the Blue Chen Sword returned to Yun Lan’s hands, glowing faintly blue. Mo Jianchen and the others stepped back a few paces, staring at Yun Lan in surprise.

“Sister Yun, your strength…”

Xue Qinghong was filled with delight. After being reminded, Mo Jianchen also showed joy: “Sister Yun, I couldn’t even see the shadow of the Blue Chen Sword just now. Have you made another breakthrough in your strength?”

Yun Lan nodded. “Third level of the Heart Reversal Phase!”

“Third level of the Heart Reversal Phase?”

The composure of these elite disciples from the great sects vanished entirely. Their pretenses as handsome men and beautiful women were swept away by the wind as they widened their eyes and gulped nervously.

Just over half a year ago, she had broken through to the ninth level of the Mind Phase and reached the first level of the Heart Reversal Phase. In less than a year since leaving the sect, she had already advanced two more levels?

Two levels—this was the Heart Reversal Phase, commonly known as the realm of the strong. For ordinary people, those who could enter a sect to learn from masters were all geniuses with extraordinary talent, one in a hundred. And among these one-in-a-hundred geniuses, only those carefully nurtured by the great sects could reach the Heart Reversal Phase during their lifetimes—people who were almost certainly destined to become sect elders.

In the eyes of these elite disciples, among those who reached the Heart Reversal Phase before the age of forty, at least five out of ten would eventually become the sect masters.

Even for these disciples with peak talent, qualified to become heirs to the great sects, it took ten to twenty years to advance from the first level to the third level of the Heart Reversal Phase.

Of course, there were also a very small number of people at the very pinnacle. Even at their peak, their number never exceeded twenty, sometimes just three or five. For them, reaching the Heart Reversal Phase before the age of thirty wasn’t difficult; the real challenge was how far they could go after breaking through that phase.

Both of them knew that Yun Lan’s talent was among those at the very pinnacle. Yet, to advance from the first level to the third level of the Heart Reversal Phase still required two to three years.

It really only takes over half a year to advance by two minor realms. At this pace, within ten years, Yun Lan will surely be able to break through the Heart Reversal Phase and reach the Heart Riding Phase—the ultimate state that even the greatest geniuses dream of but can hardly attain, becoming a peak warrior who can disregard all rules. The idea of a peak warrior at the age of thirty was simply unacceptable to them. Seeing the expressions on Mo Jianchen and Xue Qinghong’s faces, Yun Lan felt somewhat helpless—her cultivation speed was indeed absurdly high. After pondering for a moment, she explained, “I was able to advance by two minor realms in over half a year. One reason is the mutated Golden Armored Snake inner core I gave you two, and the other is that I accidentally obtained a few Blue Green Fruits and some other spiritual materials that aid cultivation.” Both of them breathed a sigh of relief. This was the kind of Yun Senior Sister who, though impressive, didn’t seem overly out of reach. If her talent were so high that even peak warriors couldn’t comprehend it, in their eyes, she would have already surpassed the unattainable limit. No matter how approachable she seemed, as mere ants, they no longer felt qualified to get close to her. “By the way, Yun Senior Sister, those advanced spiritual materials for cultivation…” Mo Jianchen looked at her with hope. Yun Lan hesitated for a moment before explaining, “I didn’t keep any. I picked them all and consumed them. Their maturity period is still hundreds or even thousands of years. I know an unconventional alchemist who is trying to develop a spirit medicine to accelerate their growth. If it fails, it might destroy these advanced spiritual materials. So, it’s best if you don’t mention this to the elders either.” The two quickly nodded. The Heavenly Sword Sect was originally an alchemy sect, so finding advanced spiritual materials outside would undoubtedly lead them to try every means to bring them back to the sect. If that happened, only the elite disciples of the next generation would benefit. In the eyes of these elite alchemy disciples, a spirit medicine to accelerate the growth of advanced spiritual materials was nothing but a joke. But since it was Yun Lan who said it, even if she claimed something absurd like trying to punch a hole in the sky, Mo Jianchen and Xue Qinghong would still believe there was a 50% chance of success without question. “Alright, if there’s nothing else, head back to the Heavenly Sword Sect soon.” To prevent more information about Lin Dong from leaking out, Yun Lan reluctantly gave them another order to leave. The two nodded, suddenly remembering they still had unfinished business, and turned their cold gazes toward Lin Dong once again.

The greater the potential benefits tied to Lin Dong, the more harm it would cause him if Mo Jianchen and the other person spilled the beans upon returning to the Tianjian Sect. Yun Lan originally didn’t want them to know too many of his secrets, but seeing their determined intent to harm him, she had no choice but to fabricate another false glory for Lin Dong: “Lin Dong is extremely lucky. He was the first to discover all the high-grade spiritual materials, the mutated golden-armored snakes, and the unique alchemists. It can be said that my ability to reach the third stage of the Heart Reversal Phase is largely thanks to him. With him around, it’s even possible that I could reach the fifth stage within a year.”

Lin Dong was speechless—he had become some kind of lucky kid.

The two of them stared at Lin Dong suspiciously, sizing him up from head to toe, still looking somewhat resentful.

Mo Jianchen hesitated, while Xue Qinghong spoke without hesitation: “Although he’s somewhat useful, Senior Sister Yun shouldn’t associate with such a person just for power. With her talent, she’s unmatched among her peers—there’s no need to pursue strength so desperately. If nothing else works, we can just give him more benefits.”

Yun Lan had no reply. Lin Dong sighed, took out his Ruyi Stool, and waved it at them. “Come on! If I don’t show you today, you’ll probably think that an inn owner isn’t qualified to be with Yun Lan.”

The two exchanged glances, seeing surprise in each other’s eyes, and then turned to look at Yun Lan nervously. If they agreed, this would be a clear chance to deal with this Lin owner. Although his luck could be quite helpful to Senior Sister Yun, they couldn’t kill him, but disfiguring him wouldn’t hurt.

As long as he was disfigured, if this Lin owner truly liked Senior Sister Yun, he would surely adjust his attitude. If not, they could secretly let him become the head steward in the palace.

Yun Lan glanced at Lin Dong and, seeing his determined expression, warned him, “Don’t use a strategy that costs you three times as much as it does the enemy.”

Lin Dong stretched his limbs a bit. Yun Lan’s words filled him with confidence. If he couldn’t fight two opponents alone, Yun Lan would never have agreed, let alone restrict his tactics.

Mo Jianchen and the other person weren’t greatly affected by these words. In their view, Senior Sister Yun was just worried about this Lin owner, fearing he might hurt himself in a desperate attempt to win. They were already full of confidence, so Yun Lan’s confirmation meant little to them.

Xue Qinghong raised her spiritual sword, hesitated for a moment, then looked at Mo Jianchen and murmured, “Senior Brother Mo, how about you fighting alone?”

Mo Jianchen was stunned. Seeing Xue Qinghong’s disappointed expression, he somewhat understood her thoughts.

This Sister Xue has always been sensitive to bloodshed. She wanted to kill Lin Dong just now; probably her mind went blank as she tried to protect Sister Yun’s interests. Now that she’s sobered up, she can’t bring herself to do it, and she’s afraid of being accused of trying to shirk responsibility later.

Gritting his teeth, Mo Jianchen took a breath and said casually, “Just him? I alone am enough.”

Xue Qinghong nodded eagerly.

With a twist of his wrist, the spirit sword began spinning in Mo Jianchen’s palm. As he stepped forward slowly, he moved toward Lin Dong.

“The sixth-tier spirit sword in my hand—your old bench surely can’t withstand it. To avoid you claiming I won unjustly, it’s better if you use the Golden Leaf Sword.”

Glancing at the spinning spirit sword, Lin Dong smiled indifferently, “It looks fancy and pretty, but its rotation speed is quite slow. It’s far inferior to the Spirit Stone Fan.”

“What?” Mo Jianchen was confused by these strange words.

Lin Dong ignored him and turned to Yun Lan, “You know, I’m used to targeting vital points.”

Yun Lan smiled bitterly, struggled for a moment, then nodded, “It’s good for a lesson.”

Lin Dong grinned.

“Sister…”

Mo Jianchen acted like a resentful wife. He couldn’t believe that despite their similar ages, he would lose to a tavern owner with his own strength. But those words were deeply hurtful—clearly, she didn’t take him seriously as her junior brother.

“Don’t think I don’t know what you two are planning,” Yun Lan said calmly. “A little lesson will help you change your habit of underestimating others.”

“Just him?” Mo Jianchen was puzzled. From the tone, it seemed like he was certain of defeat.

“Kid, if I can’t beat you and make you my brother-in-law, I’m not Lin Dong!”

Lin Dong didn’t dare overestimate himself, fearing they might become wary and team up to surround him. With a loud shout, he rushed at Mo Jianchen.

“Such fast speed?” Xue Qinghong was shocked.

As the target, Mo Jianchen was also terrified, but he didn’t panic. The spinning spirit sword stopped abruptly, and with a push of his legs, he flew back while slashing at the figure with his sword.

Lin Dong smiled leisurely, bent his legs slightly, and leaped into the air. In his left hand, the Golden Leaf Sword appeared silently.

With a slight shake, the sword sheath shot out, aiming straight at Mo Jianchen’s throat. A flash of golden light—seconds later, Lin Dong pushed with his palm, and the Golden Leaf Sword followed the sheath in a thrust.

Mo Jianchen was horrified. He swung his sword repeatedly, producing a clashing sound, until his racing heart finally stabilized.

“I underestimated you a bit, but your speed is fast, though your strength is far inferior.”

With another slash, the Golden Leaf Sword was also sent flying. Mo Jianchen raised his arm, pointing the sword tip at Lin Dong, waiting for him to charge over.
“Is that so?”
Ignoring the spiritual sword in Mo Jianchen’s hand, Lin Dong swung a bench at his head.
“Isn’t it?” Mo Jianchen sneered. In the blink of an eye, he decided to first break the bench and then take advantage of the situation to get close. If the distance between them was less than a meter, even his senior sister wouldn’t be able to rescue him in time.
He raised the spiritual sword and swung it at the bench. Just as Mo Jianchen waited for it to break, a shout came from behind: “Be careful behind you!”
A gust of wind rushed past his ears. Mo Jianchen was terrified. From the sound, he realized that the scabbard and blade of the Golden Leaf Sword, which should have been sent flying, were attacking from behind, in two separate attacks—one from above and one from below.
Disciples of major sects trained in combat skills every day while practicing their spiritual techniques, so without hesitation, Mo Jianchen twisted his arm. The spiritual sword in his palm, glowing with starlight, attacked both the scabbard and blade coming from above and below.
With several sharp sounds, as Lin Dong rushed forward, Mo Jianchen swung his sword again.
Clang!
This sword strike was as fast as lightning, arriving just in time—but the result exceeded Mo Jianchen’s expectations.
The sixth-tier spiritual sword only left a two- to three-centimeter-deep cut on the bench, failing to cut it in half easily.
“Be careful!”
Xue Qinghong’s warning came again.
Only then did Mo Jianchen realize that the scabbard and blade of the Golden Leaf Sword were attacking once more, like parasites clinging to his body. This time, the distance was much closer than before.
There was no time to defend. Mo Jianchen quickly turned his body to the right, trying to dodge, but his body suddenly refused to obey, as if an invisible rope was restraining him.
A strong wind blew, and Lin Dong swung the bench again, striking hard.
By the time Mo Jianchen broke free, the bench was already chasing after him, hitting the side of his head.
With a bang, Mo Jianchen flew backward, covered in blood. When his confused mind finally cleared a little, a tall figure stood in front of him.
“Call me brother-in-law!” Lin Dong said, raising his eyebrows slightly.
Mo Jianchen was stunned. With another bang, Lin Dong swung the bench without hesitation, hitting him on the head.
Mo Jianchen flew backward, groaning in pain. His head throbbed violently. When he looked up, the tall figure had already been waiting in front of him for a while.
“Call me brother-in-law!” Lin Dong said calmly.
Mo Jianchen snorted coldly, only to feel a sharp pain in his head as his body flew uncontrollably away.

“Nothing happens three times!” By the time Mo Jianchen opened his drowsy eyes and looked up, Lin Dong raised the bench in his hand.
Not willing to lose face, Mo Jianchen gritted his teeth, ready to say something fierce to save his dignity, but the bench in Lin Dong’s hand came down with a howling wind.
Mo Jianchen was shocked—this blow was clearly far more forceful than the previous ones. This was personal revenge; they wanted to kill him!
Sister Yun, please stop this at all costs…
The wind howled fiercely, the cold air growing intenser—one meter, ninety centimeters, eighty centimeters…
Mo Jianchen closed his eyes and gritted his teeth, shouting, “Brother-in-law!”
Whoosh…
The bench stopped just beside Mo Jianchen’s ear.
Lin Dong’s lips curled slightly. His control over weapons was getting stronger by the day.
Patting Mo Jianchen on the shoulder, Lin Dong said with a smile, “Good boy, Mo. Go bandage your head first. I’ll take care of the other one, and then I’ll give you something nice as a gift.”
Mo Jianchen’s face turned red; he didn’t dare open his eyes. Being so cowardly—if this got back to the Tianjian Sect, he’d never be able to lift his head again.
Lin Dong turned to look at Xue Qinghong, whose eyes were wide open and mouth so big it could hold an egg. With a motion of his left hand, the Golden Leaf Sword floating in midair slipped back into its sheath before returning to his palm.
“It’s your turn!”
“Sis… did you teach him the Tianjian Art?” After a long while, Xue Qinghong anxiously glanced at Yun Lan.
“The Tianjian Art isn’t that slow,” Yun Lan said calmly. “Similarly, it can’t control two spirit swords at once.”
Xue Qinghong thought about it and sighed in relief. That was good. If Sister Yun really intended to pass on the sect’s sacred technique to the next sect leader, it wouldn’t just be treason—it would undermine the very foundation of the Tianjian Sect. Even the sect leader wouldn’t be forgiven for such a grave crime.
Lin Dong stepped forward steadily. The Ruyi Bench, dripping with blood, made Xue Qinghong’s scalp tingle. She raised and lowered her spirit sword repeatedly, unable to bear watching Lin Dong get closer than five meters away. She anxiously said, “Stop! Don’t come any closer.”
Lin Dong said nothing and continued walking slowly forward.
Xue Qinghong turned to Yun Lan urgently, pleading, “Sister Yun, save me… We agreed it was just a competition. He shouldn’t be this cruel.”
“I’m not as cruel as you guys. I just wanted to teach you a lesson. I’m not like you, who already had murderous intentions,” Lin Dong said leisurely.
“Then… don’t hit my head,” Xue Qinghong said, retreating further. “Which man would be so cruel to a woman?”

“It depends! I’ve never practiced moves with a woman weaker than me before. If I can’t bring myself to hit her, I’ll try not to hit her head.”
Lin Dong’s steps staggered as he suddenly accelerated and shot forward.
Try not to hit the head? Remembering Mo Jianchen’s bloody state, Xue Qinghong couldn’t help covering her ears and shouting, “Brother-in-law!”
His rapidly moving body came to a stop. Seeing Xue Qinghong covering her ears and eyes tightly, Lin Dong was somewhat surprised. He had said those words intending to put psychological pressure on her to make fighting easier. Unexpectedly, just a few words were enough to shatter her confidence.
Don’t all disciples of major sects need to practice focus?
Mo Jianchen was under threat to his life, and since they weren’t mortal enemies anyway, it would be unjust for him to die so suddenly. Surrendering would be understandable. But Xue Qinghong’s tolerance was really unacceptable—worse even than that of street thugs.
At least street thugs wouldn’t cover their ears and close their eyes so tightly.
Lin Dong didn’t realize that disciples of major sects were also human. Most of them were ordinary people before joining the sect, and not everyone could endure the training methods used by the sects. Those who couldn’t bear it were almost always expelled. Of course, there were exceptions, and the conditions to become one weren’t too difficult—just having enough talent to make the sect elders reluctant to expel you.
Xue Qinghong was one such exception. Her talent ranked her firmly in the top ten among the talented younger disciples of Tianjian Sect. So, even though she lacked combat experience, her superior cultivation level allowed her to be trained as an elite disciple by Tianjian Sect.
Seeing this, Mo Jianchen, whose head was being bandaged by Yun Lan, couldn’t help but smile. It was better to suffer embarrassment together. Back at Tianjian Sect, no matter what, Sister Xue surely wouldn’t reveal what had happened today.
As for Sister Yun, there was no need to worry—she definitely wouldn’t spread such an embarrassing story about herself.
Given Xue Qinghong’s state, Lin Dong really had no interest in disciplining her. After considering the effects of the Golden Armored Snake Inner Core, he took out a water bag with only half the capacity from the mobile counter and handed it to Mo Jianchen.
“What?” Mo Jianchen stared in surprise.
“The mutated Golden Armored Snake Inner Core—its contents should represent the maximum effect. It should be enough to lift you to the late seventh stage of the Mental Realm,” Lin Dong said nonchalantly.
“An Inner Core? Just for me?”
Mo Jianchen’s eyes widened further, but he no longer had the confidence he had before.