Chapter 56: He Liang’s Wrath

He Lian narrowed his eyes slightly at these words and said, "Junior Brother Qi, you and I both know that only when it is both formed and unbroken can it be called sword energy. Qi Yan can barely condense a bit of sharpness, but he cannot sustain it, so it doesn't count."

"He does have talent. If he works harder for a while, he'll surely reach this realm. However, before him, there was already a disciple who could summon sword radiance at will. According to the requirements, the spot naturally goes to someone else."

"Junior Brother, I have matters to attend to, so I'll be leaving now."

Qi Lin hurriedly stepped to the side, blocking his path, and persisted, "Senior Brother, as far as I know, when this spot was allocated, the only requirement was to condense sword radiance—there was no mention of forming and sustaining it."

Blocked in his way, He Lian's gaze grew colder as he looked at Qi Lin.

Was Qi Lin really trying to exploit a loophole?

How could a sword cultivator not know that forming and sustaining is the fundamental requirement of sword radiance? If it's something that only appears by chance, fleeting and unsustainable, how could that possibly be called sword radiance? That would be a disgrace to any sword cultivator.

Qi Lin continued to plead on Qi Yan's behalf, "He has already managed to condense it. Sustaining it is only a matter of time. Besides, there are many disciples who can testify that Qi Yan achieved sword radiance before that female disciple did. So by rights, the spot should be his."

Hearing such laughable arguments, He Lian let out a cold laugh and called him by name, "Qi Lin, you're truly twisting words for your own gain, even to the point of discarding a sword cultivator's honor."

Qi Lin grew somewhat indignant, his voice tinged with coldness and anger. "Senior Brother, you mustn’t speak carelessly. I am only stating the facts."

It was true that he was acting out of personal interest in securing the spot for Qi Yan. Qi Yan was his blood brother, after all—his success would benefit both himself and their family. Still, his defense rested on facts: Qi Yan had indeed achieved what was required. He wasn't lying outright.

Seeing that persuasion was futile, Qi Lin took out a token shaped like a small sword and handed it to He Lian. "Senior Brother He, this is also the will of the Vice Hall Master."

Qi Lin's master was none other than Realman Ling Feng, Vice Hall Master of the Martial Law Hall and Vice Peak Lord of Frost Snow Peak.

In truth, Qi Yan's talent in both cultivation and the sword was decent. Thanks to Qi Lin's efforts, Realman Ling Feng had promised that if Qi Yan succeeded in laying his foundation, he would accept Qi Yan as a personal disciple.

Thus, Realman Ling Feng was merely lending a minor hand for a potential future disciple.

Seeing the token, He Lian did not take it. Instead, a surge of anger rose in his heart.

He wasn't upset at Qi Lin wielding authority to pressure him.

He was angry because Qi Yan was not a true sword cultivator of resolute spirit.

Opportunities such as this should be fought for with one's own merit, not left for an elder brother to secure. After classes, Qi Yan hadn't even shown himself to prove his worth before He Lian and the Martial Law Hall, nor had he claimed the spot openly and honorably.

Instead, he hid behind others, trying to seize what rightfully belonged to someone else.

Such a person, practicing the sword?

It was a disgrace to sword cultivators.

He Lian did not voice these thoughts, but his resolve was unshakable. As a sword cultivator, he would never do anything to compromise his heart of the sword.

Just as he was about to speak, a powerful presence appeared at the end of the corridor. The newcomer’s tone was warm, and he chuckled, "Nephew He, why let a trivial matter affect our harmony?"

Qi Lin bowed respectfully to the newcomer. "Master."

Realman Ling Feng gave Qi Lin a brief nod, then approached He Lian. His broad, square face wore a kind smile as he said,

"This time, for the sword debate at Myriad Sword Sect, a spot was specially allocated to the Swordsmanship Course. From the start, we set the criteria plainly: condensing sword radiance was the sole requirement."

"Qi Yan met this requirement. That is enough—why split hairs?"

He Lian, undaunted, gave a cold laugh, his tone sharp. "But the female disciple also condensed sword radiance, and hers was clear and sustained—obviously, she has mastered it. What of her?"

Realman Ling Feng showed no displeasure at He Lian's attitude. He replied matter-of-factly, "Was there not testimony that Qi Yan did it before her? Can she provide proof that she was earlier than he?"

He smiled faintly, like a kindly elder, but his words left no room for objection. "Then it’s settled. The spot goes to Qi Yan. Tomorrow, you will announce it again."

Seeing Realman Ling Feng’s determination, a chill flashed in He Lian’s eyes, and his heart grew cold.

What he said was not wrong: if the requirements were relaxed, Qi Yan could meet the standard.

But—

In He Lian’s heart, the girl who had silently and tirelessly practiced her sword was the best candidate…

He Lian suddenly drew a deep breath, flipped out the badge that marked his position as instructor, and placed it casually on the railing.

"If you insist on this change, I will no longer serve as instructor here. I may be powerless to change anything, but I cannot face that female disciple."

His voice was soft as a feather.

But his words weighed like a mountain.

Were he to announce with his own mouth that the spot had been reassigned to Qi Yan, his path of the heart would be utterly destroyed…

This would even become his inner demon.

Leaving the badge behind, He Lian's face was ashen as he strode away.

Realman Ling Feng frowned slightly at his resolute departure. He Lian had taught swordsmanship at the Martial Law Hall for many years, was highly respected, and had produced many excellent sword cultivators who held significant positions—and all of them greatly respected him. Such a man could not be easily moved or dismissed.

Raising his hand to block He Lian’s way, Realman Ling Feng spoke gently, "Nephew He, there is room for discussion. Don’t be angry. Please, take up your badge again."

He Lian gave a cold, mocking laugh. "What, have you given up?"

"And if the female disciple herself withdraws?" Realman Ling Feng probed.

"What does the realman intend? Threats? Compensation? Or an accident?" He Lian’s words were blunt and laced with scorn. "So long as the spot does not go to her, I resign as instructor. After all, I made a grave error in announcing the spot before—"

Fearing he might say something further out of line, Realman Ling Feng cut him off impatiently but kindly, "Enough, enough! No need for such words. We are only discussing with you. Since that is your wish, I shall not interfere further."

"Qi Lin, let’s go."

With that, Realman Ling Feng decisively left the Martial Law Hall with Qi Lin.

Once they were alone, Qi Lin apologized, "Master, I am ashamed to have caused you trouble."

By then, Realman Ling Feng’s kindly expression had vanished. He looked down from above and spoke coldly, "Since my intervention was fruitless, let the matter rest. There will be plenty of chances for your brother in the Sword Intent Course in the future."

"It’s just a minor spot. If he misses it, he misses it. Do not cause me further trouble—do you understand?"

His tone carried a clear warning.

He had stepped in only because Qi Lin was his personal disciple, giving Qi Yan a helping hand. If it didn’t work, so be it; Qi Yan wasn’t even his disciple yet, and who knew if he ever would be.

He had no intention of stirring up a mess for a mere outer disciple who hadn’t even entered his tutelage.

He hoped Qi Lin would understand this.

Qi Lin’s heart trembled, and he hurriedly replied, "I understand, Master."

After Realman Ling Feng left, Qi Lin immediately set off for Crane Call Mountain to find Qi Yan and inform him of the outcome. He comforted him, "Xiao Yan, there will be many more chances in the future. With your abilities, there will be plenty of opportunities ahead."

When Qi Yan heard that even Realman Ling Feng had failed, he was stunned in disbelief, then said bitterly, "But I can’t accept this! Big Brother, that spot was clearly mine—why should someone else take it? I’ve looked into that girl; she’s from a poor background, she could never..."

Qi Lin quickly interrupted with an apologetic tone and took his leave. "Xiao Yan, I have urgent matters from Master to attend to. Focus on your cultivation."

Once he left the courtyard, Qi Lin shook his head helplessly.

Qi Yan truly was a spoiled child.

For the sake of family ties and the prosperity of their clan, he could lend Qi Yan a hand. But he knew his limits—he would not do anything beyond his ability, nor would he, just because of Qi Yan’s unwillingness and impulsiveness, act foolishly…

As his master had implied, this matter was over.

However, after Qi Lin departed, Qi Yan clenched his fists, his unwillingness still burning.

Sometimes, the things that are just out of reach become the deepest obsessions.

"If no one can help me,"

"Then I’ll seize it for myself."