There were nine copper skin puppets in the practice room, each corresponding to the nine layers of the True Martial stage.
It was worth mentioning that copper skin puppets were different from the aeth testing stone. The stone measured a cultivator’s aeth power, while the puppets were used to measure a cultivator’s martial power.
It was quite simple: a cultivator with a certain level of aeth power might not be able to exhibit a matching level of battle power. The reason behind this was usually related to a cultivator’s martial arts, martial understanding, and mastery.
After all, cultivation was merely a power source in battle and martial arts were needed to properly bring out a fighter's power.
Lin Xun walked to a True Martial sixth layer copper skin puppet and lightly tapped its chest.
The puppet buzzed and its eyes flashed red as if awakening from slumber and every inch of its body glowed.
Lin Xin took a deep breath as all of his muscles contracted like highly compacted steel threads. Power gathered in his body, surging through his spine as it roared throughout his body like a dragon.
At this moment, Lin Xun’s breath felt like a brewing thunderstorm, ready to unleash its unstoppable wrath!
Rumble!
His right arm suddenly shot forward like lightning and grabbed the puppet’s wrist. The long accumulated power poured out like a tsunami, creating a terrifying rippling force!
It was one of the Joint Disruption Art’s moves that could instantly dislocate an opponent’s joint and scatter their power, rendering them incapable of combat. If sufficient force was released, it could even shatter the target’s inner organs and instantly kill them!
Boom!
The full-powered blow of the True Martial sixth layer stage struck the copper skin puppet, causing it to explode as if it was as weak as paper. Broken parts fell to the ground, leaving a single arm in Lin Xun’s hand.
Lin Xun was stunned by this scene. Isn’t it a little too weak?
Lin Xun had originally estimated that his physical power alone was enough to go toe to toe with a True Martial sixth layer cultivator.
After all, he had been entering the Omega Secret-Realm to attempt the trial every three days. Although every try ultimately ended in failure, it greatly strengthened his physique.
Even Xia Zhi had remarked that Lin Xun’s physique tempering progress was far swifter than his aeth power cultivation.
However, Lin Xun had not expected a single blow would shatter a True Martial sixth layer stage copper skin puppet.
Although it was merely a measure of martial power, the resulting power from his physique combined with the Joint Disruption Art had exceeded his expectations.
After some thinking, Lin Xun walked to another copper skin puppet. It was a True Martial seventh layer puppet this time.
He changed his approach and threw a simple punch, using the most basic move.
Thud!
The copper skin puppet was blown away, a clear fist imprint on its now caved-in chest.
At the same time, a voice sounded from the puppet with a ding, “Congratulations customer, your martial power can threaten a True Martial seventh layer expert!”
Lin Xun stared at his fist in thought for a long time before turning around and walking out of the room.
However, because he had destroyed a copper skin puppet, he had no choice but to compensate the hall a hundred copper coins.
Although Lin Xun had become quite rich, a hundred copper coins was still a substantial expenditure, making him curse in silence. If he had known, he would have gone straight to the True Martial seventh layer puppet instead!
Despite this, Lin Xun was quite pleased to find out that his physique power could threaten a True Martial seventh layer expert.
Of course, this was merely a measurement of force and real combat was a completely different ball game. A cultivator’s battle experience, equipment, combat arts were important factors which would affect the fight.
“My aeth power is around 4900 catties, which is comparable to a peak True Martial eighth layer cultivator. While my physique power can threaten a True Martial seventh layer cultivator. As long as I continue to train, there might be surprising benefits when I advance to the Spirit Dipper stage.”
Lin Xun walked out of Donglin Martial Training Hall, evaluating his overall power as he rushed home.
The district exam was tomorrow and he was not in the mood for any leisurely strolls.
When Lin Xun arrived at the 49th residence, he heard people cursing inside.
“How horrible! I’m the Donglin City Xue Clan Martial Dojo’s young master. How dare you bully me! You’re asking for death!”
“Quickly release us!”
“Just wait, you’re already in big trouble. No one in Donglin City can save you!”
Lin Xun raised his brows and pushed the door open. He immediately saw a dozen youths dressed in luxurious clothes tied up on the ground. Their faces had been beaten black and blue and their hair was messily scattered, displaying miserable appearances.
Xia Zhi was seated at the center of the courtyard. She was silently reading a book as if she was unable to hear the threats.
Fatty Diao and Beanpole Ma were also standing by the side. However, they had agonized expressions as if they were mulling over a difficult problem.
“What’s going on?” Lin Xun frowned.
“You two tell him. I’m tired and am going to sleep.” After instructing the fatty and beanpole duo, Xia Zhi closed the book and walked into the house.
Lin Xun glanced at Fatty Diao. He immediately approached and worriedly explained everything.
It turned out that not long after Lin Xun left in the morning, these dozen youths came knocking, claiming they were from Donglin Academy. They had heard from somewhere that Lin Xun was an amazing fighter and wouldn’t stop yammering about wanting to spar with him to see who was better.
Xia Zhi originally wanted to ignore them but who could have expected that they would not relent and instead turn to verbal humiliation and name-calling. In the end, they managed to anger Xia Zhi, who swiftly began to teach them their place.
If Fatty Diao and Beanpole Ma had not rushed over in time, Xia Zhi would have probably killed the Donglin Academy students.
Lin Xun’s eyes narrowed upon hearing about what had transpired. The district exam was tomorrow and a dozen Donglin Academy students had come all the way to his house to challenge him. This affair seemed fishy.
Could it be some kind of scheme?
Lin Xun recalled Lian Fei, who was hiding in Donglin Academy. Lin Xun was certain that even if it wasn’t Lian Fei’s idea, it definitely had something to do with him!
“You’re Lin Xun? Quickly release us! The consequences are not something a brat from the countryside like you can bear!”
“Release me from these bindings!”
At Lin Xun’s return, not only did the dozen Donglin Academy students not cease their cursing, they instead grew increasingly bold and arrogant. Curses endlessly flew from their mouths as if they were unafraid that Lin Xun would dare to touch them.
Iciness flashed in Lin Xun’s eyes. A dazzling smile rose from the corners of his lips as he walked over.
“Please calm your anger, Boss!” Fatty Diao hastily followed and cautioned in an anxious voice, “We’ve already done a background check. These people might seem to be Donglin Academy students, but they also have other identities. Nearly all of them are pampered young masters of various factions and clans in Donglin City. If such people are killed, endless trouble will follow.”
“Mm.” Lin Xun was silent.
Upon seeing this, youngsters grew even more fearless and pleased with themselves.
“Oh? Are you scared now? I knew you wouldn’t dare to do anything to us!”
“Humph! You ignorant trash, what are you still standing around for. Hurry up and untie this Young Master!”
The youngest among the group was only twelve, while the eldest was not even fifteen. Each one was extremely arrogant and had clearly never experienced any difficulties. It was clear that all of them had been spoiled.
Smiling, Lin Xun walked forward and squatted in front of one of them, “Who sent you?”
“What a joke! Who dares in Donglin City dares to command this Young Master? You’d better stop with the nonsense. If you don’t release us, there will be endless problems for you in the future!”
The youngster raised his head like a proud little rooster. However, his swollen pig-like face and black eyes made him look rather comical.
Piak!
Lin Xun slapped the boy, eliciting a scream before his head fell to the side, now unconscious.
This scene made the group turn rigid. They never imagined that Lin Xun would dare to use violence at this juncture.
Was he not afraid of their vengeance?
“Boss, this…this…” Fatty Diao and Beanpole Ma were taken aback.
“This guy’s foul mouth is filled with bullshit. He’s really lacking in manners.” Lin Xun shook his head as if it was a small matter.
Still smiling, he turned towards another youngster, “You there, tell me who sent you guys.”
The youngster was clearly scared by Lin Xun’s methods and fearfully answered, “We…we really came by our own will. I’m definitely not lying!”
Lin Xun frowned and looked towards the other youngsters, only to find that they all had the same terrified faces. He knew that pampered young masters like them, who had never experienced any difficulties, were not likely to lie.
From their expressions, he could see that they could not even hide their emotions. It would be high praise to even say that they wore their hearts on their sleeves.
Lin Xun stood up and thought for a while. He then turned around, called over Fatty Diao and Beanpole Ma and asked in a low voice, “Call some of your subordinates over later and bring these people to Donglin Academy’s doorstep.”
Fatty Diao gasped, “This is a big no-no! If the matter grows too big, the consequences will be unthinkable!”
Lin Xun’s friendly face was full of smiles as he unhurriedly said, “We have to make it as big as we can. If we let them go just like this, uncountable troubles will follow.”
He thoughtfully stroked his chin and said, “At that time, I need you guys to help act out a little play. If we don’t manage to kick up a big enough fuss until the whole city knows, there will no longer be any peace in the future.”
From Lin Xun’s serious appearance, Fatty Xiao and Beanpole Ma finally realized that their Chopstick Gang Boss wasn’t joking!
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