One Person: Revitalize the Sword Sect, Start with the Sword Challenge of the Ten Lords

"That being said, poisoning..." Before Wang Ai could finish his words, Lu Ci interrupted him.

"Poison? Ha, Wang Ai, when did you become so soft-hearted? Poisoning can not only go unnoticed, but also keep us out of trouble. Why not do it?" A hint of ruthlessness flashed in Lu Ci's eyes.

Wang Ai was silent for a moment, then he sighed, "Forget it, I'll follow Brother Lu's plan. But this must be done cleanly and neatly, without leaving any evidence behind."

"Don't worry, leave everything to me." Lu Ci stood up confidently and patted Wang Ai on the shoulder. "With the Wang and Lu families joining forces, what can't we do? Once Ye Lin is eliminated, there will be no more obstacles in this world."

The two smiled at each other, as if they had seen the dawn of victory.

Outside the secret room, it was still dark, but an undercurrent was quietly surging.

---

At the same time, Ye Lin was sitting alone in a tavern in a remote town, sipping light wine one glass after another. Surrounded by all kinds of people, the sounds of talking, laughing, and playing rock-paper-scissors were heard one after another, making it very lively.

"Brother Ye, looking at your expression, it seems that you have something on your mind?" A gentle voice sounded in his ears, followed by a middle-aged man with a full beard but unusually bright eyes.

Ye Lin smiled slightly and looked up at the visitor: "Boss Li, what kind of stories can't you hear in your tavern? I was just thinking that people can never escape the control of fate."

Boss Li shook his head and pulled over a stool to sit down. "Fate? Brother Ye, I don't believe in that. In my opinion, the road is one you forge yourself. Whether it's a thorny or smooth road, the key lies in the choice you make."

Ye Lin raised his eyebrows, raised his glass, and clinked it with Boss Li's. "Well said. Come, let's drink to the fact that we can all live according to our own wishes!"

Just as the two were chatting, the door of the tavern was gently pushed open, and a traveler in black walked in quietly. After looking around the store, his eyes fixed on Ye Lin, and a barely perceptible light flashed in his eyes.

"It seems that the moonlight tonight is more than just a testimony of friendship." Ye Lin whispered, with a meaningful smile on his lips.

"Ye Lin, someone is looking for you." Boss Li reminded in a low voice, with a hint of worry in his eyes.

Ye Lin nodded slightly, put down his glass, stood up and walked towards the man in black. The two of them started talking in a low voice in a corner of the tavern. As the conversation deepened, Ye Lin's expression gradually became solemn, but there was a determination in his eyes that could not be ignored.

"Interesting, it's getting more and more interesting." Ye Lin said in a low voice, turned away from the man in black, and returned to Boss Li.

"Brother Ye, is everything okay?" Boss Li asked with concern.

Ye Lin smiled, with the calmness that comes from someone who has experienced many hardships. "Don't worry, Boss Li. However, I'm afraid this journey will become even more exciting."

Inside the pub, the conversation gradually died down as the night deepened.

Ye Lin took a last look at the night sky outside the window. The stars were shining brightly, as if foreshadowing the coming storm.

......

Ye Lin walked out of the tavern. The night breeze was a bit cool, yet unusually refreshing. His steps were steady, as if he was ready to face any unknown challenge.

After passing through several narrow alleys, he finally came to the entrance of a hidden mountain path.

The mountain road was rugged, but Ye Lin took every step with unwavering determination, as if he were stepping over the shadow of his past. Soon, the mountain gate came into view. It was simple and solemn, with two stone lions standing guard beside it, exuding an aura of majesty without anger.

As soon as he entered the mountain gate, a clear bell rang out, echoing in the valley, as if welcoming his return. A smile appeared on Ye Lin's lips, and he quickened his pace.

"Brother Ye Lin!" A clear voice called out, breaking the silence of the forest. A young man in a green shirt and with a childish face jumped out from the side of the road, his face full of surprise. "You're finally back!"

Ye Lin stopped and cast a gentle gaze upon the young man. This was his youngest fellow apprentice, Lin Yi. "Lin Yi, don't tell me you've been slacking off again?" He deliberately put on a stern face, but his eyes were filled with unconcealed fondness.

Lin Yi chuckled and quickly waved his hands in denial: "How could that be? I practice diligently every day according to Master's teachings, and I'm just waiting for you to come back and compete with me!"

The two talked as they walked, and along the way, fellow disciples kept greeting Ye Lin, their words full of respect and joy.

Ye Lin responded one by one, and a warm feeling surged in his heart.

......

The sunlight filtered through the treetops, casting dappled shadows on the winding mountain path. Ye Lin and Longhu Mountain disciple Lin Yi were chatting and laughing, enjoying the long-lost bond of brotherhood.

Suddenly, a burst of hurried footsteps accompanied by some panting approached, interrupting their chat.

"Senior Ye Lin, please accept me as your disciple!" A young man with slightly messy clothes but a firm gaze almost rushed to Ye Lin. His knees softened and he knelt on the ground, his hands raised above his head, tightly holding a yellowed ancient book in his hands, which was the symbol of his identity as a disciple of the Tianshi Mansion.

The disciples who were practicing or walking around heard the noise and came over, watching the scene with curiosity and shock. Although competition was fierce within the Tianshi Mansion, such a direct and high-profile request to become a disciple was rare.

Lin Yi blinked his eyes and whispered in Ye Lin's ear, "This is the new genius disciple Zhang Mingyuan. It is said that his cultivation has made great progress and he has become very famous in the mansion recently."

Ye Lin leaned slightly to the side, his gaze inquiring as he examined Zhang Mingyuan, who was kneeling on the ground. Though young, his expression revealed a composure and determination beyond his years. "Zhang Mingyuan, stand up and speak. Why do you want to be my disciple? The Tianshi Mansion is filled with experts; you should have better choices."

Zhang Mingyuan raised his head, his eyes determined. "Senior Ye Lin, I've long heard of your deeds. Your kindness and strength are the pinnacles that younger generations like me aspire to. I'm willing to follow you, to learn not only your magic skills, but also your care and protection for the weak."

Ye Lin's heart trembled slightly after hearing this, but he remained calm. "Zhang Mingyuan, I admire your ambition. But becoming a master and disciple isn't just about momentary enthusiasm. You need a true mentor, not just a master in name only. I suggest you return and continue your cultivation. When the time is right, you'll find the mentor who's most suitable for you."

Before he finished speaking, the disciples who were just watching seemed to be moved by Zhang Mingyuan's sincerity. They all knelt on the ground and said in unison: "Senior Ye Lin, please give us some guidance. We are willing to follow you!"

Facing this situation, Ye Lin's eyes flashed with complexity. He was well aware of the burden on his shoulders and the challenges he might face in the future.

"Everyone, I appreciate your enthusiasm. However, everyone's path to growth is unique, and blindly following others is unwise. Cultivation lies in the heart, but even more so in action. I will remember what happened today, but even more, I hope to see you shine on your own paths."