The Legend of the Netherworld

Lin Xiao had originally planned to leave the top floor, but a feeling of resignation remained. He gritted his teeth and decided to try again. He moved, his aura suddenly focused on his fist, and with a "Dragon Shadow Fist" he blasted towards the barrier. However, the result this time was no different—the powerful rebound instantly sent Lin Xiao flying, sending him crashing to the ground.

The sweeping monk at the side took a look, smiled, and said helplessly: "It's up to you, it's up to you."

After saying that, he sat back on the pile of books nonchalantly, picked up the book in his hand and continued reading, as if he had no interest in all of Lin Xiao's actions.

Lin Xiao climbed up from the ground, snorted coldly, and continued to gather strength. This time, he channeled all his strength and kicked the barrier like a whirlwind. However, just like before, the barrier remained motionless, instead sending Lin Xiao flying once again.

After several fruitless attempts, Lin Xiao finally realized the impenetrable nature of this barrier. No matter how hard he tried, it was impossible to break it without his current realm. He gritted his teeth and finally gave up the idea of ​​forcing his way in.

Turning around and leaving, Lin Xiao went down to the fifth floor, intending to see what the dirty Taoist priest had prepared for him.

The air on the fifth floor was filled with a calming atmosphere. The surrounding bookshelves were filled with various scrolls and techniques, mainly focusing on internal cultivation and martial arts for physical cultivation. Lin Xiao was very clear in his mind that he already possessed the "Boundless Heart Sea Secret" taught by the Taoist Priest Zang. The techniques were sufficient, but his martial arts were still lacking.

A thought struck him, and he remembered how the Zang Daoist had fought with a sword, so he decided to visit the Sword Manual Pavilion. Lin Xiao browsed through several sword manuals along the way, finally stopping at a sword technique titled "Sword Light Slash." This sword technique focused on basic swordsmanship, focusing light at the tip of the sword to quickly slash the enemy, making it perfect for Lin Xiao's style of attacking with swiftness.

Without hesitation, Lin Xiao began diligently studying the sword manual, learning the formulas and techniques. Using his fingers as a sword, he focused on practicing each move within the Sutra Pagoda, following the diagrams in the manual. While his sword energy wasn't fully formed, each move and form had already taken shape. Lin Xiao's expression gradually grew focused, completely immersed in the world of swordsmanship.

Time passed quickly until evening, when the administrator of the Sutra Library came to remind us: "It's getting dark. Disciples are not allowed to stay in the Sutra Library at night. You should leave."

Lin Xiao nodded in thanks, but in his heart he had already memorized the formulas and moves of "Spirit Sword Slash" by heart. Although the regulations of the Sutra Pagoda prevented him from continuing to practice there, Lin Xiao was not worried. He could still continue his practice back in the thatched cottage in the back mountain.

Exiting the Sutra Repository, Lin Xiao slowly walked toward the back of the mountain. His figure gradually disappeared into the night. However, he didn't notice that behind him, two disciples from the Tianji Pavilion quietly appeared in the shadows of the Sutra Repository. They carefully hid in the shadows, their eyes fixed on Lin Xiao's back.

"That person seems to be Lin Xiao, who just came out of the Sutra Pagoda." One of them whispered.

The other person nodded, a sly smile on his face: "Hurry back and report to Senior Brother Zhang Ning."

The two left quickly and returned directly to Tianji Pavilion, and walked into Zhang Ning's room. They saw Zhang Ning sitting at the table with a leisurely expression.

"Big Brother, we met Lin Xiao at the Sutra Library Pagoda. He came out from the back mountain today, and judging by his appearance, he will definitely be at the Sutra Library Pagoda tomorrow."

After hearing this, Zhang Ning's eyes flashed with a calculating glint, and a cold smile curled up at the corner of his mouth: "Go tell Junior Brother Yu Sheng about this, and then let Junior Brother Dao Yi know as well. Remember, use hints, don't say it directly."

The two nodded in understanding: "Understood."

Zhang Ning waved his hand, his eyes full of conspiracy: "Tomorrow, let's go to the Sutra Pagoda and watch the show."

As night fell, Lin Xiao returned to the back mountain. The thatched cottage was completely peaceful. He ate a simple meal and then headed towards the cave where the dirty Taoist priest had once lived. Standing inside the cave, Lin Xiao took a deep breath, gently moved his fingers, and silently recited a mantra, unleashing his inner weapon, summoning the sword hidden within his body.

The blade gleamed coldly in the moonlight. Lin Xiao flicked his wrist, and began to practice the sword slashes in his mind. Sword energy overflowed, and the sword shadows were like lightning, waving through the air, emitting bursts of sharp air-piercing sounds. His figure became more and more determined in the moonlight, his footwork following him like a shadow, each move precise and accurate.

As time passed, Lin Xiao's body became increasingly flexible, and his control over his sword energy gradually reached a higher level. It wasn't until the middle of the night that he stopped practicing, sat cross-legged on the ground, and began to practice the "Boundless Heart Sea Sutra." The circulation of his internal energy allowed him to cultivate while simultaneously recovering his physical strength, achieving the dual effect of rest and cultivation.

The next morning, after breakfast, Lin Xiao returned to the mountain, refreshed and ready to head straight for the Sutra Repository. Today, he headed to the fifth floor again to continue his swordsmanship training. Upon arriving at the Sutra Repository, Lin Xiao failed to notice that two disciples were already waiting quietly in the distance. Upon seeing Lin Xiao enter, one of them quickly turned back to report, while the other continued to observe from the entrance.

Entering the fifth floor of the Sutra Library, Lin Xiao selected a new sword manual, "Sword Formation to Protect the Body." He had already mastered the "Spiritual Sword Slash" technique from yesterday, and all he needed now was continuous practice to refine the technique. So, using his fingers as swords, Lin Xiao continued to practice the techniques in "Sword Formation to Protect the Body," following the rhythmic movements of the sword energy.

"Sword Formation Protection" is a defensive sword technique based on sword energy, unleashing multiple sword shadows to form a sword formation, protecting the user from attack. Lin Xiao repeatedly practiced the techniques in the sword manual, gradually gaining a deeper understanding of the subtleties of this martial art.

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye it is already evening. Lin Xiao is immersed in the changes of the sword formation when the administrator of the Sutra Repository Pagoda suddenly reminds him again: "You are not allowed to stay in the pagoda at night. It's time for you to leave."

Lin Xiao had no choice but to stop practicing, thank him respectfully, and leave. He left the Sutra Pagoda, thinking about maybe going to Lin Jiao's place for a meal that evening. However, after taking a few steps, Lin Xiao suddenly felt an unusual aura.

He looked up and saw two people approaching him. The leader was none other than Yu Sheng from the Tianji Pavilion. Next to him stood a stranger with a fierce look between his brows.

Lin Xiao's heart trembled, knowing these two men were up to no good. His gaze swept over them, his expression remaining calm. Without hesitation, he unleashed his hidden weapon, silently chanting a mantra, and instantly summoned his sword. This time, his movements were fluid and natural, and he appeared to be a sharp and powerful presence.

Seeing this, Yu Sheng frowned slightly, secretly surprised: "This Lin Xiao can actually use the hidden weapon? This is a method of the Dingmao Realm or Jiayin Realm!"

Daoyi on the side sneered, not hiding his inner contempt at all: "A mere trifle, just pretentious." After that, he swung his arms violently and also used his hidden chemical weapon. With a shake of his hands, two huge hammers suddenly appeared in his hands. The hammer heads were heavy and flashed with cold light, showing extraordinary power.

Yu Sheng and Dao took a big step forward, and the three of them exchanged glances in the air.