The Legend of the Netherworld

Seeing that Lin Xiao was facing a conspiracy, Lin Jiao's heart tightened. She quickly formed seals and used the Water Shield Technique. A layer of crystal water curtain formed around Lin Xiao, perfectly blocking the flying stones and protecting Lin Xiao's safety.

"Are you okay?" Lin Jiao whispered in mid-air, her eyes filled with concern. Then, she cast the Wings of Fire spell, and a pair of fiery red wings suddenly sprouted from behind her, blazing flames illuminating her face. She soared into the air, soaring above the crowd, her aura as powerful as a rainbow, and declared domineeringly, "Let's see who dares to interfere with this battle!"

Among the crowd of onlookers, Li Qing, the senior brother of the Chan Yi Hall, sneered. He slowly stepped forward, his gaze as sharp as a knife. "It's not your turn to speak on matters concerning the Feng Shui Academy. Even you, Senior Brother Ye Xuan, have to call me Senior Brother in front of me. Today, I will meet you."

Before he finished speaking, Li Qing had already unleashed a Zen Palm move, and instantly a massive mountain-like air current rushed towards Lin Jiao. Lin Jiao's heart trembled, and she quickly dodged to the side, but the air current was like a flood and a beast, directly affecting her flight, causing her to be tossed in the air and almost losing her balance.

At this moment, Ye Xuan finally spoke, her voice clear and loud: "Senior Brother Li Qing, I just arrived and originally wanted to stop this fight, but after hearing what you just said, I want to ask Senior Brother Li Qing for advice today."

Li Qing showed disdain on his face and said coldly: "Okay, today I will teach the old ones a lesson first, and then the young ones." He was ready to go, and the atmosphere became tense in an instant.

At this moment, the onlookers turned their heads, excitedly focusing on the confrontation between Li Qing and Ye Xuan. Compared to the fight between Lin Xiao and Dao Yi, this upcoming duel was clearly more intriguing. Everyone was buzzing with anticipation, anticipating the peak showdown between these two Feng Shui Academy's strongest disciples.

Zhang Ning, who had been lurking in the shadows, had a glint of excitement in his eyes as he whispered, "I told you there would be something good happening today, but I didn't expect it to be this exciting."

Just as Li Qing and Ye Xuan were about to attack, the academy's headmaster appeared in the center. Upon seeing the headmaster, everyone immediately calmed down and saluted, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

The headmaster smiled faintly, his voice resonant like a bell: "Great, great! If you're all so belligerent, then in three months' time, at the academy martial arts competition, the opening match will be Ye Xuan versus Li Qing, and the second will be Lin Xiao versus Dao Yi. Don't let me down then, and everyone present here, go back to seclusion and practice."

The Sect Leader's words were like thunder, instantly stirring the crowd, anticipation and tension intertwined. As soon as he finished speaking, the Sect Leader disappeared from view, leaving behind a cacophony of discussion.

Li Qing turned around, a sneer on his lips: "Take advantage of these three months to practice hard, and don't lose the title of the number one disciple of Feng Shui Academy." After saying that, he strode away, leaving behind a determined back.

Ye Xuan followed immediately, with fighting spirit flashing in her eyes, and she was obviously looking forward to the upcoming martial arts competition.

At this time, Lin Jiao flew to Lin Xiao's side and asked with concern: "Lin Xiao, are you okay?" There was worry in her eyes.

Lin Xiao shook his head slightly, his eyes firm: "I'm fine, thanks to you."

Lin Jiao gently tore open Lin Xiao's torn robe, a wave of nervousness building within her. However, after a closer inspection, she found no wounds on his skin, unharmed. With a slight sigh of relief, she gently placed her hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat and breath, confirming that his internal organs were intact. Her worries gradually subsided, and a hint of tenderness appeared in her eyes.

"I'm glad you're okay." Lin Jiao smiled slightly, took Lin Xiao's hand, and walked towards the intersection of the back mountain.

Along the way, the Sutra Pagoda was deserted. After the Sect Leader finished speaking, everyone left. Lin Xiao couldn't help but ask, "Do you know who attacked me in secret?"

Lin Jiao shook her head, looking apologetic. "At the time, my attention was focused on your fight, and I didn't notice who attacked me."

"It's okay. You and I both need to be careful from now on." Lin Xiao said seriously.

"Yeah." Lin Jiao nodded, with a determined look in her eyes.

Lin Xiao raised a smug smile at the corner of his mouth: "Just now, I dodged one or two skills in the earth tornado. Isn't that amazing?"

Lin Jiao couldn't help but laugh, her eyes as gentle as water, and teased: "You guy, you are so proud of yourself."

The two chatted and laughed as they gradually reached the intersection of the back mountain. Lin Jiao put away her smile and said seriously, "You will be in seclusion for the next three months. Prepare well, because you will have to fight Daoyi again next time."

"Don't worry, I will beat him until he cries next time." Lin Xiao was full of heroic spirit, his fists clenched, and his expression was firm.

At this moment, Lin Jiao hugged Lin Xiao tightly, as if to absorb his strength. Lin Xiao also reached out to hug her and whispered, "Practice well."

Lin Jiao had something to say to Lin Xiao, but she hesitated. In the end, she just gently let go of his hand, smiled slightly, and turned to walk towards the sect leader's gate. Lin Xiao watched her figure gradually walk away, his heart filled with anticipation and reluctance.

Returning to the back mountain, Lin Xiao began to consolidate the Sword Formation Body Protection and Spirit Sword Slash techniques he had learned today in the Sutra Pagoda. Through actual combat with Daoyi, he found himself becoming increasingly proficient in these two sword techniques. As time passed, he became more and more devoted to his practice, only stopping in the late night and then turning to the Boundless Heart Sea Technique until dawn.

Lin Xiao felt that he still needed to practice a few more sword manuals, but the sect leader had ordered everyone to retreat and practice yesterday. If he were discovered leaving the mountain, he would be accused of violating the sect's rules. He pondered over how to reach the Sutra Pagoda without being discovered.

Suddenly, an idea struck him: "I can disguise myself as a maintenance disciple! Daoyi dug several large holes in the ground in front of the Sutra Pagoda yesterday. There will definitely be disciples here to fill them today. Why not disguise myself as a maintenance disciple?"

After making the decision, Lin Xiao quickly smeared mud on his face, picked up his shoulder pole and bucket, and headed towards the Sutra Library. Sure enough, when he arrived at the Sutra Library, he saw several disciples busy repairing it, and there was also a supervisor who was the manager of the Xuelin House.

Lin Xiao's heart tightened. Seeing that it was the steward of Xuelin House, he hurriedly tried to turn back. However, at this moment, the steward suddenly called out, "You, come here!"

Lin Xiao was shocked and thought, "It's over, have I been found out?" He turned around, pretended to be calm, and slowly walked towards the manager.