C7 Double Kill!(1)

"Enough!" Qin Hao, summoning strength from an unknown reserve, violently broke free from Qi Wei's grasp and retreated rapidly, putting dozens of steps between them.

Turning to Du Cheng, he declared, "Elder Du, I've been in seclusion for months, oblivious to the world. I'm here today to prove my worth. Just grant me a Recovery Pill, and I'm confident I can advance to the Inner Sect." With that, he released the full force of his cultivation—Qi Training Ninth Layer.

Envious glances from the Outer Sect disciples followed him. "He's reached the Qi Training Ninth Layer already? But wasn't he just at the Seventh Layer a few months ago?"

"His talent clearly runs deeper than we thought. With such prowess, he could easily rank in the top three of the Outer Sect."

Meanwhile, Ye Chen observed the scene with a steely gaze, Lin Xiuxiu and a middle-aged man at his side. "The kidnapper demanded a Recovery Pill," Lin Xiuxiu mused, her brow furrowed as her gaze briefly touched upon Lin Xiao's location. It all made sense—Qin Hao had orchestrated everything.

With Qin Hao now at the Qi Training Ninth Layer, it was clear he needed the Recovery Pill most, and Lin Xiao was his accomplice.

"You released poison to mislead me, not to harm me, using a mask to cover the trail I was following back to Qin Hao. Sadly for your master, he lacks wit—something I have in spades, as I saw through the ruse immediately," she said smartly.

Turning to the middle-aged man, she instructed, "Uncle Hei, keep an eye on Qin Hao. He's the one responsible for crippling Ye Chen."

Ye Chen's eyes flared with a vengeful light. "Is what the Miss says true?"

Uncle Hei nodded, committing Qin Hao's face to memory.

In the midst of the commotion, Qin Hao pointed accusingly at Qi Wei and thundered, "I won't forget this. You may have reached the Foundation Stage before me, but give me time, and I will surpass you. I'll make sure to repay today's humiliation!"

Qi Wei sneered, "And how do you propose to do that?"

"With this!" Qin Hao, no longer willing to conceal his power, had initially planned to reveal his spiritual root after joining the Inner Sect. But now, there was no need for secrecy.

Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!

A faint golden glow emanated from Qin Hao's entire body.

Indeed, it was a low-grade gold spiritual root!

"Just as I thought! I knew his talent wasn't ordinary. No wonder Elder Du holds him in such high regard—he possesses a spiritual root."

"It's frightening, really. To think he's been content in the Outer Sect for years, taking the ninth spot, cultivating in silence, unshakable as Mount Tai. His talent is clear, but it's his composure that truly sets him apart from us."

Envious glances were cast by a group of Outer Sect disciples.

It was rare to find someone with a spiritual root among them, and those who had one were usually already under an elder's wing.

With an air of superiority, Qin Hao declared, "Elder Du, if you ensure my safety, I'll become your disciple. In the Inner Sect, less than half possess a spiritual root. Many, like my fiancée Hsu Qingqing, lack one and have barely managed to reach the Foundation Stage. My talent is undeniable—you'd be foolish not to be intrigued. I assure you, I am destined to bring you even greater honor in the future."

Suddenly, Qi Wei sprang into action.

A single punch sent Qin Hao sprawling to the ground like a lifeless dog.

From his elevated position, Qi Wei looked down with an icy demeanor, his body radiating a verdant energy.

It was a wood spiritual root—medium grade!

"What makes you think you can surpass me?" Qi Wei asked, his voice dripping with disdain.

"You, you..."

Fuming, Qin Hao was at a loss for words. His display of the spiritual root was meant to compensate for his earlier failed bravado, but here he was, beaten down once more.

His opponent was merciless.

Qi Wei's spiritual root had utterly crushed him, obliterating any hope for his future without a trace of pity.

"You may be a formidable talent from another sect, but my status protects me. You can't lay a finger on me."

Turning to Du Cheng, Qin Hao insisted, "Elder Du, you know I'm speaking the truth. Finding disciples with spiritual roots is a daunting task these days. Who else in the Outer Sect could you possibly turn to but me?"

His words incited rage among the Outer Sect disciples, yet they hung their heads in embarrassed silence.

The quest for a spiritual root was indeed a daunting one.

"If you don't believe me, I'll just grab someone at random to prove it." Qin Hao gestured toward Lin Xiao: "You, come here and demonstrate your talent to everyone present."

"Enough, Qin Hao," came a sharp rebuke. "Lin Xiao has been loyally serving you, and yet you mock him publicly, using him as your stepping stone and making him lose face. Do you find that amusing?"

The voice belonged to Hsu Qingqing, who approached with Xiaodie in tow.

Seeing her, Qin Hao rushed over, his excitement palpable. "Qingqing, I'm so glad you're here. Today, someone attacked me unprovoked. He even boasted that he couldn't defeat you. Please, help me get back at him. I swear, once I've achieved the Foundation Stage, I'll protect you forever."

"Senior Brother Qi, I've told you before, we had nothing to do with it," Hsu Qingqing said, her brow furrowed.

"It was you. You or Xiaodie could be the killer of my junior brother," Qi Wei accused angrily.

Hsu Qingqing, tired of defending herself, simply produced a letter.

The handwriting within was icy cold.

The elder of the Heavenly Sword Sect grimaced upon reading it. "This is a letter from Fairy Leng. She vouches for Hsu Qingqing's innocence, confirming that Qingqing has recounted the entire incident to her in detail."

"Elder, are we just going to drop the matter? Elder Xiao Xuan won't let this slide if he finds out," Qi Wei expressed his concern.

"We'll return for now. Fairy Leng is not to be trifled with. Even Xiao Xuan would think twice before crossing her," the elder said with a significant glance at Hsu Qingqing before quickly departing with Qi Wei.

This woman was formidable, securing the full backing of Fairy Leng.

Meanwhile, Qin Hao glared at Lin Xiao, his eyes issuing a silent threat. "I ordered you to showcase your talent! Remember your place, you cur. Don't forget who your master is! Show me any more disrespect, and I'll end you right here!"

With Qi Wei gone and his pride wounded, he needed to assert his dominance over someone.

"Qin Hao!" Hsu Qingqing interjected, her voice filled with indignation for Lin Xiao's unappreciated devotion. "For years, he's been your faithful messenger, diligently protecting me and attending to my needs on your behalf. He even fought on your behalf, spilling my milk in the process. Can't you see how much he's sacrificed? I've dealt with Senior Brother Qi, and that's why I've only just stepped in. I admit, today's events have caused you embarrassment, and for that, I apologize. But please, don't mistreat someone who has been nothing but loyal to you."

"What?! He actually knocked over your milk pot? Doesn't he realize that milk is essential for your survival?"

Qin Hao's rage ignited upon hearing this. "Lin Xiao, get over here this instant!"

"You weren't aware of the milk pot incident?" Hsu Qingqing asked, her brow furrowed.

Qin Hao shook his head, offering a sheepish grin. "Qingqing, please, don't be upset. It's my fault for not keeping a tighter rein on my people. I never imagined this kid would be so brazen as to lay a hand on your milk pot. I'll take care of him right away. You have nothing to fear."

"How could this happen..."

Hsu Qingqing was so astonished she found herself at a loss for words.

Qin Hao mistook her shock for anger and grew even more incensed.

After being thrashed twice by Qi Wei today, he was desperate for an outlet for his frustration.

Clearly, Lin Xiao was his chosen target.

He hoped that by giving Lin Xiao a beating, he could salvage some dignity and perhaps even curry favor with his goddess.

Impatience gnawing at him, Qin Hao repeated his command, but Lin Xiao remained motionless, utterly disregarding him. "I told you to come here. What are you, dead? Can't you hear me? Get over here and show off your talent!"

Thump! Thump! Thump!

Lin Xiao finally moved. Qin Hao's smile broadened with satisfaction. "Good, a well-behaved lackey. As long as you do as you're told, I won't kill you—not today, anyway. I'll just give you a good thrashing. If you take it well, I might let you stick around a bit longer, so I can have the pleasure of tormenting you again."

Before long, Lin Xiao stood before Qin Hao.

All around, heads shook and sighs were heard.

Poor Lin Xiao, reduced to a dog, slaving away for his master, only to end up as the outlet for his master's rage.

"Lin Xiao, stay strong. It's a blessing in disguise to be disciplined by Senior Brother Qin," Lee Si cackled nearby, relieved it wasn't him on the receiving end.

Why did Lin Xiao have to be so kind, so meek? If told to go east, he wouldn't dare consider going west.

"Poor guy. Oh, what a shame..."

Suddenly, a voice emerged beside Lin Xiuxiu, startling her.