The Unparalleled Sword Emperor Chapter 2729 - 2704: Invincible Beneath Wending

As the night deepened, Lin Bai departed from the Zhao Family estate, his steps leisurely as he traversed the streets of Black Water City.

Gazing upwards at the celestial expanse, Lin Bai then turned his attention to the cityscape sprawling beneath him.

Lin Ye maintained a silent vigil behind him, halting his pace whenever Lin Bai chose to pause.

Lin Bai mused aloud, "Lin Ye, have you not sensed the shift in Black Water City's atmosphere..."

Lin Ye appeared perplexed by his master's words, his gaze sweeping around uncertainly, a clear look of bewilderment on his face.

A soft chuckle escaped Lin Bai's lips. "This wind in Black Water City carries a potent scent of blood. A tempest of carnage is imminent!"

"However, my presence in Black Water City is merely transient; this coming bloodshed holds no connection to me, nor do I intend to be drawn into its vortex!"

"My resolve is firm; should none of the Eight Great Clans offer me the Houtu Divine Thunder Art, then I shall remain detached from this impending bloodbath!"

Lin Bai declared with unwavering conviction.

The Eight Great Clans of Black Water City wield considerable influence. Despite Lin Bai's nascent renown within the Fighting Arena and the city itself, his current cultivation was still insufficient. He was disinclined to sever all ties with these established powers.

After all, these clans possessed deep-seated influence and numerous cultivators at the Wending Realm within Black Water City. A complete rupture would bring Lin Bai no discernible advantages!

"Let us return and await word from the Tang Family!"

Lin Bai stated with composed detachment.

Thus, Lin Bai, accompanied by Lin Ye, made their way back to the Tang Family residence.

A tranquil night unfolded undisturbed.

As dawn broke the following day, Tang Yuezhi and Tangjing Xiu arrived together at Lin Bai's modest courtyard.

By this time, Fatty and Uncle Ban Ye had already departed from the Tang Family premises.

"Guest Official Lin Bai, are you present?"

Tangjing Xiu and Tang Yuezhi inquired softly just outside Lin Bai's courtyard gate.

Sensing their arrival, Lin Bai shook his head with a hint of resignation, rose, opened the door, and greeted them, "Patriarch Tang, Miss Tan!"

Lin Bai gestured for the pair to enter the courtyard.

At that moment, Lin Ye emerged from within the residence, positioning himself beside Lin Bai and observing Tangjing Xiu and Tang Yuezhi with a protective stance.

Upon noticing Lin Ye, Tangjing Xiu and Tang Yuezhi exchanged a startled glance, exclaiming with apprehension, "The Qian Family's Undefeated General, the Beast?"

Lin Bai clarified gently, "He is now known as Lin Ye. He is with me now and has no further affiliation with the Qian Family!"

Tangjing Xiu expressed his astonishment, "The Qian Family? They would actually permit the Beast, their veritable money tree, to depart their ranks?"

Lin Bai offered a wry smile. "Whether they consented or not is immaterial; I was determined to bring Lin Ye with me!"

"Patriarch Tang, Miss Tan, you have come today with a purpose, have you not? Regarding my resignation, Miss Tan should have already apprchended you, correct? When may I expect to depart from the Tang Family?"

Lin Bai inquired with calm directness.

Tangjing Xiu and Tang Yuezhi exchanged a knowing look before Tangjing Xiu responded with a smile, "Indeed, this matter is precisely why we are here. Guest Official Lin Bai, since your arrival at the Tang Family, we have endeavored to treat you with respect."

Lin Bai chuckled, "That is undeniable. While substantial benefits were scarce, you certainly did not mistreat me. Lin Mou is appreciative of your hospitality."

Tangjing Xiu, upon hearing this, smiled and continued, "Given Guest Official Lin Bai's desire to resign, our Tang Family will not attempt to compel your continued stay. However, before your departure, would you be amenable to assisting the Tang Family with a certain matter?"

Lin Bai laughed, "If this pertains to the Dragon City Battle, I must humbly decline. My current strength is insufficient to render meaningful aid to the Tang Family. I suggest seeking someone more capable for the task."

Tangjing Xiu chuckled, "Guest Official Lin Bai, you are far too modest. As the Sword Demon, whose renown now echoes throughout the Fighting Arena, your prowess has been acknowledged by every warrior in Black Water City!"

"How can you possibly assert that your strength is insignificant?"

Tangjing Xiu's laughter accompanied his words.

Lin Bai's expression shifted upon hearing this, realizing that Tangjing Xiu was fully aware of his true identity.

A flicker of surprise crossed Lin Bai's face, and with a silent smile, he remarked, "As expected, once one's unique movement technique is revealed, it invites endless complications. True peace becomes an elusive dream, day and night."

Tangjing Xiu inquired further, "Night? Has someone indeed disrupted Guest Official Lin Bai's rest?"

Lin Bai elaborated, "Last night, an Elder from the Zhao Family exerted pressure upon me, compelling my presence at their estate. They also extended an offer for me to serve as a Guest Official on their behalf."

"What!" Tangjing Xiu's eyes widened in considerable surprise.

What astonished Tangjing Xiu the most was the revelation that the Zhao Family had also discerned Lin Bai's identity.

Even more shocking to Tangjing Xiu was the implication that an Elder from the Zhao Family could infiltrate and depart the Tang Family's premises undetected.

This suggested not a deficiency in the Tang Family's security personnel, but rather the alarming possibility of an informant from the Zhao Family operating within their midst.

"Did you give your word?" Tangjing Xiu inquired with palpable nervousness.

Lin Bai offered a slight shake of his head in response.

Witnessing Lin Bai’s negative gesture, Tangjing Xiu’s countenance bloomed with delight. So long as Lin Bai hadn't committed to the Zhao Family, a glimmer of hope remained for the Tang Family.

Lin Bai continued, his tone direct, "Patriarch Tang, since you’ve brought it up, I shall be perfectly candid. I conveyed the very same sentiment to the Zhao Family last night!"

"In the upcoming Dragon City Battle, should you require my assistance, I have but a single stipulation: I desire the Houtu Divine Thunder Art!"

"Whichever of the Eight Great Clans proves capable of furnishing me with the ’Houtu Divine Thunder Art’, their cause I shall champion!"

Lin Bai declared in a measured voice.

"The Houtu Divine Thunder Art…" Tangjing Xiu’s expression tightened with a hint of anguish; Lin Bai’s demand was indeed a formidable obstacle!

Lin Bai chuckled, "Patriarch Tang, I comprehend your inner turmoil. I am also aware that by voicing this condition, I may appear presumptuous and overly proud."

"However, this is, after all, the Dragon City Battle of Black Water City, not a personal contest for me, Lin Bai. Therefore, if you are unable to provide the Houtu Divine Thunder Art, that would be even more agreeable, as it absolves me of the need to become involved!"

"After all, Patriarch Tang, as we are both privy to, should I intervene in the Dragon City Battle, and my efforts lead the Tang Family to secure the Commander Flag, it would inevitably incite the ire of the other seven clans."

"That, undoubtedly, would not be a propitious outcome."

"Consequently, for myself, participating in the Dragon City Battle is acceptable, but abstaining altogether presents the ideal scenario!"

Lin Bai articulated with a lighthearted laugh.

Patriarch Tang offered a subtle nod.

Reflecting on past Dragon City Battles, any guest officials engaged by the Eight Great Clans were invariably individuals of exceptionally formidable strength or of exceedingly noble lineage. Should any less prominent guest officials emerge as dark horses, once the Dragon City Battle concluded, these weaker figures would invariably become targets for the retaliatory actions of the other seven clans.

Tangjing Xiu posed the question with earnestness, "Is the Houtu Divine Thunder Art an absolute prerequisite?"

Lin Bai responded with a laugh, "Beyond the Houtu Divine Thunder Art, my desires are nil!"

Tangjing Xiu’s countenance grew somber, his gaze darting about with uncertainty. After a brief period of hesitation, he inquired, "Should our Tang Family succeed in procuring the Houtu Divine Thunder Art for you, what level of confidence do you possess in aiding us to claim the Commander Flag?"

Lin Bai emitted a soft chuckle, "Invincible below the Wending stage. Is that sufficient assurance?"

Upon hearing this declaration, Tangjing Xiu’s features brightened with elation, as though a decisive conclusion had been reached within his mind. Clenching his jaw, he pronounced, "Very well, Esteemed Guest Official Lin Bai, grant us a single day!"

"Within the span of one day, our Tang Family shall assuredly place the Houtu Divine Thunder Art into your possession!"

"We implore you, Guest Official Lin Bai, kindly await our fulfillment for this day. During this intervening period, we ask that you refrain from accepting any overtures from other clans!"

Lin Bai laughed, "Agreed. I shall grant the Tang Family one full day!"

Tangjing Xiu gave a slight nod, then, accompanied by Tang Yuezhi, turned and departed from Lin Bai’s courtyard.