Chapter 12: Before Departure

Lin Yaoyang's face was ashen. He wished he could slap his idiotic son to death. He couldn't believe his son was so foolish. At such a crucial moment, he had let his desires cloud his judgment and shown mercy to Han Ruoxue. Originally, if Lin Beiyang had defeated Han Ruoxue, he would have secured a spot in the top two, thus gaining the opportunity to go to Tianyuan Palace for the assessment. Since Xiao Jijun had already been killed by Yang Lingchen, and Lin Beichen was knocked unconscious, only three of the five contestants remained. Now that Han Ruoxue had defeated Lin Beiyang, the top two spots were confirmed: Yang Lingchen and Han Ruoxue. "Next match, Lin Beiyang versus Yang Lingchen," Han Tianling announced. "I forfeit." Lin Beiyang immediately conceded. He knew he was no match for Yang Lingchen, and there was no point in continuing. "The final match: Yang Lingchen versus Han Ruoxue," Han Tianling stated. Hearing his name, Yang Lingchen leaped onto the stage. Han Ruoxue also stepped onto the platform. She had initially considered forfeiting, but realizing this was the Tianyuan Palace selection assessment, she worried that if she conceded directly, the Tianyuan Palace envoy might not accept her in the end, which would be a huge loss. "Yang Lingchen, we're just sparring. You won't go too hard on me, will you?" Han Ruoxue asked in a soft voice. Yang Lingchen had killed Xiao Jijun in two rounds and knocked out Lin Beichen, the top genius of Hanyuan City, with a single slap. Han Ruoxue was genuinely a little afraid he would be too rough with her. "Then return the money I spent on you before, and I'll consider going easy," Yang Lingchen said with a smile. "Are you even a man? Quibbling over such a small amount of money," Han Ruoxue retorted, annoyed. She couldn't believe how stingy Yang Lingchen had become. Not only had he taken back her Spirit Bloom Sword, but now he was even demanding money from her. "Whether I'm a man or not, you can come to my place tonight and find out," Yang Lingchen said, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips. "You scoundrel!" Han Ruoxue snapped, sending a palm strike towards Yang Lingchen. Facing Han Ruoxue's attack, Yang Lingchen kept his left hand behind his back, using only his right hand to easily block her. Of course, Yang Lingchen couldn't truly go hard on Han Ruoxue. After all, their families had been close for generations, and he and Han Ruoxue had grown up together. Dozens of moves passed in a flash. Han Ruoxue suddenly retreated, declaring, "Yang Lingchen, you win! But one day, I will definitely win it back." Yang Lingchen merely smiled at her words, saying nothing. Just then, Ling Yanyun stood up from the viewing platform. Her melodious voice echoed, "Both of you, prepare yourselves. Tomorrow, you will accompany us to Tianyuan Palace." As soon as Ling Yanyun finished speaking, her figure vanished. Soon after, Dongfang Jie also left the scene. Yang Lingchen returned to where the Yang family was gathered. At this moment, everyone in the Yang family was incredibly excited. If Yang Lingchen could join Tianyuan Palace, it meant the rise of the Yang family. Tianyuan Palace was a renowned top sect in the Northern Profound Domain. Even an outer disciple of Tianyuan Palace was not someone a mere small city lord could offend. The person with the darkest expression was Lin Yaoyang. Originally, one of his two sons was sure to get a chance at the Tianyuan Palace assessment. Who would have thought that his elder son would be knocked unconscious by Yang Lingchen, and his younger son, clouded by desire, would be defeated by Han Ruoxue? The thought filled Lin Yaoyang with rage. "Haha... Brother Daolin, you've hidden your true depths well! Nephew Lingchen's astonishing talent was kept perfectly under wraps by you." Just then, Han Tianling approached with Han Ruoxue. Yang Daolin cleared his throat and chuckled, "Ahem... Brother Tianling, Niece Ruoxue's talent is also quite impressive!" "Nephew Lingchen! Your uncle has a small request," Han Tianling said, a little embarrassed. "Please speak, Uncle Han," Yang Lingchen replied. He still held great respect for Han Tianling. "Now that both you and Ruoxue have passed the Tianyuan Palace selection assessment, and with your talent, your future achievements are limitless. If you both ultimately enter Tianyuan Palace, your uncle hopes you can help look after Ruoxue," Han Tianling said. "Don't worry, Uncle Han. We grew up together. If she ever needs help, as long as I can assist, I will do my best," Yang Lingchen promised. "Haha, with your words, your uncle is relieved," Han Tianling laughed. Han Ruoxue said nothing, only secretly glancing at Yang Lingchen. At this moment, she felt that Yang Lingchen was incredibly cunning. After all, the previous Yang Lingchen had been idle, constantly neglecting his duties, and his cultivation was pitifully low. Now, he had transformed into the top genius of Hanyuan City. *This scoundrel is too good at pretending! He's been pretending to be a good-for-nothing for so many years, despite being so strong,* Han Ruoxue thought to herself. After Yang Daolin and Han Tianling chatted for a few more moments, everyone dispersed. The group returned to the Yang family estate. Inside the Family Head's courtyard. "Chen'er, when you're out, try to keep a low profile. Use your head in everything you do. If you're not confident, never confront anyone head-on. If an unavoidable fight arises, either don't act, or if you do, leave no lingering problems for yourself," Yang Daolin advised. "Don't worry, Father. In this world, I'm the one who outsmarts others; no one can outsmart me. Once I become an inner disciple of Tianyuan Palace, I'll come back to see you," Yang Lingchen said. "Good. Go back and get some rest." For his son, who was about to leave, a ripple of reluctance flickered in Yang Daolin's eyes, but he quickly hid it. After all, his son had grown up and it was time for him to venture out. Returning to his own residence, Yang Lingchen fell into thought. He also felt a little reluctant to leave the Yang family, as this was where he had lived since childhood. Although Yang Lingchen had transmigrated, his soul had already merged with the previous Yang Lingchen, making them inseparable. The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Yang Lingchen woke up early and meticulously washed himself. Accompanied by Yang Daolin and the Yang family members, Yang Lingchen once again arrived at Hanyuan City's central plaza. Today, he wore a luxurious white brocade robe. His deep eyes and refined face carried a hint of handsomeness, a blend of charm and steadfastness. "Haha, Brother Daolin has arrived!" Han Tianling laughed. When the Yang family arrived at Hanyuan City's central plaza, the Han family had already gathered. Today, the Han family had also come in full force to see off Han Ruoxue. "Brother Tianling, you're quite early!" Yang Daolin chuckled. Just then, a massive profound vessel appeared in the distant sky, quickly descending and stopping over the central plaza. Ling Yanyun, her face veiled, emerged slowly, clad in a form-fitting long gown. "Come aboard, both of you! It's time to depart," Ling Yanyun said in a clear, cool voice. Yang Lingchen and Han Ruoxue each bid farewell to their families, then boarded the profound vessel.