When Qi Hao and Tian Ling’er had just gotten married, he appeared to treat her well on the surface.
But in truth, he had always been worried that Tian Ling’er’s cultivation would surpass his own.
So at first, he would constantly coax Tian Ling’er, often saying:
“Cultivation’s not that important. As the wife of Longshou Peak’s master, with me backing you up, there’s nothing to worry about.”
After hearing this kind of talk enough times, Tian Ling’er gradually lost her motivation to cultivate.
It wasn’t until Qi Hao revealed his true colors that, when Tian Ling’er tried to seriously pursue cultivation, he began to sabotage her at every turn.
Not only did he set up all sorts of obstacles in her path, but he also cut off her cultivation resources.
As a result, Tian Ling’er’s realm couldn’t break through for a long time, and her strength naturally never grew.
After Qi Hao died, Tian Ling’er was finally able to cultivate in peace, and her progress sped up significantly.
But the time wasted in her youth was simply too much. Even though she accelerated her pace later on, she only managed to break through to the Upper Purity Realm, and even within that realm, she wasn’t particularly outstanding.
But this life was different.
Tian Ling’er believed that, carrying the talent of her previous life, she was no worse than anyone else—she might even become a top-tier powerhouse.
In her heart, she swore silently.
‘In this life, I must protect Father and Mother, safeguard Dazhu Peak, and be with my beloved junior brother.’
Just as Tian Ling’er was focused on cultivating, Qi Hao arrived at Dazhu Peak ahead of her.
Tian Buyi was a bit surprised to see Qi Hao and didn’t understand why he had suddenly shown up.
Since Qi Hao’s last visit to Dazhu Peak, when he had informed them of the changes in the Seven Peaks Tournament rules, they hadn’t met again.
Tian Buyi figured Qi Hao might be here to deliver new information about the Seven Peaks Tournament, so he didn’t refuse his request for a meeting.
Just as he led Qi Hao to the Shoujing Hall and hadn’t yet had the chance to ask his purpose, a sudden whooshing sound came from outside Dazhu Peak.
Tian Buyi paused, looking toward the source of the sound.
When he saw who it was, his expression turned a bit odd—riding his sword over was none other than Longshou Peak’s genius disciple, Lin Jingyu.
Tian Buyi was full of confusion and couldn’t fathom why Lin Jingyu would come to Dazhu Peak at this time.
In this lifetime, after Lin Jingyu’s transmigration, he had already visited Dazhu Peak once with Qi Hao.
Back then, he’d even sparred with Tian Ling’er. To avoid altering the storyline, though he’d defeated her, he didn’t embarrass her too much.
Though Tian Buyi didn’t exactly like Lin Jingyu, seeing him arrive via sword flight still made him curious about his intentions.
Qi Hao, sensing Lin Jingyu’s aura, instantly had a terrible look on his face.
He knew perfectly well that Lin Jingyu was probably here to ruin his plans, and he was both anxious and furious.
Tian Buyi noticed the change in Qi Hao’s expression, his heart full of doubt.
The last time Qi Hao and Lin Jingyu had come together, Qi Hao had been all poise and politeness, treating Lin Jingyu with great care, the perfect picture of brotherly harmony.
But now, not only did Qi Hao seem to dislike Lin Jingyu, there was even a trace of cold hostility in his eyes.
Moreover, Tian Buyi faintly detected a trace of arrogance in Qi Hao’s eyes.
He couldn’t figure out where this arrogance came from and couldn’t help but feel even more displeased with him.
Just as he was pondering, Lin Jingyu had already arrived outside Dazhu Peak, calling out in a loud voice.
“Disciple of Longshou Peak, Lin Jingyu, requests an audience with Fourth Uncle Tian!”
Hearing this, Tian Buyi actually became more interested.
He was curious whether there truly was discord between Longshou Peak’s top disciple and its genius disciple—so that he could mock Cang Song during the Seven Peaks Tournament if needed;
He also wanted to see what sort of act the two of them were putting on, so he had no intention of refusing.
At this moment, Qi Hao panicked and quickly tried to dissuade him.
“Fourth Uncle Tian, my junior brother has become increasingly arrogant and disrespectful lately. With his cultivation growing, he no longer regards me, his senior brother. I fear his visit to Dazhu Peak harbors ill intent. It’s best not to see him!”
Hearing Qi Hao’s words only made Tian Buyi even more intrigued.
He directly ignored Qi Hao and shouted outside,
“Come in!”
Lin Jingyu was overjoyed when he heard this and respectfully gave a salute.
“Many thanks, Fourth Uncle Tian!”
Then he strode quickly into the Shoujing Hall.
The moment he laid eyes on Qi Hao, his gaze turned icy cold, filled with suppressed emotion, as if saying:
“Qi Hao, you didn’t expect me to come, did you? I won’t let your schemes succeed!”
Qi Hao didn’t back down either. He glared fiercely in return, his eyes radiating ruthlessness, as if saying:
“Then let’s see who’s more capable!”
Tian Buyi saw the eye contact between the two and became even more excited. He immediately transmitted a message to Su Ru, summoning her to watch the drama unfold.
Upon receiving the message, Su Ru’s curiosity was piqued, and she appeared in Shoujing Hall within moments.
Seeing Su Ru arrive, both Qi Hao and Lin Jingyu quickly bowed.
“Greetings, Aunt Su!”
Su Ru waved a hand to excuse the formality and swept her gaze over the two.
When she looked at Qi Hao, she didn’t notice any change—his cultivation was still at the Eighth Level of Jade Purity Realm.
But when she looked at Lin Jingyu, she couldn’t help but reveal a shocked expression.
“How is this possible?”
As it turned out, she had already sensed that Lin Jingyu’s cultivation had reached the Seventh Level of Jade Purity Realm!
Su Ru quickly transmitted a message to Tian Buyi.
“Buyi, look at Lin Jingyu’s cultivation—how did he reach the Seventh Level of Jade Purity Realm?”
Tian Buyi swept over with his spiritual sense and was equally stunned. He hurriedly replied via voice transmission.
“My dear, this boy’s talent is truly astounding! He joined alongside our seventh disciple, and at such a young age he’s already cultivated to this level—he’s nearly caught up to Qi Hao. Truly someone we can’t afford to underestimate!”
Lin Jingyu, noticing Tian Buyi and Su Ru repeatedly sizing him up, knew they had detected his cultivation.
Far from intending to conceal it, he was secretly pleased.
His purpose in coming to Dazhu Peak was precisely to display his talent—he wanted Tian Buyi and Su Ru to value him, laying the groundwork for his future plans.