Although Han Xiangjun’s words made him feel a bit complicated, Lin Dongming still maintained a proper demeanor on the surface.
He said, “Senior Sister Han, you’ve misunderstood.”
“I was just casually chatting with Junior Sister. There’s nothing else.”
“Is that so?”
Han Xiangjun’s resentment was still strong.
“I thought Junior Brother Lin was such a dashing gentleman.”
The Junior Sister also looked a bit unhappy, but Lin Dongming just patted her on the head.
Having been Han Xiangjun’s lapdog for several years, Lin Dongming knew she was just anxious.
Her opponent today was a cultivator ranked third in Wenxin Tianzong, but their strength was about the same as hers.
The gap between the second and third in Wenxin Tianzong wasn’t that big.
But if Han Xiangjun lost to the second place, it would be fine; losing to the third meant she’d get a harsh scolding from the Master Elder.
On top of that, she’d had a smooth life so far but had been frequently upset lately, so seeing Lin Dongming naturally made her even angrier.
As for Junior Sister, she was just an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire.
“Don’t be nervous, Senior Sister Han.”
Lin Dongming said.
“I heard that Senior Sister Ling Shuang, the third in Wenxin Tianzong, is quite skilled in formations, but her reaction speed in duels is lacking.”
“If Senior Sister Han gathers spiritual power before entering the stage and aims for a quick victory, not giving the opponent any breathing room, your chances of winning will be much higher.”
Han Xiangjun wasn’t stupid; she quickly grasped the key point.
Moreover, the Tianjian Seven Absolutes itself favored swift and decisive battles—clearly, Lin Dongming had considered her situation.
“Hmph! I would have done that without your advice anyway.”
Han Xiangjun’s tone softened considerably.
“But I’ll thank you anyway.”
***
Hmph! See, you still like me!
You even researched my matches so seriously—why do you spend all day with White Zhiqing?
***
Han Xiangjun couldn’t understand.
But in reality, Lin Dongming had initially investigated for White Zhiqing’s sake; it was just that White Zhiqing didn’t get selected in the end.
Among the younger disciples, Yuan Jianyi was undisputedly first, Han Xiangjun was barely second, and third place was hotly contested.
Some said it was White Zhiqing, others said Song Yumian, and several candidates vied for the spot.
It was just like Lin Dongming’s previous life at university—two claimed to be first, four or five claimed third, and dozens claimed to be in the top ten.
***
That night, he also chased after me out of concern and got hit by Lei Gang, didn’t he?
I wonder if he’s hurt.
I’ll find a chance to give him some pills later.
***
“Of course.”
Lin Dongming smiled helplessly.
“I’m just talkative and like to show off. Senior Sister Han, please don’t mind me.”
Then, Lin Dongming lowered his voice.
“If the opponent has one or two spare scrolls or formations hidden, Senior Sister Han, you should break through with force—even if you have to push through, never lose your momentum. The Tianjian Seven Absolutes values unstoppable force.”
“I don’t need your reminder for that.”
Han Xiangjun’s agitation seemed much less.
“Alright, Junior Sister Han, Junior Brother Lin isn’t a playboy. Don’t make things difficult for him.”
A familiar voice came over.
Lin Dongming didn’t expect to run into Song Yumian here.
Although Song Yumian and White Zhiqing were both contenders for third place in Tianji Sword Sect, Song Yumian’s support was relatively weak.
But Song Yumian’s words only stirred Han Xiangjun’s jealousy further.
“Oh? It seems Junior Brother Lin is quite popular, even Senior Sister Song is speaking up for you.”
Lin Dongming really couldn’t tell if Song Yumian was here to help or just add fuel to the fire.
He was about to settle things, but with Song Yumian’s arrival, Han Xiangjun was sure to get jealous again.
Given Song Yumian’s reputation for being a smooth operator, it was impossible she didn’t realize this.
So, many times, Lin Dongming suspected that Song Yumian was just a pure troublemaker.
“Senior Sister Han overpraises me.”
Lin Dongming sighed helplessly again.
“I’ve only met Senior Sister Song a few times. She simply looks after her juniors, so she came to help.”
“Really?”
Han Xiangjun asked suspiciously.
“More importantly, I suggest Senior Sister Han prepare for the Competition soon.”
“The Master Elder is already showing signs of displeasure.”
Lin Dongming reminded her.
Only then did Han Xiangjun leave, albeit reluctantly.
After all, the Master Elder’s deterrent force was still strong.
“I also heard Junior Brother Lin’s advice just now.”
Song Yumian smiled softly.
“Since you know so much about this Competition, why not give your Senior Sister some pointers too? Maybe I can win a bit easier.”
Lin Dongming gave a very polite smile.
“Senior Sister Song is highly skilled and experienced in combat; I’m sure you don’t need any extra advice from me. I won’t embarrass myself here.”
***
You came over to add fuel to the fire and still want my advice?
Dream on!
***
Lin Dongming rolled his eyes internally countless times.
Though giving Song Yumian the advice he’d originally prepared for White Zhiqing wouldn’t have been a hassle, since Song Yumian chose to play the troublemaker, Lin Dongming didn’t mind letting her suffer a bit.
Anyway, Song Yumian was unlikely to lose—at most, her win would just be a bit harder.
“Is that so?”
Song Yumian’s eyes held a trace of resentment.
“Could it be Junior Brother Lin resents me for not intervening sooner? I thought you were a generous person.”
Lin Dongming didn’t even bother to pretend anymore.
The fake smile that once seemed gentle as a spring breeze became a stiff, emotionless grin.
“How could that be?”
“Senior Sister stepped in at the right time; I can’t thank you enough.”
“How would I dare to resent you?”
“But there’s one thing Senior Sister got wrong.”
“What is it?”
“I’m a very petty person, for better or worse.”
Lin Dongming narrowed his eyes.
Beside him, Junior Sister looked a bit confused.
“…I really can’t tell if you two get along or not.”
“Enough, Ziyu, Dongming, stop making a racket. Hurry up and come over—we’re about to enter the main hall.”
Zhao Yue glanced at Lin Dongming.
“Yes, Master.”
Lin Dongming nodded, passing by Song Yumian.
Junior Sister Zhong Ziyu followed closely behind.
Entering the Weiyang Hall meant the Competition was about to begin.
Lin Dongming sneaked a glance at the Sect Master and the Sect Master of Wenxin Tianzong; the impressions given by the two were completely different.
The former was the typical immortal elder of the cultivation world—white-bearded, serene, and exuding no sense of formidable power.
Other than his sharp gaze, everything else seemed ordinary.
But the Sect Master of Wenxin Tianzong was surprisingly tall and imposing, radiating physical strength.
Compared to the scholarly type who ‘uses words as weapons,’ this Sect Master was more like a pure body cultivator—someone who could punch a hole through a composite-stage expert.
***
Why does it feel like these two’s appearances would make more sense if swapped?
***
Lin Dongming couldn’t figure it out.
But cultivators at the composite stage could alter their appearance for a while, let alone those at the tribulation stage.
Most people just didn’t want to waste spiritual energy and kept their original looks.
***
If only I could see the Sect Master fight someday.
But that’s probably out of the question today.
Unless Bihai Blade Sect replaced Wenxin Tianzong—now that would be more likely.