True Solution of the Sword Dao

Chapter 50: Chapter 46: Invasion II

Chapter 50 -46: Invasion II

Lin Fei fell silent for a while, then asked again, “But even before the Inner Qi disappeared, not everyone could master it, could they?”

“Indeed,” the old man said with approval, nodding his head, “Cultivation of Inner Qi has always been in the hands of some major Martial World families and factions. Among martial artists, ninety-nine percent of the people would never have access to such a Secret Manual.”

“I see.” Lin Fei stood up, “Thank you, Elder Zhao, for your explanation. Lin Fei has learned a lot.”

“Oh, what are you talking about, my young friend Lin? Although I am still ahead of you in strength for now, if I’m not mistaken, it is only a matter of time before you are promoted to D-level, isn’t it?” Elder Zhao said with a chuckle.

Lin Fei smiled shyly: “Elder Zhao jests. Lin Fei has only grasped a little bit of the concept of ‘momentum,’ far from reaching D-level.” Although what he said was true, the real essence of D-level, the most difficult aspect, was precisely this application of ‘momentum.’ Countless geniuses have wasted their whole lives unable to comprehend this, and many who have understood it were geniuses among geniuses. The rest, like Elder Zhao, happened to have an epiphany by chance and acquired understanding. It was purely a matter of luck.

At the moment Lin Fei obtained the Longsword, he understood the momentum that resonated with the Divine Beast Meng, largely due to the imprints of the former Sword Master left in the sword at that time.

Whatever the insight, the first experience was always profound and intense, and it was this sensation that allowed Lin Fei to achieve a resonance with the spirit of Meng and thus understand the use of ‘momentum,’ a process that could not be replicated.

Hearing Lin Fei’s response, the elder just smiled: “Understanding this point is crucial. The rest is just a matter of time. Once you truly enter this level, you will know how difficult it was to grasp this point.” He shook his head slightly, “I have seen too many so-called geniuses, many persevering individuals, stuck at this hurdle, unable to make any progress for life, and eventually dying in frustration.”

“So many, so many… Just how old is this old man? He speaks with such a sense of vicissitude.” Lin Fei couldn’t help but ponder.

“Once you have grasped ‘momentum,’ the rest is just a matter of perseverance, of fully integrating the ‘momentum’ you’ve understood into every move, into your daily life, until they become one. When you have done this, that will be the time you truly enter D-level standards. Moreover, even before this, your strength will have already surpassed the peak of F-level because of ‘momentum.'”

“So, do D-level powerhouses have any special traits that make them recognizable?” Lin Fei asked.

“Yes, their eyes. Occasionally, due to incomplete integration or instability of ‘momentum,’ different colors will flash in their eyes. Like mine,” the old man said with twinkling silver lights suddenly shining in his smiling eyes.

Blue light also shimmered briefly in Lin Fei’s eyes. The four eyes met, and neither gave an inch.

A moment later.

“Then, Lin Fei will take his leave,” Lin Fei said first, lowering his eyelids and smiling.

“Go on then, I’m waiting for you to take my place.” The silver light in his eyes faded, and Elder Zhao waved his hand with a smile.

With a soft click, the office door gently closed.

Only then did the elder sigh somewhat wistfully: “Youngsters are to be feared. It really is the case where the waves behind drive on those ahead, and those ahead die on the beach. In the blink of an eye, half a century has passed, and it’s time for me to retire.”

***************

“Tonight’s mission is to attack the lower members of the Pantheon in Xiao City, our neighboring city. After this one, and one more mission, Lin You, you can take a good rest,” the middle-aged woman in the front passenger seat of a black Santana heading toward the highway to Xiao City, said with a smile.

Lin You sat alone in the back seat, wearing white leather gloves that left her fingers exposed, with thin metal threads woven into the surface of the gloves.

“I have to thank Sister Xie for looking after me during this period. I really feel as if I’ve learned a lot,” Lin You said gratefully. She was truly grateful to this middle-aged woman surnamed Xie. If it weren’t for her careful explanation of precautions and various mission experiences, constantly reminding her, perhaps she would now be lying in the hospital awaiting treatment for serious injuries.

“Us non-ranked members don’t have much status in the organization, nor do we have much strength or connections. The only help I could offer was in this aspect. You’re too kind not to look down on it,” the middle-aged woman said gently with a soft smile. “As long as you, Lin You, become successful and ranked later, just remember to look after me, Xie Qin, from time to time.”

“Of course,” Lin You asserted, patting her chest. This girl didn’t know the meaning of modesty, admitting right away the certainty that she would be successful in the future.

“Actually, Sister Xie has been doing this job for many years too, and she has trained over a dozen newcomers.” She sighed and did not continue.

But seeing Lin You’s confused expression, completely unaware of her implied meaning, Xie Qin couldn’t help but shake her head with a bitter smile. Who would actually enjoy doing this kind of job for more than ten years? Of the newcomers she had trained in the past, only a very few succeeded in becoming formal members, and after they gained a say in matters, they completely forgot about her, the lowest-ranking staff member. Was it really that hard to switch to another job?

The Santana slowly entered the main thoroughfare of Dawn City. Along the way, the traffic became increasingly busy. Occasionally, they could see transport trucks being overtaken with a roar.

Lin You and her companion found a hotel and rented a parking spot in a parking lot to park the car. Then they began to make their way toward their destination.

From Dawn City to Ping City was very close, requiring only an hour’s time to arrive. So the two had plenty of time to complete the mission and then calmly drive back to Ping City.

The sky gradually darkened.

They stood in front of a small white house.

“This is it, the target of this attack is a boy named Fan Shi, who’s even younger than you. The mission is to injure him severely. However, since this Fan Shi might be a relative of a formal member of the Pantheon, there could be some complications, so we only need to do some probing work. Of course, if we can complete the mission, that would be best.”

“Will we have any support afterwards?” Lin You had done things like this many times before and seemed very calm.

“Yes, Captain Li has rushed over from out of town specially,” Xie Qin said softly. “How well have you practiced the basic combat skills?”

Lin You nodded: “Basically, I’m quite proficient with those moves,” she said as if it were a matter of course.

Xie Qin sighed inwardly; these psychics, to be able to master such complex basic combat moves in just a few months—their physical talents were simply too strong! Why couldn’t she be psychic?

Suddenly, Lin You’s specialized communication cell phone beeped twice. It was the sound of a text message.

“What’s going on? Why are there new instructions?” Lin You carefully took the red phone out of her small crossbody bag.

“F Group Lin You, intelligence indicates that unknown forces have started to invade Ping City on a large scale, specifically targeting all psychics and their families. Please return immediately! Please return immediately!” This message was a clearly standardized text, automatically forwarded by the computer; it seemed that Ping City wasn’t the only place being attacked.

“Mission aborted! Return to Ping City at once!!” Lin You immediately felt a wave of panic. She had always been very cautious in guarding her secret as a psychic, not wanting her family to be dragged into this dangerous world, not wanting her family to be in danger. And now, what she feared and worried about most had finally happened. Because of her identity as a psychic, she was finally going to implicate her family.

“Why? Why is this happening??” Lin You’s eyes gradually became misty with tears. She felt an overwhelming pressure, so heavy that it was suffocating. A fear of losing all her loved ones filled her heart.

“Dad, Mom, even Lin Fei!” Lin You choked up, “I don’t want to lose any of you…”

“Don’t worry, don’t worry. Intelligence from the intelligence department is usually sent a bit in advance, so it definitely hasn’t started yet. As long as we hurry back, we should be in time,” Xie Qin reassured her, though she was also panicked, trying to keep her face pale but composed. She knew that at times like this, she couldn’t afford to panic, or everything would fall into chaos.

“Ask about the strength of the invaders, does the intelligence department have any information?”

No sooner had she finished speaking than the phone beeped with another text message.

Lin You hurriedly opened it to read.

“The estimated strength of the invaders is close to F level. However, they may be armed with firearms.”

“That means they are about as strong as you, Lin You. It’s probably an attack meant as a warning; these kinds of attacks generally demonstrate strength and give the defending side a little time to react. Don’t worry, Lin You, let’s hurry back! It’s not too bad yet. Captain Li is a high-level expert at the peak grade, and he’s on his way here too. We can call him for help if necessary,” Xie Qin said hastily.

“Okay!” Lin You wiped the tears from her face and nodded firmly.