Chapter Thirty-Eight: A Frenzied Breakthrough

Again and again he repeated the circulation of the spell, savoring the exhilarating sensation it brought. In Lin Xiaobao’s words, after suffering so much, wasn’t it only right for him to enjoy himself for once? Lin Xiaobao was reveling in his newfound pleasure, but Lin Tian, who stood beside him, was utterly stunned. Having reached the ninth stage of the Spiritual Path, Lin Tian had seen his share of trials and wonders, yet he had never encountered anything like what was happening to Lin Xiaobao now.

When Lin Xiaobao’s face flushed with radiant color and displayed an indescribable sense of comfort, Lin Tian realized that Lin Xiaobao had unblocked his obstructed meridians and, in doing so, had taken a leap into the ranks of Postnatal Martial Artists. If martial artists at the Spiritual Path realm were mere infants, then a Postnatal Martial Artist was only a child—nothing that should cause the slightest stir among those at Lin Tian’s level. Yet, as Lin Xiaobao continued to channel the internal warmth into his dantian, Lin Tian was astonished to find Xiaobao’s strength steadily rising.

At first, he was only at the first stage of Postnatal Martial Artists, but after an hour, he leaped to the second stage. Five hours later, another miracle occurred: Lin Xiaobao was now at the third stage. Such an unbelievable phenomenon—Lin Tian, despite all his experience, had neither seen nor heard of it before. Watching Lin Xiaobao, eyes tightly shut, Lin Tian was excited and worried, but above all, deeply shocked.

Once he discovered Lin Xiaobao’s unusual breakthrough, Lin Tian kept his spiritual senses fixed entirely on Xiaobao, secretly hoping for even greater surprises.

Another day passed. Lin Xiaobao’s aura finally stabilized, and seeing that he could not break through to the fourth stage, Lin Tian felt a faint sense of disappointment. At that moment, however, the medicinal bath surrounding Lin Xiaobao, dormant for so long, began to boil once more. Xiaobao’s face flushed crimson; his aura soared higher and higher...

With a roaring cry reminiscent of a dragon’s call, the overloaded water vat exploded, and as Lin Xiaobao’s aura surged to a critical point, a crimson light flashed across his entire body.

Fourth stage of Postnatal Martial Artists!

Though he had expected it, witnessing Lin Xiaobao’s current state, Lin Tian’s jaw hung open in disbelief, unable to close for a long time.

The roar endured for the length of an incense stick. Slowly, Lin Xiaobao opened his eyes, feeling the blazing force within his dantian; his power was unprecedentedly abundant, almost begging to be released.

Picking up the sword he had dropped earlier, he activated the Supreme Taiyi Fire Technique. Instantly, the energy stored in his dantian flowed along his meridians into his palm and onto the blade.

With a ringing cry, Lin Xiaobao began to move—slash, thrust, chop, slice... Each simple motion was now infused with power, and as he grew accustomed to controlling his inner energy, his swordplay became ever faster.

Lin Tian watched silently from the side, knowing that after ascending several stages at once, Lin Xiaobao needed to exhaust his internal energy; otherwise, the sudden expansion of power would overwhelm him.

Sword cries echoed; the inner energy transformed into streams of sword aura with every swing, leaving deep marks upon the ground.

It was time! Lin Xiaobao sensed he could now fully command the energy within him. His swordplay abruptly shifted, becoming swifter still. Countless flashes of sword light wove into layers of sword webs, enveloping him entirely, forming an impenetrable barrier.

Watching Lin Xiaobao’s moves, Lin Tian’s eyes sparkled with excitement. What a marvelous sword technique! Was this the swordplay recorded in the opening chapter of "Wind and Snow"? Even if Lin Xiaobao could not yet unleash its full power, Lin Tian’s keen eyes recognized its immense potential.

With a tiger’s shout, countless sword shadows merged in Lin Xiaobao’s hands. He raised his long sword overhead and brought it down fiercely—a crimson beam burst from the tip, splitting the ground before him and continuing forward.

It traveled three meters before stopping, leaving a deep and wide sword scar in its wake. At that moment, the long sword in Lin Xiaobao’s hand shattered into countless fragments.

Looking at the sword hilt in his hand, Lin Xiaobao felt both satisfaction and a bit of regret. Having now advanced to Postnatal Martial Artist, the sword meant for outer sect disciples could no longer withstand his strength.

Perceiving Lin Xiaobao’s gaze, Lin Tian quickly retrieved a sword from his storage ring. “This sword is called Seven Stars. It’s not a top-tier magic sword, but it should suit your current cultivation. Use it for now. Later, I’ll find you a superior one.”

The Seven Stars Sword bore seven differently colored spirit jades embedded in its hilt. With his newfound insight, Lin Xiaobao recognized them as arranged according to the Profound Power Array, which would enhance the sword’s attack.

He took the sword and infused his inner energy into the spirit jades. Instantly, a dragon’s roar echoed from the blade, filling Lin Xiaobao with joy.

“How did you break through to the fourth stage of Postnatal Martial Artists so quickly?” Once Lin Xiaobao had stabilized, Lin Tian finally voiced his doubts.

“I don’t know, really. I just felt my strength rising after the breakthrough, and it turned out like this.” Knowing Lin Tian wouldn’t press him too hard, Lin Xiaobao dodged the question.

Lin Tian’s eyes flickered with skepticism, and he was about to ask more when his expression suddenly changed. The Snow and Wind Token in his palm glowed crimson. “There’s urgent business in the pavilion—I must go. You’ve just broken through; consolidate your foundation and don’t rush into further cultivation.”

Once Lin Tian left, Lin Xiaobao felt greatly relieved. If Lin Tian had continued questioning him, he honestly wouldn’t know how to explain his condition. As for the secret of the two elders, he couldn’t tell Lin Tian—even if he were his real father, let alone an adoptive one.

With the Seven Stars Sword in hand and freshly advanced, Lin Xiaobao couldn’t resist showing off his skills. He drew the sword with a clang and was about to practice when the two elders stopped him.

“Your adoptive father is right. Advancing so quickly isn’t suitable for more training just yet. You should study formations and alchemy for now, lest your foundation become unstable in the future,” Elder Mo advised kindly.

Having tasted the sweetness of cultivation, Lin Xiaobao was now utterly obedient to the two elders. He promptly stored the Seven Stars Sword and humbly sought Elder Mo’s guidance in alchemy.

With Lin Xiaobao’s flattering words, Elder Mo began his lecture—from identifying herbs, understanding their properties, to learning their uses. Fortunately, Lin Xiaobao’s spiritual strength was extraordinary; after hearing it once, he could remember it all.