Chapter 731: Caught It

Chapter 731: Caught It

A villain popped out of the crowd.

Lin Nuo sneaked into Master Cong’s hall, grabbing the attention of many.

What’s up? Never seen a handsome villain before?

Master Cong’s disciples were either practicing their swords, adjusting their spirit techniques, or just lounging around.

Lin Nuo’s arrival didn’t cause much of a stir at first, but once someone noticed him, everyone else quickly turned their heads.

“Isn’t that Lin Nuo?”

“Yeah, Lin Nuo! What is he doing here?”

“Does he know Master’s back and is here to pay his respects?”

“Why is he trying to join the fun?”

…

A bunch of them started chattering, and soon a slew of voices filled the air.

Lin Nuo thought, what’s wrong with you guys? A trip here, and you can’t stop squawking? I thought I mentioned to focus, what have you learned?

Oh right, your master is Master Cong.

That fat idiot is a joke.

For Lin Nuo now, leaving would mean backing down; it’d be embarrassing if he just bolted after a few comments, right?

So, he stayed.

Lin Nuo found a spot to sit and quietly watched the disciples practice, not saying a word.

At this moment, he thought about grabbing a Meat Floss Cake and sipping some cold water while keeping an eye on this bunch, curious about their levels.

It had been a while since he had any cold water; his life felt devoid of soul without it.

Speaking of which, the master of cold water, Mu Yiting, was a disciple of Master Cong, though she was probably still at Helong Hall. Who knows if Helong Hall is still operational?

What a pity, he hadn’t gotten hold of the true cold water recipe in ages.

With so many people around, Lin Nuo didn’t spot Mu Yiting right away.

But she had noticed him.

Her heart raced with excitement, thinking about rushing over and hugging him.

However, with so many people around, he didn’t seem to recognize her.

No, he must have recognized her; otherwise, he would have left! But he didn’t!

Lin Nuo’s personality was something she understood well—outwardly indifferent, but he still cared a little.

Otherwise, he would have already walked away.

What now? Maybe he planned to observe her practicing.

Okay, then let’s show him what I’ve got.

Mu Yiting drew her sword and joined the practice, going up against the other disciples.

She only picked a few opponents who weren’t too strong; she smoothly exchanged blows, her movements quick and graceful, clearly defeating her opponent in no time.

Good! Now he gets to see how I practice!

However…

Lin Nuo wasn’t looking in her direction; he was focused on two second-stage disciples facing off.

Their techniques were riddled with flaws, their mistakes constant, utterly incapable of withstanding a real fight. It looked like a slight breeze would send them tumbling.

Yet Lin Nuo was watching with keen interest.

Chickens pecking each other, great material to munch on—just missing the food, and they could fill several bowls!

These exchanges between Master Cong’s disciples were truly entertaining; after this round, it felt like a grand banquet—satisfied, satisfied!

“Junior Martial Sister, let’s spar a bit.”

At this moment, it was a sixth-stage male cultivator named Liang Hong inviting Mu Yiting, who ranked among the top of the younger generation at Xuanyun Sect.

Mu Yiting was currently at the mid-tier fifth stage, slightly behind Liang Hong.

“Sure.”

She agreed, and then the two began their duel.

Both displayed quick skills, making for strong rivals, attracting other disciples to watch their contest.

But Lin Nuo was still watching the chickens peck at each other; that was the real fun! He concentrated on those first and second-stage disciples, truly a gathering of hidden talents—it was spectacular; they could cause quite the ruckus!

But soon, those first and second-stage cultivators drifted over to watch Mu Yiting and Liang Hong spar, abandoning their antics.

Lin Nuo noticed and thought, what’s the point? Why aren’t you fighting anymore?

Is there an even weaker bunch to watch?

He hadn’t been paying attention before, but now he saw the crowd was blocking his view.

They were even cheering, making quite the atmosphere. Lin Nuo mused, isn’t it great to have so many people? A flock of chickens pecking at each other looks like a world war!

Let’s check it out.

Lin Nuo gradually made his way over; the crowd was thick, and as he approached, the disciples cast him strange glances—previously looking down on him, now envious and defiant, thinking he was all talk, not giving way.

He didn’t plan to squeeze through; as a villain, the basic quality was to be shameless.

With a whoosh, he leaped, jumping right into the crowd.

Perfect.

This approach was effective! He used to think those martial arts folks in dramas were dumb—squeezing in when they could just jump over.

The main thing was, due to the crowd, the male and female leads get separated, leading to major plot points.

What a ridiculous script!

As soon as he landed, the disciples were left gaping.

They’d seen folks cut in line, but they’d never seen someone just jump to the front like that.

Lin Nuo remained silent and expressionless, landing created a gust of wind, causing the nearby disciples to cough up some dust.

What a fiasco!

Upon landing, Lin Nuo spotted a familiar girl.

Wait, isn’t that little Mu?

What’s up? Has she been at Helong Hall too long, coming back to Xuanyun Sect for a visit?

Mu Yiting was seriously sparring with Liang Hong, who was deliberately holding back, allowing her to shine, after all, she was the pure and adorable junior sister in the sect, and as a senior brother, he was here to help her out.

“Junior Sister, your swordplay is improving rapidly.”

“Thank you, Senior Brother.”

Mu Yiting and Liang Hong exchanged several rounds; Liang Hong had a plan—to start gentle and then reveal his true skills, intending to defeat her.

But this defeat wasn’t about actually taking her down; it was more like if she began to falter, he’d catch her quickly to prevent her from hitting the ground.

That way, perhaps Junior Sister Mu would notice his strength and gentlemanly conduct.

Alright, that’s the plan.

Liang Hong first kept it even with her, but now, it was time to strike.

Now!

He found Mu Yiting’s flaw and sent a gust of wind from his palm; before his hand even made contact, she was already stumbling back.

Now!

He would catch her, holding her firmly to prevent her fall!

Liang Hong rushed forward, but things unfolded differently than he expected.

His palm wasn’t particularly fierce, and while she should’ve just stepped back a bit, she flew backwards like she got sent soaring into the sky.

Mu Yiting was thrown back so fast that Liang Hong couldn’t possibly catch her; she headed directly towards the crowd.

And where did she aim? Right where Lin Nuo had just landed!

Bang!

Just as Lin Nuo touched down, a flying Mu Yiting came crashing into him.

He caught her; she landed straight in his arms. What the heck? Little Mu?

Was that palm really so fierce? The knockback effect was unbelievable!

If it were another disciple, Lin Nuo would’ve kicked them back in a heartbeat.

But this was Mu Yiting; he just held her.

Mu Yiting fell into Lin Nuo’s embrace, and he stood like a mountain, not budging an inch.

She slightly lifted her head, her eyes filled with tenderness.

“Thank you, Brother Lin.”

She spoke softly.