Jin Lin followed Mo Changxing’s example, stepping forward to stand side by side with him, blocking Purple Melody Sage’s path from both sides.
Purple Melody Sage wore a faint smile, his eyebrows slightly raised as he glanced between Mo Changxing and Jin Lin. “Oh? You two brats planning to spar with your master?”
“Please enlighten us, Master!” Mo Changxing’s eyes gleamed with determination.
“Fine!” Purple Melody Sage casually brushed off some dust from his robes, smiling at Jin Lin and Mo Changxing. “Since you seek guidance from your master, I shall teach you a proper lesson!”
“Please enlighten us, Master!” Jin Lin suddenly grinned and, without waiting for Mo Changxing to move, struck first. He remembered years ago when he first came to Luoyun Mountain, hoping to meet the renowned Purple Melody Sage, only to be turned away without even breaching the mountain’s protective barrier.
All these years, he had longed for a chance to test his skills against this revered sage of the Mystic Spirit Continent.
Now that the opportunity had arisen, he was more than eager.
“Reckless!” Mo Changxing frowned as he watched Jin Lin already engaged in battle with Purple Melody Sage, muttering the word under his breath. His original plan had been to join forces with Jin Lin against their master, using the outcome of the duel to negotiate a wager—if they could hold their own for a hundred moves, their master would allow Yun Qingxue to leave the thatched cottage.
But before he could even propose the terms, Jin Lin had already charged in.
Now that the fight had begun, there was no chance to bring up the conditions.
Mo Changxing shot Jin Lin a cold glare. If he was so eager to spar with their master, then let him learn the hard way—hopefully, he wouldn’t be beaten too badly.
With a disdainful snort, Mo Changxing turned and rode the wind, flying toward the direction of the thatched cottage where Yun Qingxue was staying.
Meanwhile, under the open sky, Jin Lin focused entirely on his battle with Purple Melody Sage.
The location was near water, and as the Dragon King of the Water Tribe, ruler of all rivers, lakes, and seas, with every aquatic creature under his command, Jin Lin had absolute confidence in his water manipulation abilities. He was curious—in such a favorable environment, if he and Mo Changxing teamed up against the legendary Purple Melody Sage, how long could they last? Or perhaps, was there even a chance of victory?
A gust of wind blades sliced through the air. Jin Lin dodged and weaved midair, then suddenly grinned at Purple Melody Sage. “Master, how about we make a bet?”
Purple Melody Sage hovered effortlessly in the air, raising an amused eyebrow at Jin Lin’s words. His voice was clear and melodious. “Oh? What does my disciple wish to wager?”
A sly glint flashed in Jin Lin’s eyes. “How about we bet whether Changxing and I can last a hundred moves against you?”
“And the stakes?” Purple Melody Sage suppressed a chuckle, playing along. He found his two disciples quite entertaining—utterly lacking in coordination yet still trying to scheme against him.
“We’ll bet on little sister Xuexue,” Jin Lin declared confidently. Even if they couldn’t defeat their master, he was sure they could hold out for a hundred moves.
“And the terms?” Purple Melody Sage indulged him further.
“If Changxing and I last a hundred moves, you’ll let us visit Xuexue in the cottage—or allow her to step outside for some fresh air!”
“And if you lose?” Purple Melody Sage arched a brow. Jin Lin seemed awfully confident for someone who hadn’t even considered the consequences of failure.
“If we lose…” Jin Lin pondered for a moment. “Then Changxing and I will serve you for ten days—washing clothes, cooking, and cleaning. How’s that?”
“Including my socks?” Purple Melody Sage smirked.
“Yes!” Jin Lin agreed without hesitation.
“Deal!” Purple Melody Sage raised his hand, as if to seal the agreement with a high-five.
Jin Lin lifted his hand as well, then remembered he should include Mo Changxing. He glanced around, searching for his fellow disciple.
The breeze whispered softly, and the waterfall cascaded into the pool below with a rhythmic splash. But the lush, picturesque meadow was now empty—Mo Changxing was nowhere in sight.
Jin Lin frowned. Suddenly, he felt something slap his raised palm. His master’s amused voice sounded beside him. “A handshake seals the deal. Break it, and you’re a dog, my dear disciple!”
The moment their palms met, a silver lightning mark shimmered into existence on the back of Jin Lin’s hand—a divine contract. Breaking it would summon heavenly thunder, striking the oath-breaker with five bolts of retribution.
Jin Lin turned sharply toward Purple Melody Sage, who had teleported beside him. A sinking feeling settled in his gut—he’d been tricked.
Sure enough, the next second, Purple Melody Sage “kindly” explained, “Your senior brother Mo Changxing left long ago—consider him forfeited. But you, my bold disciple, dared to challenge your master alone! Such courage! In recognition of your bravery, I’ve decided…”
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