Chapter 151: Gongshu Ye of the Cloud Dragon Sect

At this moment, Xie Jingguo and the others were completely stunned by the scene before them. Their jaws dropped, and they stood agape, unable to utter a single word for a long time.

Although they had previously heard from Xie Xinglong and Xie Dong about Lin Le’s cultivation level and knew his strength was formidable, they had never imagined it could be this terrifying. To take down dozens of Xie family guards with just a single move was beyond the definition of powerful—it was simply monstrous. Even individuals like Xie Jingguo and Xie Yucheng, who had seen their fair share of the world, had never encountered a martial artist of such caliber.

Even Lin Le’s mother, Xie Qiushan, could not believe her eyes as she watched her son effortlessly strike down those dozens of guards. She had been deeply worried that Lin Le might suffer under such a siege, but now, she finally let out a sigh of relief.

Xie Xinglong and Xie Dong were secretly marvelling at the display. It seemed Qin Zhong’s judgment had been correct: Lin Le’s martial arts cultivation had truly reached the pinnacle of the Transformation Realm. Recalling how Lin Le had handled them earlier, they realized with a jolt that he must have shown them mercy. Had he used this level of force, they would likely not even be standing here today.

Just as everyone was reeling from the display, Lin Le spoke coolly, "Since you’ve arrived, stop hiding. Show yourself."

Xie Jingguo and the others were taken aback; Xie Qiushan looked puzzled, and Xie Xinglong and Xie Dong were equally surprised. Then, a laugh echoed through the air.

"A formidable youth! Truly a formidable youth!"

No sooner had the voice faded than a figure leaped from the roof of the villa like a bird, landing gracefully before the crowd. It was the Grandmaster, Gongshu Ye.

Gongshu Ye had been concealed on the roof, using his senses to probe Lin Le’s aura and uncover his secrets. Only after witnessing Lin Le take down the guards with a single blow did he realize that this opponent was not as simple as he had envisioned. Qin Zhong’s assessment was indeed accurate—this youth had truly attained the Transformation Realm.

A teenage Grandmaster! It was unheard of, even for Gongshu Ye, who had spent decades in the martial arts world. "If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I would never have believed that such a young Transformation Grandmaster could exist in this world," Gongshu Ye remarked with admiration.

"What?!" Xie Jingguo and Xie Yucheng exclaimed. As members of the Xie family and practitioners of martial arts themselves, they had achieved the minor success of internal energy. They knew all too well what the title of "Transformation Grandmaster" meant. They were figures so significant that even the prestigious Xie family had to humble themselves to court their favor—they were not to be trifled with. They could not fathom that their own nephew was one of these legendary figures.

"Master Gongshu, are you saying Lin Le is a Transformation Grandmaster? How is that possible?" they asked in disbelief. They felt they knew their nephew well: he came from a humble background, his family had gone bankrupt after a brief period of success, and he had spent the last three years as a mere soldier. How could someone who had never even touched the inner gates of martial arts achieve the rank of a Grandmaster at such a young age? It was inconceivable.

"Indeed, I, too, wonder how this is possible," Gongshu Ye murmured, his eyes locked on Lin Le. "A Grandmaster at such a tender age! With you on the scene, the likes of China’s top masters, Hua Xifeng and Songzhou’s Xiang Tianyuan, will have to step aside in the future. I am curious to see their reactions once they hear this news."

Xie Jingguo and the others were struck with awe. Hua Xifeng and Xiang Tianyuan were giants of the Chinese martial arts world—figures the Xie family could not hope to befriend. To hear Gongshu Ye place Lin Le on the same level, even suggesting they were inferior, was staggering.

Xie Xinglong, prideful and ambitious, had always viewed those masters as his ultimate goals. To see the lowly-born Lin Le achieve this effortlessly, and to have it validated by his own master, filled him with intense jealousy and hatred.

Lin Le, meanwhile, was also surprised. He could immediately sense the old man’s immense strength—this was the strongest opponent he had ever encountered. A Transformation Grandmaster. He knew immediately that no one else in this world could emit such an aura.

"Are you Xie Xinglong’s master?" Lin Le asked. Knowing that the Rising Dragon Fist originated from an inner-gate martial arts school and seeing the old man’s status, the conclusion was obvious.

"Indeed. I am Gongshu Ye, master of the Cloud Dragon Sect," he replied, following the traditional etiquette of the martial arts world. "Might I ask, Master Lin, under whom did you study?" He was deeply curious about which sect could produce such a brilliant young talent.

"None of your business," Lin Le replied bluntly. Having been thoroughly annoyed by the Xie family, he had no patience for anyone associated with them, aside from his mother.

The response shocked the Xie family. To speak to a Grandmaster like Gongshu Ye in such a manner was tantamount to seeking death. Gongshu Ye’s expression darkened. As the master of the Cloud Dragon Sect, he was accustomed to reverence, and he was clearly displeased by the youth's coldness.

"A Grandmaster is entitled to pride, but showing too sharp an edge can invite disaster," Gongshu Ye said, his voice turning icy.

"Disaster?" Lin Le scoffed. "You were hiding in the shadows, waiting to gauge my strength before avenging your disciple, weren't you? Even if I had been humble and reserved, do you think I could have avoided this 'disaster'?"

"Hmph, you are clever enough," Gongshu Ye replied, his eyes changing. "You injured my disciple, Xie Xinglong, and offended the Xie family I am sworn to protect. If I let this pass today, I would have no standing in the martial arts world."

"So, in the end, you just want to fight," Lin Le said dismissively. "That’s perfect. I have yet to face a Transformation Grandmaster. Let’s start with you."