On the platform, the atmosphere was slightly quiet, with many people still having a look of surprise in their eyes, obviously caught off guard by the outcome of this duel.

"Just now, Ling Yu was clearly using the Broken Sword. However, when he finally made a move and clashed with Ling Tong, it was completely different, as if the Treasure Sword in his hand had become whole."

Ling Lie was equally astonished by the result and analyzed thoughtfully.

"Condensing sword with qi."

Ling Tingfeng's eyes shone brightly. Just now, Ling Chen had used an extremely condensed sword qi to replace that half of the sword blade, unleashing a sword technique with immense power.

"To condense sword with qi and train it to such an extent, this kid's Sword Intent is truly extraordinary."

Ling Lie's expression also became solemn.

On the platform, it was already abuzz with excitement. Although Ling Tong's strength wasn't considered top-notch among the Ling Family's direct descendants, he was somewhat renowned among them. Therefore, when these Ling family disciples saw the result of this competition, all were filled with astonishment.

"Tsk tsk, the Supreme Sword Saint Bloodline truly has some weight to its name."

"Yes, Ling Yu just entered the Ling Family, and if he continues his cultivation here for some time, catching up with Senior Brother Ling Yuxuan may not be impossible."

"It looks like, after Sister Ling Xue, we're going to have another remarkable figure from the third branch. Haha, that would boost our third branch's prestige a bit, instead of being consistently overshadowed by the Elder Branch each year."

"Sigh, currently in the Ling Family, the Elder Branch rules supreme while other lineages are weak and frail. This situation should be disrupted with the unexpected rise of Ling Yu."

"Congratulations, congratulations, the third branch is about to rise."

Whispers spread across the platform, and those Ling family direct descendants' gazes towards Ling Chen had lost all their previous playfulness, replaced by gravity. Although Ling Chen was a new disciple, his strength commanded their attention.

"That little brat actually defeated Ling Tong!"

Ling Feng's face flickered uncertainly. He initially thought Ling Tong would undoubtedly win, as Ling Chen's sword was broken, almost leaving him defenseless. But who would have imagined that Ling Chen, relying on a broken sword, would overturn the situation; it was simply outrageous.

His strength wasn't much different from Ling Tong's, suggesting that if Ling Chen could beat Ling Tong, he himself would not be a match for Ling Chen.

"Don't be smug. Ling Tong is just a pawn. There are more opponents waiting for you, Ling Yu," Ling Feng muttered darkly as he retreated slowly into the crowd.

At this moment, Ling Tong's face showed a mixture of emotions before he finally sighed in defeat. Though Ling Chen was at the Sky Apex Fourth Layer, he could rival someone at the Seventh Realm of the Sky Apex with his powerful Sword Intent and exquisite Swordsmanship. What unsettled Ling Tong even more was Ling Chen's formidable final strike. He understood that if Ling Chen harbored murderous intent, even he might not escape with just minor injuries.

"Junior Brother Ling Yu, I'm impressed. Your strength is deserving; the Sword Pool slot should indeed go to you. I have no objections." Ling Tong clasped his fist towards Ling Chen, speaking earnestly.

Ling Chen hurriedly returned the gesture. Ling Tong bore no resentment despite the loss, which left a positive impression on Ling Chen. Recently, he had mostly encountered adversaries who harbored life-and-death enmity. Compared to that, the Ling Family was fairly peaceful; competition existed but was far from life-threatening.

Seeing Ling Tong concede, several from the third branch secretly breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed Ling Chen's actions today had indeed established his authority.

"As agreed, Ling Yu, you are now my leader. I, Ling Tong, will follow you from now on and look to you for guidance." Ling Tong hesitated but eventually bowed deeply to Ling Chen, declaring decisively.

"There's no need to be led by me; we're all family, brothers. Let's be friends moving forward and support each other."

Ling Chen shook his head, not one to oppress others. Ling Tong's integrity and courage surprised him, making him worthy of becoming an associate.

"That's not acceptable. I, Ling Tong, keep my promises. If I say you're my leader, I won't go back on that."

Ling Tong waved his hand, refusing to accept the offered exit.

"Alright then, I'm your leader now."

Without changing his expression, Ling Chen helped Ling Tong up and nonchalantly said, "I now expel you from my followers; you have no relation to me. Surely, as a leader, I have that authority?"

Hearing this, Ling Tong was momentarily stunned, then looked at Ling Chen deeply and saluted again. "I owe you a favor."

If earlier he had outwardly submitted to Ling Chen, now he was completely convinced and spoke honestly, acknowledging Ling Chen's personal charisma, which had fully won him over.

"This kid has some capability. He managed to tame the unruly Ling Tong so quickly; not only defeating him but also earning his genuine respect. Ordinary people can't do that."

At a distance, Third Elder Ling Lie's eyes brightened as he spoke.

"Now do you see that my earlier words were true?"

Ling Tingfeng stroked his beard, his mood evidently uplifted. Ling Chen had not disappointed him.

This kid had limitless potential.

At this moment, numerous Ling Family disciples swarmed towards Ling Chen on the platform, surrounding him tightly.

"Ling Yu, my name is Ling Gang, pleased to meet you."

"I am Ling Yunxu, and I look forward to your guidance, Brother Ling Yu."

"I am Ling Yushi. May I ask, Brother Ling Yu, do you have someone you like?"

Amidst the chatter, everyone sought to make acquaintances with this Ling Family's future prodigy.

"Haha, I didn't expect it to be this lively here."

Just as the crowd surrounded Ling Chen, a voice with a laugh came from the sky, followed by two figures appearing on the platform with smiles, looking at everyone.

"Greetings, Family Head, Third Elder!"

Upon the appearance of the two figures, all the Ling family disciples present immediately showed respect and greeted in unison.

Ling Tingfeng waved with a smile, glanced at Ling Chen, and teased, "Since you're here, let's begin the Sword Pool trial. This is also the Third Elder, whom you met yesterday."

Despite Ling Tingfeng's cheerful face, Ling Chen remained indifferent, his heart unruffled. He realized Ling Tingfeng had been here all along, deliberately leaving him to deal with these troubles alone.

If Ling Chen had been defeated by Ling Tong today, this Sword Pool slot would likely have fallen to Ling Tong. Ling Tingfeng's genial demeanor might have been directed towards Ling Tong instead of him.

"Take a break and prepare to enter the Sword Pool."

Ling Tingfeng had no knowledge of Ling Chen's thoughts and only reminded him, prompting Ling Chen to nod. He then sat down nearby to gather his True Qi and adjust his state, understanding that entering the Sword Pool required optimal condition.