"Learn a secret technique of the Ling Family within three months? That's too difficult."

Ling Tingfeng shook his head. He did not believe that Ling Chen could master a secret technique of the Ling Family in just three months.

"Indeed, the Sky-breaking Sword Technique is quite challenging. Even that kid Ling Yuxuan, after so many years of cultivation, has only mastered seven forms. In three months, you might not even learn the first three moves."

Ling Lie nodded. When it comes to the most powerful secret technique of the Ling Family, none surpass the Sky-breaking Sword Technique, but cultivating it is a long process, not something that can be achieved in a short time.

"The secret technique I want to cultivate is not the Sky-breaking Sword Technique."

Faced with the discussion of Ling Lie and others, Ling Chen suddenly spoke up.

"Oh? What is it then?" Ling Tingfeng's face showed slight surprise.

"Gold Sword Pupil."

Ling Chen said calmly, his eyes slightly focused.

"What, Gold Sword Pupil?"

Both Ling Lie and Ling Xue were shocked.

"That's right, it's the Gold Sword Pupil."

Ling Chen nodded. With only three months, cultivating a sword technique like the Sky-breaking Sword Technique was impossible, so it was better to pivot to an even more extreme secret technique, striving for an unexpected approach to possibly achieve the goal.

"Gold Sword Pupil, it's quite a dangerous secret technique though..."

After pondering for a while, Ling Lie sighed and said.

"What do you mean by that?"

Ling Chen was a bit confused.

"To cultivate the Gold Sword Pupil, you must infuse sword qi into the eyes, which can easily damage them. There have been several talented disciples who went blind accidentally while cultivating the Gold Sword Pupil, significantly impacting their strength." Ling Lie said with a solemn expression.

"Moreover, the probability of going blind is not small, so although the Gold Sword Pupil is powerful and can rival the Sky-breaking Sword Technique, not many people attempt to learn it."

"Ling Yu, if you wish to learn the Gold Sword Pupil, you must think it through and not rush, or it could ruin your life."

"I understand."

Ling Chen nodded. This was his first time hearing about the side effects of cultivating the Gold Sword Pupil, and he did not expect it to have such severe consequences. No wonder the young generation of the Ling Family seldom mention it, focusing primarily on the Sky-breaking Sword Technique.

The cost of cultivating the Gold Sword Pupil was indeed great.

"Given that, do you still intend to cultivate the Gold Sword Pupil?"

Ling Lie asked with a serious tone.

"Yes, I still intend to try."

Ling Chen nodded, showing no inclination to change his mind.

If one wants to master a secret technique quickly and become strong in a short time, some sacrifices are inevitable.

"Very well. Since you have such determination, I will strive to give you the opportunity."

Ling Tingfeng spoke suddenly.

"Isn't it necessary to think carefully?"

Ling Lie hesitated a bit, as any mishap could cost dearly.

"Third Elder, I have no time to think carefully. Rest assured, I am confident and will not act recklessly."

Ling Chen said.

"Alright, since your mind is made up, I won't stop you."

Ling Lie shook his head. He was merely reminding Ling Chen, not opposing. If Ling Chen truly mastered the Gold Sword Pupil, it would indeed be great for the third branch.

Seeing he had persuaded Ling Lie, Ling Chen then looked at Ling Tingfeng and said, "I wonder how much confidence the Family Head has in securing the chance to cultivate the Gold Sword Pupil."

The secret techniques of the Ling Family are not easily bestowed upon clan disciples. Even direct lineal descendants need to exchange a massive amount of family contribution points for them. Techniques like the Sky-breaking Sword Technique, known as the supreme swordsmanship of the Ling Family, require an enormous amount of contribution points.

Ling Chen, having just joined the Ling Family, had no contribution points to exchange for secret techniques.

"If it were the Sky-breaking Sword Technique, the chances would be slim. However, for the Gold Sword Pupil, there is some possibility."

Ling Tingfeng spoke calmly with a hint of sharpness in his eyes, "But since you have made your decision, rest assured, as the Family Head, I will do my utmost to give you this chance." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

"Thank you, Family Head."

Ling Chen bowed slightly to Ling Tingfeng. With the Family Head taking action, there should be a good chance. If that doesn't work, other methods will have to be considered.

…

Three days later.

The commotion caused by the Sword Pool gradually subsided with Ling Chen's appearance. Many disciples around the Sword Pool left with various emotions, knowing that from now on, all Ling Family disciples, whether from the Ancestral House or branch families, would know about an extraordinary new disciple named Ling Chen.

With a nearly terrifying record of enduring for ten days under the Sword Pool, he almost overshadowed all the young talents of this current generation of the Ling Family.

As the uproar had yet to fade, a greater wave surged as Ling Chen faced Ling Hai in a one-on-one duel, and Ling Chen emerged victorious!

Even though Ling Hai resorted to using the Sky-breaking Sword Technique at the end, it did not prevent his defeat.

When the news spread, many people couldn't help but open their mouths agape, marveling internally at how this newcomer named Ling Chen was truly unwilling to remain obscure. He continuously pulled off such rare feats.

The Ling Family harbors no shortage of geniuses, but few would dare challenge a top family disciple like Ling Hai within just half a month of arrival, for everyone knew the vast gap between them.

Yet, the final result was Ling Chen's victory.

Even more astonishingly, after defeating Ling Hai, Ling Chen boldly declared his intention to place in the top three at the Heavenly Sword Tournament!

Such a lofty ambition, if proposed by an ordinary person, would surely invite endless ridicule and mockery. However, when uttered by Ling Chen, it failed to provoke laughter, as despite the recognized distance between Ling Chen and the top three of the Heavenly Sword Tournament, his previous accomplishments forced all Ling Family disciples to withhold any scorn. No one could be certain whether this miracle-making newcomer could sustain this streak of miracles.

"Three months later, there will be a good show to watch."

Many disciples looked at each other, thinking as such, and a hint of anticipation rose in their hearts. They too wanted to see whether Ling Chen could surprise them again on the Heavenly Sword Tournament stage.

Moreover, everyone knew that should Ling Chen successfully place in the top three of the Heavenly Sword Tournament, he would become a legend among the younger generation of the Ling Family, overshadowing Ling Yuxuan and standing shoulder to shoulder with, or even surpassing, the legendary Ling Tianyu of the past.

But if Ling Chen failed and couldn't even break into the top ten, he would become the laughingstock of the Ling Family, with his briefly established reputation as a peerless talent quickly collapsing into nothingness.