Book Title: Tower Demon, ISBN: 1467227 Synopsis: An ordinary youth accidentally stumbles into a miraculous magic tower, befriends an eccentric Demon King, and thus embarks on a path of ever-increasing magical strength. His previously plain and humble life begins to undergo earth-shattering transformations. ※※※※※※※※※ “Stop…”

A furious roar erupted from Lin Taoli’s lips, and simultaneously, the hand in front of him solidified once more into the Earth-Resting Seal—a barrier that seemed as impenetrable as bronze walls and iron ramparts.

He Yiming’s expression shifted slightly, but the punch he had already launched did not immediately retract. Instead, it lightly brushed against the Earth-Resting Seal, allowing him to sense the subtle energies colliding from the two different internal forces. Only then did he withdraw his fist and stand still, pushing off with his feet to rapidly retreat backward.

Once he had stabilized his posture, he fixed Lin Taoli with a look of suspicion, yet his mind was already teeming with a different agenda. He desperately wanted to find an isolated place to thoroughly test what he had just gained.

He wondered what strange effects would manifest if he used this mysterious combat technique after channeling his four different primary attribute cultivation methods.

Of course, in front of Lin Taoli, and indeed in front of all these people, he could never reveal the true nature of this technique. If it were known that his engagement with Lin Taoli was merely a calculated scheme to steal his methods, even if it didn't scare them to death, they would certainly brand him a monster and beat him down.

Lin Taoli also retreated a few steps slowly, observing He Yiming with a grave expression. “Young Brother He, during the banquet just now, Elder Cheng introduced you as the foremost master among the younger generation in Taicang County, and the most gifted cultivator this county has seen in over a hundred years. I initially didn't put much stock in it, but now I realize…” He paused, a wry smile touching his lips, “Now I realize I still underestimated you.”

He Yiming’s face faintly flushed. Although he was becoming accustomed to countless gazes fixed upon him, being so lavishly praised on the martial stage was indeed a first.

After thinking it over, finding nothing appropriate to say, he could only bow deeply again. “Young Master Lin, you are far too generous with your praise.”

Lin Taoli shook his head slightly. “I rarely praise others so highly, but I firmly believe that you are absolutely the foremost cultivation genius in Linlang Commandery.”

Many people in the hall already knew the general details of He Yiming—a fifteen-year-old youth with Eighth Layer internal energy, who had also mastered the essence of the Metal Element technique. Thus, they weren't surprised by Lin Taoli’s assessment. If even such a formidable expert didn't warrant such praise, then the rest of the cultivators would surely be nothing but dross.

However, the common folk watching the match from a distance below the stage were truly astonished.

In their minds, while the Sixth Young Master of the He family was skilled, being called the best in Taicang County was the absolute peak. The emergence of a proclaimed number one talent for the entire Linlang Commandery far exceeded the limits of their comprehension.

For a moment, a strange silence fell over the arena, even those who had been murmuring falling quiet.

He Yiming offered a weak smile, his gaze drifting towards his father below the stage. How should he handle this situation?

As if connected by heart and mind, upon seeing He Yiming’s look, He Quanming called out loudly, “Yiming, Young Master Lin is instructing you in martial arts; why aren’t you thanking him quickly!”

He Yiming willingly gave Lin Taoli another respectful bow. “Thank you, Young Master Lin.”

Having entangled with Lin Taoli for so long, he had gained a profound understanding of the Earth-Resting Seal. Even if he couldn't replicate it perfectly, it would undoubtedly be a tremendous help to his cultivation. At this moment, He Yiming genuinely saw Lin Taoli as a benefactor.

Lin Taoli smiled lightly and waved his hand dismissively. “It is nothing, Young Brother He. Do you know why I called for the stop?”

“I do not know, sir.”

The smile faded from Lin Taoli’s face. “Your Metal Element Rolling Stone Fist has reached the peak of mastery; you execute the full potential of this technique. Most standard combat skills are now useless against you. Even for me, breaking through your defensive skill would not be easy.” He paused, his expression growing heavier. “However, I once cultivated a combat technique whose might is incredibly immense. Once unleashed, even I might not be able to fully control it.”

Although this statement sounded exceedingly arrogant, subtly implying a fear of injuring He Yiming, thus causing him to stop, not a single person in the arena doubted him. Given the status and standing of the Lin family of Linlang, it would be unbelievable if they lacked some extraordinarily powerful combat technique.

He Yiming’s eyes immediately lit up. He exclaimed, inquiring, “Young Master Lin, the combat technique you speak of, is it the one you just displayed…” He scratched his scalp, raising both hands to form a seal. Under his deliberate control, this hand gesture only resembled the genuine Earth-Resting Seal about eighty percent, and crucially, it contained not a trace of internal energy—it was purely a facade, and an imperfect one at that.

A flicker of surprise crossed Lin Taoli’s eyes. While the defensive power of the Earth-Resting Seal was formidable, the difficulty in learning it was directly proportional to its might. Even within the entire Lin family, those who could master it were few. He hadn't expected this youth, having only encountered it a few times, to already produce a passable imitation. While the imitation looked crude and laughable to his eyes, such observational ability was enviable.

Nodding slightly, Lin Taoli stated gravely, “Not that one. This hand seal is called the Earth-Resting Seal; it is a defensive technique of our Lin family. If I want to break your Rolling Stone Fist, then I must use another seal.”

He Yiming’s heart pounded violently; it was filled with exhilaration. He had initially believed learning just one seal technique would be the pinnacle of his fortune, yet here was another one being offered. The excitement he thought he had quelled surged forward once more.

If he missed this opportunity, it would never return.

His expression grew serious, and he suddenly bowed deeply. “Young Master Lin, please forgive my audacity, but might I request to witness this other seal technique?”

Having spoken, he raised his head and looked intently at Lin Taoli.

“Yiming, don’t be foolish!” He Quanming below the stage broke out in a cold sweat. The other master had already stated that the technique was beyond his own control; if unleashed, someone was likely to be injured immediately. Yet, under these circumstances, He Yiming was still brazenly challenging him—wasn’t this courting death? Even if he were cut down on the spot, he could have no complaints.

He Yiming remained unmoved, gazing calmly ahead, yet he murmured, “Father, this chance is rare; your son will not let it pass.”

Lin Taoli’s brow furrowed slightly. He had assumed He Yiming didn't believe his words and thought he was boasting, which prompted the challenge. But looking into He Yiming’s eyes now, he paused momentarily.

What clear eyes they were. Within those depths, there was nothing but profound yearning, no other meaning. He had seen such a look before, and it left a deep impression. His first wife had borne him a son whom he adored. He vividly recalled that when the child was very young and hungry, seeking nourishment, his gaze held precisely this expression. Though, a baby’s expression like this was usually accompanied by intense crying.

Slowly, a gentle smile surfaced on Lin Taoli’s face.

“Very well, I shall grant your wish,” Lin Taoli announced loudly. “But be cautious. If you are truly injured because of this, do not blame me for striking too heavily.”

He Yiming nodded excitedly and forcefully. The sheer joy radiating from him could easily mislead an observer into thinking the impending event was not a duel.

Lin Taoli slowly extended both hands, interlocking them in front of him. This entanglement of hands was utterly different from the previous one. If the earlier movements formed an unyielding wall of bronze and iron, like the earth itself, this new formation was something strange, an indescribable swirling mist.

He Yiming’s eyes widened like copper bells. He meticulously imprinted every movement, every detail, into his memory. Yet, he understood that this was merely the posture; to grasp the essence, he needed to personally experience the danger of this seal and feel its transformations. Even with unpredictable perils involved, this was an unavoidable step.

Indeed, the moment this seal materialized, He Yiming felt an extreme sense of danger, confirming that Lin Taoli’s warnings were in no way exaggerated.

Lin Taoli stared at He Yiming, from whom an overwhelmingly powerful aura began to rise steadily.

Eighth Layer, peak Eighth Layer—even at this stage, he showed no intention of stopping. It wasn't that he didn't want to stop, but rather that he hadn't fully grasped the seal’s power. Once initiated, it automatically stimulated all his internal energy. While it wouldn't be like He Yiming's stunning initial saber strike, unleashing everything at once, the intensity of Ninth Layer internal energy was unavoidable.

Of course, Lin Taoli had already decided that the direction of this strike would be aimed slightly upward; the residual force alone should suffice.

However, he was surprised once again to find that even after raising his internal energy to the Ninth Layer level, his aura failed to completely overwhelm the other party. He Yiming, this mere youth, stood like an unshakeable pillar, seemingly unconcerned by the formidable pressure swirling around him.

At that moment, even Xu Yinjie, watching from below the stage, stood up in disbelief. The principle of the Withered Wood Art—a heart as still as deadwood—was utterly cast aside.

“Ninth Layer, it’s actually Ninth Layer…” the old man muttered, but his words were clearly audible to everyone.

After the initial shock, He Quanming’s lips began to tremble faintly. Yiming’s internal cultivation wasn't at the Eighth Layer, but had reached the Ninth Realm.

This…

At this time, at this very moment, only one thought echoed in everyone’s mind.

What is a true genius? Here lies genius…

Ps: Seeking recommendation tickets, brothers and sisters, let the recommendation tickets come more fiercely! Thank you very much… [bookid=1467227,bookname=《Tower Demon》]