novelTele Chapter 87 Wharton
Chapter 87 Wharton
The challenge to the O'Brien Empire has temporarily come to an end after defeating Andalu.
Lin Yun rose from the mountain peak, gazing at the distant outline of Crimson Flame City, a thought surfacing in his mind. He had been in the O'Brien Empire for almost a month, yet he hadn't visited anyone—his younger brother, Walton.
Seven years ago, Walton was only six years old when he was sent to O'Brien Imperial Academy. Back then, he was just a little kid running around following him and Linley. Now, seven years have passed, and Walton should be thirteen years old by now. I wonder what he looks like now?
Lin Yun transformed into a streak of light and flew towards Crimson Flame City.
O'Brien Imperial Academy is located in the northeast corner of Crimson Flame City, covering a vast area with magnificent buildings. The academy's walls are tens of meters high, entirely constructed of black megaliths, and the tops of the walls are engraved with defensive magical runes. The main gate is a huge archway, with the words "O'Brien Imperial Academy" engraved on the lintel in powerful and sharp calligraphy.
Lin Yun landed from the sky and stood at the entrance of the academy.
The guards at the gate paled when they saw him descend from the sky. Anyone capable of flight was at least a Saint-level expert. Even the academy dared not underestimate someone of this caliber.
"Sir, may I ask who you are...?" The guard captain quickly stepped forward, his attitude respectful.
"I'm looking for someone," Lin Yun said. "Walton Baruch, from the Dragonblood Warrior family. Which class is he in?"
A flicker of surprise crossed the guard captain's eyes. Walton Baruch—the name was familiar to everyone at the academy. A descendant of the Dragonblood Warrior family, he had reached level six warrior at the age of twelve, and after transforming into a dragon, he could reach level eight. He was one of the academy's most dazzling geniuses.
"Young Master Wharton is in sixth grade, class A," the captain of the guard said. "I'll have someone take you there."
"No need, I'll go find it myself."
Lin Yun's mental power had already locked onto Wharton's aura. That aura was located in a building deep within the academy; it wasn't strong, but it was very pure, carrying the unique fluctuations of the Dragonblood Warrior's bloodline.
He passed through the academy gates and walked along the cobblestone path.
The students in the academy walked together in twos and threes. Some were discussing their studies, some were practicing martial arts, and some were talking about the major events that had recently occurred in Crimson Flame City.
"Have you heard? That Saint-level expert from the Dragonblood Warrior family has defeated Senior Andalu again!"
"Andal? Andal, one of the top three under the God of War?"
"That's him! I heard that Lin Yun Baruch is only seventeen years old, but he's already at the peak of the Saint Realm!"
"A seventeen-year-old at the peak of the Saint Realm... My God..."
"The Dragonblood Warrior family is truly about to rise."
Lin Yun smiled slightly upon hearing these comments, paying them no heed.
He walked to a three-story teaching building and stopped. Wharton's presence was in a classroom on the second floor.
He went up the stairs and came to the classroom door. The door was open, and he saw what was inside.
The classroom was large. Some students were practicing in pairs, while others were practicing martial arts alone. In the corner of the classroom, a boy was looking down, intently studying a martial arts manual in his hands.
The boy was dressed in a blue cadet uniform. He was much taller than his peers, with broad shoulders and strong arms, already resembling a soldier. His profile was well-defined, and his eyebrows bore a resemblance to Lin Lei's, but he possessed a more heroic air.
Wharton.
Lin Yun stood at the door, watching his younger brother's retreating figure, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him. Seven years had passed, and Wharton had grown much taller and stronger. Much of his former childishness had faded, replaced by a youthful vigor.
"Walton," Lin Yun called softly.
Walton's body jolted. He looked up, turned, and stared at the doorway.
When he saw the familiar figure standing at the door, the manual in his hand fell to the ground, his mouth opened, and he was frozen in place as if he had been put on a spell.
"Second...Second Brother?" Walton's voice trembled slightly.
Lin Yun smiled and said, "What's wrong? Seven years have passed, don't you recognize me?"
Walton jumped up from his chair and rushed to Lin Yun, hugging him tightly.
"Second Brother! What brings you here!" Walton's voice was filled with barely suppressed excitement. "I heard someone defeated Senior Andalu, named Lin Yun Baruch. I thought it was just someone with the same name! Is it really you?"
"It's me." Lin Yun patted Wharton on the back. "You've grown taller and stronger. Looks like you haven't been slacking off at the academy."
"How could I possibly slack off!" Wharton released Lin Yun, his eyes filled with excitement and pride. "I'm already a level six warrior! My mentor said I can aim for level seven next year!"
"Not bad." Lin Yun nodded. "It's even better than I expected."
The other students in the classroom gathered around, looking at Lin Yun with curiosity. Many of them had recently heard about the challenges, and now that they saw the legendary protagonist standing in front of them, their eyes were filled with admiration and curiosity.
"Walton, is this your brother?"
"Is it really him? A seventeen-year-old Saint-level expert?"
"My God, your family's bloodline is incredibly strong!"
Walton puffed out his chest, his face beaming with pride: "Of course! My second brother is the most talented genius in the Baruch family! My eldest brother is also very capable; he's a genius at Ernst Magic Academy!"
Lin Yun smiled and shook his head, not interrupting his younger brother's boasting.
"Wharton, would you like to show me your dorm room?"
"Okay!" Without saying a word, Walton pulled Lin Yun and walked out.
The two brothers walked out of the teaching building and strolled slowly along the college path. The setting sun painted the sky a golden red, casting long shadows of the two men. The sycamore trees lining the road rustled in the breeze, and a few withered leaves drifted down from the branches, twirling as they landed on the ground.
Wharton's dormitory was in a detached building on the east side of the academy, assigned to outstanding students. The room wasn't large, but it was very tidy. A diagram of the human body's meridians for cultivating internal energy was posted on the wall, and the desk was piled high with various manuals and notes.
Lin Yun sat down on the edge of the bed, looked around, and nodded.
"The conditions are not bad."
"Hmm." Walton sat down opposite Lin Yun, his eyes full of curiosity. "Second brother, what have you been doing all these years? I heard from Father that you studied magic at Ernst Academy, and then it seems you went somewhere to train. When did you break through to the Saint Realm? How did you do it? Just how strong are you now?"
Lin Yun smiled and answered one by one: "I did study at Ernst Academy for a few years. Later, I went to a very far place to train, and that's where I broke through to the Saint Realm. My current strength... I'd say high-level Saint Realm, and after dragon transformation, I can reach the peak of the Saint Realm."
Walton gasped. The peak of the Saint Realm—that was a realm he never dared to dream of.
"Second brother, you're too freakish," Walton exclaimed. "I'm only a level six warrior, and you've already reached the Saint Realm. Is there any way I can ever catch up to you in this lifetime?"
"Of course you can." Lin Yun patted his shoulder. "Your bloodline concentration is much higher than mine was back then."
"Really?" Walton's eyes lit up.
"When have I ever lied to you?"
Walton grinned. He trusted Lin Yun. From childhood to adulthood, his second brother had never boasted; he always kept his word.
"By the way, Second Brother," Walton suddenly remembered something, "those people you've been challenging lately are all disciples of the God of War. Won't you be in trouble for offending the God of War?"
"No," Lin Yun said. "I challenged him fairly and squarely, without using any underhanded tactics. The God of War won't hold a grudge just because his disciple lost a match. Besides, in the God of War's eyes, challenges between Saint Realms are like children playing house; he won't take them to heart."
Walton breathed a sigh of relief: "That's good."
The two brothers chatted for a long time. Wharton asked about family matters—how their father was doing, how their older brother Linley was doing at Ernst College, and whether there had been any changes in the family.
Lin Yun answered them one by one. He didn't mention his mother; those were things Wharton shouldn't be dealing with at his age.
"Father is in good health," Lin Yun said. "My eldest brother will be graduating soon too. The family... is slowly getting better."
Walton nodded, paused for a moment, and then said, "Second brother, I miss home."
Lin Yun looked at his younger brother, a pang of sadness welling up inside him. Wharton was only thirteen years old when he was sent to an academy thousands of miles away. Although the conditions here were excellent, it was still not home.
"I'll come pick you up and take you home for a visit when you have a holiday," Lin Yun said. "Your father misses you very much too."
"Um."
Lin Yun settled into a dormitory at Wharton.
During the day, Wharton went to class, while Lin Yun sat in meditation in the woods behind the academy, digesting the gains from the past month of battles. In the evenings, the two brothers gathered together to talk about cultivation, their families, and their future plans.
Walton was filled with curiosity about Lin Yun's cultivation method. He had known since childhood that his second brother was exceptionally talented, but he had never imagined that his second brother could reach the Saint Realm at the age of seventeen.
"Second brother, how did you comprehend the laws?" Walton asked.
Lin Yun thought for a moment and said, "The understanding of laws is not achieved through arduous practice, but through comprehension. You need to understand the essence behind power, rather than simply pursuing power itself."
Wharton nodded, seemingly understanding.
Lin Yun took out a manual from his spatial ring and handed it to Wharton.
"What is this?" Walton took the manual, the cover of which had four words written on it: "Blood Flame Blade Technique".
"A set of fire-based secret techniques," Lin Yun said. "I obtained it from a very far place. This sword technique should be helpful to you."
Wharton opened the manual, which was filled with dense text and diagrams. He read a few pages, his eyes wide with shock.
"The philosophy behind this sword technique is different from what we teach at the academy!"
"Of course it's different," Lin Yun said. "This sword technique doesn't teach you how to use battle qi, but how to comprehend the power of fire. When you truly understand the essence of fire, your battle qi will naturally become stronger."
Walton nodded thoughtfully.
"Your current strength is that of a level six warrior, just one step away from level seven." Lin Yun took out a jade-green herb spirit from his spatial ring and handed it to Walton. "Here, take this. After consuming it, it should help you break through to the peak of level seven."
Walton received the Spirit of Plants and felt the immense life energy contained within it, his eyes filled with awe.
"Second brother, what is this?"
"The essence of plants," Lin Yun said, "is very helpful in improving physical fitness. Take it, and I will protect you."
Walton nodded and put the spirit of the plant into his mouth.
The elixir melted instantly in his mouth, and a warm energy spread from his throat to every part of his body. Wharton could feel that energy nourishing his muscles, bones, and blood; every cell was rejoicing.
He closed his eyes, immersing himself in the baptism of that energy.
Lin Yun sat beside him, his mental energy enveloping the entire room to ensure no one would disturb him.
About half an hour later, Walton opened his eyes.
A glint of light flashed in his eyes, and his entire body radiated an aura far more powerful than before. He clenched his fist, feeling the surging power within him, and an unbelievable excitement welled up inside him.
"Level 7 peak... I've broken through to level 7 peak!" Walton's voice trembled.
"Not bad, peak of level seven. Now that you've transformed into a dragon, you should be able to reach level nine," Lin Yun nodded. "Your body has adapted to the new power; the next step is to consolidate it."
Walton looked at Lin Yun, his eyes filled with gratitude: "Second Brother, thank you."
"We're brothers," Lin Yun smiled. "No need for thanks."
On the evening of the third day, Lin Yun was meditating in the woods behind the mountain when a figure flew from the horizon and landed in front of him.
He was a man in his thirties, tall and slender with a cold and stern face, dressed in a long white robe. A long, thin sword hung at his waist, and he himself resembled a drawn sword, exuding a sharp and menacing aura.
"Lin Yun Baruch?" The man's voice was cold.
"It's me." Lin Yun stood up. "And you are?"
"Castru, a direct disciple of the God of War." The man's gaze swept over Lin Yun. "On my master's orders, I invite you to Mount Martial God for a chat."
"The God of War wants to see me?" Lin Yun was somewhat surprised.
"The teacher rarely sees outsiders," Castro said. "It is an honor that your talent has caught the teacher's attention."
Lin Yun was silent for a moment, then nodded: "Please tell Lord Martial God that I will keep the appointment on time."
Castro nodded, said nothing more, and turned to fly away from the woods.
A complex mix of emotions welled up within Lin Yun. The Martial God, one of the three great god-level powerhouses of the Jade Orchid Continent, stood at the very pinnacle of this plane. Why did he want to see him?
"No matter what, we'll find out once we go and see," Lin Yun thought to himself.
The next morning, Lin Yun packed his things in his dorm room at Wharton, preparing to leave.
"Second brother, are you leaving?" Walton asked, somewhat reluctantly.
"Hmm." Lin Yun patted Walton on the shoulder. "The God of War wants to see me, so I can't refuse. You should cultivate diligently at the academy, and practice that 'Blood Flame Blade Technique' diligently. When you reach a certain level, you might be able to touch the threshold of the laws."
"The threshold of the laws..." Walton murmured, "Second brother, can I really do it?"
"Of course you can," Lin Yun said. "Your bloodline concentration is higher than mine, and your talent is no less. As long as you're willing to work hard, there's nothing you can't do."
Walton nodded vigorously.
Lin Yun took out a set of SS-grade inner armor from his spatial ring and handed it to Walton.
"Take this and wear it. It can withstand attacks from a level nine warrior, giving you an extra layer of protection when you go out for training."
Walton took the inner armor and carefully put it away.
"Second brother, take care."
"The same to you."
Lin Yun turned around and his body slowly rose into the air.
"Walton, I'll come find you after I come down from Mount Martial God."
"good!"
Lin Yun transformed into a streak of light and disappeared into the horizon.
Walton stood there, looking up at the sky, until the streak of light completely disappeared into the darkness. He clutched the "Blood Flame Blade Technique" tightly in his hand, his eyes gleaming with unwavering determination.
"I will definitely comprehend the laws..."