Zombie Bodyguard

Chapter 1907 - 1904: Passed Down to Men, Not to Women

"Wow..." The young disciples exclaimed in astonishment. Although there had been rumors, hearing Lin Tian admit it himself still left them in awe.

"I wonder how long it took the young brother?" The middle-aged man asked again.

Lin Tian blinked, and roughly said, "About an hour or so."

Another wave of astonishment swept through the hall. An hour wasn’t just surprising to them—it was shocking! Their Heavenly Master’s successor had spent half a day, let alone others, which could take months!

All eyes were on Lin Tian. Zhang Zhicheng’s eyes were filled with jealousy, almost enough to ignite flames. However, when his gaze skimmed over the Great Elder, it immediately turned into a smirk, obviously directed at Lin Tian.

"I wonder how the young brother passed through the maze?" Another elder asked curiously.

How did he do it? Lin Tian chuckled internally. Should he discuss mathematical logic with them? Probably, they wouldn’t believe it anyway.

After thinking for a moment, Lin Tian could only say, "It took a bit of calculation and some luck." This was a humble way of speaking, giving the elders some face. If he claimed he passed effortlessly, the elders would lose face.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Zhicheng seized on Lin Tian’s last words: "So it was all luck—I thought it was based on skill, what’s there to brag about..."

After the earlier lesson, this time he didn’t speak directly but instead muttered loudly enough for those around to hear. Anyway, with many young disciples discussing in the hall, he wasn’t afraid of Lin Tian catching him on this.

"Heh, some people really have no shame," Lin Tian shook his head privately.

"Zhang Zhicheng flaunts his connection with the Great Elder, has always been ostentatious in the clan, and now that you’ve taken the spotlight, of course, he resents you," Zhang Lingyu whispered.

Zhang Heyuan seemed to have no intention of explaining for Lin Tian, or perhaps he wanted to see how Lin Tian would handle the situation.

"Everyone, quiet down." The Great Elder spoke again, and the young disciples quieted down immediately.

"What does the Great Elder propose?" A middle-aged man asked, with a hint of flattery.

The Great Elder’s gaze swept the circle and finally landed on Lin Tian: "Luck or skill, everyone seems curious. I wonder if the young man could show us? Consider it a lesson for the young disciples present."

Lin Tian’s eyes flashed, but he remained calm: "What does the Great Elder mean?"

"I mean, why not have a competition between you and our young disciples to show that it is skill and not luck you rely on, what do you say?" The Great Elder’s expression didn’t change, as if speaking of a simple competition.

But Lin Tian sneered inwardly. So, it finally came. The old coot wants to scheme against me. I’ll see how you handle it later, with this thought, Lin Tian still wore a humble expression: "Since the Great Elder requests it, how dare this junior not comply? Everything is up to the Great Elder’s arrangement."

"Good, young people are straightforward." The Great Elder said appreciatively, but whether he meant it sincerely only he knew.

After a moment’s pause, the Great Elder turned to the clan’s young disciples and asked aloud: "Which disciple dares to come forward and try?"

Some disciples itched to try, while others lowered their heads, fearing the Great Elder might call their name. However, some of Zhang Zhicheng’s companions exchanged smiles, seemingly making eye contact with Zhang Zhicheng above.

"Great Elder, this disciple has been in secluded cultivation recently and benefited greatly; I am willing to try." Zhang Zhicheng stepped forward a few paces, glanced at Lin Tian, then ceremoniously bowed to the Great Elder, seeking permission.

"Alright, then give it a try." The Great Elder nodded, agreeing to Zhang Zhicheng’s request.

Zhang Ruyan frowned and told Lin Tian: "Lin Tian, you shouldn’t have agreed. I’m a hundred percent certain Zhang Zhicheng will definitely use the power of the grand barrier."

"The elder sister is right. Outside the Zhang Family, Zhang Zhicheng’s strength is nothing to mention, but within the clan, it’s hard to say." Zhang Lingyu also worriedly said.

"Ruyan mentioned before that the power borrowed from the grand barrier relates to personal strength; the stronger the individual, the greater the power they borrow, and vice versa, isn’t that right?" Lin Tian remembered Zhang Ruyan had talked about this.

"That’s quite right, but if Zhang Zhicheng uses the talisman given by the Great Elder, the power he borrows from the grand barrier will be entirely different. Although I dislike the Great Elder, I have to admit, his attainments surpass mine." Zhang Ruyan reminded.

Lin Tian smiled nonchalantly: "Since I already agreed, am I supposed to surrender before the fight even starts? ’Surrender’ is not in Lin Tian’s dictionary."

"Winning or losing is a minor matter, just be careful not to reveal your true self." Zhang Ruyan’s eyes hinted of amusement, somewhat gloating, yet Lin Tian knew she was reminding him.

"Lin Tian, be careful yourself," Zhang Lingyu softly instructed. The three conversed quietly, drawing no attention from others.

"Please everyone, move outside to the courtyard." A middle-aged man said loudly, interrupting the trio’s conversation.

The young disciples were the most enthusiastic, rushing out in excitement at the rare opportunity to witness such a spectacle. Though also expectant, the elders and middle-aged individuals held back due to their status, leisurely walking outside.

As Zhang Heyuan passed Lin Tian, he jovially said, "Young man, I’m rooting for you. Give Zhang Zhicheng a good beating, save Lingyu from his pestering."

"Aren’t you of the same surname and family? He dares pursue you?" Lin Tian glanced at Zhang Lingyu, puzzled.

"Hmph!" Zhang Lingyu snorted indifferently: "Zhang Zhicheng is a distant relative, not within the third generation of kin, but it might also be the Great Elder’s deliberate arrangement."

"I understand now..." Lin Tian’s lips curled into a faint smirk. The Great Elder wanted Zhang Zhicheng to pursue Zhang Lingyu, with the real aim being the position of Heavenly Master’s successor.

Zhang Heyuan, hands on his back, walked outside, but left Lin Tian with a parting remark: "Don’t be complacent. This setup today is prepared for you—to save face, and to let Zhang Zhicheng gain prestige. You understand the reason."

"Isn’t the Heavenly Master’s successor position already decided? Why does the Great Elder still plot these things, what’s the point?" Lin Tian frowned.

Zhang Ruyan disdainfully said, "There are still people in the clan opposing. The Heavenly Master’s position passes only to males, not females. Lingyu has faced much difficulty. She still has many obstacles to become the Heavenly Master ultimately."

Lin Tian turned his head to look at Zhang Lingyu, who said nothing, just continued forward with determined eyes.

The trio was the last to arrive outside the courtyard. In front of the hall’s entrance lay a square paved with bluestone, with a black-and-white Tai Chi Diagram at its center. Zhang Family members surrounded the square. Judging by the situation, this square was the arena for Lin Tian and Zhang Zhicheng’s duel.