Chapter 5: Rising in Fame

 After successfully helping his master repel the monster in Qingfeng Town, Lin Yu returned to the Taoist temple. Instead of becoming complacent due to this initial victory, he sank into deep reflection on the battle process. He was well aware that although he had mastered the powers of multiple spiritual roots, there were still many deficiencies in his practical application and the precision of spiritual power control.

 So, Lin Yu plunged into even more arduous cultivation. Every day, he spent a great deal of time delving into the mysteries of spiritual roots, experimenting with different routes of spiritual power circulation and combinations of spells, striving to integrate the powers of each spiritual root and unleash their maximum potential. At the same time, he consulted his master about combat skills and experience, learning how to discern the weaknesses of enemies in actual battles, seize the right moment to strike, and better control the output of his spiritual power to avoid unnecessary waste.

 As time passed, Lin Yu's strength significantly improved. He could not only more skillfully use the powers of spiritual roots to cast various spells, but also his adaptability and psychological quality in battles were greatly tempered.

 By chance, Lin Yu accompanied his master to a nearby cultivation market to purchase cultivation materials. The market was bustling with people, filled with cultivators from various sects and regions. They were trading all kinds of rare treasures, elixirs, cultivation techniques, and spiritual plants and other cultivation resources.

 Lin Yu followed closely behind his master, curiously observing everything around him. Suddenly, a commotion came from ahead. They walked closer and saw that a young cultivator was in a dispute with a stall - owner. The young cultivator had taken a fancy to a magic treasure on the stall, but they were at a stalemate over the price. In a fit of agitation, the young cultivator was about to seize it by force.

 The stall - owner, also a cultivator with some level of cultivation, naturally refused to give in. The two were instantly on the verge of a fight, and the people around quickly moved aside, fearing to be caught in the crossfire.

 Seeing this, a sense of justice welled up in Lin Yu's heart. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and stood between the two, saying, "Both of you, hold your horses. Let's talk things out. There's no need to spoil the harmony."

 The young cultivator, annoyed by the interruption, glared at Lin Yu and said, "Who are you? Mind your own business!"

 Lin Yu replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, "I'm Lin Yu. I just can't stand the act of blatant robbery in this market. We're all cultivators and should uphold the righteous path and abide by the rules."

 The stall - owner, seeing Lin Yu come to mediate, told the whole story in detail. It turned out that the magic treasure was obtained by the stall - owner by chance. Due to its excellent quality, the price was rather high. The young cultivator liked it but didn't have enough spirit stones on him. Unwilling to give it up, this led to the dispute.

 After listening, Lin Yu thought for a moment and then said to the young cultivator, "Brother, I can see that you really like this magic treasure. I have some spirit stones here, which might make up for the price difference between you and the stall - owner. What do you think?"

 The young cultivator looked surprised and hesitant. He didn't expect Lin Yu to be so generous, but he felt a bit embarrassed to accept.

 Lin Yu saw through his thoughts and smiled, saying, "Brother, don't worry. We're all cultivators, and we should help each other. Consider it a loan from me. You can pay me back when you have the chance in the future."

 The young cultivator looked at Lin Yu gratefully, nodded, and said, "Well, all right. Thank you, Brother Lin, for your help. I will always remember your kindness today."

 This incident quickly spread throughout the market. Everyone praised Lin Yu's actions, commending him for not only his high strength but also his noble character and chivalrous spirit. Lin Yu's name gradually became known among the cultivators in this area, and many people developed a strong interest and favorable impression of this young and promising cultivator.

 After returning to the Taoist temple, his master also highly appraised and affirmed Lin Yu's performance, "Disciple, what you did today makes me very gratified. On the path of cultivation, strength is indeed important, but an upright, kind heart that adheres to the righteous path is even rarer. I hope you can continue to maintain this original intention. You will surely achieve great things in the future."

 Lin Yu replied respectfully, "Master's teachings, I will keep them in mind. I will surely work hard in cultivation, live up to your expectations, and contribute my strength to maintaining the peace and justice of the cultivation world."

 After this market incident, Lin Yu's fame gradually spread in the cultivation world, and he also made some like - minded friends. He knew that every move of his could affect how others perceived him, so he became even more strict with himself. Whether in cultivation or moral cultivation, he strived for perfection, laying a more solid foundation for his path of cultivation.