Chapter 11: Encountering Another Setback

 After helping Ling'er drive away the bullies, Lin Yu stayed in the small town for a few more days. During these days, he inquired about all kinds of news in the cultivation world, learned about numerous ways of the martial arts world, and also experienced the unique local customs and practices of the town. His eagerness to explore the outside world grew even stronger.

 However, the peaceful days didn't last long. The bullies who had been taught a lesson by Lin Yu were filled with indignant resentment. Feeling humiliated, they vowed to get revenge. So, they went around trying to find out Lin Yu's whereabouts and even found some accomplices.

 One day, when Lin Yu was about to leave the town and head to the next place for training, as he reached the entrance of the town, a group of people blocked his way. At the head was the bully leader from that day. Beside him were several fierce - looking burly men. These men emitted a faint spiritual power fluctuation, clearly showing that they were cultivators with some level of cultivation, quite different from those ordinary hooligans before.

 "Guys, we've finally caught you! You can't escape today. Let's see how we'll deal with you!" the bully leader said viciously, his face full of pride and the joy of revenge.

 Lin Yu slightly frowned. He knew that a battle was inevitable today, yet he showed no fear. Instead, his eyes were filled with calm determination. "I didn't want to get involved with you too much, but if you insist on causing trouble, I won't show mercy," Lin Yu replied in a steady tone.

 As soon as he finished speaking, those burly men rushed forward impatiently. They immediately unleashed their respective spiritual skills. In an instant, spiritual power rays flickered. Some turned into sharp blades stabbing towards Lin Yu, some condensed into fireballs hurling at him, and some transformed into vines trying to entangle him. The offensive was quite fierce.

 Seeing this, Lin Yu immediately used the spiritual power operation method he had learned from the "Lingxi Sacred Canon" to rapidly increase his own spiritual power. At the same time, he took steps in the Lingxi Phantom Step, and his figure shuttled through the gaps of the attacks like a ghost, easily avoiding the first - round attacks. Then, he formed hand seals with his hands and chanted incantations, mobilizing the power of the spiritual roots in his body. First, he used the power of the water spiritual root to form a water curtain, extinguishing those fireballs one by one. Then, he used the power of the wood spiritual root to grow tough branches, blocking the incoming vines.

 However, these burly men didn't give up. They cooperated with each other, and their attacks became even closer. While attacking, they tried to find Lin Yu's weaknesses. Lin Yu didn't dare to be careless either. He focused all his attention on dealing with them, constantly looking for opportunities to counter - attack while fending off their attacks.

 Just when the two sides were at a stalemate, Lin Yu seized the right moment. He combined the power of the fire spiritual root and the thunder spiritual root and unleashed a move called "Lingxi Fire - Thunder Strike". A beam of spiritual power intertwined with flames and lightning shot towards one of the burly men. The man couldn't dodge in time and was hit by the beam. He let out a shrill scream, his body was sent flying by the powerful force, and he fell heavily to the ground. A large part of his clothes was burned, and he looked extremelyembarrassed.

 Seeing their companion injured, the remaining burly men launched an even more frenzied attack. Seemingly enraged, they launched a more violent offensive towards Lin Yu, unleashing all kinds of spiritual skills at him without restraint.

 Lin Yu's pressure increased sharply. Although he managed to resolve the crises time and again with his flexible body skills and exquisite spiritual skills, the long - lasting battle had consumed a great deal of his spiritual power. Fine beads of sweat gradually appeared on his forehead.

 The bully leader watched from the side. Seeing that Lin Yu was gradually getting into a tough situation, a ferocious smile appeared on his face. He kept shouting and cheering for those burly men, "Brothers, put more effort! Beat this kid until he kneels down and begs for mercy. Let him know the consequences of offending us!"

 Just when Lin Yu felt a bit strained, he suddenly remembered the Lingxi Jade Pendant. He quickly injected spiritual power into the jade pendant. Instantly, the jade pendant released a gentle yet powerful force that merged into his body, replenishing his consumed spiritual power and at the same time enhancing the intensity of his spiritual power.

 Lin Yu was invigorated. Seizing this opportunity, he once again unleashed the ultimate move "Lingxi Chaos Annihilation Wave" from the "Lingxi Sacred Canon". He perfectly integrated the power of the five spiritual roots in his body, forming a colorful spiritual power fluctuation containing terrifying destructive power, which swept towards those burly men.

 The burly men felt this powerful force, and fear flashed in their eyes. But it was too late to avoid. The spiritual power fluctuation instantly enveloped them. With a series of loud bangs, they were severely hit by this force, all spitting out blood and falling to the ground, no longer having the strength to fight back.

 Seeing this, the bully leader was so frightened that his face turned deathly pale and his legs became weak. He no longer dared to fight and turned to run away. How could Lin Yu let him go so easily? With a flash of his figure, he blocked in front of him.

 "What... what do you want? I... I was wrong. Please spare me!" the bully leader stammered in fear, pleading for mercy. All his previous arrogance had completely disappeared.

 Lin Yu looked at him coldly. "Today, I'll teach you a lesson. If you dare to do evil and oppress the common people again in the future, I won't be lenient!"

 The bully leader nodded repeatedly like a chicken pecking at rice. "I dare not, I dare not. I'll definitely reform and be a good person from now on!"

 After this battle, Lin Yu's reputation in the small town became even more well - known. The common people were deeply grateful to him and praised him as a chivalrous man. But Lin Yu didn't stay for long. After getting himself together, he resolutely continued to move forward into the unknown, ready to face more challenges and experiences.