Super Gene Ⅱ: Evolution

Lin Shen heard the name Ximen Swordsman and couldn't help but freeze briefly. Upon closely examining the young boy's face, it indeed bore some resemblance to the Ximen Swordsman he knew.

However, this boy clearly had features of the Other Races, so Lin Shen hadn't linked him to Ximen Swordsman before. Now, it seemed almost certain that he was of mixed heritage.

Since Tian Xun took control of Giant Ring Star and became its true Star Lord, Lin Shen hadn't heard any news about Ximen Swordsman.

As for what Ximen Swordsman was up to now, Lin Shen wasn't quite sure.

But according to what Ximen Ailian said, Ximen Swordsman came to attend a test once every month. Judging by that, his situation probably wasn't going too well.

If everything were going well, why would he be so determined to pass the test and become Kristin's disciple?

Lin Shen felt a twinge of emotion: "Ximen Swordsman was once a talent among talents. His leveraging and unloading skill remains vivid in my memory even now. Who could have expected his current plight? Being both human, there's no irresolvable hatred between us. Since he wants to become Kristin's disciple, there's no harm in helping him out. It'd also give me a chance to meet Kristin by following him inside."

With that thought, Lin Shen's gaze toward the boy softened further. He smiled at the boy and said, "Don't worry—I'll help your father pass the test. Where is he now?"

The boy was startled upon hearing Lin Shen's words, staring blankly at him in disbelief.

The gazes of those around them also became peculiar. Internally, they thought, "Help Ximen Swordsman pass the test? Does he know what he's saying? Could it be that this guy doesn't even know who Ximen Swordsman is?"

The boy looked at Lin Shen incredulously and said, "Do you even know who my father is?"

"Of course I do," Lin Shen replied with a smile.

"Are you really sure you can help him pass the test?" The boy's face was full of doubt—no matter how he looked at Lin Shen, it didn't seem that he was joking.

"Without a doubt." Lin Shen nodded firmly.

"Little guy, he's just boasting—he probably hasn't even heard of Ximen Swordsman's name."

"Don't let him fool you. Something's off with him."

"Seriously? Saying he can help Ximen Swordsman pass the test? That's some outrageous boasting."

Onlookers couldn't bear to watch and began advising Ximen Ailian not to be deceived.

Ximen Ailian himself also felt certain that Lin Shen was bluffing—he'd never heard of anyone helping someone pass the Sword Saint Palace test, let alone the unique test for his father, which was far tougher than drawing an ordinary sword.

While the crowd was chattering away, a man approached and stood beside Ximen Ailian.

"Dad." Ximen Ailian immediately ran up to the man as soon as he saw him.

"I told you to wait for me outside. What are you doing here?" The man asked calmly.

"Dad, this guy is bragging that he can help you pass the test. I couldn't stand him pretending, so I made a bet with him. If he can't help you pass, he has to stand at the gate and yell three times, 'I'm a big fraud,'" Ximen Ailian said with a sly grin.

Ximen Swordsman directed a cold glance at Lin Shen and said, "Leave. Don't show yourself before my child ever again."

"The bet isn't over yet. Why would I leave?" Lin Shen replied with a smile.

When the crowd realized the boy's father was indeed Ximen Swordsman, Lin Shen's words suddenly felt somewhat brazen.

This man wasn't bothering to hold a grudge, yet Lin Shen seemed intent on embarrassing himself.

Ximen Swordsman furrowed his brow slightly, his gaze as sharp as a sword as he stared at Lin Shen.

Lin Shen remained composed and said, "Since the bet has been made, surely you wouldn't want your son to grow up to be someone who doesn't honor his commitments?"

Ximen Swordsman ignored Lin Shen and turned to ask Ximen Ailian, "What are the stakes if you lose?"

"He didn't say—there's no penalty," Ximen Ailian replied, his eyes flashing with mischief.

"Is that so?" Ximen Swordsman turned back to Lin Shen and asked.

"I simply haven't specified, not that there wouldn't be any penalty. Naturally, a fair bet entails risks and rewards." Lin Shen replied.

"What do you want?" Ximen Swordsman asked coldly.

"I promised nothing! No conditions at all!" Ximen Ailian interjected anxiously.

Ignoring Ailian's protests, Lin Shen looked at Ximen Swordsman and said, "If I help you pass the test, all I ask is for you to take me to meet the Sword Saint."

"That's all?" Ximen Swordsman said in mild surprise.

He had thought the stranger was scheming against his son—or perhaps against him. It now seemed that was not the case.

"Exactly—that's all," Lin Shen affirmed with a nod.

"You're betting I can pass the test?" Ximen Swordsman asked.

"There's no need to bet—I can ensure you pass the test," Lin Shen said confidently.

"How?" Ximen Swordsman asked.

"What's your test?" Lin Shen asked, realizing the situation wasn't as simple as he had earlier assumed. Judging from Ximen Swordsman's aura and presence, this man had already reached the Immortal Level.

The onlookers felt the claim was becoming even more absurd. Not only was Lin Shen arrogantly boasting in front of Ximen Swordsman, but he didn't even know what the test entailed.

Ximen Swordsman found the stranger increasingly enigmatic—he couldn't discern who Lin Shen was, nor his purpose for being here. For now, he could only test the waters.

"Kristin and I have an agreement: to pull out the Peerless Divine Sword will count as victory. I get three tries. I've already failed twice. This is my third and final opportunity this month," Ximen Swordsman explained, gauging Lin Shen's intentions.

"Is it true that merely mastering the introductory scroll alone is enough to pull out the Peerless Divine Sword?" Lin Shen asked.

"Yes, but unlike the testing swords used in the outer hall, the Peerless Divine Sword is Kristin's personal sword. General insights won't suffice to draw it," Ximen Swordsman replied.

"No problem. Let's go—I'll help you draw the sword," Lin Shen said, thinking to himself, "If the introductory scroll is the requirement, it's no challenge. Although I haven't practiced it myself, the Inheritance Fan boosts anyone trained in Inheritance Evolution Skill. With its help, victory is straightforward."

Ximen Swordsman didn't waste further words, taking Ximen Ailian's hand and heading into the Sword Saint Palace.

Everyone in the palace was aware of the agreement between Kristin and Ximen Swordsman. Therefore, they didn't stop him from entering nor make him queue.

Naturally, no objections were raised, as Ximen Swordsman was heading to a place beyond their test areas.

Lin Shen and Long Yue quickly followed, entering the Sword Saint Palace with Ximen Swordsman.

Lowering her voice, Long Yue whispered to Lin Shen, "You sure about this? I've heard of the stakes involved in their bet—it's no joke."

Even though Lin Shen was the creator of the Peerless Divine Skill introductory scroll, she had never heard of him assisting others in passing tests, and feared he might have compelled himself into a difficult situation.

"Don't worry." Those words reassured Long Yue considerably—until Lin Shen's next statement made her heart leap into her throat.

"Even if I lose, I'll just have to shout three times that I'm a big fraud. It's no big deal," Lin Shen said with a grin.

Long Yue immediately froze, staring at Lin Shen with an expression of extreme bewilderment.