The Inner Sect Arena was packed. Disciples gathered in every available space, their voices buzzing with excitement and anticipation. It wasn’t often that an outer disciple challenged an inner disciple, let alone one as infamous as Wang Jian.
At the center of the arena, Wang Jian stood tall, his arms crossed, exuding confidence. His cultivation at Mid Foundation Establishment radiated an oppressive aura, a clear warning to anyone who dared challenge him. He smirked as he saw Lin Xuan approach, his sharp eyes filled with disdain.
"So, you actually showed up," Wang Jian sneered. "I thought you’d run away after stealing something you don’t deserve."
Lin Xuan remained calm, stepping onto the arena floor. His simple outer disciple robes fluttered slightly as a faint golden glow flickered in his eyes.
"I don’t have time for useless talk," Lin Xuan said, his voice steady. "Let’s begin."
The crowd murmured. Some admired Lin Xuan’s composure, while others scoffed at his apparent arrogance.
The Arena Elder, a strict old man with a sharp gaze, stepped forward. "This is a formal sect challenge. No killing. Once one side can no longer fight, the match is over." His gaze swept across them both. "Begin!"
Boom!
Wang Jian moved instantly, his foot slamming into the ground as his figure blurred forward. His sword, coated in fiery qi, slashed through the air toward Lin Xuan’s chest.
The attack was fast—far faster than an ordinary Qi Refinement disciple should be able to react to.
But Lin Xuan wasn’t ordinary.
His body shifted, golden energy flickering across his skin as he twisted his torso, narrowly avoiding the blade. Whoosh! The wind pressure from the slash sent dust flying, but Lin Xuan remained untouched.
Wang Jian’s eyes narrowed. "Not bad."
He struck again, this time faster, stronger. His blade became a blur, launching a series of rapid strikes. Sparks flew as each attack carved into the arena floor, yet Lin Xuan weaved through them effortlessly.
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Then—CLANG!
Lin Xuan finally moved. With a single step forward, he raised his hand, meeting Wang Jian’s blade with his bare palm. A golden rune flickered for an instant, and the force of the sword stopped dead.
Wang Jian’s pupils shrank. What?!
Lin Xuan exhaled softly. His body no longer felt like it belonged to a mere Qi Refinement disciple. The Celestial Ascendance Scripture had strengthened his physique beyond normal limits. He had already crossed into the realm of monstrous talent.
With a twist of his wrist—BANG!
A golden shockwave erupted from his palm, sending Wang Jian flying backward. The crowd gasped as Wang Jian tumbled across the arena, barely stopping himself before crashing into the wall. He coughed, his face filled with disbelief.
"You…" Wang Jian gritted his teeth. "You think you’ve won?"
Flames erupted around his body as he activated his true strength. His cultivation flared, and his aura expanded, becoming heavier, more oppressive. His Blazing Wolf Sword Art reached its peak.
Lin Xuan watched him with a calm expression.
"You’re not strong enough."
Wang Jian roared and charged, his sword burning like a meteor. "Take this! Blazing Fang Strike!"
Lin Xuan’s eyes flickered. Golden Runes—First Form.
He stepped forward. Time seemed to slow.
With a simple palm strike—BOOM!
The golden energy erupted from Lin Xuan’s hand, colliding directly with Wang Jian’s sword. A golden explosion filled the arena, and a moment later—
CRACK!
Wang Jian’s sword shattered.
The impact sent him flying again, his body slamming into the ground. The entire arena fell silent.
Wang Jian groaned, blood trickling from his lips as he struggled to rise, but his limbs refused to move.
The match was over.
Lin Xuan turned and walked away without another word.
The Arena Elder nodded. "The winner—Lin Xuan!"
The disciples erupted into chaos.
"An outer disciple defeated Wang Jian?!"
"What kind of monster is he?"
"Just what kind of inheritance did he obtain?"
In the shadows, several figures watched the battle with narrowed eyes. Among them was a veiled woman in elegant robes, her gaze unreadable. "He’s progressing too fast. We need to observe him carefully."
Far above, in the Elder’s Hall, the high-ranking members of the Heavenly Origin Sect watched through a projection array. The Sect Master, an imposing man with a deep gaze, stroked his beard.
"Lin Xuan…" he murmured. "Perhaps it is time we bring him into the inner sect."
Below, Lin Xuan left the arena, his expression calm, but deep inside, he knew—this was only the beginning.