The news spread like wildfire.

Lin Xuan had not only refused Lei Qian’s summons but had defeated Fang Chen in a single exchange.

To the younger disciples, it was a shocking display of power. But to the elders and senior disciples… it was a direct challenge.

And challenges in the Inner Sect were never ignored.

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WHISPERS IN THE SECT

Inside the training hall, a group of disciples sat in hushed discussion.

“Lin Xuan is insane! No one dares to refuse Senior Brother Lei Qian and still walks freely.”

“Hmph. Strength determines everything. If he was weak, he would have been crushed by now.”

“I heard Senior Brother Lei Qian hasn’t reacted yet.”

“That’s even scarier.”

In the shadows of the sect, the true powers were taking notice.

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ZHAO FENG’S CONCERN

“You really don’t know how to stay low, do you?”

Zhao Feng leaned against the wall of Lin Xuan’s courtyard, arms crossed. His expression wasn’t as relaxed as usual.

“You’re attracting too much attention. Lei Qian isn’t just some Inner Sect senior—he’s one of the strongest. You might’ve beaten Fang Chen, but Lei Qian…?”

Lin Xuan sat in quiet meditation, his expression calm. The golden inheritance energy still surged within him, refining itself inside his meridians.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

“Strength comes from pressure,” Lin Xuan said finally. “If I run, I’ll always be weaker than them.”

Zhao Feng let out a sigh. “You’re crazy.”

A knock at the door interrupted them.

A young female disciple stood outside, her expression anxious.

“Senior Brother Lin Xuan… you have been summoned to the Martial Arena.”

The moment those words were spoken, Zhao Feng’s face darkened.

The Martial Arena.

A place where challenges were issued… and only resolved through battle.

Lin Xuan opened his eyes. A sharp glint flickered within them.

“So, it begins.”

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THE ARENA – A DEADLY INVITATION

By the time Lin Xuan and Zhao Feng arrived, a crowd had already gathered. Inner Sect disciples stood along the stone platforms, their eyes locked onto the center of the massive battle stage.

And at the very front… Lei Qian stood waiting.

Dressed in dark blue robes, his long hair tied back, Lei Qian exuded a powerful aura that made the air feel heavier. His cultivation base was at the peak of the Foundation Establishment Realm.

Beside him, a cold-looking elder observed the scene—one of the Inner Sect’s supervising elders. This fight was officially sanctioned.

Lin Xuan stepped forward, his gaze unwavering.

Lei Qian smiled. “You refused my invitation.”

Lin Xuan’s voice was calm. “If you wanted to see me, you should have come yourself.”

The disciples gasped. No one dared to speak to Lei Qian like that.

Lei Qian chuckled, but his eyes flashed dangerously. “Then I’ll take a personal interest now.”

He turned to the elder. “Elder, I would like to issue an official challenge. Lin Xuan and I will fight in the Martial Arena. Life or death… left to fate.”

A chilling silence filled the air.

Lin Xuan’s hands clenched. Life or death?

This wasn’t just a lesson.

Lei Qian wanted to kill him.

Zhao Feng tensed beside him. “Lin Xuan, don’t—”

“I accept.”

Lin Xuan stepped onto the arena. His voice was steady.

The battle… was set.