According to the sect's rules, if Lin Xuan had not arrived by the end of the second round of the ranking tournament, he would be considered eliminated. Similarly, if challenged and failing to respond within three breaths, it would be deemed a forfeit. Zheng Yuan seized on this loophole, aiming to snatch a spot on the Elite Board. The surrounding disciples were stunned at first, then sneered with contempt. They hadn't expected such a petty schemer among the inner disciples—someone too afraid to challenge directly, instead exploiting technicalities. Zheng Yuan was no weakling himself, a peak Condensation Realm expert and a top elite among inner disciples. He had charged into the top ten of his arena in the first round, earning the right to challenge Elite Board members. Yet in the second round, he had issued no challenges until now, clearly intimidated by the Elite Board's strength. Now, at the last moment, he emerged to challenge Lin Xuan in his absence. According to sect rules, if a challenged party fails to respond within three breaths, they forfeit, and the challenger wins. Wasn't this blatantly exploiting Lin Xuan's absence to sneak onto the Elite Board? And this was the final stretch—once this match passed, the second round would end, leaving no chance for a counter-challenge. Even if defeated in the third round and relegated to the lowest Elite Board seat, he'd still be on the board. One had to admit, though despicable and worthy of scorn, this method was practical. Amid the jeers, everyone acknowledged Zheng Yuan's impeccable timing. He might just make it onto the Elite Board, becoming its weakest member in history and setting a new 'record.' Moreover, after the ranking tournament, new Elite Board members enjoyed a three-month protection period per sect rules. That meant Zheng Yuan could bask in Elite Board status for three whole months. At this thought, the disciples exchanged wry glances, their mockery and disdain deepening. Even on the elevated platform, the Elite Board members sneered coldly. The Elite Board had always been a prestigious ranking within the sect, carrying recognized authority. Though Lin Xuan was a newcomer of just over a month, he had earned his place through strength. In this world, might made right, and they could accept that. But letting a coward who dared not even challenge slip in through a loophole would disgrace them all. If Lin Xuan truly couldn't make it in time and let this waste onto the board, they wouldn't dare trouble Lin Xuan—he was too strong. But they'd make sure to teach this waste a lesson every few days. Around the arena, a few others, like Zheng Yuan, had lost their fighting spirit after witnessing the Elite Board's power. Seeing Zheng Yuan's move, they couldn't help but envy him. If luck favored him, he might actually become a lofty Elite Board member. They'd had similar thoughts but were beaten to it, now left to regret and envy. On the arena stage, Zheng Yuan, feeling the gazes from all sides, broke into a smug grin. He hadn't enjoyed such attention in ages. Now, he finally had it. Why wouldn't he be overjoyed? As for any hidden meanings in those looks, he ignored them entirely. In just three breaths, he would ascend to the Elite Board—a dream he'd always harbored but never achieved. He turned expectantly to the referee. The referee, sneering with disdain, glanced at Zheng Yuan. But it was sect rules, so he couldn't fault him. Resigned, he had to proceed, announcing loudly, "Lin Xuan, do you accept the challenge? If no response in three breaths, it's a forfeit! One, two..." The arena fell into dead silence. All eyes were on the referee, and nearly everyone hoped for Lin Xuan's appearance—more than ever before. Zheng Yuan trembled with excitement. Just one more breath, and he'd be an Elite Board member! Truly on the board! Under this universal gaze, before the referee could finish, a voice like a thunderclap from the heavens rang out: "Accepted!" The moment the words fell, every martial artist at or below the Condensation Realm felt their eardrums vibrate, their qi and blood stall, their breath catch. A single cold shout carried such power, leaving the disciples shaken and trembling. They turned to see a tall, handsome figure approaching slowly. An overwhelming aura, vast as an ocean or abyss, radiated outward like a tidal wave. All disciples, stewards, and overseers—whether in Qi Transformation or Condensation Realm—felt as if struck, their chests aching as they stumbled back, unable to speak. Everyone involuntarily cleared a wide path for the handsome youth. This aura was no longer at the Condensation Realm but had reached the Spirit Opening Realm beyond! And the face was none other than the long-awaited Lin Xuan! The moment they saw him, their hearts jolted. It really was Lin Xuan! In just over a month since joining the sect, he could unleash such terrifying power. It spoke volumes about his strength! Even if not quite matching the true disciples of the Spirit Opening Realm, he couldn't be far off, could he? To progress so rapidly in such a short time only highlighted his monstrous talent. Truly the sect's number one genius, worthy of the title! Their hearts shook again, then turned to joy. With Lin Xuan here and his strength so formidable, he might even challenge the top three of the Elite Board! And arriving at the last moment perfectly aligned with sect rules. That waste Zheng Yuan was about to get his comeuppance, wasn't he? Many shifted their gaze to Zheng Yuan, who now had a face as pale as paper, even his lips white. He trembled uncontrollably, as if facing some great terror. He clearly wanted to speak but struggled in vain, unable to utter a word. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Lin Xuan slowly walked to the base of the arena. "I haven't made a move in a while, and now every stray cat and dog thinks it can piss and shit in my face, huh?" "Looks like I can't hold back anymore, or everyone will think I'm easy to bully." "This challenge, I accept!"