"You...!"
Zhang Mingliang was momentarily choked, unable to speak.
Just as Lin Xuan had said, Lin Xuan was a promising disciple, ranked first in potential, with a three-month protection period. As an older disciple like himself, he really couldn't do anything to Lin Xuan.
"But, if you want to avenge your cousin, I can give you a chance?"
At that moment, Lin Xuan's voice came through.
Zhang Mingliang looked over and saw Lin Xuan staring at him with a faint, mocking smile. A sense of foreboding rose in his heart.
"What chance?"
Zhang Mingliang still asked.
"Don't you just want to teach me a lesson? How about this: you put up three inferior-grade spirit stones as a wager and fight me. If I win, those three spirit stones are mine. I'll agree to the fight, and you can use it to teach me a lesson and avenge your cousin. How about it?"
Lin Xuan said calmly.
Inferior-grade spirit stones were products of spiritual energy condensing on rocks. For martial artists above the Qi Gathering realm, they were useful for cultivation, formations, alchemy, and more, and thus used as currency. One inferior-grade spirit stone was equivalent to a million gold coins in the mortal world. In fact, the entire Lin family of Qingyu City's monthly net profit wasn't worth a few inferior-grade spirit stones. Three inferior-grade spirit stones meant three million gold coins. For Zhang Mingliang, this was also a significant sum.
Hearing this, Zhang Mingliang couldn't help but hesitate. He had only planned to vent for his cousin; losing three inferior-grade spirit stones would be a huge loss. He currently had only five inferior-grade spirit stones, saved up over his long time in the sect. The four major sects and the royal family strictly controlled spirit stones; only within the sect were they somewhat easier to obtain.
Just then, Lin Xuan's mocking voice came again:
"What's the matter, Zhang Mingliang? A Qi Gathering realm martial artist like you doesn't dare accept a challenge from an Acupoint Opening realm one? So spineless, why even practice martial arts? Why not go home and farm? Haha..."
"Lin Xuan, you...!"
Zhang Mingliang clenched his fists, anger surging.
The commotion had already drawn many outer disciples around. Hearing this, the crowd buzzed with chatter.
"Yeah, not daring to fight an Acupoint Opening realm martial artist? That's way too cowardly, isn't it?"
"If this gets to the elders' ears, it'll be interesting."
"The elders probably won't be pleased, right? Haha..."
The disciples, eager for drama, started stirring things up.
Nearby, Zhang Mingliang's expression grew darker. This was an obvious provocation. As a Qi Gathering realm martial artist, accepting a challenge from an Acupoint Opening one—winning was expected. But if he lost, it would be disastrous. Such a clearly disadvantageous bet, only a fool would agree to it. He had wanted to refuse.
But now, he couldn't. With Lin Xuan making such a scene, word would spread. If he dared to refuse, it would reach the elders and outer sect higher-ups, damaging his reputation. He wasn't among the top ten outer disciples, the elite talents. If this continued, his future would be ruined. Now, he had no choice but to agree.
"Fine! Lin Xuan, you're clever!"
Zhang Mingliang's face darkened as he coldly said:
"Alright, I accept! But if I lose, I have to give you three inferior-grade spirit stones—that's no small amount. What about you? What's your stake?"
At this point, he had to fight and defeat Lin Xuan. He refused to believe that a Qi Gathering realm martial artist couldn't beat an Acupoint Opening one! Even though Lin Xuan was the top genius among this year's new disciples, praised by the Third Elder as having the potential for true inheritance, he was still only at the Acupoint Opening realm, and his talent hadn't fully manifested yet!
"If I lose, I'm at your mercy. How about that?"
Lin Xuan said calmly.
"Deal!"
Zhang Mingliang said gravely.
Lin Xuan's quick agreement didn't bring Zhang Mingliang any joy; instead, it deepened his unease. But now, he had no choice but to fight.
Behind him, Zhang Tao's eyes flickered with a hint of glee, staring intently at the two. Maybe this time, he could get his revenge?
A glint also flashed deep in Lin Xuan's eyes, though his expression remained unchanged. His provocation had worked. Now, it was time to reap the rewards. He wasn't just after the three inferior-grade spirit stones, but also a large number of energy points. If he could defeat Zhang Mingliang across realms, word spreading would cause a significant stir. Then, the energy points he'd gain wouldn't be few.
As one of the four major sects of Cangyuan Kingdom and a top power in the land, Flowing Cloud Sect was a treasure trove. Many experts and strong individuals possessed valuable treasures. But due to insufficient energy points, he couldn't obtain them. Now, the opportunity had come. After harvesting a large number of energy points, he could go on a copying spree.
The surrounding outer disciples, hearing this, also stepped back, clearing a spacious area for Lin Xuan and Zhang Mingliang to duel.
Then, Zhang Mingliang looked at Lin Xuan and coldly said:
"Lin Xuan, fall!"
With that, Zhang Mingliang charged at Lin Xuan without further ado, like a massive boulder bearing down with overwhelming force.
"Blazing Fire Palm!"
Reaching Lin Xuan, Zhang Mingliang shouted, striking out with a palm. A scorching palm print, flickering with flames, crashed down. Instantly, a wave of heat spread, and the surrounding air temperature rose sharply. The power was so great that even the outer disciples nearby changed expressions. This palm strike—probably even a Qi Gathering realm outer disciple couldn't withstand it. Zhang Mingliang truly lived up to his reputation as a somewhat famous expert among the outer disciples.
The crowd then turned to Lin Xuan, curious how the Acupoint Opening realm disciple would handle this attack. But Lin Xuan's expression remained unchanged. He stepped lightly, his figure flickering, and easily dodged.
"So fast!"
"Such an advanced movement technique!"
Many disciples inwardly exclaimed. This speed and technique left even some Qi Gathering realm disciples among them feeling inferior. An Acupoint Opening realm disciple executing a movement technique surpassing the Qi Gathering realm—this scene shocked everyone. No wonder he was the top genius among the new disciples, praised by the Third Elder as having true inheritance potential, they thought.
On the field.
"So this is true qi?"
Lin Xuan murmured, his eyes flickering. True qi was energy absorbed from heaven and earth's spiritual energy and refined through cultivation techniques. But its power—this was the first time Lin Xuan had witnessed it. Feeling the heat wave, he knew he couldn't take it head-on; otherwise, he'd end up with a serious injury.
"It seems I underestimated the combat power of the Qi Gathering realm."
Lin Xuan shook his head slightly, his expression still calm.
Opposite him.
Zhang Mingliang, realizing his palm had missed, grew serious. He knew that Lin Xuan, the top potential new disciple, was far stronger than he had anticipated. He dared not be careless anymore.
"Flying Snake Step!"
He immediately activated his movement technique and gave chase.