SHLICK!
The Sword Light grazed Feng Chong’s palm. Reflected in his wide eyes, it plunged into his body.
Blood spurted. The sword strike pierced straight through Feng Chong, leaving a gory hole.
"He actually turned the tables!"
Several Deacons stood up almost simultaneously, their expressions ones of utter shock.
In the blink of an eye, Feng Chong’s advantage vanished, completely nullified by Ling Chen’s counterstrike.
"That last sword strike was absolutely astonishing, like a Divine Stroke, a sword from beyond the heavens," one of the Deacons exclaid, his face filled with admiration.
"Indeed. Feng Chong had no way to counter that sword strike and instantly lost his life," another Deacon lanted, filled with similar awe.
The Black Market leader watched the platform, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Feng Chong isn’t dead yet. It seems Ling Chen showed rcy."
At that mont, on the platform, Ling Chen had already sheathed his Long Sword. He walked over to Feng Chong, glanced at him, and said, "I won’t kill you today. Go back and tell Yun Tianhe that one month from now, I will take his life on the Sect’s Martial Arts Platform."
With that, Ling Chen turned to step off the platform.
"Worthless trash, die!"
Feng Chong’s eyes blazed with venomous hatred. He suddenly swung his sleeve, launching a poisoned blade at Ling Chen’s back.
CLANG!
Without even looking, Ling Chen casually flicked his sword in a reverse stroke, deflecting the poisoned blade. It ricocheted back, embedding itself in Feng Chong’s forehead.
This ti, Ling Chen showed no rcy. He had already given one chance; he wouldn’t offer a second.
The spectators below erupted.
A ten-victory streak champion!
That title alone was enough to make one’s blood boil with excitent. Moreover, they had all witnessed Ling Chen’s strength. There was no padding in those ten victories; each battle had been thrilling, especially the last few, where his opponents were all formidable heavyweights.
Cheers and shouts rose like a tidal wave, one after another.
The strong were always revered and admired.
「After the life-and-death battle.」
"Young Master Ling, here are your spoils of war."
The Martial Arts Arena Deacon handed Ling Chen a wooden box. Opening it revealed a jar. As Ling Chen removed the jar’s lid, a rich dicinal aroma wafted out, invigorating his senses.
This was the Cultivating Origin Spirit Liquid, a valuable resource used to solidify one’s foundation and enhance Martial Arts Cultivation.
Only those who achieved ten consecutive victories could receive the Cultivating Origin Spirit Liquid. This spiritual liquid required many precious dicinal materials to concoct and was of imnse value, which was why Ling Chen had chosen to challenge for ten consecutive wins.
Of course, that was only one reason. Another was Ling Chen’s desire to use the Underground Martial Arena to hone his practical combat experience and seek an opportunity for a breakthrough.
The greater the risk, the greater the reward.
In addition, the Black Market Deacon gave Ling Chen a silver-cast Token. Etched on it were the words "Ten Consecutive Wins." The back depicted two tigers wrestling—the emblem of the Underground Martial Arena.
Ling Chen carefully inspected it. After confirming everything was in order, he nodded and prepared to leave.
"Young Master, please wait a mont," the Deacon said, stopping Ling Chen.
"Is there sothing else?" Ling Chen’s eyes narrowed slightly.
The Underground Martial Arena was under the jurisdiction of the Black Market. The Black Market was an exceedingly formidable power throughout the Five Kingdoms. It maintained a surprisingly good reputation, but Ling Chen knew he still needed to be wary. He didn’t believe the Underground Martial Arena would harm him over a single jar of Cultivating Origin Spirit Liquid, yet caution was paramount.
"It’s like this: the leader of our Wucheng Black Market wishes to et you. Would you be interested?" the Deacon inquired.
"The Black Market leader wants to et ?" Ling Chen’s expression shifted with interest, and he nodded. "No problem."
Just as Ling Chen agreed, a middle-aged man in a gold robe, escorted by several Deacons, slowly walked in from the other side.
"Haha, truly befitting a genius from the Divine Intent Sect! Your performance today was a real feast for my eyes," the gold-robed middle-aged man laughed heartily.
Ling Chen’s pupils constricted. He imdiately clasped his fists and said, "Greetings, Elder Qin Shan!"
Qin Shan, the leader of Wucheng’s Black Market, was a prominent figure in the Wind Country, a top-tier expert at the Grand Master Level. Such a person would be a high-ranking Elder even in the Divine Intent Sect. It was only right for Ling Chen to show respect.
"You may all leave," Qin Shan waved at the Deacons, who imdiately bowed and departed.
"May I ask what important matter Senior has for ?"
Ling Chen wasn’t sure if the Black Market leader was friend or foe. However, he reasoned it was unlikely the man was an enemy. Otherwise, Qin Shan could have easily interfered during the fights on the Martial Arts Platform today, perhaps by sending stronger warriors or even assassins to kill him.
"Nothing important, I just wanted to chat with you about your father," Qin Shan said, his smile holding a deeper, unreadable aning.
"My father?"
Ling Chen was stunned for a mont, then a hopeful glint appeared in his eyes. "Elder Qin Shan, do you perhaps know sothing about my father?"
He had never believed that Ling Tianyu was truly killed. Yet, more than two months had passed with no word. If nothing had happened to him, why hadn’t he reappeared?
"I was actually about to ask you the sa thing."
Qin Shan spread his hands, looking sowhat resigned. "I had so dealings with your father. I see a lot of him in you—exceptionally intelligent, a martial arts prodigy. I truly find it hard to believe he could have been killed so easily."
"I’m not sure about this matter either. It’s widely rumored in the Martial World that my mother, Liu Xiling, hard my father, conspiring with the Demon Sect Saint Witch Religion from within and without, which led to that great catastrophe in the Divine Intent Sect. To find out the truth, I must find my mother."
Ling Chen didn’t trust the rumors circulating in the Jianghu. Seeing is believing. He wasn’t sure if his mother was involved, but Yun Tianhe was definitely a pri suspect.
"If it wasn’t your mother, then why did she return to the Saint Witch Religion and even resu her position as their Saintess? It makes it very difficult not to be suspicious. There are too many questionable aspects to this matter; I fear the truth is quite complex."
Qin Shan frowned, then waved his hand dismissively. "Enough. Let’s not dwell on these unfounded matters. I heard that in one month, it will be the day of your life-and-death duel with Yun Tianhe, one of the Four Great Genius Disciples of the Divine Intent Sect. Do you have any confidence in winning this battle?"
"I don’t have absolute confidence. I don’t know what Yun Tianhe’s current level of strength is. Moreover, I’m concerned that even if I defeat him on the platform, I might still be the one who ultimately loses."
Ling Chen voiced his worries. His main concern was the Elders of the Divine Intent Sect. He suspected so of them were in league with Yun Tianhe. Even if he managed to defeat Yun Tianhe, he feared he wouldn’t be able to kill him and might, in turn, be targeted by those Elders.
"You need not worry about that. I will also go to the Divine Intent Sect to observe the battle that day. If anyone dares to employ underhanded tactics, I, Qin Shan, will not stand by and watch," Qin Shan declared solemnly, his expression serious.
"Then I thank you, Elder, on behalf of my father."
Ling Chen imdiately clasped his fists in gratitude.
He hadn’t expected Qin Shan to take a stand so readily. It seed the latter indeed had a good relationship with his father. Qin Shan was the leader of the Black Market in the Wind Country, a figure of considerable influence, akin to a regional lord. With him taking a stand, the Elders would likely not dare to act too recklessly. Furthermore, Zi Yun True Immortal would probably not remain indifferent. With this, his concerns about future interference were resolved.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Qin Shan, Ling Chen prepared to depart.
"You’re welco. Go on," Qin Shan waved his hand.
Ling Chen gave Qin Shan a deep look, then turned and left.
After Ling Chen departed, one of the Deacons behind Qin Shan couldn’t help but speak up, "Leader, Ling Tianyu is already dead. Helping this Ling Chen now offers no benefit to us. The Divine Intent Sect is a murky pond; are we really going to get involved?"
"The Divine Intent Sect’s strength has greatly diminished after the recent events, so there’s no need for excessive caution. I’m rely stating my position; it’s not enough to make the Divine Intent Sect consider an enemy." Qin Shan waved his hand. "And let’s not forget Ling Chen’s potential. Helping him today might well be a prudent long-term investnt."
"Besides, what if Ling Tianyu isn’t actually dead? If that’s the case, this act would ensure he owes us a significant favor. Tell , isn’t that a very profitable venture?"
"The leader is wise."
The Deacon’s eyes lit up, his face instantly showing admiration.
A aningful look flickered in Qin Shan’s eyes. Ling Tianyu’s son... Tsk, tsk. I’m rather curious to see if he can be like his father back then—to look down upon all other geniuses and reign supre in the Martial World.
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