Amid the Xiahou family’s crowd, Xiahou Wanyu’s fists clenched tightly, his face a mask of murderous intent, glaring at Lin Xiao. The Xiahou clan seethed with rage.
Xiahou Lan, standing among them, gazed at Lin Xiao with a chilling smile, radiating certainty of his demise.
“Seventh Elder said Lin Xiao will die today. He’s finished!” Xiahou Lan muttered coldly, fists tight, eyes fixed on Lin Xiao.
Beside her, Yu Xiang clenched his fists, chanting inwardly, “He’ll die, he’ll die, and everything will vanish!”
Jia Zhao, Fang Yang, and others prayed fervently. Lin Xiao’s repeated triumphs had shaken them, each encounter pushing them toward despair.
Now, with Lin Xiao daring to face Xiahou Li in a life-or-death match across such a vast realm gap, even Xiahou Lan brimmed with confidence. They chose to believe Lin Xiao was doomed.
Xiahou Li, the main contender, stood on the life-or-death platform, his eyes blazing with fury.
As Lin Xiao’s group reached the front, Xiahou Li’s murderous gaze locked onto him. “Lin Xiao, you despicable brat, you’ve finally shown up!”
Lin Xiao didn’t rise to the bait, smiling faintly. “Sorry for the delay. I thought you’d chickened out again. Fighting you at my age shouldn’t be called despicable, right?”
Xiahou Li’s face darkened, the jab about his shamelessness hitting hard.
“Hmph, enough talk! Get on the platform, and let’s see how long you survive!” Xiahou Li roared, his killing intent surging, barely restraining himself.
“Your daughter thought I’d die too, but she’s the one who ended up dead,” Lin Xiao said calmly.
“You!” Xiahou Li’s rage exploded, his face contorting, his greatsword trembling. “Today, I’ll use your blood to honor her!”
Yet Lin Xiao lingered off the platform. From the Xiahou crowd, Xiahou Wanyu shouted, “Lin Xiao, why aren’t you up there? Scared?”
Lin Xiao’s calm gaze shifted to Xiahou Wanyu. “I’m not afraid. I’m just worried that after I kill him, your Xiahou family will lose it. So, I’ll wait for the referee before finishing him.”
“You!” Xiahou Wanyu’s face twisted with fury.
“Exactly! The Xiahou family’s capable of anything shameless. In the Holy City, you guard against nothing but them!” Ma Bi’s voice boomed, preaching their treachery.
“An elder jumping in? Gotta stay on guard!” Niu Bi echoed.
“Xiahou Wanyu, your dad’s a disgrace!” Wang Long shouted bluntly.
Tianmen had long crossed the Xiahou family. With Lin Xiao and Xiahou Li’s life-or-death match adding fuel to the feud, they held nothing back.
“Shameless people must be watched!”
“Their families too!”
“They threw tantrums at the grand competition. We don’t trust them—wait for Elder Baili!” Tianmen disciples joined the jeers.
“Courting death!” Xiahou Wanyu’s face turned icy, his killing intent palpable, barely holding back.
“Rats, daring to insult the Xiahou family!” The Xiahou clan erupted, powerful auras flaring.
“No need to rush,” Xiahou Lan’s voice cut through, calm. “I’m certain Lin Xiao dies today. When he does, this will all be a joke.”
The Xiahou family paused, surprised by Xiahou Lan’s restraint. Normally, she’d punish Tianmen for disrespecting elders.
Her calmness underscored her absolute confidence in Xiahou Li.
Reassured, the clan settled down.
Seeing Xiahou Lan’s certainty, Ziling frowned, whispering to Lin Xiao, “She’s so confident. Xiahou Li must have major preparations. Be careful.”
Glancing at Xiahou Lan, Lin Xiao’s eyes narrowed, nodding. “Don’t worry. He’s prepared, but so am I. I’ll be fine.”
Ziling nodded, trusting Lin Xiao but still worried. Xiahou Lan, who often targeted him with domineering words, was unusually serene.
Such composure suggested Xiahou Li held a powerful trump card, enough to assure a Martial Monarch.
“Xiu!”
A gray-robed figure soared through the crowd, a subtle pressure radiating. It was Baili He.
His arrival ignited the crowd’s excitement. The battle was imminent.
Unseen in the void, three figures watched: the Vice Dean, Eight Directions Tower Master, and Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion Master.
They couldn’t resist observing Lin Xiao’s post-refinement strength but stayed hidden to avoid pressuring the fighters or crowd.
Favoring a genius disciple over an elder would imply readiness to intervene, so they kept their distance.
The crowd, unaware of the trio’s presence, buzzed with anticipation for the impending clash.
“If you’re both ready, begin. This is a life-or-death match—one fight, one outcome. No interference allowed!” Baili He announced from above the platform, glancing at Xiahou Li, Lin Xiao, Xiahou Lan, and the crowd.
Xiahou Lan snorted inwardly, sensing the remark aimed at her, but brushed it off.
Lin Xiao nodded, leaping onto the hundred-zhang-wide platform, facing Xiahou Li.
The battle was set to erupt.
All eyes were locked on the stage.
