“Rest assured, I’ll eliminate him before he reaches the ninth-level Martial Monarch!” Lin Xiao declared firmly.
Zhan Lan nodded, mentioning this to put some pressure on Lin Xiao.
After all, Jian Wudi was a formidable opponent, and even Zhan Lan wasn’t confident this time.
Yet, he had no fear of the fight.
Soon, Zhan Lan had the news of Lin Xiao’s emergence from seclusion spread.
The moment the news broke, the entire region erupted. That very day, countless people gathered around the Spear Dragon Sect, ready to watch the battle.
As the days passed, the crowd grew larger. Within three days, tens of thousands had assembled outside the Spear Dragon Sect, creating a grand spectacle.
Lin Xiao hadn’t expected the allure of a prodigy battle to be so immense.
Naturally, the disciples and elders of the Spear Dragon Sect who weren’t in seclusion also gathered at the sect’s entrance, awaiting the arrival of Ling Jian Sect’s forces.
Lin Xiao was among them, filled with anticipation for the battle.
Zhan Lan, however, seemed entirely unconcerned.
It was clear that, despite Jian Wudi’s impressive record, Zhan Lan was brimming with confidence.
The young disciples of the Spear Dragon Sect also held significant confidence in Zhan Lan.
“Swish!” At dawn on the third day, as the crowd watched eagerly, a Sky-Soaring Boat cut through the air like a beam of light, speeding towards the peak where the Spear Dragon Sect’s entrance stood.
In the blink of an eye, the Sky-Soaring Boat stopped near the sect’s entrance.
Then, twelve figures emerged from the boat.
Among them were only one elder and one middle-aged man; the other ten were youths.
One youth stood out the most.
He appeared to be around twenty-eight or twenty-nine, with bold features and a robust build, his muscles brimming with explosive power.
A powerful sixth-level Martial Monarch aura radiated from him, his dazzling golden robe drawing the gazes of everyone present.
“That’s Li Yunxiao!” someone exclaimed, recognising the youth.
“Li Yunxiao? Are these people from the Nine Heavens Sect?” another asked in surprise. “Indeed. The elder is Yang Hao, the second elder of the Nine Heavens Sect, a Martial Emperor realm expert. The middle-aged man is also formidable, and the other youths are the top geniuses of their age groups,” a knowledgeable elder explained.
“It seems the Spear Dragon Sect is taking this battle seriously!”
“Of course, it’s a clash between prodigies. Even Li Yunxiao came in person.”
“Having lost to Jian Wudi, Li Yunxiao must be unwilling to accept defeat. He’s probably here to observe their trump cards.”
…
Whispers spread through the crowd. With so many spectators, some sharp-eyed individuals recognised the Nine Heavens Sect’s group.
“That’s the Nine Heavens Sect’s prodigy, Li Yunxiao?” Lin Xiao thought, slightly surprised as he looked at the robust youth.
He had assumed the Sky-Soaring Boat belonged to Ling Jian Sect, but it turned out to be the Nine Heavens Sect.
Li Yunxiao, one of the Eight Great Prodigies, had arrived so boldly.
His presence was indeed formidable, his combat strength likely terrifying.
Lin Xiao could hardly imagine how Jian Wudi had defeated Li Yunxiao in three moves.
“Elder Yang Hao, welcome to our Spear Dragon Sect,” the Grand Elder beside Lin Xiao said politely, bowing to the elder.
“Elder Yun Jing, you’re too kind. I hope you and Elder Zhong don’t mind our uninvited visit,” Yang Hao replied courteously, returning the bow.
“Elder Yang Hao, how could we mind? Guests are always welcome,” Zhong Moyang said, also bowing.
Grand Elder Yun Jing nodded and asked, “Elder, how is Sect Leader Nie faring?”
“Thank you for your concern. Our sect leader is doing well,” Yang Hao replied, bowing. “Today, we’ve come to witness the brilliance of Elder Yun Jing’s esteemed disciple, Nephew Zhan Lan.”
“You flatter us, Elder Yang Hao,” Yun Jing responded.
From their exchange, Lin Xiao could tell that the Spear Dragon Sect and the Nine Heavens Sect had a good relationship.
At this moment, Zhan Lan, standing beside Lin Xiao, addressed Li Yunxiao in the void ahead, “Brother Yunxiao, it’s been a while. I didn’t expect our battle to draw you here.”
Li Yunxiao grinned, “Four of the Eight Great Prodigies of the Southeast Region have been defeated, two have cowered, and now only you remain. How could I not come?”
“Besides, I’ve heard your strength is unfathomable. You might be able to stand against Jian Wudi. If you can teach that arrogant guy a lesson and see him humiliated, my trip won’t be in vain.”
“You’re too kind, Brother Yunxiao,” Zhan Lan replied politely.
Li Yunxiao continued, “Of course, there’s another possibility: you lose, and I get to see you make a fool of yourself. That’d make the trip worthwhile too.”
“…” Not only Zhan Lan but also Lin Xiao and the crowd were left speechless.
Li Yunxiao was so blunt.
Was this how prodigies spoke?
“Who’s Lin Xiao? I think this guy’s got some guts, daring to challenge Jian Wudi at the Martial Venerable realm,” Li Yunxiao suddenly asked.
Lin Xiao froze, about to speak, when Li Yunxiao added to Zhan Lan, “Is he right in the head?”
“…” Lin Xiao was at a loss.
What was with this Nine Heavens Sect prodigy? So unreliable.
But his personality was somewhat similar to Ling Hu’s.
Perhaps it had to do with the Nine Heavens Sect’s focus on fist and palm techniques, recruiting disciples who were all robust and sturdy…
“Ahem!” Clearing his throat awkwardly, Lin Xiao finally spoke, “I am the Lin Xiao you speak of.”
“You’re Lin Xiao?” Li Yunxiao’s gaze swept over him in surprise, disbelief on his face. He exclaimed, “Remarkable, truly remarkable. I can’t see through you at all. A genius with multiple talents, the top figure of the Southeast Region Youth Assembly.”
Lin Xiao’s face darkened. Was this praise or mockery?
“The top figure of the Southeast Region Youth Assembly, truly extraordinary, enough to drive Jian Wudi mad,” a voice suddenly chimed in.
Then, a youth in dark robes shot through the sky, appearing in everyone’s sight. With long brows and a piercing gaze, he exuded an extraordinary aura, clearly a formidable figure.
