Shenhuang Academy, Qingxu Academy, Peacock Clan, Great Peng Clan, Pixiu Island…
This showdown between Ling Xiao and Blood Skull was no longer just between two individuals. It had thoroughly become a covert contest among the major powers.
Such a battle of great significance would be far too shabby without a grand martial arena like this.
The next morning, the red sun rose high.
A large crowd had gathered early on the plaza.
Perhaps due to the exceptionally thorough early publicity for this duel, the buzz was tremendous.
Banners of the two combatants hung on streets big and small, even huge portraits of Ling Xiao and Blood Skull.
It had become a major event in the imperial city.
Initially, Ling Xiao and Blood Skull agreed on a duel one month later, but the exact time was not set.
It might be morning, afternoon, or even evening.
These people would rather waste time waiting here than miss such a profound duel.
When the red sun shed its crimson robes and donned golden armour, Blood Skull arrived.
Clad in a blood-red long robe, matched with his fearsome aura of death, it made many warriors inwardly shudder.
“One month apart, and Blood Skull’s cultivation has broken through two stages consecutively, reaching the late Five Elements Heaven stage!”
Hearing the murmurs, Blood Skull sneered coldly.
His immense confidence made him stride with chest puffed out, full of vigour.
For this day’s duel, he had cultivated desperately over the past month, enduring hellish trials.
It could be said he lived worse than death.
All this was caused by Ling Xiao!
He would vent all the suffering of this month on Ling Xiao, thoroughly crushing him underfoot!
Blood Skull cupped his hands towards Shenhuang Academy’s vice-dean Feng Ming Wan Chong, Sikong Zun, and others, then directly stepped onto the martial arena, sitting cross-legged with eyes closed in meditation, ignoring all external matters.
Sole supremacy!
Perhaps only this phrase could describe the current Blood Skull.
Though countless experts scrutinised him, he showed no tension whatsoever, utterly calm and composed.
This was a true master!
One month ago, Blood Skull ranked twentieth at Shenhuang Academy.
At that time, he had just broken through from peak Four Phenomena Heaven to Five Elements Heaven, with no time for ranking battles.
Now, his cultivation was late Five Elements Heaven, fully consolidated at this stage.
Many felt his ranking was no longer twentieth, likely advancing several places.
The Blood Skull of yore was already very dangerous.
Today’s Blood Skull was even more terrifying.
After Blood Skull sat, several more groups arrived successively, all taking seats in the VIP area upon arrival.
One group was led by a man in his thirties or forties, whose attire differed greatly from warriors of the Shenhuang Empire.
If Ling Xiao were here, he would recognise this man as Pixiu Island’s young lord Chu Mu.
He had come to the imperial city to pursue and kill Ling Xiao, yet the first news he heard was his sister Chu Lin’s death.
Though not killed by Ling Xiao, it was inextricably linked to him.
He cared not who provoked whom or struck first. His sister Chu Lin was dead, so he would make Ling Xiao pay.
On the other side, Peacock Phoenix Child Kong He led the Peacock Clan’s elites, his gaze icy cold.
Ling Xiao had slain Ke Long and Ke Yu successively. Though from branch clans, the loss of face was severe.
Beside Kong He sat an elder, likely a Peacock Clan expert, his exact role unknown.
Great Peng Clan’s Heavenly Peng Phoenix Child Peng Yue had also come.
Naturally for Ling Xiao.
At the Shenhuang Auction House, Ling Xiao dared disregard their Great Peng Clan, infuriating him.
Seated beside him was Yan Peng.
Yan Peng was the Great Peng Clan’s son-in-law, Peng Yue’s brother-in-law.
After suffering humiliation, Yan Peng, fearing he couldn’t regain face alone, specially invited Peng Yue for aid.
Next to the Great Peng Clan sat Shenhuang Auction House’s young lord Feng Ming Wu Shan.
Feng Ming Wu Shan was not only the auction house’s young master but also Crown Prince Feng Ming Qi Shan’s younger brother.
Rumour had it Feng Ming Qi Shan was a martial fanatic, devoting time outside leading troops to cultivation, with many affairs handled by Feng Ming Wu Shan.
With Shenhuang Auction House present, Tianlong Auction House’s people naturally came too.
Yun Ya knew Ling Xiao’s special status, so she came to support him, also to assess if he was worth their cultivation.
Much time passed, yet no one from Qingxu Academy arrived.
Nor did Ling Xiao appear.
“Damn it, those Qingxu Academy lot have some nerve, making us wait here dry!”
Feng Ming Wan Chong grew impatient and cursed.
“Brother Wan Chong, why the anxiety? Today’s duel had no fixed time. Even if Ling Xiao is delayed, you can leave. No one forces you to watch.”
The speaker was the belated Qingxu Academy vice-dean Feng Qing Yan.
“Old Phoenix Qing Yan, come alone? Such a big matter, and Qingxu Academy seems utterly unconcerned?”
Feng Ming Wan Chong shouted.
“Is it that big? At bottom, just a private duel between academy disciples. Even I come only because I couldn’t refuse Yan Ran’s insistence, in a personal capacity, not representing Qingxu Academy.”
Feng Qing Yan said casually.
These words were masterfully level.
Our Qingxu Academy cares not a whit about this fight, yet your Shenhuang Academy treats it like treasure.
If we lose, no matter, since we attach no importance.
If we win, your Shenhuang Academy loses face utterly.
“You’re just glib with words, hmph. In truth, Qingxu Academy lacks confidence in that Ling Xiao, so dares not come and embarrass itself.”
Sikong Zun interjected.
“Quite the opposite! Our indifference stems from trust in Ling Xiao. No matter how Shenhuang Academy schemes, in today’s battle, Blood Skull’s defeat is certain!”
Feng Qing Yan smiled. “Of course, provided Shenhuang Academy doesn’t stoop to Electric Light Demon King’s shameless lows with despicable tricks.”
Sikong Zun’s mouth twitched fiercely, falling silent.
Further verbal sparring would only disadvantage him more. Feng Qing Yan’s tongue rivalled Ling Xiao’s, both far too eloquent.
“Hmph, afraid that boy is too scared to show today!”
Feng Ming Wan Chong snorted coldly, said no more, closed his eyes, and continued waiting.
Since words failed, only Blood Skull defeating Ling Xiao could counter.
