At Chu Feng’s words, Lü Jie froze.
He stood dumbfounded, eyes wide with shock, as if he couldn’t believe his ears.
This newcomer, meeting him for the first time today, dared to say that he, Lü Jie, wasn’t qualified to challenge him?
“You think you’re something special? Just because you conquered the Talent Steps of Ruyi Ancient Castle, you believe you’re invincible?”
“In the world of martial artists, there are countless tools to test talent, but I’ve never heard of any senior dominating the world with talent alone. Martial artists and spirit masters rely on strength.”
Lü Jie’s tone lost its earlier calm. Everyone could tell Chu Feng had angered him.
“I admit, conquering the Talent Steps of Ruyi Ancient Castle isn’t much, but it’s still better than someone who can only challenge the first level and doesn’t dare try the second.”
“That’s why you’re not qualified to stand before me.”
“Because, setting aside everything else, my results on the Talent Steps alone surpass you by far.”
Compared to Lü Jie, Chu Feng remained unruffled, a faint smirk on his lips.
That smirk was utterly dismissive.
He clearly didn’t take Lü Jie seriously.
Seeing Chu Feng like this, Lü Jie’s lips twitched with rage.
If not for the crowd, he might have attacked on the spot.
In fact, Chu Feng’s attitude shocked not just Lü Jie but the onlookers too.
This was the renowned Lü Jie.
Though arrogant and dismissive of others, even elders, he was still Lü Jie, widely recognised as the most outstanding spirit master junior in Shengguang Tianhe.
His fame wasn’t just because he was Saint Master Wudao’s disciple.
He earned his reputation through his own strength.
For Chu Feng to say Lü Jie wasn’t qualified to challenge him was outrageously bold.
Yet, oddly, no one could rebuke Chu Feng.
Not only had Lü Jie’s arrogance long irritated others, but Chu Feng’s feat of conquering the third level of the Talent Steps was unmatched.
Everyone knew how difficult the Talent Steps were, even if they hadn’t experienced them firsthand.
So, Chu Feng’s success on the second and third levels was a monumental achievement.
His current strength might not match Lü Jie’s, but his talent undeniably surpassed Lü Jie’s, leaving him far behind.
“This kid’s got character.”
“True geniuses are always this bold.”
Many gave Chu Feng such praise.
But neither Lü Jie nor the others knew that if Lü Jie hadn’t insulted Yuan Shu, Chu Feng wouldn’t have treated him this way.
Chu Feng wasn’t one to be pushed around. Most times, he repaid grudges in kind.
He could tolerate slights against himself, to an extent.
But if someone disrespected his friends, Chu Feng would never stand by.
That was why he clashed so sharply with Lü Jie.
“What’s the point of sharp words? If you’re a man, fight me.”
“Let our spirit techniques do the talking. That’s what spirit masters do,” Lü Jie said to Chu Feng.
“Listen well. First, it’s not about whether you’re qualified to challenge me.”
“Since it’s your challenge, I can choose to accept or not.”
“You’ve trained in spirit techniques for years. Challenging me, don’t you think it’s unfair?”
“How do you have the nerve?”
“But challenging me is simple. Go into Ruyi Ancient Castle now, climb the Talent Steps, and if you replace my name with yours, you win.”
“As for competing in spirit techniques…”
“Ask the people here if that’s fair,” Chu Feng said.
At his words, the crowd nodded in agreement.
Though both were juniors, Chu Feng was under a hundred years old, significantly younger than Lü Jie.
In terms of fairness, Lü Jie challenging Chu Feng was indeed unjust.
“So you’re scared, and that’s why you won’t accept my challenge,” Lü Jie said.
“Don’t worry, I, Lü Jie, won’t take advantage of you.”
“Whatever your spirit technique level is, I’ll suppress mine to match it.”
At Lü Jie’s words, the crowd’s expressions shifted.
If Lü Jie was willing to do this, the age issue could be set aside.
At the same level, it would be a test of true skill, making the duel fair.
“Are you serious?” Chu Feng asked.
“I, Lü Jie, always keep my word,” Lü Jie replied.
“Fine, but how do we ensure you’ve suppressed your power?” Chu Feng asked.
“That’s easy. Step onto the Dragon Manifestation Stone, and your true power will be revealed,” a voice came from the direction of Ruyi Ancient Castle.
Hearing it, everyone looked over in surprise.
Standing outside the castle was Elder Ruyi.
Elder Ruyi, known for his eccentric nature, rarely left the castle and seldom took interest in Shengguang Tianhe’s affairs.
Yet now, he not only appeared but proposed a method for the duel.
This made people realise that Elder Ruyi was eagerly anticipating this match.
And it was understandable.
One was a long-famed genius of Shengguang Tianhe.
The other was a rising star who conquered the third level of the Talent Steps, with talent beyond imagination.
Everyone wanted to know who was stronger.
This was a battle for the title of the strongest junior.
Who in the crowd wasn’t eager to see it?
