Another corpulent bear clan elder, Xiong Tuo, with a kindly face but sharp eyes, stroked his chin and said slowly, “Young man, it is not that we do not believe you, but this matter is simply too astonishing. Do you have any proof? Or rather, what special treasure or secret technique did you use?”
Clearly, like the deceased Elder Li Yan, they fundamentally did not believe that a seventh-grade Human Immortal could possess such heaven-defying combat power.
Shi Yan and Ying Wu were so anxious that sweat beaded on their foreheads. They wanted to explain, yet they were silenced by a single glance from Elder Yu Sha.
The Master of the Heaven-Splitting Sect said nothing, merely gazing deeply at Chen Ping, as if trying to see through him.
Faced with numerous doubtful and contemptuous looks, Chen Ping’s expression remained calm, as though everything around him had nothing to do with him.
He did not even feel the slightest desire to explain, only faintly returning the gaze of the Heaven-Splitting Sect Master.
This silence and calmness appeared, in the eyes of some elders, more like guilt.
Elder Yu Sha snorted coldly. “Sect Master, this matter is suspicious. This person’s origins are unknown, his cultivation is low, yet he claims such combat power. I fear he is a spy sent by the Demonic Sect.”
“He intends to use a ploy of feigned injury to infiltrate our headquarters. We cannot fail to guard against it! In my view, we should first capture him and interrogate him thoroughly!”
As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the hall immediately grew tense.
Several elders nodded slightly, evidently agreeing with Yu Sha’s opinion.
Shi Yan and Ying Wu turned pale. They wanted to speak, but were suppressed by powerful pressure, unable to make a sound.
Just as the atmosphere became extremely strained, the little fire qilin on Chen Ping’s shoulder seemed to sense the hostility. It let out a dissatisfied low roar, and the red-gold flames around its body suddenly flared up high.
A pure and majestic auspicious beast aura spread out, unexpectedly diluting the pressure emitted by the several elders to some extent.
“Hm? This is… a fire qilin?!”
Elder Xiong Tuo’s eyes lit up with surprise. “And its bloodline seems extremely pure!”
The gaze of the Heaven-Splitting Sect Master also shifted slightly as he looked at the little fire qilin, a hint of unusual light flashing in his eyes.
Chen Ping finally spoke, his voice flat yet clearly reaching everyone’s ears. “I have come this time for only two matters. First, to settle old grievances with the Myriad Soul Demon Sect. Second, to rest here temporarily and learn some information. If your sect does not welcome me, then Chen will simply leave.”
His tone held no fluctuation whatsoever, neither anger at being questioned nor any plea to stay, as if he were speaking of a trivial matter unrelated to himself.
This detached attitude instead left some elders uncertain.
“Hmph, that sounds easy! Who knows if you are…” Elder Yu Sha still wanted to continue.
“Enough.”
The Heaven-Splitting Sect Master finally spoke, his voice low yet carrying undeniable authority, interrupting him.
His gaze was piercing as he looked deeply at Chen Ping once more, seemingly having made some decision.
“Shi Yan, Ying Wu, and the others were indeed saved by you. This favour, our Myriad Beast Sect acknowledges.”
The Heaven-Splitting Sect Master said slowly, “As for your strength… words alone are no proof. Our Myriad Beast Sect respects the strong and believes in seeing with one’s own eyes.”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the elders present before returning to Chen Ping. “In three days, there will be a promotion assessment for core disciples within the sect, which includes a beast soul battle array challenge.”
“If you can single-handedly break the Three Talents Beast Soul Array formed by three fourth-grade Heavenly Immortal core disciples, then you will prove your words are true, and our Myriad Beast Sect will treat you as an honoured guest.”
“Any information you wish to inquire about, as long as it does not involve core sect secrets, we will answer fully. If you cannot…”
The Heaven-Splitting Sect Master did not finish, but the implication was clear.
Upon hearing this, the corners of Elder Yu Sha’s mouth curved into a cold smile.
The Three Talents Beast Soul Array, performed by three core disciples at the fourth-grade Heavenly Immortal realm with perfect coordination, possessed power sufficient to trap and kill an ordinary fifth-grade Heavenly Immortal cultivator!
He absolutely did not believe that this seventh-grade Human Immortal youth could break the array.
Elder Xiong Tuo narrowed his eyes, deep in thought.
Chen Ping raised his eyes to meet the Heaven-Splitting Sect Master’s gaze. Without any hesitation, he uttered a single word concisely: “Good!”
