Chapter 268 - 242: Settling the Score

Chapter 268: Chapter 242: Settling the Score

"Is it... over...?"

A moment later, the dust settled. The crowd stared intently, their breathing ragged.

The Haoyang storm gradually dissipated, and the red mist silently vanished like snow under a scorching sun. In the aftermath, the battle stage had completely disappeared. The ground was scorched black and riddled with craters.

Yu Changsheng’s figure stood amidst the destruction. His body was half-bent, and he looked utterly wretched. A weary expression was on his face, but the piercing sharpness in his eyes was enough to make one’s heart pound in fear.

The crowd fell silent, a deathly stillness descending as they took in the scene. A moment later, an uproar erupted.

"It’s over? Where’s Tang Chen? He’s dead!"

"It’s a miracle anyone could have survived a fight like that intact."

"Hiss... Not even a corpse is left. How tragic. I never would have thought that besides Zhang Tianwen, this year’s Beast Taming Peak was also hiding a talent like Yu Changsheng. How did he do it? His Cultivation doesn’t even look that high."

Waves of discussion rose and fell. Within the crowd, everyone who knew Yu Changsheng gasped, their expressions grave, a mix of joy and sorrow.

One could imagine that after this battle, Yu Changsheng’s name would be known throughout both sects.

This battle also caused the atmosphere between the two sects to grow somewhat delicate.

The previous matches, though intense, had not resulted in any deaths. The combatants had always held back. But this battle was different.

Although everyone understood the life-and-death grudge between the two, the result was what it was: Tang Chen had died at the hands of Yu Changsheng of the Wanxiang Sect.

The members of the Spirit Dragon Sect all had ashen, gloomy faces. Feeling they had lost face, their glares at Yu Changsheng grew increasingly hostile. They hated him so much their teeth itched, yet there was nothing they could do.

’Yu Changsheng... Is this the full extent of your power?’

Yang Chengxu’s expression was grim. For the first time, a flicker of apprehension showed deep in his eyes.

Even he had felt that the power of that final strike was a threat to his life.

’However, you’ve used up all your tricks. The next time we meet, you won’t be so difficult to deal with. Tang Chen, I will avenge you.’

Yang Chengxu shook his head, changing his train of thought. As for Tang Chen’s death, he didn’t really take it to heart.

"Peak Master, in this battle, the victor is Yu Changsheng of the Wanxiang Sect."

After swallowing two more Recovery Elixirs and regaining a bit of strength, Yu Changsheng pushed himself up from the rubble. He suppressed his mental exhaustion, his expression calm as he looked up at Mo Pengchen on the judge’s platform.

At that moment, the once-overcast sky suddenly cleared. A beam of heavenly light pierced through the thick clouds, happening to shine down on Yu Changsheng. His silhouette, cast long upon the ruins, made him look as if he had returned from ancient times.

The crowd was entranced, their feelings complex. Many female disciples found their hearts captured, their eyes sparkling with a peculiar light as they gazed at Yu Changsheng.

"Good."

It felt like a century had passed, but in reality, it was only a few seconds. Mo Pengchen broke into a slight smile and nodded at Yu Changsheng. Completely ignoring the ashen-faced Mu Yongxian beside him, he waved his hand. A gentle force flowed into Yu Changsheng’s body, rapidly healing his injuries.

At the same time, with a flick of his finger, he sent a bottle of Elixirs shooting toward Yu Changsheng.

"Take these once you’ve recovered a bit. Don’t let this affect your later matches."

"Thank you, Peak Master."

Mo Pengchen’s smiling voice echoed from above. Yu Changsheng nodded, dragged his weary body into a cupped-fist bow toward Mo Pengchen, and then suddenly began to cough violently.

"COUGH, COUGH..."

He spat out two mouthfuls of congealed blood and slowly staggered off the field, his steps faltering.

Along the way, the Wanxiang Sect disciples automatically parted to make a path, their eyes filled with awe as they watched Yu Changsheng. Zhang Tianwen smiled, gave Yu Changsheng a quick embrace, and nodded slightly.

"All that matters is you won. Safety first."

Li Minghan hurried forward to support him. For once, he was being serious. As he helped Yu Changsheng, he puffed out his chest, his eyes first showing shock, then a complex mix of emotions, and finally, just a smile.

"A beautiful job! You really slapped those bastards from the Spirit Dragon Sect right in the face. Are you okay?"

Li Minghan chuckled, a look of concern on his face.

"I’m fine. Just help me back to my residence."

Yu Changsheng shook his head, feeling the depleted power within him and a stabbing pain in his head. He felt a bit helpless.

"Alright, I’ll take you there."

Li Minghan agreed immediately, supporting Yu Changsheng as they walked away.

Yu Changsheng felt no ripples in his heart over Tang Chen’s death. ’Under those circumstances,’ he thought, ’even if I hadn’t dealt that final blow, Tang Chen had already burned himself out. His death was only a matter of time. He had consumed a Blood Burst Pill to begin with—how could the side effects not be immense? Then he used a Forbidden Technique on top of that. Once the momentum from such a burden passed, the only thing awaiting Tang Chen was death. And Tang Chen knew all of this. But he had no other choice. For the sake of revenge, it was the only path he could take. It’s a pity he still couldn’t get what he wanted.’

’This can be considered a clean break.’

He exhaled a turbid breath, and the tightness in his chest seemed to clear along with it. A sense of relief suddenly washed over Yu Changsheng, even though his body was still utterly exhausted.

Along the way, Li Minghan didn’t ask many questions, offering only a few words of concern. Soon, they arrived at Yu Changsheng’s residence. After personally helping him inside and making sure he was alright, Li Minghan returned to Flat-top Square to find that the ruined battle stage had already been restored to its original state.

The ground had also been cleaned, leaving a smooth, pristine surface. Only the lingering scent of scorched air testified to the extraordinary nature of the battle that had taken place.

Regardless, the outcome was at least a good one for the Wanxiang Sect. As a result, the disciples of Beast Taming Peak were all in high spirits, their fighting morale soaring.