Chapter 181: A Battle of Disparate Strength

[A/N: We are just a few more golden tickets away from reaching another milestone!!]

Zhao Hengjiang’s face, which was swollen like a pig’s head, was originally filled with pain and fear.

But upon seeing that sharp blade glow and the burly figure that appeared with it, those feelings were instantly replaced by a near-frenzied joy.

He looked like he had caught a life-saving straw, using all his strength to crawl toward the newcomer on all fours, his mouth emitting a slurred but venomous hiss:

"Brother, kill him, avenge me, kill this piece of trash Chen Chuan."

The newcomer was none other than the Alliance Master of the Qingtian Alliance, the renowned Zhao Ritian of the Outer Sect.

He had a tall posture and a cold face, his whole body emitting the powerful Aura of the Great Power Realm Ninth Level Peak.

He didn’t immediately pay attention to his brother’s wailing, as his sharp, hawk-like gaze first swept across the field.

After seeing the miserable state of Vice Alliance Master Yue Buyun, Yang Shihai, and Liu Mang lying on the ground, Zhao Ritian’s pupils contracted imperceptibly.

Waves rose in his heart.

Chen Chuan!

His gaze finally locked onto the only standing figure in the field.

The green robes were as before, his expression calm, and one couldn’t even see the slightest hint of fatigue or panting from a hard-fought battle on that young face.

The Aura sensing was unmistakable: First Layer of the Great Power Realm.

But it was this First Layer of the Great Power Realm that had actually defeated three of his capable generals.

This strength could no longer be described as simply amazing; it was downright eerie.

What made Zhao Ritian even more wary was Chen Chuan’s attitude.

After he had descended with towering rage and power, this kid not only failed to show the slightest panic, but instead appeared exceptionally calm.

"This Chen Chuan is indeed strange."

Zhao Ritian’s thoughts turned rapidly, forcibly suppressing his churning Killing Intent.

He was not a brainless fool like Zhao Hengjiang; to reach the position of Alliance Master of the Qingtian Alliance, he relied not only on strength but also on a head that could assess the situation.

The surrounding discussions flooded into his ears like a tide.

"It’s Zhao Ritian, he’s really back."

"Now Chen Chuan is in big trouble. Zhao Ritian is at the Great Power Realm Ninth Level Peak, a being with one foot already in a higher Realm."

"Chen Chuan’s speed was fast earlier, but the gap in Realms is too large. Their Spiritual Energy levels are not on the same tier at all; Zhao Ritian is enough to overcome ten skills with sheer strength."

"I don’t think so. Chen Chuan clearly didn’t use his full strength just now. Since he dares to be so calm, he must have a trump card. Maybe he can really go toe-to-toe with Zhao Ritian?"

"A laoliu hiding his Cultivation? Hiss... now that you mention it, it’s really possible. Otherwise, why would he be so calm?"

The discussions were many, with some certain that Chen Chuan was doomed, and others guessing that he was hiding his true depth.

But in any case, everyone’s interest was raised to the peak.

A duel that seemed disparate in strength yet full of suspense was about to take place.

Wang Lan and Yang Shu’s hearts, which had just settled because of Chen Chuan’s great display of power, were now instantly in their throats again.

Zhao Ritian’s reputation in the Outer Sect was too loud; he was one of the few people truly standing at the top of the Outer Sect.

They looked at Chen Chuan anxiously, their lips moving as they wanted to call out a warning.

Zhao Ritian finally spoke, his voice cold and devoid of emotion, yet containing an unquestionable authority:

"Chen Chuan, you injured my brother and insulted my Qingtian Alliance. This debt must be settled today."

Hearing this, the corner of Chen Chuan’s mouth curled into a faint arc, his tone flat yet sharp: "Settled? How do you want to settle it?"

The sarcasm in his words was undisguised.

Zhao Ritian’s face darkened, but he didn’t get angry. Instead, he said coldly, "Do you dare to step onto the Life and Death Stage with me and decide life and death?"

Life and Death Stage!

These three words were like a clap of thunder, exploding in the crowd!

Everyone’s spirits were roused, their eyes burning as they looked at Chen Chuan.

The Holy Land’s rules were strict, prohibiting Disciples from killing each other privately, but the Life and Death Stage was an exception.

It was a place to resolve irreconcilable grievances; once a contract was signed and the duel began, life and death were irrelevant.

Zhao Ritian’s move was undoubtedly to put Chen Chuan to death completely, and within the scope allowed by the rules.

He knew well that Chen Chuan’s movement technique was strange; if they fought outside, even if he could win, the boy might escape.

Only the enclosed environment of the Life and Death Stage could ensure that nothing went wrong.

"No! Chen Chuan!" Wang Lan cried out in shock.

"Senior Brother Chen, think twice! He is at the Great Power Realm Ninth Level Peak!" Yang Shu also hurriedly tried to dissuade him, his face full of worry.

And Zhao Hengjiang, who had been like a dead dog just now, seemed to have been given a shot of adrenaline.

He became arrogant again, and although his face was so swollen that his speech leaked air, he still shrieked:

"Weren’t you very arrogant? If you have the guts, then agree! Let’s see if my big brother doesn’t tear you into ten thousand pieces."

Facing this sudden life-and-death challenge and the expectant gazes of those around him, Chen Chuan’s heart was cold.

He had already quietly seen through Zhao Ritian’s true strength.

Great Power Realm Ninth Level Peak, with a thick Aura; he was indeed on the verge of a Breakthrough, lacking only an opportunity.

This strength was enough for him to run rampant in the Outer Sect and gave him absolute confidence.

’A life-and-death battle? Just what I wanted!’ Chen Chuan sneered inwardly.

The reason he acted so decisively was that he had set his sights on the resources of this ’wealth-sending boy’.

He had already discovered that in the Storage Ring on Zhao Ritian’s finger, there were many good things hidden that were just right for him.

If he could take it, it would definitely be a fortune.

Under the focus of countless gazes, Chen Chuan slowly raised his head, looking directly into Zhao Ritian’s cold eyes, his voice clear and firm as it spread through the field:

"Fine! The Life and Death Stage it is! I, Chen Chuan, accept!"

Boom!

The crowd completely boiled over!

"He agreed! He actually really agreed!"

"My god! A First Layer of the Great Power Realm accepting a life-and-death battle against a Great Power Realm Ninth Level Peak—this is simply insane."

"Crazy? I don’t think so. The calmer he acts now, the more it shows he has nothing to fear. I bet Chen Chuan has definitely hidden his strength."

"The classic drama of pretending to be a pig to eat the tiger. Zhao Ritian might really kick a steel plate this time."

"No matter the result, this life-and-death battle is destined to cause a sensation in the Outer Sect."

"Yes! Such a grand event must not be missed."

The discussions swept out like a tsunami.

Everyone was stunned by Chen Chuan’s extremely straightforward acceptance, which was immediately followed by immense curiosity and excitement.