70

"Yu Cheng! Mo Qiuxian! You just wait!"

Qing Chen knew perfectly well that the *Brahma Refining Demon Art* placed extremely high demands on the cultivator's soul.

This was because the [Brahma Aperture Foundation] was built upon the soul, and the pain of tearing and reshaping within was far beyond the endurance of ordinary cultivators.

If his cultivation progress appeared too astonishing, it would be tantamount to telling Mo Qiuxian that he possessed a secret soul technique or extraordinary treasure.

He himself only possessed a mid-grade spiritual root, and displaying a Qi Refining Level 5 cultivation, while somewhat rapid, wasn't particularly alarming.

But if he retreated further, a clown like Yu Cheng, it would only make others look down on him, putting him on the defensive and allowing others to relentlessly pursue and eventually devour him.

While the news of his challenge to Yu Cheng didn't cause much of a stir within the Ningxuan Sect—after all, neither of them were particularly famous—

it did spark considerable discussion within the small circle of outer sect disciples.

Those who knew a little about the inside story mostly believed that Qingchen's actions were unwise and tantamount to inviting humiliation.

"Hmph, a newcomer who's only been in the sect for a little over ten years and has barely broken through to the fifth level of Qi Refining dares to challenge a disciple of the General Affairs Hall who's been in the sect for over twenty years and whose cultivation is approaching the sixth level of Qi Refining? He's truly overestimating himself!" someone sneered.

"Exactly! Doesn't he even consider how many spirit stones he has, or what decent magic artifacts he might possess? He dares to challenge a wealthy disciple of the General Affairs Hall?" someone nearby echoed.

"Well, we're just idling around anyway. We might as well go and see what the excitement is like; maybe we can find some entertainment." Some people were just there to watch the show.

...

At this moment, Li Feiyu had already arrived at Qingchen's rather simple cave dwelling, his brow slightly furrowed: "Junior Brother Qing, you've challenged Yu Cheng, are you confident in your ability to win?"

Qingchen's expression was calm, his tone firm: "I'm not necessarily very confident, but the duel must go on, otherwise, Junior Brother's mind won't be at peace.

The path of cultivation is inherently like rowing against the current. If you don't even dare to face this hurdle, how can you talk about competing for the Great Dao? You might as well return to the mortal world early and live out your remaining years as a wealthy old man."

Upon hearing this, a hint of admiration flashed in Li Feiyu's eyes: "Well said! Since Junior Brother has such determination, how could Senior Brother not support you?"

He changed the subject, "However, Yu Cheng is no pushover. He's only one step away from the sixth level of Qi Refining, so he must have no shortage of spirit stones and magical artifacts. If you need any assistance, just say so."

Qing Chen was secretly delighted upon hearing this, but feigned hesitation before saying, "Senior Brother, if you could provide some spirit stones and magical artifacts, my chances of winning would naturally be much greater."

"Alright! I'm not a stingy person!" Li Feiyu flicked his sleeve, quite generously:

"Here are eighty low-grade spirit stones that I'm personally lending you! If you win this battle, you don't need to return them; consider it a congratulatory gift from your senior brother!

You must do your best to win and properly curb Mo Qiuxian's arrogance! Over the years, he's certainly been one step ahead of me."

He then handed over a jade slip, "This contains information about the magical artifacts and cultivation techniques that Yu Cheng knows. Take a close look. You embarrassed Mo Qiuxian in the General Affairs Hall last time; he might use some of his trump cards on Yu Cheng."

Qingchen hurriedly accepted the spirit stones and jade slip with both hands, his face filled with gratitude: "Thank you so much for your generous gift, Senior Brother! I will do my utmost and never let you down!"

Inwardly, however, he thought to himself, "Having a powerful backer is truly different."

Eighty spirit stones were equivalent to two years' worth of outer sect offerings for free, barely enough to purchase a mid-grade offensive magic weapon.

...

Several days later.

Because it was a duel between outer sect disciples, the arena was set up in an open area halfway up the outer sect peak.

In the center of the arena was a circular battle platform paved with special stone, about a hundred feet in diameter, large enough to accommodate the intense clash between the two.

The platform was covered with intricate runes, faintly glowing with spiritual light, forming a protective array to prevent the aftershocks of the battle from harming the onlookers.

On the day of the decisive battle, when Qingchen stepped into the arena, he found that many outer sect disciples had already gathered around, more than he had expected.

Even more outrageous, some had set up betting pools, placing bets on the outcome of the battle.

Qing Chen glanced around and noticed his odds were surprisingly high, while Yu Cheng's were pitifully low.

"Oh, this junior brother, you look a bit unfamiliar. Want to play a couple of rounds?" The disciple running the betting pool greeted Qing Chen with a smile.

Qing Chen was about to speak when a slightly surprised voice came from beside him: "You...you're Junior Brother Qing?"

Qing Chen turned around and recognized the person as Gao Yuliang, the outer sect disciple he had met when he first entered the sect.

"Senior Brother Gao, how have you been?" Qing Chen greeted with a cupped-hand salute.

Gao Yuliang chuckled, "Junior Brother Qing, you're really patient. The fight's about to start, and you're still loitering around the gambling den."

"Haha, isn't this just making a little extra cash?" Qing Chen replied calmly, then took out all the spirit stones he had, including the ones Li Feiyu had given him, totaling 150, and bet them all on his victory.

Watching Qing Chen walk towards the arena, Gao Yuliang fell into deep thought. After a moment's consideration, he decided to increase his bet.

"I'll bet another 50 spirit stones on Qing Chen to win," Gao Yuliang said to the disciple running the gambling den.

The disciple was taken aback: "Senior Brother Gao, didn't you already bet 30 spirit stones on Yu Cheng to win? Why are you betting on Qing Chen again?"

Gao Yuliang smiled enigmatically: "Heavenly secrets cannot be revealed."

Having said that, he said no more, simply waiting quietly for the fight to begin.

Qing Chen carefully stored the betting slip, which contained his own magical imprint, into his storage bag, then leaped lightly onto the dueling platform.

Yu Cheng, who had been waiting on the platform, sneered upon seeing Qing Chen's arrival: "I thought Junior Brother wouldn't dare come. In another quarter of an hour, the time will be over."

Qing Chen calmly replied: "Better late than never, Yu Cheng, you little brat. This is the first time your grandpa has encountered someone so eager to die."

Yu Cheng roared in anger: "Sharp tongue! Don't be begging for mercy later! If you call me 'Grandpa' a few times, maybe I'll spare your life."

Qing Chen's lips curled slightly: "Likewise. However, Junior Brother's magical power is weak. If you can't control your strength and seriously injure Senior Brother, don't blame me."

Of course, what he really meant was, if he couldn't control his strength and killed him, don't blame me either.

Seeing that both sides had arrived on time, the disciple of the Battle Hall said, "Alright, enough with the small talk. Are you both ready for the duel?

On the dueling platform, please keep it brief and avoid using spirit talismans or formations. Do you both understand?"

...

Not far away, in a small pavilion suitable for watching the battle.

"Junior Brother Li, who do you favor in this duel?" Mo Qiuxian asked Li Feiyu beside him expressionlessly.

"In terms of cultivation alone, Yu Cheng is slightly superior. However, Junior Brother Qingchen is ambitious and resilient, and may perform well in actual combat," Li Feiyu replied indifferently.

"Oh?"

Mo Qiuxian glanced at Li Feiyu out of the corner of his eye. "Oh, it seems Junior Brother Li is quite optimistic about Junior Brother Qingchen. A duel can be rather boring, how about we set up a wager?

If Yu Cheng wins, then Junior Brother will give me a high-grade magic weapon, and vice versa. What do you say, Junior Brother?"