C146 Accepted

According to the sect's regulations, if Lin Xuan hadn't arrived by the end of the second round of the Ranking Competition, he would be considered eliminated.

Likewise, if he were challenged and failed to respond within the span of three breaths, he would be deemed to have forfeited.

Zheng Yuan had his eye on this very loophole, hoping to seize a coveted spot on the Strong List.

The surrounding disciples were initially taken aback by his actions.

Quick to catch on, they looked on with scornful amusement.

They were astonished to find such a schemer among the ranks of the Inner Sect.

After all, Zheng Yuan was no pushover.

At the peak of the Condensation Spin Stage, he was among the most formidable elite disciples of the Inner Sect.

He had already made it into the top ten in his arena during the first round, earning the right to challenge other elite disciples.

Yet, he had not issued a single challenge throughout the second round.

Clearly, the might of the Strong List disciples had intimidated him; he didn't dare to face them.

But now, realizing Lin Xuan was absent, he boldly issued a challenge.

Per the sect's rules, if someone is challenged and doesn't reply within three breaths, they forfeit, and the challenger claims victory.

He was clearly trying to exploit Lin Xuan's absence and the sect's rules to secure a place on the Strong List.

Moreover, time was running out. Once this match concluded, the second round would end, and he wouldn't have another chance to issue a challenge.

Even if he were to be defeated in the third round and end up at the bottom of the Strong List, he would still hold a position on it.

It must be said, his strategy, while underhanded, was undeniably effective.

Despite the ridicule, the disciples had to concede that Zheng Yuan's timing was impeccable.

He just might succeed in joining the Strong List.

He could become the weakest Inner Sect disciple ever to make it onto the Strong List.

What's more, following the Ranking Competition, new members of the Strong List were granted a three-month grace period.

This was stipulated by the sect.

In other words, Zheng Yuan could potentially enjoy the status of an elite disciple for three months.

With this thought, the disciples exchanged looks of bemusement.

Even the elite disciples on the small platform, upon hearing this, showed a glint of disdain in their eyes.

The Strong List was a revered ranking within the Inner Sect, carrying the sect's official seal of authority.

Although Lin Xuan was a newcomer among the disciples, his strength was undeniable.

In this world, power was the ultimate currency, and the strong commanded respect.

That was something they could accept.

But the idea of Zheng Yuan making it onto the Strong List was a different story. It would be a major embarrassment for the elite disciples.

If Zheng Yuan managed to pull it off, they'd find an excuse to put him in his place every few days.

Lin Xuan, however, was a force to be reckoned with. No one dared to provoke him.

Near the arena, several onlookers, much like Zheng Yuan, had seen the formidable power of the elite disciples and refrained from issuing challenges.

Seeing Zheng Yuan's audacity, they couldn't hide their envy.

Who knows? With a bit of luck, Zheng Yuan might actually ascend to the ranks of those esteemed elite disciples.

For now, all they could do was wallow in regret.

In the arena, Zheng Yuan basked in the surrounding gazes and flashed a brazen smile.

It had been ages since he'd been the focus of such widespread attention.

At last, he had reclaimed the spotlight.

His joy was palpable, and he chose to overlook the subtle undertones in the looks he was receiving.

Just three more breaths and he would secure his place on the Strong List.

Eagerly, his eyes sought the judge's.

The judge, seeing his anticipation, regarded Zheng Yuan with contempt and let out a derisive chuckle.

But the rules of the sect were clear, and he couldn't fault Zheng Yuan for playing by them.

Reluctantly, he had to proceed.

He called out loudly, "Lin Xuan, do you accept the challenge?

If there's no response, you'll be conceding defeat!

One, two..."

Silence enveloped the arena.

All eyes were fixed on the judge.

Almost everyone was eagerly anticipating Lin Xuan's response.

Zheng Yuan was practically vibrating with excitement.

Just one more breath and he would be an elite disciple on the Strong List!

He was on the cusp of truly securing his rank among the elite!

But amidst the rapt attention of the crowd, before the judge could even finish counting, a voice as explosive as thunder from the heavens boomed:

"I accept!"

In that moment, every warrior below and at the peak of the Condensation Spin Stage felt their eardrums vibrate, struggling even to draw breath.

Such was the authority in that single, cold shout that it sent shockwaves through the disciples, leaving them trembling.

A figure with a chiseled physique and striking features approached slowly.

A profound and boundless aura emanated from him, spreading out like a tidal wave in all directions.

The disciples and deacons scattered across the plaza were struck with an invisible force, a stifling pain seizing their chests, compelling them to stagger backward, speechless and overwhelmed.

An involuntary path cleared for the striking young man striding through their midst. His aura had transcended the Condensation Spin Stage, soaring into the Spirit Opening Stage above.

He was Lin Xuan, the one they had all been eagerly anticipating!

A collective tremor ran through the crowd at the sight of Lin Xuan. It was indeed him!

Who could have imagined that Lin Xuan, a mere beginner less than two months in, could exude such fearsome presence? His strength was beyond conjecture.

Though not yet on par with the elite disciples of the Spirit Opening Stage, he was closing the gap at an astonishing rate. His rapid advancement was a testament to his chilling potential. Truly, he lived up to his reputation as the sect's foremost prodigy.

The crowd was electrified by his presence. Lin Xuan had arrived; surely, he was ready to take on the top three of the Strong List?

His timely arrival, perfectly aligned with the sect's regulations, spelled trouble for Zheng Yuan, the one many deemed unworthy.

Eyes turned to Zheng Yuan, finding him ashen-faced, his lips drained of color, his body quaking as if in the grip of unspeakable fear. He seemed desperate to speak, yet words failed him time and again.

As all eyes were fixed upon him, Lin Xuan approached the base of the arena with measured steps.

"I haven't taken action in quite some time. It seems anyone feels bold enough to trample over me and swagger about," he declared with a calm that belied the tension in the air.

"It looks like my patience has worn thin. If I don't stand up for myself, you'll all think I'm a pushover!" His voice carried a quiet resolve.

"I accept this challenge!" Lin Xuan announced, his words resonating with the silent promise of an epic confrontation.