C149 Challenge the Top Three

Bai Yunfei had chosen none other than Chen Yu, the reigning champion of the Strong List, as his challenge target.

Chen Yu was also the very opponent Lin Xuan had set his sights on.

Unexpectedly, Bai Yunfei had beaten Lin Xuan to the punch in challenging Chen Yu, leaving Lin Xuan feeling somewhat at a loss.

As the top contender on the Strong List and the premier figure of the Inner Sect, Chen Yu's defeat at Lin Xuan's hands would undoubtedly send shockwaves throughout the sect.

Lin Xuan stood to gain a substantial number of energy points from such a victory.

Moreover, it would earn him the attention and esteem of the Sect Seniors, along with a wealth of resources for cultivation.

However, with Bai Yunfei having already initiated the challenge, Lin Xuan had no choice but to bide his time.

He then shifted his focus to Zhang Kuishan, the second-ranked contender on the Strong List.

Per the third round's rules, a challenger must wait for two other challenges to conclude before issuing a second challenge to the same opponent.

Thus, Lin Xuan resolved to face Zhang Kuishan first, who, incidentally, possessed several intriguing treasures.

A curious glint sparked in Lin Xuan's gaze.

The elite disciples around him were taken aback by his murmured soliloquy.

What was Lin Xuan implying?

Did he, too, aspire to challenge Senior Brother Chen Yu, the undisputed leader of the Strong List?

Chen Yu had held the top position for an extended period, and many had tried and failed to unseat him, a testament to his formidable strength.

And now, Lin Xuan was entertaining the thought of challenging Chen Yu?

The notion sent a wave of shock through the onlookers.

The Inner Sect was rife with rumors of Lin Xuan's prowess, suggesting he was among the top ten, perhaps even the top three in strength.

Yet the idea of him challenging Chen Yu was still hard for them to digest.

Lin Xuan's mastery and power had been advancing at a breakneck pace, with victory marking each of his battles.

Now, as he set his sights on Senior Brother Chen, the list's apex warrior, did it mean he harbored a strong belief in his ability to emerge victorious?

This thought caused another tremor to ripple through the hearts of the elite disciples.

Their gazes, filled with incredulity, were fixed on Lin Xuan.

If true, the implications were indeed staggering.

In under two months, Lin Xuan had battled his way from the Outer Sect all the way to the Inner Sect.

Now, his sights were set on becoming the top contender of the Inner Sect.

The rate at which his cultivation was advancing was nothing short of astonishing.

His power surpassed what anyone could have imagined.

Truly, Lin Xuan was the sect's premier prodigy.

The elite disciples were utterly astounded.

On the arena stage.

Once Bai Yunfei initiated the challenge, Chen Yu stepped into the arena.

The clash between them commenced without delay.

Their duel captivated the attention of all present.

Eyes were glued to the stage, spectators engrossed in the thrilling combat.

Yet, Bai Yunfei, only third on the Strong List, had a considerable gap to close with the leader.

Before long, he found himself at a disadvantage.

Chen Yu had him retreating in rapid succession.

Eventually, Bai Yunfei conceded defeat and left the arena.

A wave of cheers erupted from the crowd.

Bai Yunfei's defeat, despite his third-place standing, underscored the indomitable status of Chen Yu at the summit of the Strong List.

Subsequently, the referee declared the outcome.

As per the third round of the Ranking Competition's rules:

Should the challenger triumph, the rankings would swap.

But, should the challenger be defeated, the standings would remain unchanged.

Following this bout, the rankings of the two combatants stood firm.

They resumed their prior positions as the Ranking Competition pressed on.

Fresh off a riveting match, the crowd was eager for the next confrontation.

Yet, considering the recent face-off between the top and third ranks, another clash of such magnitude seemed unlikely in the near future.

However, in a swift turn of events, a figure rose from a lower platform.

Transforming into a fleeting shadow, he vanished.

When the crowd next discerned his form, he was already on the stage.

"Mr. Zhang, let us do battle!"

A chilling call resonated across the square.

The figure, tall and lean, was none other than Lin Xuan.

His challenge issued, Zhang Kuishan rose, an intrigued glint in his eye, and made his way to the arena.

A hush fell over the onlookers, quickly giving way to a buzz of excitement.

"Senior Brother Lin Xuan dares to challenge Mr. Zhang!"

"The odds are formidable."

"To think, right after Senior Brother Chen, ranked first, clashed with Senior Brother Bai at third, now Senior Brother Lin Xuan is stepping up to challenge the second-ranked Mr. Zhang!"

"Now things are getting interesting!"

"This showdown is bound to be spectacular."

Upon hearing this, everyone was momentarily taken aback.

They quickly regained their composure, their eyes alight with interest.

Their surprise was palpable.

Rumors had been circulating within the Inner Sect that Lin Xuan possessed the strength to rank in the top ten of the Strong List, perhaps even close to the top three.

But now, Lin Xuan had made his entrance with the intention of challenging Zhang Kuishan, the second-ranked contender on the Strong List.

This development took everyone by surprise.

Lin Xuan's commanding presence upon his arrival had left a lasting impression on all present.

Despite Zhang Kuishan's well-known prowess as the second on the Strong List, no one could confidently claim Lin Xuan would be defeated.

Moreover, Lin Xuan had been engaging in relentless combat since his arrival.

He consistently took on adversaries stronger than himself and had yet to face defeat.

He had effortlessly overpowered his opponents.

His strength seemed immeasurable.

With Lin Xuan initiating this challenge, he clearly had considerable confidence.

The outcome of this duel was anyone's guess.

Still, it was a clash between the elite of the Strong List.

The crowd was invigorated, their gazes converging with keen interest.

They were convinced that the excitement of this match would rival that of any previous one.

Atop the high platform, the Sect Seniors watched Lin Xuan with faces brimming with expectation.

This was the moment for Lin Xuan to challenge Zhang Kuishan, the second in rank.

They were about to see the full extent of Lin Xuan's capabilities.

They would soon learn if Lin Xuan truly deserved his reputation as the sect's foremost prodigy.

On the stage.

Zhang Kuishan swiftly leaped onto the platform, facing Lin Xuan from across the way.

His eyes, too, were charged with a readiness to battle.

Lin Xuan's boldness in challenging him meant he was undoubtedly formidable.

And though he had been at the sect for less than two months, the buzz surrounding him was considerable.

He was hailed as the sect's top genius, a reputation surpassing even those in the top three of the Strong List.

Zhang Kuishan was eager to gauge the extent of Lin Xuan's abilities for himself.

Could he truly be as formidable as the rumors suggested?

The referee, eyeing both competitors with a look of eager anticipation, raised his voice to announce:

"Let the challenge commence!"