C39 To Anger Him

Zhang Mingliang was seething with anger, momentarily at a loss for words.

Lin Xuan, recognized as a disciple with potential, was granted a three-month period of protection.

Zhang Mingliang found himself powerless against Lin Xuan.

"However, if you're looking to seek revenge for your cousin, I'm willing to offer you a chance!" Lin Xuan's voice rang out.

Turning, Zhang Mingliang saw Lin Xuan looking at him with a smile, which gave him an uneasy feeling.

"What are you getting at?" Zhang Mingliang inquired.

"Didn't you want to give me a thrashing? Put up three Substandard spirit stones as a wager. If I come out on top, those stones are mine. This way, you'll get your chance to teach me a lesson and avenge your cousin," Lin Xuan proposed nonchalantly.

Substandard spirit stones were stones infused with spiritual energy, essential for martial artists above the Qi Gathering Stage for cultivation, setting up arrays, alchemy, and other practices, thus serving as a form of currency.

One Substandard spirit stone was worth a million gold coins. To put it into perspective, the entire Lin Family of Green Jade City's net monthly income was equivalent to just a few Substandard spirit stones.

For Zhang Mingliang, the stakes of three million gold coins represented a significant amount.

Upon hearing the proposal, Zhang Mingliang hesitated. He was loath to part with three Substandard spirit stones, especially since he had only five, painstakingly saved since joining the sect.

The control of spirit stones was tightly regulated by the four major sects and the royal family, and he could only acquire them with relative ease within the sect.

Lin Xuan's taunting voice broke through his thoughts.

"Zhang Mingliang, as a Qi Gathering Stage warrior, are you really going to shy away from my challenge? Seems like you've got a case of cold feet."

Zhang Mingliang's fists clenched in frustration.

A crowd of Outer Sect disciples had gathered, and the buzz of their conversation grew louder.

"He's too chicken-hearted."

"This is going to be quite the tale for the elders."

"I bet the elders won't be pleased."

The mocking chatter of the disciples filled the air, and Zhang Mingliang's face darkened with each passing moment.

This was merely a straightforward strategy.

As a Qi Gathering Stage warrior, victory was expected of him.

But should he lose, it would be quite the embarrassment.

It was a gamble with no apparent upside.

He had intended to decline.

Yet, in this moment, refusal wasn't an option.

Should he do so, word would surely get out.

And if the Elders caught wind of it, their opinion of him would sour.

He wasn't among the elite top ten of the Outer Sect.

If things went south, his prospects would be dashed.

He had no choice but to accept.

"Lin Xuan, you're quite formidable!"

Zhang Mingliang's face darkened as he said icily:

"So, what's your wager?"

Now, his only option was to best Lin Xuan.

He couldn't fathom Lin Xuan being his equal!

Despite Lin Xuan being the premier talent of the new disciples.

Yet, Lin Xuan was merely at the Enlightenment Stage, his potential still untapped!

"If I lose, I'm at your mercy. How does that sound?"

Lin Xuan proposed calmly.

"Agreed!"

Zhang Mingliang responded gravely.

Lin Xuan's prompt agreement didn't bring Zhang Mingliang any joy; instead, it intensified his sense of foreboding.

But he was compelled to battle nonetheless.

In the background, a glint of satisfaction flickered in Zhang Tao's eyes.

His attention was locked on the pair.

This might be his chance for retribution.

A glimmer sparked in Lin Xuan's eyes, though his face betrayed no change.

His provocation had worked.

Now was the time for him to collect his due.

He was after more than just the three Substandard spirit stones; a bounty of energy points was at stake.

Defeating Zhang Mingliang was bound to cause a sensation.

When that happened, the energy points he'd gain would be substantial.

As a prominent force within Cangyuan Country, the Drifting Cloud Sect was a veritable gold mine.

Many of its formidable practitioners held valuable treasures.

But until now, a shortage of energy points had barred his access.

His opportunity had arrived.

With a wealth of energy points soon to be his, he'd be free to replicate them to his heart's content.

Upon hearing the command, the Outer Sect disciples stepped back, clearing a spacious area for Lin Xuan and Zhang Mingliang's duel.

Zhang Mingliang fixed his gaze on Lin Xuan and declared icily, "Lin Xuan, you're going to be defeated!"

With that, he charged at Lin Xuan, shouting, "Crimson Fire Palm!" As he closed in, Zhang Mingliang unleashed a palm strike, a fiery imprint blazing through the air.

A wave of heat radiated outwards, causing the temperature around them to soar. The sheer force of the attack made the onlookers' faces pale—surely, even those at the Qi Gathering Stage couldn't withstand such a blow? Zhang Mingliang's reputation as a notable expert in the Outer Sect was well-deserved.

All eyes turned to Lin Xuan, curious to see how he would handle the strike at the Enlightenment Stage. Without a change in his demeanor, Lin Xuan nimbly sidestepped the attack.

"His speed is incredible!"

"Such masterful footwork!"

Whispers of admiration rippled through the crowd. The Qi Gathering Stage disciples among them couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. The display was nothing short of astonishing.

Indeed, Lin Xuan lived up to his reputation as the top prodigy among the new disciples, even earning praise from the Third Elder.

"Is this what true qi feels like?" Lin Xuan murmured, his eyes alight with curiosity. True qi was an energy formed by absorbing the spiritual essence of the heavens and earth, refined through cultivation techniques. Yet, this was Lin Xuan's first encounter with its formidable power.

He knew better than to confront it directly; doing so would surely leave a severe scar. "It seems I've underestimated the combat strength of someone at the Qi Gathering Stage," Lin Xuan mused, his face still composed.

Realizing his palm strike had hit nothing but air, Zhang Mingliang's expression hardened. He recognized that Lin Xuan's abilities far surpassed his initial estimations. He couldn't afford to take any more chances.

"Snake Steps!" Without hesitation, he engaged his movement technique and pursued his target.

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