C78 Attack

"Looks like we've got a new disciple here, and you're clearly not up to snuff!"

"Yeah, no matter how impressive you were in the Outer Sect, you've got to bow down and toe the line now that you're in the Inner Sect."

"This guy finally got a taste of his own medicine. I wonder if he'll think twice before challenging us again!"

The Inner Sect disciples were abuzz with chatter.

Most were jeering and sneering at Chen Yuze.

After all, Chen Yuze had been boldly challenging the seasoned Inner Sect disciples over the past few days, winning each time.

His victories had been a blow to their pride.

Now, witnessing Chen Yuze's defeat, they couldn't help but revel in his misfortune, hurling taunts his way.

Chen Yuze's face was a mask of frustration.

Defeated, he had no energy left to defend himself.

"Chen Yuze, you're a new disciple. It's time to dial back your bravado and learn your place.

Think you can play the tough guy? Give it a couple of years.

Every new disciple has to earn their stripes!"

On the stage, the victor Sun Cheng couldn't help but smirk and throw in his own barbed comments.

Chen Yuze's expression darkened even more.

Just then, a familiar voice cut through the noise.

"Oh really? I'm a new disciple too. Why don't you try teaching me a lesson?"

Chen Yuze and the rest of the disciples turned to see a striking young man stepping forward.

In a blink, he was standing on the stage.

"Lin Xuan, what are you doing here?"

Recognizing Lin Xuan, Chen Yuze realized why the voice had sounded so familiar and exclaimed in surprise.

The buzz among the disciples grew louder.

"Is that the Lin Xuan?"

"He only reached beginner level a month ago, didn't he? How did he make it to the Inner Sect so fast?"

"Exactly, aren't the lowest-ranked Inner Sect disciples at the Qi Transformation Stage? At the Outer Sect competition a few days back, he was just at the Qi Gathering Stage level 4, wasn't he?"

"Didn't you hear the rumor?

Three days ago, Zhao Gang was doing his usual rounds, collecting protection fees in the ordinary Inner Sect disciples' living area.

He tried to extort a new disciple who refused to pay up, leading to a clash.

Turns out, Zhao Gang was no match for the newcomer. He got beaten and had his collected fees snatched away by that very new disciple!"

"You're telling me the new disciple is Lin Xuan? That can't be right?!"

"I'm skeptical too, but the rumors are all pointing to Lin Xuan! And get this, Zhao Gang hasn't refuted it, plus he's stopped collecting protection money from the new disciple's area!"

The disciples buzzed with conversation, their voices gradually softening until a hush fell over the group. Their eyes were riveted on Lin Xuan, wide with astonishment.

Could the rumors actually hold water? If so, Lin Xuan's talent was downright frightening. In a mere four days, he'd shattered expectations, advancing from the fourth level of the Qi Gathering Stage to the first level of the Qi Transformation Stage, securing his place in the Inner Sect.

And while only at level one of the Qi Transformation Stage, he'd already taken down Zhao Gang, a seasoned Inner Sect disciple. His cultivation speed was nothing short of phenomenal, his strength increasing at an alarming rate. It was almost too much to take in.

The disciples' stares were a mix of extreme surprise and a hint of eagerness. With Lin Xuan stepping into the arena, they'd soon see if the rumors held any truth.

Lin Xuan, a newbie of just one month, had not only competed in the Outer Sect Competition but had also emerged as the top contender. His rapid rise through the Qi Transformation Stage and entry into the Inner Sect were the stuff of legends, followed by whispers of his swift victory over a Late Qi Transformation Stage veteran.

He was now the center of attention, his achievements casting a bright glow that left both Outer and Inner Sect disciples squinting in his brilliance. Next to him, the Inner Sect disciples felt their own accomplishments paling in comparison.

Many among the Inner Sect felt the weight of Lin Xuan's reputation bearing down on them, their pride stung. Now, with Lin Xuan voluntarily stepping onto the Fighting Arena's stage, it seemed like a direct challenge to them.

They wouldn't miss this chance. As word spread, they were confident that seasoned Inner Sect experts, perhaps even the elite, would come to witness the spectacle.

But they had their doubts. Surely Lin Xuan, at most in the Early Period of the Qi Transformation Stage, couldn't stand a chance against the elite of the Inner Sect's Condensation Spin Stage.

The disciples were all eagerly anticipating Lin Xuan's downfall.

Lin Xuan's rapid rise in strength had left everyone gasping for air, the pressure he exerted was simply overwhelming.

A single failure from Lin Xuan, they believed, would offer them some relief—even if it was just one loss.

But it seemed their hopes were set to be dashed.

Lin Xuan's bold step onto the fighting stage signaled his unwavering confidence.

Among the onlookers, Chen Yuze watched Lin Xuan with a stunned expression.

He had been the subject of ridicule from countless Inner Sect disciples after his own defeat.

It was more than he could bear, and he had contemplated fleeing.

Yet, upon witnessing Lin Xuan, he decided to remain.

"Lin Xuan, I never imagined you'd make it to the Inner Sect so swiftly," Chen Yuze murmured to himself, lost in thought.

His amazement deepened. He had acknowledged Lin Xuan's formidable combat prowess, having witnessed him overpower everyone in the competition. Still, Lin Xuan was merely at the fourth level of the Qi Gathering Stage.

He figured Lin Xuan would need more time to break into the Inner Sect—perhaps half a month, or even longer.

But now, merely seven days later, Lin Xuan had arrived.

What's more, Chen Yuze could sense that Lin Xuan's presence now completely overshadowed his own.

This meant Lin Xuan's cultivation had eclipsed his; Lin Xuan had to be at the third level of the Qi Transformation Stage or higher!

To have ascended from the fourth level of the Qi Gathering Stage to the third level of the Qi Transformation Stage in a mere week was nothing short of horrifying!

Chen Yuze struggled to accept this reality.

But with Lin Xuan standing before him, disbelief wasn't an option.

His estimation of Lin Xuan's innate talent soared.

Hearing the surrounding whispers only intensified his astonishment.

If the rumors held any truth, Lin Xuan's capabilities were beyond formidable.

His cultivation had skyrocketed, and his power was immense.

Was Lin Xuan even human?

Chen Yuze's anticipation for Lin Xuan's performance grew.

Contrary to the other Inner Sect disciples, he wished for Lin Xuan's unending victories.

He longed to see Lin Xuan topple every so-called veteran Inner Sect master and crush their despicable pride.

The situation now was entirely different from that of the Outer Sect.

Lin Xuan and I were both newcomers.

We were allies in this new environment.

The better Lin Xuan did, the more rewards he would reap.

Should Lin Xuan keep winning and take down all the Inner Sect masters, my own standing would improve significantly.

With Lin Xuan here, no one would dare to belittle me for being a new disciple.

I could look forward to a better life.

In the arena, Lin Xuan stood with an icy demeanor.

He had indeed planned to amass energy points, cultivation resources, and spirit stones in the Fighting Arena.

But now, his indignation had grown.

He understood that bullying the new guy seemed to be the norm everywhere, almost like an unwritten law.

Yet, being the new guy himself, he was at his limit.

His cultivation speed was only going to increase.

Meaning, he wouldn't be staying in one place for too long.

There were many more days like this ahead.

And he couldn't stand it.

He was determined to show that newbies weren't to be trifled with.

This time, and in all the times to come!