C80 Ridicule
Chen Yuze's eyes locked onto Lin Xuan, widening in utter disbelief and astonishment. Before the duel had even commenced, he sensed that Lin Xuan's presence was more formidable than his own, clearly indicating that Lin Xuan's cultivation had outstripped his. Coupled with Lin Xuan's exceptional combat prowess, Chen had anticipated a challenging match.
He had envisioned a prolonged, fierce battle, with Lin Xuan emerging as the victor only by a narrow margin. But the reality? Lin Xuan had vanquished Sun Cheng with a single, devastating punch. It wasn't even a matter of employing the Concept—Lin Xuan likely hadn't even shown a fraction of his actual power. And despite Sun Cheng unleashing the nascent form of his sword intent, he was still soundly defeated. Against Lin Xuan, Sun Cheng seemed utterly powerless, a disparity that Chen Yuze struggled to come to terms with.
After some time, Chen exhaled deeply, his expression settling into a wry smile. He hadn't foreseen that Lin Xuan would not only advance to the Inner Sect so swiftly but also that his strength and cultivation would far exceed his own. Lin Xuan's prodigious talent had, once again, surpassed his expectations. Even having witnessed it before, Chen was profoundly shaken by the sheer magnitude of Lin Xuan's innate gifts. Any thoughts of rivalry with Lin Xuan dissipated.
The crowd's initial uproar subsided, and a hush fell over the Fighting Arena. Nearly everyone's gaze was drawn to Lin Xuan's platform, stunned by his formidable display. This sentiment was shared by spectators at the other arenas, who lost interest in their own matches, captivated by Lin Xuan's showdown.
The combatants in the midst of their own fights could only muster a bitter chuckle at the turn of events. They had come to the Fighting Arena to duel for spirit stones, contribution points, and to refine their martial skills, but also to bask in the glory of the crowd's adulation. Yet, with Lin Xuan's arrival, they were abruptly cast aside, their moment in the spotlight stolen. They resigned themselves to a helpless, wry amusement. After all, what could they do when faced with a top-tier genius like Lin Xuan?
Freshly initiated into the Inner Sect, Lin Xuan had already toppled Sun Cheng, a sixth-level practitioner of the Qi Transformation Stage. His true might was likely on par with those at the pinnacle of the Qi Transformation Stage. And to think, Lin Xuan had been part of the sect for barely over a month, not even forty days. In such a short span, he had already achieved such remarkable strength and skill.
The extent of Lin Xuan's talent and potential was truly frightening!
It wasn't just that they were no match for Lin Xuan; even if they could defeat him, they wouldn't dare to contend with such a genius whose potential knew no bounds.
In the current situation, they had no choice but to chalk it up to bad luck.
The expressions of the Condensation Spin Stage deacons present were struck with awe. They were astounded.
They hadn't anticipated that not only was Lin Xuan's cultivation speed incredibly fast, but his strength was also increasing rapidly, without a hint of instability.
It was absolutely formidable and terrifying!
They were all inwardly shaken by his prowess!
In the arena.
"Congratulations, Host, for receiving 2,000 shock energy from Condensation Spin Stage Peak Martial Cultivator Yuan Tianyu."
"Congratulations, Host, for receiving 1,645 shock energy from Level 7 Condensation Spin Stage Martial Cultivator Sun Hua."
Lin Xuan gazed into the Void before him, at his attribute panel where the energy points surged. A smile flickered in his eyes as he gave a slight nod of satisfaction.
He had indeed amassed a substantial number of energy points.
He could also gain some spirit stones and contribution points, which was quite the bonus.
Regrettably, he couldn't replicate them.
The highest level of cultivation on the field belonged to a few late-period Condensation Spin Stage deacons.
However, whether it was these deacons or the numerous Inner Sect disciples, their treasures paled in comparison to those of the Outer Sect's Head Elder and Core Disciple Xu Annlan.
The quality and variety were significantly lower.
Even if Lin Xuan were to copy them, the improvement would be minimal.
Therefore, there was no need to squander energy points on replication.
With that in mind, he decided to focus on accumulating cultivation resources and energy points in the Fighting Arena.
For him, it made more sense to wait until he visited the Martial Arts Pavilion or the other departments of the Inner Sect to copy treasures.
Without delay, Lin Xuan turned to the judge, who was still lost in shock, and spoke:
"Judge, isn't it time for the verdict?"
"Yes."
Roused by Lin Xuan's voice, the referee snapped out of his reverie, his gaze shifting to Lin Xuan with a mix of emotions.
The outcome of the match was beyond his expectations.
Lin Xuan had utterly bested Sun Cheng.
They were leagues apart.
Lin Xuan's talent surpassed even what the rumors suggested.
It took a while for the referee to recover from his astonishment, realizing that the Inner Sect was in for tumultuous times.
Soon enough, the Strong List would feature a new contender.
With that, the referee declared loudly, "Lin Xuan is victorious in this wager! Lin Xuan is now the reigning Arena Lord!"
His words sent a wave of astonishment through the crowd.
The onlookers snapped to attention, visibly shaken.
Their views on Lin Xuan underwent a radical shift.
Gone was the mockery and disdain they once held for the newcomer; in its place, reverence and admiration took root.
Lin Xuan had validated his worth through sheer power.
No longer would anyone dare regard him as just another new disciple.
In this world, might reigns supreme.
Absolute power has the capacity to rewrite any rule.
At the edge of Arena No.3.
The deacon addressed Lin Xuan with gravity, "Lin Xuan, will you continue the challenge and defend the title? If so, set your stake and await your challenger. If not, come here and collect the 500 contribution points you've won."
"I'll continue to defend," Lin Xuan replied with composure.
This was an excellent chance to amass cultivation resources and energy points. He intended to accrue a substantial amount before stepping down.
"Regarding the stakes, they'll be set according to one's cultivation level.
Anyone in the Late Qi Transformation Stage is welcome to challenge me!
Those at the Seventh Level of Qi Transformation Stage will stake 1,000 contribution points.
Eighth Level challengers will put forward 2,000 contribution points.
Ninth Level contenders will bet 3,000 contribution points.
And for those at the Peak of the Qi Transformation Stage, the stake is 5,000 contribution points.
Naturally, Inner Sect elites at the Condensation Spin Stage are also eligible to challenge me."
The stakes were set to be much higher.
It had to be over ten thousand at the very least.
We'll decide on the specifics when the duel comes around, based on my level of cultivation.
Deacon, does that work for you?"
The deacon remained silent, frozen in place.
Lin Xuan's declaration had similarly shocked everyone else in attendance.
Could they have misheard?
Lin Xuan was actually willing to take on a challenger from the Condensation Spin Stage!
He wasn't just aiming to take on contenders from the Late Qi Transformation Stage or the Peak of the Qi Transformation Stage—he was even setting his sights on the Condensation Spin Stage!
Had he lost his mind?
Was Lin Xuan's unbroken winning streak fueling his arrogance? Did he truly believe he was unbeatable, that not even the Condensation Spin Stage elites of the Inner Sect could pose a threat to him?
His pride knew no bounds; he was dismissive of everyone.
With a bit of success, he had become insufferably arrogant, ignoring everyone else.
This wasn't an uncommon scenario.
In the eyes of the crowd, Lin Xuan was now the epitome of such arrogance.
Instantly, the crowd's perception of Lin Xuan shifted once more.
They viewed him with scorn and disdain.
With just a few words, Lin Xuan had seemingly transformed into a villain of the worst kind.
They had all but forgotten Lin Xuan's prior performances that had left them in awe.
