C83 Battle

At the Fighting Arena, disciples at the peak of the Qi Transformation Stage like Chen Annrann and Zhou Zhe found themselves encircled by a throng of Inner Sect disciples. In contrast, Lin Xuan, who should have been the center of attention, was left largely ignored. This odd juxtaposition drew bemused smirks from the deacons observing the scene. Lin Xuan's disruption had effectively shifted the spotlight.

His tactic was admittedly simple, yet only Lin Xuan had the audacity to employ it. His confidence in his abilities was evident, making the upcoming duel all the more intriguing. The deacons exchanged glances, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.

As time passed, Chen Annrann, Zhou Zhe, and the other peak disciples grew increasingly irritated by the chatter around them. They refrained from acting out, knowing it would only complicate matters further. At last, Chen Annrann reached his limit and declared with authority, "I'll take him on!" The area fell silent as he spoke, with all eyes turning to him, filled with eager expectation.

Chen Annrann's face was a mask of cool detachment, but his eyes betrayed a sense of resignation. Despite Lin Xuan's displayed prowess, Chen Annrann lacked full confidence in securing a victory, especially considering Lin Xuan's consistent nonchalance—it was likely he had more tricks up his sleeve. Yet, the time had come for him to step forward.

With a heavy heart, Chen Annrann made his way to the platform amidst the crowd's watchful eyes. Soon, he stood across from Lin Xuan on the stage, and a hush fell over the arena. All eyes were riveted on the two combatants, the air thick with anticipation for the clash to come.

The referee cast a brief look at both contenders before announcing, "The duel begins!" With those words, he stepped aside, his own face alight with the same eager anticipation that filled the arena. A battle between disciples at the peak of the Qi Transformation Stage was a rare and exciting event.

Chen Annrann bowed respectfully and addressed his opponent, "Lin Xuan, your exceptional talent and formidable strength are truly admirable. But as a newcomer, you shouldn't underestimate us seasoned disciples. Not everyone is blessed with your gifts. Today, I stand as a representative of the old disciples to face you in combat. Regardless of the outcome, I hope this duel will put an end to our dispute."

"This benefits everyone!"

"Agreed!"

Lin Xuan gave a slight nod.

He had riled up the senior disciples with the sole purpose of collecting bets and energy points.

Now that his objective was met, there was no reason to press on.

"Alright!

I won't hold anything back in this fight!

Let's see what the sect's top geniuses are really made of!"

Chen Annrann's gaze sharpened.

With the issue resolved, he was ready to give his all in this duel.

He was curious to gauge Lin Xuan's true strength.

With that, Chen Annrann reached out, and a crescent-shaped blade materialized in his grasp.

Lin Xuan also drew a treasured sword.

He had replicated it himself.

Many preferred to carry their treasured blades and swords rather than stow them in storage rings, using them to practice Blade Dao or kendo and to grasp the essence of the Concept.

This, too, was an excellent chance for him.

He wouldn't even need to purchase a Spirit weapon.

The crowd's anticipation grew as they witnessed the scene. They were even more eager for the showdown.

In his previous bouts, Lin Xuan had fought unarmed.

Now, he had unsheathed his Spirit Weapon.

This battle promised to be even more thrilling.

Moreover, there were whispers that Lin Xuan had demonstrated the Artistic Conception of Creation at the Outer Sect Competition.

They wondered if they would have the privilege of witnessing it this time.

The disciples pondered in silence.

While ordinary Inner Sect disciples had grasped the rudiments of the Concept, none had mastered the Artistic Conception of Creation.

They had yet to behold the full splendor of such mastery!

Their anticipation was palpable.

On the fighting arena.

"Lin Xuan, come forth!"

Chen Annrann bellowed, his treasured blade slicing through the air.

"Red Moon Gold Splitting!"

A streak of crimson light surged towards Lin Xuan, expanding to ten meters in a blink.

Lin Xuan stood resolute, his prowess unrivaled.

The Inner Sect disciples around were astounded, their respect for Lin Xuan growing by the second.

Their spirits were profoundly stirred!

Was this the might of the Qi Transformation Stage Peak?

It was a cut above the Late Qi Transformation Stage, indeed!

Trepidation gripped everyone's hearts as their eyes turned to Lin Xuan.

How would he handle such a formidable strike?

On the fighting arena, Lin Xuan remained the picture of serenity. As the Red Moon Blade Light bore down on him, he thrust his sword forward.

"Gale!"

Lin Xuan uttered succinctly.

A frigid whirlwind instantly wrapped around the sword, significantly diminishing the might of the incoming Red Moon Blade Light.

Next, the sword made contact with the blade light.

And then, it was swiftly withdrawn.

The once-threatening Red Moon Blade Light abruptly lost its force, as though it had been immobilized in midair by an unseen power.

A series of sharp cracks followed.

The Red Moon Blade Light shattered, its remnants dispersing into the spiritual energy of the world, causing no harm.

The spectators were once again astounded by the display.

Among them, only a handful of disciples at the peak of the Qi Transformation Stage were confident they could endure such a blow.

Yet Lin Xuan had effortlessly neutralized it, revealing his strength to be far greater than he had previously shown.

Clearly, Lin Xuan had been concealing the true extent of his capabilities.

Up on the arena, Chen Annrann's spirits plummeted.

He hadn't exerted his full power in that strike, yet he had unleashed a solid 60%.

Even for another cultivator at the peak of the Qi Transformation Stage, such an attack would not be easily countered.

But it proved inconsequential to Lin Xuan.

Lin Xuan had deflected the strike with ease.

This newcomer, Lin Xuan, was proving to be far more formidable than anticipated.

The outcome of this duel was becoming increasingly uncertain.

Chen Annrann inwardly sighed once more.

Then, Lin Xuan's voice cut through the tension.

"There's no need for further tentative strikes; they're futile.

Give it your all.

If that's the extent of your power, then step down. Your defeat is inevitable!"

Lin Xuan declared with composure.

"Very well!

Lin Xuan, brace yourself!"

Chen Annrann bellowed, gripping his blade with both hands as True Qi surged through him, and he brought the blade down in a mighty slash.

"Red Moon Sky Splitting Slash!"

A colossal blade light shot forth, expanding in a flash to dozens of meters wide, nearly engulfing half of the arena.

Its power had greatly surpassed what had come before, an awe-inspiring force that seemed to tear through the very fabric of space.

The disciples around were compelled to step back repeatedly, seemingly unable to withstand the onslaught.

Their gazes towards Chen Annrann were laden with shock.

Even the remaining disciples at the peak of the Qi Transformation Stage grew solemn.

None were sure they could handle the might of this strike.

Unbeknownst to them, Chen Annrann had already exceeded their abilities.

Had it not been for Lin Xuan's intentional challenge, which brought Chen Annrann into the fighting arena, they would have remained oblivious.

In the square, several deacons at the Condensation Spin Stage gave subtle nods of approval, their eyes brimming with satisfaction.

Among the ordinary disciples of the Inner Sect, Chen Annrann's prowess was now recognized as exceptional.