C85 Inner Sect Elite
His prowess had surpassed the Qi Transformation Stage; Lin Xuan had ascended to the Condensation Spin Stage!
Yet, this was merely the nascent stage of his Concept.
Rumors had it that Lin Xuan possessed at least a 5% Sword Intent.
With these thoughts, the disciples were once again astounded by Lin Xuan.
Around the fighting arena, several deacons gazed at Lin Xuan, their shock evident.
They had been overseeing the arena for months and had never encountered a Qi Transformation Stage disciple with strength comparable to Lin Xuan's.
And it was worth noting that Lin Xuan was at the fourth level of the Qi Transformation Stage, not its peak!
Realizing that Lin Xuan had only been a beginner for just over a month, their astonishment deepened.
Their perception of Lin Xuan's top-tier talent within the sect became crystal clear.
The rumors, it seemed, were not unfounded!
On the arena platform:
"Congratulations, Host, for acquiring 1800 Shock Energy from the Level 7 warrior, Li Que, of the Condensation Spin Stage."
"Congratulations, Host, for acquiring 1000 Shock Energy from the Qi Transformation Stage Peak martial artist, Chen Huawen."
Lin Xuan's demeanor was calm as he watched the energy points in his attribute panel surge within the Void before him. He nodded in approval.
He had performed well, earning an even greater number of energy points.
Moreover, he had amassed an additional 5,000 contribution points.
This would sustain his cultivation for a significant period.
His venture to the Fighting Arena was, by all accounts, a resounding success.
Lin Xuan then closed his attribute panel and surveyed the crowd, issuing a challenge:
"Who else wishes to test their mettle against me? Step forward and battle if you dare!"
He made the offer without much expectation.
The disciples exchanged uneasy glances, their discomfort apparent.
Most of them were of a higher cultivation level than Lin Xuan.
Yet, not a single one had the courage to confront him.
Chen Annrann's defeat had served as a stark lesson.
Despite being at the peak of the Qi Transformation Stage and having grasped the rudiments of Saber Intent, Chen Annrann had been bested by Lin Xuan.
They knew they were no match for Lin Xuan, far less capable than Chen Annrann.
Despite feeling a bit humiliated, they remained rooted to the spot, showing no signs of departure.
Lin Xuan let out a silent sigh, his face etched with resignation.
He had inadvertently shown too much of his prowess.
Otherwise, he might have lured a few more challengers and earned additional contribution points.
At the time, he hadn't given it much thought.
He hadn't anticipated the Late Qi Transformation Stage Inner Sect disciples to be so feeble, and he had effortlessly bested them all.
This was the result.
He was a newcomer to the Inner Sect, merely at Level 4 of the Qi Transformation Stage, yet he had managed to intimidate the many peak-level disciples.
Lin Xuan shook his head, deciding it was time to conclude his stint in the arena.
After all, he had accrued a satisfactory amount of contribution points.
His next move was to visit the Martial Arts Pavilion to see if he could replicate any skills.
But just then, a crisp, cold voice cut through the silence of the Fighting Arena.
"I challenge you!"
The arena fell eerily quiet as everyone's hearts skipped a beat, their gazes turning to the source of the challenge.
A lean young man in black strode forward.
As he walked, the Inner Sect disciples instinctively parted, clearing a generous path for him.
Without displaying any overt power, his presence alone overpowered every Inner Sect disciple in the square.
The sight of the black-clad youth stirred a buzz among the disciples.
"It's Chen Xiao, he's actually here!"
"Senior Brother Chen Xiao, an elite of the Inner Sect at the Condensation Spin Stage Level 3, has come to the Fighting Arena?"
"I heard that just a few days ago, Senior Brother Lin Xuan had a run-in with Zhao Gang over protection fees.
As it turned out, Zhao Gang was soundly defeated by Senior Brother Lin Xuan, who even seized the collected fees.
It seems the rumors are true.
Senior Brother Chen is probably here to settle scores with Senior Brother Lin Xuan."
"This is shaping up to be quite the spectacle. Senior Brother Lin Xuan might still have some sword intent up his sleeve. We could be in for an epic clash!"
"Absolutely. Senior Brother Lin Xuan did say any Inner Sect elite could challenge him, so now he can't back down."
The disciples buzzed with excitement, hardly able to contain themselves.
They hadn't expected Lin Xuan to actually stir the Inner Sect's elite into action.
Lin Xuan's recent string of impressive victories had led the disciples to overlook his earlier words, and they continued to address him respectfully as Senior Brother Lin Xuan.
They anticipated a fierce clash between the Inner Sect elites and Lin Xuan, unsure if Lin Xuan would be defeated.
Such was the impact of his demonstrated prowess.
On the fighting stage.
Lin Xuan surveyed Chen Xiao, his eyebrows arching in surprise.
He hadn't anticipated Chen Xiao would actually seek him out.
Was he seeking retribution for the incident three days prior?
Regrettably for Chen Xiao, it was too late.
Lin Xuan's strength had skyrocketed since then, multiplying several-fold, maybe even by ten.
Even the Inner Sect elites could face defeat against him.
Chen Xiao's attribute panel materialized before Lin Xuan's eyes.
"Name: Chen Xiao."
"Cultivation Level: Condensation Spin Stage Level 3."
"Talents: Superior Grade Cultivation, High-grade Strength, High-grade Speed, High-grade Saber, High-grade Crimson Fire, Middle Grade Gale, Middle Grade Earth, Low-grade Green Wood."
"Martial Arts: Blazing Fire Saber Technique (Rank 5 High-grade, Initial Perfect Level), Scarlet Flame Fist (Rank 5 Middle Grade, Great Completion), Mountain Quake Fist (Rank 5 Middle Grade, Great Completion), Wave Palm (Rank 5 Middle Grade, Great Completion)."
"Concept: 5% Saber Intent, nascent Fire Artistic Conception."
"Personal Treasure: One Blue Moon Blade (Rank 5 High-grade Spirit Weapon)."
Lin Xuan's gaze flickered as he took in Chen Xiao's attribute panel.
He truly lived up to the elite status of the Inner Sect, far surpassing Zhao Gang and Chen Annrann in strength.
Yet, he was still a considerable distance behind Xu Annlan.
Even so, his attribute panel outshone Xu Annlan's.
The panel was impressive, no doubt, but it lacked any treasures that piqued Lin Xuan's interest.
Just then, Chen Xiao's icy voice cut through the air, "As an Inner Sect elite, am I not allowed to challenge you?"
Lin Xuan was still perusing Chen Xiao's attribute panel.
Chen Xiao mistook this for feigned ignorance and called out loudly.
Today, he came to settle the dispute that had erupted three days prior.
Zhao Gang was once his subordinate.
It was at his behest that Zhao Gang collected the protection money, a significant portion of which was to be turned over to him.
But Zhao Gang had been assaulted and robbed of the protection fees.
It was his responsibility to address the issue.
However, Lin Xuan's reputation posed a challenge. Even Xu Annlan vouched for Lin Xuan, clearly indicating that the Sect Seniors had taken notice of him.
He harbored some reservations.
At the time, he was deeply engrossed in mastering a formidable martial technique, which led him to momentarily shelve the issue.
Yet, such matters couldn't simply be brushed aside.
As an elite member of the Inner Sect, showing weakness to a newcomer would be a severe blow to his prestige.
Emerging from his seclusion today, he was determined to confront Lin Xuan and put an end to the conflict once and for all.