C86 Fighting

Chen Xiao had intended to visit Lin Xuan's residence after emerging from seclusion to demand a public apology. He thought that would settle the matter, and he wouldn't even need to repay the protection fee. As an elite member of the Inner Sect, Chen Xiao's influence had to match Lin Xuan's.

But Lin Xuan's potential was alarmingly high. Although Chen Xiao wasn't a match for him at the moment, the upper echelons had taken notice of Lin Xuan, tying Chen Xiao's hands from taking any action against him. A poor relationship with Lin Xuan now could spell disaster for Chen Xiao if Lin Xuan's power were to grow in the future.

Hence, Chen Xiao opted for a peaceful resolution, which would be beneficial for both parties. Learning that Lin Xuan was at the Fighting Arena, Chen Xiao decided to confront him there. He arrived just in time to witness Lin Xuan display a nascent form of Concept, defeating Chen Annrann who had exhibited a similar level of Saber Intent.

Chen Xiao was astounded to discover that Lin Xuan was merely at the Fourth Layer of the Qi Transformation Stage. In a mere month, Lin Xuan had advanced from the Early Enlightenment Stage to the Middle stage of the Qi Transformation Stage. Chen Annrann, despite using the embryonic Concept, was no match for Lin Xuan, clearly indicating that Lin Xuan's talents far exceeded his.

Shocked by this revelation, Chen Xiao reconsidered his approach and stepped forward, ready to gauge Lin Xuan's true capabilities. He suspected Lin Xuan was still concealing his full strength, and this was an opportunity to settle their scores in the arena. The resolution of their conflict would now hinge on the battle's outcome.

Lin Xuan, regaining his composure, responded with a light smile, "I've already established the challenge rules; even Inner Sect elites are welcome to test their mettle against me. Senior Brother Chen, feel free to step up. But as an Inner Sect elite at the third level of the Condensation Spin Stage, your wager can't be the same as those ordinary disciples at the Qi Transformation Stage. It should be no less than ten thousand. Place a bet of 20,000 contribution points or 2,500 substandard spirit stones."

"Do you agree? If so, let the battle begin!"

Lin Xuan's voice was clear, his expression the picture of composure.

The disciples gathered around were momentarily taken aback.

Even the deacons encircling the arena looked on in astonishment.

They hadn't anticipated Lin Xuan's boldness in accepting the challenge, let alone staking such a high wager.

For many at the Condensation Spin Stage, twenty thousand contribution points or 2,500 substandard spirit stones was no trivial sum.

And the rules of the Fighting Arena were clear: the stakes were to be shared by both parties.

Meaning, if Lin Xuan were to lose, he'd owe Chen Xiao either the contribution points or the spirit stones.

Such a stake would be difficult for even seasoned Inner Sect disciples to produce, much less for a newcomer like Lin Xuan.

Just how confident was Lin Xuan in his own abilities? He was willing to take on the challenge and set an enormous bet to boot!

The crowd was visibly shaken by the audacity.

All eyes were riveted to the arena, buzzing with anticipation for the clash to come.

Beneath the arena, Chen Xiao pondered the situation.

The bet was hefty, but within his means—though he was somewhat loath to part with such resources.

He considered what was apparent to all the onlookers.

Throughout it all, Lin Xuan maintained an air of serene confidence.

Chen Xiao felt a flicker of unease.

His earlier self-assurance had begun to falter, his certainty of victory waning.

Yet, there he was, standing at the edge of the arena.

As a distinguished member of the Inner Sect, backing down was not an option.

Retreating now could cast a shadow over his future, especially if the Sect Seniors caught wind of it.

Unlike Lin Xuan, whose talent was exceptional, Chen Xiao depended on the sect's resources for his cultivation.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Chen Xiao made his decision.

"Fine! I accept the wager," he declared.

With a flick of his wrist, he tossed his identity card to a nearby deacon, then vaulted onto the arena to stand opposite Lin Xuan.

A ripple of excitement passed through the spectators as they braced themselves.

This was to be a battle featuring the elite of the Inner Sect.

Lin Xuan has always been a figure to watch. From the moment he stepped into the beginner level, he's maintained a high profile. His fame has only grown, yet he remains undefeated. His meteoric rise has shattered record after record.

The clash between these two, win or lose, promised to be a spectacle of unmatched excitement and ferocity. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, their excitement palpable.

Shortly after, the deacon completed the registration and handed Chen Xiao his identity card back. The referee's voice cut through the air:

"Begin the fight!"

Chen Xiao's gaze was icy as he faced Lin Xuan across the arena.

"Junior Brother Lin, let's battle! Show me the true power of a top-tier genius like yourself."

Their conversation was focused solely on the upcoming fight, deliberately sidestepping any mention of their previous altercation. They agreed it was best to leave that discussion for after the battle's outcome. Bringing it up now could only serve to distract from the war at hand.

Martial artists are born to fight, to engage with full force and without reservation, unswayed by distractions.

With that, Chen Xiao sprang into action, tearing through the air with explosive speed as he charged at Lin Xuan. In an instant, he was upon his opponent, unleashing a punch with the force of a cannonball.

"Mountain Quake Fist!"

The punch thundered like a storm, the mountains themselves seeming to tremble with its force. The impact was terrifying, clearly surpassing the Qi Transformation Stage and exhibiting the might of the Condensation Spin Stage.

The onlookers, disciples of the Inner Sect, felt a collective shudder of awe. None had anticipated Chen Xiao unleashing the full might of the Condensation Spin Stage right from the start, showing no mercy to Lin Xuan.

What did this say about the value he placed on Lin Xuan's challenge? This single punch could easily annihilate a peak Qi Transformation Stage opponent.

How would Lin Xuan respond to such an overwhelming display? The disciples' eyes were glued to the unfolding drama, not daring to blink, lest they miss what came next.

The battle had kicked off with an explosive start, befitting a contest among the Inner Sect's elite. The anticipation among the crowd soared even higher.

Lin Xuan's strength was known to be ever-increasing, with no known limits. The potency of Chen Xiao's punch was indeed formidable, but there was a strong belief that Lin Xuan would be able to withstand it. Surely, he wouldn't fall to a single strike.

Speculation was rife among the onlookers.

As expected.

On the fighting stage, Lin Xuan's demeanor was icy. He countered with an identical punch.

"Tyrant Fist!"

The domineering power of his punch was wildly ferocious. It surged in every direction, its force by no means diminished.

In the very next moment.

Under the watchful eyes of all those gathered.

The two fists met with a thunderous collision.

A deafening explosion echoed throughout the arena.

The resulting shockwave rippled visibly through the air.

The disciples nearby were staggered, their vision darkening. Their ears rang, and their vitality roiled within them. They sustained internal injuries, nearly losing their footing and collapsing.

Overcome with astonishment, they stumbled backward in retreat.