Dashing Student Chapter 1345: Meticulous Planning

"Why must the price be increased? An agreement was already reached; are you really going back on your word?"

The scholar’s face flushed with fury, his composure completely abandoned. Being left to wait for three days was bad enough, but having to pay an exorbitant fee for a challenge added insult to injury, leaving him seething.

Chen Nan replied with cool indifference, "My initial charge of thirty thousand spirit stones was based on the assumption that you merely wanted to smear my reputation. However, since your true intention is to take my life, asking for an adjustment in fee is only fair, wouldn't you agree?"

The scholar considered this and found the logic sound, even if it infuriated him. He gritted his teeth and pressed, "Fine. How much more do you demand?"

"Double the original sum, at the very least."

"Very well!" The scholar hissed through clenched teeth, his malice toward Chen Nan escalating to a fever pitch. He silently vowed, 'Enjoy your final moments. Once we step into the martial arts arena, I will make certain you are finished.'

The Righteous Alliance maintained numerous martial arts arenas. These were established to encourage growth among righteous cultivators, often hosting grand matches with prestigious rewards for the victors.

Disputes between cultivators were a frequent occurrence, typically settled within these arenas. It was strictly understood that any grievances addressed on the field of combat were to remain there, never spilling over into the outside world.

Digging through his personal stash, the scholar even parted with two high-grade spiritual artifacts to meet the staggering price. Having paid Chen Nan, he marched toward the martial arts arena without sparing a backwards glance.

"Be cautious. This man has reached the ninth rank of the Golden Core Realm. While he has yet to solidify the Perfect Realm, his cultivation level is still significantly higher than yours," Liu Hanyue cautioned, her eyes filled with worry.

Chen Nan squeezed her hand and offered an encouraging smile, "I have already dealt with two cultivators at the Great Perfection of the Golden Core Realm. Are you still unable to trust my abilities?"

"It is not your strength I doubt, but his potential for underhanded tactics," Ning Yu added, her expression stern.

Chen Nan remained unmoved, his confidence unshaken. "Have no fear; victory is assured."

With the Jiao Long Armor shielding his body and the legendary King of Ten Thousand Gu at his disposal, killing him was a feat few could realistically achieve.

Upon reaching the arena, the trio discovered it was already swarming with spectators. News of the scholar’s challenge toward Chen Nan had spread rapidly throughout the last three days.

"Look, Jue Mingzi has arrived!"

"And you claimed he would be too cowardly to show his face! What excuses do you have now?"

"Hmph, call that strength? Who knows how he even managed those supposed feats of his?"

"Exactly. Gu Ci is a renowned prodigy of the alliance. His cultivation is leagues ahead of Jue Mingzi’s; defeat for the newcomer is inevitable."

The crowd buzzed with conjecture, though the prevailing sentiment remained skeptical and disparaging of Chen Nan.

Observing the glares from the onlookers, Chen Nan quickly realized that this hostile atmosphere had been meticulously orchestrated by the influence of Yi Mingzi.

Groups of Nascent Soul Realm elders, including Master Canglan, descended upon the high platform to serve as official witnesses. Hidden behind Master Canglan, Yi Mingzi glared at Chen Nan with palpable venom, not even bothering to conceal his provocations.

He had clearly spent enormous effort preparing for this, ultimately securing the help of his fifth senior brother, Gu Ci.

Not only did Gu Ci command high respect within the Righteous Alliance, but his combat Prowess was also among the most formidable in the Golden Core Realm.

By arranging for such a high-profile challenge, Yi Mingzi ensured that there would be no escaping the consequences.

"Jue Mingzi, your doom is at hand!"

"You certainly spared no effort in arranging this show," Chen Nan muttered, squinting slightly as he dismissed Yi Mingzi’s pathetic display.

By inviting the elders of the Righteous Alliance and the masses, they aimed to orchestrate his death in full public view, leaving no room for discourse or reprisal. While a private ambush might have given Yi Mingzi pause, a public spectacle under the eyes of the elders made cheating impossible.

As for a direct contest of power, however, Chen Nan felt not even the slightest trepidation.

Deng Yunhe and his companions pushed through the throng, standing beside Chen Nan to offer their unwavering support in the face of such overwhelming odds.

"Be on your guard, Jue Mingzi. Gu Ci is an elite of the Righteous Alliance and Yi Mingzi’s own senior brother; he will surely show you no mercy," warned Deng Yunhe.

Though the intelligence was already known, their genuine concern touched Chen Nan deeply.

"Do not worry your heads. Do you have so little faith in me? Just sit back and observe how I handle this!"

On the high platform, an elder wearing a gourd at his waist drifted forward. He stroked his white beard and released a burst of Nascent Soul Realm pressure, instant silence falling over the cacophony of the crowd.

"Haha, this is certainly a lively gathering. As an Elder, I am honored to bear witness. I hear this bout involves an emerging talent and a veteran prodigy—naturally, I am quite curious to watch the proceedings."

The man was Yao Wuchen, a respected healer from the Medicine Sect. With a figure of his reputation acting as the impartial witness, all objections vanished.

"I thank you, honored senior."

Gu Ci acknowledged Yao Wuchen with a graceful bow before stepping onto the arena. His movements were fluid and arrogant, reflecting the absolute certainty of his own success.

"Do keep yourself safe; I will not allow any harm to befall you," Liu Hanyue whispered to Chen Nan before flying to the high platform herself, determined to keep a vigilant eye on Master Canglan to prevent any foul play.

Chen Nan stepped forward and steadily made his walk onto the arena floor.

Yao Wuchen nodded at him, saying, "A truly promising talent. You are both jewels of the Righteous Alliance. Though this is a battle of life and death, I would be saddened to lose either of you. Do take care."

Following his advice, he gestured, and an protective array flickered to life, fully sealing the arena to shield the onlookers from the impending clash.

With all eyes on him, Gu Ci let go of his aggressive posture, adopting a refined, scholarly facade as he held one hand behind his back.

"Jue Mingzi, everyone is aware this clash lacks equilibrium. Would it put your mind at ease if I were to suppress my cultivation level to match your own?"

His chivalrous offer whipped the crowd into a frenzy.

"A true prodigy through and through! Such poise!"

"But didn't the rumors say he killed two demon cultivators at the Great Perfection? Why is he so wary of fighting a righteous ally?"

"Stories like those are just inflated nonsense to impress the gullible."

"Jue Mingzi is no prodigy—he is a fraud!"

The jeers were clearly designed to incite Chen Nan, a tactic he saw through instantly.

"That will not be necessary," Chen Nan replied, then added with a smirk, "Besides, if you were to suppress your strength to mine, I fear you would fall in a single strike."

The sheer arrogance of his remark caused Gu Ci’s chest to heave with unbridled rage. It served as a reminder that Chen Nan’s greatest weapon was often his tongue.

"How insolent! Today, I shall strip away your mask and show everyone your true nature!"