Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World Chapter 1286 - 668: No One Dares to Fight

"Is that so? Then why do you shy away from the challenge?"

He turned his attention to the exam officer.

"This disciple proposes an additional bout, with our sect serving as the hosts, and Gu Sheng alongside Ling Xiao participating. If Gu Sheng genuinely possesses the strength, he naturally won't harbor fear; but if he's been deceitful..."

He deliberately let his words hang in the air, a ferocious glint flashing in his eyes.

"As per the rules of the Holy Land, those caught cheating face penalties ranging from light disqualification to—execution!"

The exam officer’s profound gaze rested on Wang Chenyu’s face for a brief moment, his fingers lightly drumming against the armrest of his seat, producing a dull tapping sound.

"An additional bout?"

Wang Chenyu drew himself up, defiance blazing in his eyes.

"Precisely! The prior contest was not sufficiently conclusive; we are prepared to contend again to demonstrate our capabilities!"

"Preposterous!"

A clear, sharp voice suddenly cut through the discussion.

Wang Yun emerged from the assembled group, his azure robes billowing, an expression of indignant outrage etched on his face.

"Disciples of the Holy Land have been privileged with elixirs and superior cultivation resources from their youth; how can such a competition be deemed equitable?"

The exam officer’s eyebrow arched infinitesimally, his gaze drifting over Wang Yun before settling thoughtfully on Gu Sheng, who stood unobtrusively in the corner.

The young man maintained an infuriating composure throughout, as if the entire affair held no bearing on him whatsoever.

"A deficit in resources is merely a baseless excuse!"

Wang Chenyu scoffed, a flick of his sleeve accompanying his words.

"Should you deem it unfair, we can deliberately reduce a portion of our strength; would that meet your approval?"

"Suppressing our strength?"

Wang Yun let out a derisive snort.

" akin to seasoned warriors feigning weakness when playing with novices? We have no need for such disingenuous impartiality!"

The exam officer abruptly raised his hand, signaling an end to the escalating argument.

He slowly rose to his feet, his robes rippling as if caught by an unseen breeze.

"Since both parties express a desire for further combat, let it proceed as Wang Chenyu has proposed: an additional match."

He paused, his gaze sharp and piercing like lightning.

"Each side shall designate three individuals, engaging in a series of one-on-one duels."

Wang Yun’s expression shifted drastically, and he prepared to interject once more, but a slender hand gently came to rest upon his shoulder.

Ling Xiao had, at some point, materialized beside him, a subtle smile gracing his lips.

"Esteemed Exam Officer, sir."

Ling Xiao's voice, clear as a bell, immediately captured the attention of all present.

"Given that we are to engage in an additional contest, what shall be the reward should we emerge victorious?"

The exam officer appeared taken aback, though he swiftly regained his composure.

"What is your desired prize?"

"A fifth-grade Spirit Pill."

Ling Xiao stated the words with distinct clarity; though his voice was not overtly loud, it resonated with the impact of a thunderous proclamation.

"What?!"

Wang Chenyu's countenance contorted in shock, his hand instinctively reaching for his spatial ring.

"Are you utterly mad? The immense value of a fifth-grade Spirit Pill—I..."

"Oh?"

Ling Xiao arched an eyebrow, his eyes shimmering with palpable mockery.

"A distinguished Inner Sect disciple of the Holy Land supposedly lacks even a single fifth-grade Spirit Pill?"

He inclined his head and let out a sigh.

"Then, what true cause for boasting do you possess?"

The exam officer emitted a soft, clearing cough.

"Wang Chenyu currently resides at the half-step Earth Palace Realm; it is indeed accurate that he does not possess a fifth-grade Spirit Pill."

The surrounding assembly burst into a cacophony of astonished murmurs.

Wang Chenyu’s face cycled through hues from deep red to ghastly green, the veins on his forehead throbbing visibly.

With forceful intent, he drew the sword sheathed at his waist. The blade gleamed with an icy radiance, accompanied by a faint, draconic roar.

"This sword is christened Cold Frost; it is a supreme Xuan Rank weapon! Should I suffer defeat, this blade shall become yours!"

Ling Xiao cast a casual glance at the longsword, his lips curling in a dismissive manner.

"Barely adequate; scarcely sufficient."

Despite his pronouncement, a fervent gleam ignited within his eyes.

The sword itself was undeniably exceptional, its blade possessing an ice-like sheen, and a dark sapphire embedded in its pommel, radiating a palpable chilling aura.

"Arrogant fool!"

Wang Chenyu, incensed to the point of laughter, retorted.

"Once you stand upon the competitive platform, we shall see if your boastful tongue remains so glib!"

Wang Yun subtly tugged at Ling Xiao’s sleeve, conveying a silent message.

"Exercise caution; he harbors intentions of lethal force. The exam officer may not intervene in time to save you."

Ling Xiao’s lips curved into a gentle smile, his reply mirroring the quietude.

"Fear not; he is incapable of defeating me."

With that declaration, he proceeded towards the central arena, standing as erect and unyielding as a venerable pine.

Wang Chenyu’s eyes blazed with lethal intent, a surge of malevolent, blood-red Qi suddenly enshrouding him, coiling around his form as if possessing tangible substance.

"If I do not cripple you utterly today, I, Wang Chenyu, swear I shall cease to be human!"

With each deliberate stride he advanced, the very ground beneath him seemed to tremble faintly, reminiscent of an ancient, slumbering leviathan stirring from its deep repose.

"Ling Xiao, you useless whelp, do you truly possess the mettle to stand before my presence?"

Wang Chenyu’s voice sliced through the air like an icicle, resonating across the martial stage.

His brow was furrowed with an expression of utterly condescending arrogance.

Each step he took sent subtle tremors through the platform, the immense pressure of his half-step Earth Palace Realm radiating outwards.

The multitude of Holy Land disciples observing from below erupted into vociferous cheers, their eyes alight with fervent anticipation.

To those present, this was merely another exhibition of the Holy Land’s overwhelming power, a spectacle designed solely to obliterate.

Ling Xiao remained motionless, his dark cloak billowing around him, his expression possessing an eerie calm.

Yet, within his eyes, as deep as the ocean, one could perceive the flicker of embers.

"What? Has fear rendered you speechless?"

A mocking smirk played on Wang Yuchen's lips as he subtly raised his right hand, conjuring a cyan-hued spiritual power that took the form of a lotus in his palm.

"Insects from the outside world like you are beneath the dignity of even carrying my shoes."

"Senior Brother Wang speaks the truth!"

"Let him experience firsthand what the might of our Holy Land truly signifies!"

Below the stage, the disciples of the Holy Land erupted in boisterous laughter, some even dramatically clutching their stomachs as if they had just encountered the world's most amusing jest.

The officiating elder stood at the arena's precipice, his white beard rustling gently, a look of approval gracing his features.

He offered a slight nod, murmuring to another elder standing beside him.

"Yuchen is a fine young man; he understands the importance of upholding the Holy Land's prestige."

"Indeed,"

the elder concurred, stroking his beard with a smile.

"Lately, these cultivators from beyond our lands have grown exceedingly arrogant; a stern lesson is certainly in order."

On the elevated platform, sensing the elders' commendation, Wang Yuchen's imposing aura amplified.

He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, casting a condescending gaze upon Ling Xiao.

"Prostrate yourself and beg for clemency, and I may deign to break only a single one of your legs. Otherwise..."

"You shall regret ever drawing breath in this world."

Ling Xiao finally stirred.

He slowly tilted his head upward, his dark hair swirling as if caught in a phantom wind, a subtle smile gracing his lips.

"Have you concluded your pronouncements?"