The Martial Emperor with Dragon Blood Chapter 1436 - 1437: Xiang Qiu’s Aura

"Doesn't the rule state that only during the annual ranking challenge can disciples initiate a duel?" Ye Mo inquired, his curiosity piqued.

The yearly ranking challenge served as a gauge for the disciples' prowess. Once concluded, aside from the top 20 who were deemed the absolute elite, others could only endure their current cultivation until the next event.

"That's correct, though disciples are permitted to duel privately. Such duels can be refused by the challenged party if both agree. However, typically, top-ranked disciples avoid accepting challenges outside the ranking challenge to safeguard their true capabilities. Many aspiring cultivators prefer to keep their potential concealed, aiming for a significant impact in the upcoming challenge," Dantai Zanglian elucidated.

A higher rank conferred greater status and more abundant resources within the clan.

Wang Luo Sha's acceptance of Xiang Qiu's challenge was undoubtedly due to his lack of apprehension. With only two martial artists at the Divine Venerable Seven Souls power level in the rankings, he welcomed the opportunity to display his strength, thus avoiding the need to do so during the official challenge.

"I am eager to witness Wang Luo Sha's might," Ye Mo's eyes gleamed with anticipation.

Three days hence, a duel that reverberated throughout the Wraith Clan unfolded. Xiang Qiu, a ranked disciple, had unexpectedly reached the Divine Venerate Seven Souls realm and subsequently challenged the top-ranked Wang Luo Sha.

This confrontation was significant, effectively serving as a challenge for the highest rank and a contest for the prestigious title of Great Celestial Son.

Even before the combatants arrived, the vicinity of the Life and Death Arena teemed with an immense crowd. An estimated ten thousand disciples, ranging from nascent cultivators in the Wheel of Reincarnation Realm to established martial artists of the Divine Venerate Realm, were drawn to the spectacle, creating an atmosphere as fervent as Ye Mo's bout against Wang Wei Wu.

Discussions about the duel's outcome were rampant, with the majority favoring Wang Luo Sha. Despite Xiang Qiu's recent ascent to the Divine Venerate Seven Souls, Wang Luo Sha had held that position for over a decade, making Xiang Qiu's challenge seem almost insurmountable.

Nevertheless, some held a different view, believing Xiang Qiu possessed undisclosed advantages. His audacious challenge, so soon after reaching the Divine Venerate Seven Souls, suggested he harbored secret tactics.

Amidst the fervent speculation, a sudden cry pierced the air: "Look, Xiang Qiu has arrived!"

Instantly, countless gazes lifted towards the distant sky.

Indeed, Xiang Qiu descended from above, his countenance radiating an unprecedented level of arrogance.

"Xiang Qiu appears exceedingly confident, radiating boldness and aggression. It seems he genuinely believes he can challenge the esteemed Wang Luo Sha," one disciple remarked.

"Absolutely. His mere ascension to the Divine Venerate Seven Souls has already caused significant ripples among the disciples. To openly challenge Wang Luo Sha is, in itself, a testament to his formidable strength," another added.

As Xiang Qiu graced the arena stage, a wave of hushed conversations swept through the onlookers. This clash within the Life and Death Arena was undeniably unprecedented in its fervor.

Within the dense throng, Ye Mo, accompanied by Qin Yong and Dantai Zanglian, had already secured their positions.

Their presence attracted notice, particularly after their successful completion of a formidable, epic-level mission. Rumors abounded that they had encountered and vanquished a weakened Lord of Myriad Demons, albeit at the cost of Li Xiuyuan.

Catching sight of Ye Mo and his companions, Xiang Qiu, now a Divine Venerate Seven Souls cultivator, felt a surge of pride, solidifying his status as a focal point of admiration within the Wraith Clan. Recalling the humiliation Ye Mo had once inflicted, a sneer contorted his features. "Ye Mo, did you not pledge to challenge me during the ranking challenge? Now that I have ascended to the Divine Venerate Seven Souls and will soon vanquish the top-ranked Wang Luo Sha to claim his position, I wonder if you will still possess the courage to face me during the ranking challenge."

Qin Yong moved to retort upon hearing Xiang Qiu's taunt, but Ye Mo restrained him. "There is no need to descend to his level. The higher he climbs now, the more precipitous his fall will be."

"Alas, poor Ye Mo. Had Xiang Qiu not achieved the Divine Venerate Seven Souls, Ye Mo might have stood a chance with his current ranking skills. Now, challenging him would be tantamount to suicide," a disciple lamented.

"Hahaha, this promises to be quite the spectacle. After witnessing Xiang Qiu's prowess today, I doubt Ye Mo will even dare to show his face at the ranking challenge," another sneered.

Many disciples openly mocked Ye Mo, relishing his perceived misfortune.

"Xiang Qiu, you despicable scoundrel!"

Abruptly, a woman garbed in yellow descended into the arena, her visage marred by flowing tears.

This lady was, as a matter of fact, Li Xiuyuan’s former betrothed.

"What business do you have here?"

Xiang Qiu’s countenance flickered, a clear indication of displeasure evident in his features.

"I bear your child, and yet you now wish to sever our ties,"

the woman in yellow sobbed, her voice thick with emotion.

Her pronouncement instantly stirred a fresh wave of hushed discussions amongst the assembled throng.

"That woman, she was a Core Disciple once betrothed to Li Xiuyuan, but eventually found herself with Xiang Qiu,"

"Xiang Qiu impregnated her and now casts her aside,"

"As a martial artist at the Divine Venerate Seven Souls stage, a mere beckoning from him would attract countless women eager to be by his side,"

While the appearance of the woman in yellow threatened to cast a slight shadow upon Xiang Qiu’s reputation, such trivialities held little weight when juxtaposed against supreme power.

"Do not presume I am unaware; even while involved with me, you continued your dalliance with that boy, Li Xiuyuan,"

Xiang Qiu retorted, his voice laced with anger.

"I did not, I truly did not!"

The woman in yellow vehemently shook her head, pleading, "Xiang Qiu, you may disregard me, but can you not show consideration for our unborn child?"

"A mere social climber,"

a sultry figure declared, moving with a sinuous grace as she stepped onto the stage. This seductress, clad in revealing attire that amplified her allure, immediately entwined herself with Xiang Qiu, adding with a suggestive tone, "Only a woman of my caliber is truly befitting of Xiang Qiu."

"Is that not Yan Lingfeng, who holds the third rank on the board? It seems she has become entangled with Xiang Qiu,"

"Yan Lingfeng, a coveted prize for many disciples vying for a spot on the ranking board, is now ensnared with Xiang Qiu,"

"As Xiang Qiu’s power ascends to the Divine Venerate Seven Souls realm, his influence grows exponentially. Truly, it is a position to be envied,"

In this manner, the arena devolved into a spectacle of dramatic proportions.

"You!"

A flicker of reluctance crossed the woman in yellow’s features as fragmented memories of the past surfaced. Although Li Xiuyuan was but an ordinary genius amongst the clan's esteemed disciples, he had consistently treated her with kindness, an appreciation she had failed to acknowledge at the time.

Indeed, a profound sadness and a heavy sense of regret had washed over her upon learning of Li Xiuyuan’s untimely demise.

Now, confronted with the unfolding scene today, a deluge of regret threatened to consume her. But to what end did regret serve now?

"Xiang Qiu, my purpose here is to challenge you to a duel, not to bear witness to your ignoble affairs,"

At this critical juncture, Wang Luo Sha finally made his appearance, gracefully alighting upon the stage.

In unison, the entirety of the spectators diverted their attention, fixing their gazes upon Wang Luo Sha.