Three gray-robed men stood in a row. On their chests were embroidered one star, two stars, and three stars, lined up to display the differences in their status and rank.
Standing before them with his arms crossed and an air of superiority was Zuo Lan, clad in blue robes. "These three subordinates of mine are all under thirty years of age. They are at the ninth level of the Spirit Realm, the peak of the ninth level of the Spirit Realm, and the Spirit King realm, respectively. Each will fight three matches. You three sects can discuss among yourselves and send whoever you think has the best chance."
The gray-robed man with one star on his chest was the same person who had just defeated Tang Hong.
He was also the youngest of the three, roughly twenty years old, with eyebrows sharp as swords and thin lips carrying a hint of cold arrogance and brash conceit.
"My name is Wu Chen, ninth level of the Spirit Realm. Who dares to fight me?"
Wu Chen's gaze swept haughtily across the arena, his voice laced with undisguised mockery. "The so-called three great sects — are they all just a bunch of cowards hiding in their shells?"
Among the three great sects, each had a batch of warriors at the ninth level of the Spirit Realm. But at this critical juncture, no one dared to step forward rashly.
Because everyone felt apprehensive. This concerned the future of all three great sects. A reckless challenge ending in defeat would undoubtedly bring immense pressure — they might even become sinners for all eternity.
Wu Chen's eyes gleamed with smugness as he swept his gaze around once more, laughing. "The so-called three great sects don't even have the courage for a single fight? Cowards like these are fit to practice martial arts?"
Having said that, Wu Chen actually crossed his legs and sat down right in the center of the arena, a cold smirk on his lips. "Since you're all as timid as mice, I'll sit right here and wait. Once you've worked up your courage, you can come wake me up."
With that, Wu Chen simply closed his eyes and began to meditate.
This action immediately struck a nerve with every martial artist among the three great sects — it was a monumental insult.
In a martial exchange, Wu Chen's attitude was nothing but the deepest contempt and the most ruthless humiliation for the three great sects.
Zuo Lan wore a faint smile on his face, showing not the slightest disapproval of Wu Chen's behavior — in fact, he looked rather appreciative.
This kind of blow struck at the pride and morale of all three great sects, weakening them both.
On the three great sects' side, several of their old ancestors could no longer stand on ceremony or dignity. They huddled together and began to deliberate urgently.
"The visitor comes bearing ill intent. This Wu Chen's strength is no simple matter. Our three sects should send our strongest ninth-level warriors. Even if one can't win, we have to exhaust him through successive fights and win at least one round at any cost. If we can't even take a single win against this Wu Chen, then against a peak Spirit Realm or even a Spirit King, we'll have even less hope."
Peak Spirit Realm warriors existed in all three great sects.
But among them, not a single one could reliably earn the title of Spirit King — those who were half a step from entering the Yuan Realm — not one.
There had once been Ye Chonglou, but he had long since broken through to the Yuan Realm.
In other words, the three great sects' only hope was to win at least one round between the ninth level of the Spirit Realm and the peak Spirit Realm.
Otherwise, they had no chance of winning at all.
"Ancestor, I am willing to fight." Behind Xie Tianshu, the Sect Master of the Treasure Tree Sect, a warrior at the ninth level of the Spirit Realm spoke up. It was none other than Li Yuan, the Deputy Sect Master of the Treasure Tree Sect.
Among ninth-level Spirit Realm warriors, Li Yuan was considered the Treasure Tree Sect's most powerful combatant.
From the Flowing Cloud Sect, their Chief Elder also stepped forward. "I am willing to fight as well."
The Myriad Spirit Sect similarly had a Deputy Sect Master who volunteered without hesitation.
These three were each the strongest fighters their respective sects could offer at the ninth level of the Spirit Realm.
If these three couldn't do it, anyone else sent up would fare even worse.
This was on the Treasure Tree Sect's home ground, so Li Yuan, as the Treasure Tree Sect's Deputy Sect Master, naturally had to lead the charge. He cupped his fists toward the others. "Everyone, the sect's interests come first. In this battle, I will fight to the death. Should I unfortunately fall, please take care of my family on my behalf."
Clearly, Li Yuan understood that the opponent, coming from a far greater place and so arrogant, surely had the capital to back it up. He had a premonition that he would not win this fight.
But even so, Li Yuan refused to retreat. As long as this battle could wear down the opponent and exhaust him, it would not be in vain.
"Wu Chen, don't be so brazen! I, Li Yuan, will fight you!"
Wu Chen's eyes suddenly flared, shooting out radiance as brilliant as the stars. He let out a wild laugh and rose to his feet in one fluid motion.
"Made your choice?"
Wu Chen flicked a finger, his gaze sweeping over Li Yuan with a hint of ridicule. He extended a single finger. "Ten moves. I only need ten moves. If I can't put you on the ground in ten moves, I'll admit defeat!"
Arrogant, domineering, yet brimming with confidence.
Li Yuan, in the alliance of sixteen kingdoms, was among the top tier of warriors aside from the old ancestors — always one of the select few standing at the pinnacle of power.
Now, to be humiliated like this by a young man of barely twenty — no matter how deep his composure, he felt blood rush to his temples.
"Arrogant fool! Do you really think the three great sects have no one?"
Li Yuan glared furiously, his hand seizing forward as a bronze mace materialized in his grip.
This bronze mace of his was longer than an ordinary one, forged from the bones of a fierce beast dragon, its power far from ordinary — a ninth-refined spiritual weapon.
The bronze mace thrust forward, and a streak of yellow light pierced through the void, forming a vortex that rapidly expanded from small to large.
In that single thrust, it was like starlight scattered in all directions — everywhere one looked, there were shadows of Li Yuan's bronze mace, as if countless needles were stabbing inward simultaneously, dazzlingly bright.
Wu Chen burst into laughter. "Tricks and trifles!"
Without retreating, he advanced instead, not even bothering with a weapon. He rubbed his hands together, and his palms instantly gleamed with golden light, as though he had automatically donned a pair of golden gloves.