Chapter 903

A formal challenge immediately caused an uproar in the Tianyuan Region and its surrounding areas. Countless people were shaken by the Three Mountains Alliance's actions because they understood the implications. Previously, the Three Mountains Alliance had only engaged in minor provocations against the Tianyuan Region, but this challenge letter subtly hinted at a declaration of war.

Although the declaration of war only involved the two most outstanding young Divine Palace experts from both sides, the Three Mountains Alliance's move clearly showed they no longer respected the Tianyuan Region, their former 'elder brother.' With all pretense of cordiality gone, future conflicts were bound to intensify.

This drew countless gazes, as it was rare for a top-tier force to challenge one of the Nine Regions in Hunyuantian over the years. At the same time, many secretly lamented that the Tianyuan Region had indeed declined over the years. Otherwise, even as a top-tier force, how would the Three Mountains Alliance dare to provoke such a powerful entity?

The Three Mountains Alliance had three Law Domain experts, while the Tianyuan Region currently had five. The top-tier strengths of both sides were not significantly different. With the Three Mountains Alliance's rapid development in recent years, its overall strength was not necessarily much weaker than the Tianyuan Region's, even if its foundation was still somewhat inferior. If the two truly went to war, even if the Tianyuan Region won, it would likely pay a heavy price.

Most importantly, once the Tianyuan Region declined, other top-tier forces in Hunyuantian, whose strength was comparable to the Three Mountains Alliance', might also begin to harbor intentions of challenging this declining Nine Region. How would the Tianyuan Region respond then? Without a Great Venerable overseeing it, the Tianyuan Region had lost its former transcendent and superior status. Therefore, many knew that this was a test from the Three Mountains Alliance, to see how much of the Tianyuan Region's former power truly remained.

The entire Tianyuan Region was now filled with indignation. Countless people were enraged by this provocation from the Three Mountains Alliance. As members of the Tianyuan Region, they still harbored the pride of being one of the Nine Regions. Many years ago, before the Three Mountains Alliance was even formed, those three first-rate forces still bowed to the Tianyuan Region! Now, their former subordinates were attempting to seize control. How could the people of the Tianyuan Region accept this? For a time, countless voices converged on Tianyuan Cave Heaven, demanding that the high-level authorities exert their power to deter and teach the Three Mountains Alliance a lesson.

However, amidst the many angry voices, there were also worried ones that could not be concealed. This was because the Three Mountains Alliance's challenge letter was issued by Chen Xuandong, and it was directly aimed at Zhou Yuan, the current Grand Pavilion Master of the Four Pavilions of the Tianyuan Region. How should the high-level authorities of the Tianyuan Region respond to this challenge letter? Should they accept it? If so, Chen Xuandong was ranked ninth on the Divine Palace leaderboard, making him the most dazzling super dark horse. His brilliance far surpassed that of Zhou Yuan, the newly appointed Grand Pavilion Master. For Chen Xuandong to openly issue a challenge now clearly showed his absolute self-confidence. If they accepted and Zhou Yuan was defeated, would the Tianyuan Region truly have to relinquish its status as one of the Nine Regions? At that time, what would become of the Nine Regions' dignity? But what if they didn't accept? One of the venerable Nine Regions, choosing to ignore a provocation from even a top-tier force, what would become of the dignity of this great region? Therefore, some insightful people secretly sighed, believing that the high-level authorities of the Tianyuan Region were likely at their wits' end.

Inside a meeting hall within Tianyuan Cave Heaven, five figures sat silently. They remained quiet, but a terrifying pressure brewed and surged within the hall. These five figures were, naturally, the five elders of the Tianyuan Region.

The silence lasted for a while. Sect Master Xuankun was the first to look at Xi Jing, pushing the challenge letter in his hand towards her. He said blandly, "How should this matter be handled? Should we accept the challenge or not?" Xi Jing's gaze swept over the challenge letter. A sharp expression surged on her fair face as she said, "Since they dare to issue it, why shouldn't we dare to accept it?" Sect Master Xuankun lowered his eyelids and said, "That's easy for you to say. Chen Xuandong's strength is indeed formidable. The Three Mountains Alliance has poured countless resources into him, and he is also exceptionally talented. Do you think Zhou Yuan can be his opponent?" Xi Jing sneered, "If we don't accept it, our Tianyuan Region will lose too much face!" "If we lose, we'll lose face just the same," Sect Master Xuankun slowly said, "I suggest we ignore this challenge letter and any provocations from the Three Mountains Alliance. That way, none of their objectives will be achieved." Xi Jing coldly said, "Become a cowardly turtle? If Master returns later, he might even dissolve the Tianyuan Region in a fit of anger."

Patriarch Bai Ye of the Bai clan smiled slightly and said, "It would be best if Elder Xi Jing knew about Great Venerable Cang Yuan's whereabouts. As long as some news is released, the Three Mountains Alliance will surely lose the courage to provoke us." Xi Jing said expressionlessly, "If I knew, some people wouldn't dare to repeatedly argue. However, I can confirm that Master is fine, and he will naturally appear when the time is right." Patriarch Bai Ye sighed lightly and said, "But I have heard some news that Great Venerable Cang Yuan encountered an attack from the Saint Race outside the realm, and he might have perished." Xi Jing's face instantly turned cold, and her gaze fixated coldly on Patriarch Bai Ye. "If Patriarch Bai Ye harbors such thoughts, then he might as well directly move the Bai clan out of the Tianyuan Region. I'm sure others won't stop him," Patriarch Mu Ni said softly. Patriarch Bai Ye's eyelid twitched slightly. Before truly confirming Great Venerable Cang Yuan's life or death, he dared not make any moves, no matter what he was thinking. Otherwise, what if Great Venerable Cang Yuan appeared? The wrath of a Saint would be unbearable for him, even if he was in the Law Domain stage. Patriarch Bian Chang of the Xuanjing clan finally spoke, his voice low: "There's no need for any more of these useless words. The Tianyuan Region is one entity; no one wishes it ill." All five fell silent. They also understood that arguing would not solve the problem.

Patriarch Bai Ye lifted an eyelid and asked, "What about Grand Pavilion Master Zhou Yuan?" Xi Jing said faintly, "He is currently in secluded cultivation." Patriarch Bai Ye's white hair gently swayed as he slowly said, "As the Grand Pavilion Master, he is the leader of the younger generation in our Tianyuan Region. Since this matter directly concerns him, perhaps we should also see what his attitude is." Xi Jing nodded slightly, about to speak, when her expression suddenly shifted. With a flick of her slender jade finger, a jade talisman flew through the air and landed in her hand. "It's a message from Elder Yi. Zhou Yuan already knows about this, and he said..." Xi Jing browsed the information within the jade talisman, her gaze flickering slightly. "He said the challenge can be accepted, but he hopes the time can be postponed for a month." Upon hearing this, the expressions of the other four elders subtly hardened. Sect Master Xuankun said with a detached expression, "Such a young age, yet such big talk. To say 'accept' just like that – this isn't about his personal honor or disgrace, but the dignity of our Tianyuan Region." Xi Jing said faintly, "If Sect Master Xuankun has a plan, feel free to voice it. If it's feasible, we will naturally support it." Sect Master Xuankun chuckled softly, his voice low: "I have no plans. Since Elder Xi Jing believes he can do it, then let him go. However, if he fails afterwards, Elder Xi Jing herself will have to deal with the consequences." This implied that if he failed, Xi Jing would bear the blame. Xi Jing's fair face remained emotionless as she said, "Don't worry. This is the foundation Master left behind. Even if it costs me my life, I will not let it lose face." She suddenly stood up, her expression resolute.

"Reply to the Three Mountains Alliance: Our Tianyuan Region accepts this challenge. The time will be set for one month from now. Furthermore, if they wish to issue a challenge, the Three Mountains Alliance cannot expect to pay nothing. Tell them directly: if they want to issue a challenge, they must first prepare one hundred Divine Palace Limitless Fruits!" "And if they lose this battle, that number must increase to three hundred!" The Divine Palace Limitless Fruit is a natural treasure of the Three Mountains Alliance. If consumed and refined, it can open up one layer of one's Divine Palace! It is truly a rare and precious medicine for those in the Divine Palace stage! This item is only usable by those in the Divine Palace stage, and only one can be consumed. It can be considered a strategic resource of the Three Mountains Alliance. Three hundred fruits, on the other hand, were almost several years' worth of the Three Mountains Alliance's production. Clearly, this time, Xi Jing intended to heavily exploit the Three Mountains Alliance!