Chapter 151: Winning and Letting You Go

The Pinnacle!

Shi Chun, reflected in the mirror, carefully examined Chao Zhilin's injuries. Just as he was about to remove the restrictions on Chao Zhilin, Xiang Lan'er suddenly spoke up, stopping him. "Wait."

Shi Chun looked up. "What is it?"

Xiang Lan'er asked, "Are you sure you really want to remove the restrictions and fight him?" Shi Chun looked puzzled. "Do I look like I'm joking?" Xiang Lan'er eyed him suspiciously. "Are you truly unaware, or merely pretending not to know, about the formidable power of the Su Yuan Sect?"

Shi Chun replied, "I know. The paramount sect of Shengzhou. What more is there to know?"

Xiang Lan'er retorted, "Then why are you still so casually releasing him? Once he wakes up, he won't be easily fooled, especially by a junior sister like me who has been humiliated."

Shi Chun said, "That's why I injured him first before testing myself against him."

Xiang Lan'er couldn't help but rub her forehead awkwardly. "There are four major continents in the cultivation world, and Shengzhou is one of them. Why do I feel like you're misunderstanding the paramount sect of Shengzhou? Even at their core, sects like Su Yuan harbor millennia-old experts. If it came to a true confrontation, even the Saints of our three lineages would have to deliberate before facing their might.

"The Su Yuan Sect's Su Yuan Art is no small matter. I heard my master say that their disciples practice 'Weapon Dissolution Art' and 'Body-Integration Sword.' Just dabbling in one of these is enough to dominate a region. The 'Weapon Dissolution Art' can kill invisibly, and the 'Body-Integration Sword' is incredibly potent, capable of a single-strike throat-seal. To be honest, if I were to seriously fight him, I'm not sure I'd be his match either. Even if you've injured him, as long as he has the strength to fight back, you might not be his equal. Disciples publicly showcased by the Su Yuan Sect are extremely dangerous. Releasing him so easily is playing with your life."

Wu Jinliang thumped his chest. "Shi Chun, let me try first. If I can't do it, then you go."

Regarding such ignorant and reckless behavior, Xiang Lan'er wanted to spray him in the face. She contemptuously said, "Go die somewhere else." Wu Jinliang was about to say something else, but Shi Chun raised a hand to stop him. Xiang Lan'er had spoken very clearly and seriously this time, and Shi Chun finally took it to heart, his brows furrowed. It wasn't that he had underestimated Chao Zhilin before; it was simply that Xiang Lan'er had defeated Chao Zhilin far too easily, knocking him down in a single encounter. How could he have possibly held Chao Zhilin in high regard? Furthermore, he naturally assumed that with Xiang Lan'er by his side, they would be safe from harm.

Yet, he still had some doubts. "Then why weren't you afraid last night when we walked into the Su Yuan Sect's ambush?" This was one of the key factors in his judgment. Xiang Lan'er rolled her eyes charmingly and said peevishly, "Senior Brother Wang, Senior Brother Gao, I... I wasn't afraid because *you two* weren't afraid, alright? I thought your backing forces had some arrangements, and I wanted to see what tricks you were hiding. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine you'd just charge in headfirst.

"No, you two were kicked down immediately, and by the Yuan Sword Palace no less! And you *still* dared to walk into a Su Yuan Sect trap? How could you dare?" The last sentence was directed at Wu Jinliang, her face filled with utter disbelief.

From the two men's actions, she had repeatedly doubted Feng Chi's judgment. How could this be like the demonic path? Just look at them now. Could this be an act? If they're really putting on such a convincing performance, is there any justice left in the world? And what about the forces behind them? This isn't a case of letting them run wild; they literally had no preparations whatsoever! They were completely fumbling around on their own. Their boldness was genuine, and their courage was real.

She, who had intended to stand by and observe, to secretly ascertain their true capabilities, was utterly compelled to intervene because she simply couldn't watch any longer. In broad daylight, with the Sky-Gazing Mirror potentially detecting them at any moment, they were actually making her protect them! How could she, a cultivation expert, dare expose herself so easily? What exactly were these two fools up to?

Wu Jinliang grumbled, wanting to say, "We've already stabbed two from the Su Yuan Sect to death."

Shi Chun, meanwhile, lowered his head in thought. Then, feeling Chao Zhilin's chest, he cleanly and decisively delivered another palm strike. The blow made the unconscious Chao Zhilin spurt fresh blood from his mouth and nose again. This additional strike elicited a wide range of reactions from within the Royal Arena. Most people gasped in shock.

Elder Ke's face twitched. He dearly wanted to ask what this unruly disciple intended to do. Killing someone should be straightforward; what was the meaning of continually assaulting a Su Yuan Sect disciple as if playing around? Elder Yin Huixin also wore a look of shock and alarm. The Su Yuan Sect was indeed different from ordinary Shengzhou sects; it was a sect that had already established considerable influence.

Feng Chi, shrouded in his cloak, intently observed Shi Chun's expression. That palm strike was delivered with seemingly no psychological burden at all—that was true courage! Elder Ji Qinghe of the Su Yuan Sect was expressionless, his fingers subtly twitching beneath his sleeves. In the best viewing box, Chi Rang, the Domain Lord of Xuanzhou, let out a cold, mocking laugh. Wei Mo, the Domain Lord of Shengzhou, who had initially found the sight of Shi Chun and the other annoying, now felt no irritation whatsoever. Instead, he was stroking his beard, deep in thought, unable to discern whether this turn of events was good or bad. "Didn't that young man used to associate with Su Yuan Sect members?" "Yes, I think so. Why is he attacking them now?" Curious domain lords, for whom the matter was irrelevant, chatted among themselves. From another viewing stand, Miao Dingyi mumbled, "This fellow is certainly tormenting the Su Yuan Sect..." implying that a feud had now been established with the Su Yuan Sect.

Lan Qiaoyan, a little startled, also developed a headache from watching. This was nothing short of deliberate torture. It wasn't a fight to the death; to anyone watching, it was clearly intentional abuse.

Miao Dingyi suddenly realized that the mirror broadcast had been going on for a bit too long and instinctively glanced towards Young Master Nan. To his surprise, Young Master Nan had, at some point, slipped over and was now standing beside him. Sensing Miao Dingyi's reaction, Young Master Nan responded telepathically, "Brother Miao, I truly didn't request this."

Gong Shaoci, who had been standing nearby, had temporarily left. He noticed that the Miao family genuinely enjoyed watching, and fearing a sudden interruption would spoil their enjoyment, he went to greet someone else. His family background allowed him to be a bit willful with the mirror broadcast without any issues. Of course, he undoubtedly wanted the Miao family to know of his respect for them afterwards.

The brilliance of the Su Yuan Sect was so captivating that no one noticed the two other individuals lying at Wu Jinliang's feet. Elder Luo Feilie of the Yuan Sword Palace wore a tense expression, unsure if those two disciples were alive or dead.

Shi Chun once again assessed Chao Zhilin's injuries, and then still...

Xiang Lan'er, observing from the side, felt a headache coming on. She couldn't understand this guy; he clearly knew the danger, yet he still wanted to proceed.

"Gah..." Chao Zhilin, regaining consciousness, choked up another mouthful of blood. He quickly scrambled to a sitting position, gasping for breath, and used an art to clear the blood obstructing his airway.

Shi Chun had already risen and stepped back, watching as he retreated. He spread his arms, gesturing for Xiang Lan'er and Wu Jinliang to also move away. His eyes conveyed resolute determination. For him, some dangers he would evade, but others he would not, because certain matters were crucial, and he wouldn't easily give up, even if it meant taking a risk.

Wu Jinliang grabbed two hands with one of his own, quickly pulling Mao Zhong and Xun Lingyin back as if dragging two corpses.

Chao Zhilin, now able to breathe freely, raised a hand to steady his chest, realizing he was severely injured. Hearing the dragging sound, he turned his head and saw the group of people, and Shi Chun standing firmly.

Chao Zhilin quickly pushed off the ground and leapt up, shaking his uncomfortable body. With blood at the corner of his mouth, he raised a hand, pointing at them, and fiercely declared, "You are people of the demonic path!"

Shi Chun shook his head helplessly, thinking, *I wonder what these disciples of major sects are thinking. Given the situation, couldn't he just play dumb? Now, even if I wanted to let you go, Xiang Lan'er would never allow it.* He glanced back at Xiang Lan'er; sure enough, the woman's face had suddenly become expressionless.

Shi Chun then smiled at Chao Zhilin. "What nonsense are you talking about? Let's talk business. I've already discussed it with your Senior Sister Mu Lanqing. We won't make things difficult for you. We'll have one fight. If you win, you're free to leave. If you lose, then naturally, you can't."

Chao Zhilin's gaze flickered. There was no need to mention any senior sister; given the current situation, he had no choice but to accept. He touched his chest again, using an art to examine his injuries internally. His hand found the hilt of his sword at his waist. He cast his eyes down, seeing that his sword was still there and hadn't been removed. He glanced around, seeing no one else, just the few people in front of him.

He stared at Shi Chun. "I remember now," he said. "Guan Wen seemed to have mentioned that you two are very good fighters."

Shi Chun calmly replied, "We're decent. Guan Wen was killed by me." As he spoke, a muscle in Chao Zhilin's face twitched violently.

Xiang Lan'er, observing from the side, was also greatly surprised. She turned to look at Wu Jinliang, her eyes questioning, and then saw the big oaf's grinning face, which she disliked the most.

As if fearing the other party wasn't angry enough, Shi Chun added, "Oh, and by the way, Yan Ji also died by my blade. I wonder how you'll react to that."

Xiang Lan'er, who had been about to turn her head again with a questioning look, heard that grinning chuckle again, so she refrained from turning.

Those two statements indeed enraged Chao Zhilin, but his anger quickly subsided, replaced by terror and suspicion. Both of his senior brothers had died at this person's hands. Now he was severely wounded, and recalling how he had fallen to that woman in a single encounter last night, how could he not be afraid? They had been perfectly capable of killing him while he was unconscious, yet they hadn't. Their confidence was clearly immense.

Although he was now timid, for the sake of survival, he had no choice but to stake everything on a desperate, all-out struggle. One hand slowly rose, two fingers held together before his chest. He lowered his brows and eyes, his aura and presence instantly became contained. His snow-white robe was already stained beyond recognition, yet at that moment, the aura of a major sect disciple remained undiminished.

Xiang Lan'er and Wu Jinliang were highly vigilant. If something untoward were to happen, they naturally couldn't stand by; they would have to intervene urgently.

Inside the Royal Arena, it was so quiet that a pin drop could be heard. Everyone stared intently at the mirror. They all understood that Shi Chun and Chao Zhilin were about to fight. Regardless of what had happened before, the audacity to challenge a Su Yuan Sect disciple filled everyone with anticipation. Many had only heard of the Su Yuan Sect's reputation but had never witnessed a disciple in action; today was a rare opportunity.

Elder Ji Qinghe of the Su Yuan Sect narrowed his eyes, observing Chao Zhilin's every move. He could tell at a glance that Chao Zhilin's first move would be a deadly technique. At that very moment, only Gong Shaoci was moving around within the arena. Having finished his greetings, he returned to the Miao family's viewing box, expecting to see Miao Yilan turn and nod with a smile. To his surprise, Miao Yilan seemed to hear nothing, her eyes fixed intently on the mirror's projection.