Chapter 2766 Late Arrival

Heavenly Enlightenment Dao Arena.

The atmosphere between heaven and earth was heavy and oppressive, fury burning in the hearts of the Nine Peaks’ successors. Even the brows of the high-ranking figures were shadowed with gloom.

On the viewing platform, mighty figures from all over the world, including the Spirit Sect, Zen Sect, and the Ten Immortal Giants, leaned toward one another, whispering in low voices. Xing Jun stood alone at the center of the Heavenly Enlightenment Dao Arena, domineering and proud.

He was lean yet powerfully built, his skin gleaming like bronze. His hair and beard were in wild disarray, while his golden eyes blazed like twin lanterns, surging with terrifying flames. Scarlet strands of immortal law coiled from him, weaving into ancient, barbaric symbols, cloaking him in the aura of a savage war god.

“Why hasn’t Lin Xun appeared yet? Is he cowering in fear?” Xing Jun’s impatient snort echoed across the arena.

The Shaman Sect had never bothered to restrain themselves, showing neither reverence for gods nor demons, and scorning etiquette and rules. The outside world mocked them as a sect of barbarians, and today, Xing Jun lived up to that reputation.

Even here, on the grounds of the Origin Sect, Xing Jun remained as wild and unbridled as ever, showing not the slightest restraint.

Xuan Feiling’s, Dugu Yong’s, and the others’ frowns became more prominent.

How could they not see that Xing Jun’s challenge had been orchestrated by the old monsters of the Shaman Sect?

However, this was no hidden plot, but instead an open scheme. A brazen challenge aimed at humiliating the Origin Sect before the world!

“Brother Fu, has Lin Xun still not arrived?”

From the distant viewing platform, the voice of Earth Shaman Xiong Tu boomed out like thunder.

In the Shaman Sect, the rank of Earth Shaman was equivalent to a Deputy Pavilion Master of the Origin Sect. Xiong Tu’s frame was towering and burly like a mountain, his rugged features made fiercer by the thunder sigil etched on his forehead.

Fu Wenli spoke without a ripple of emotion, “Lin Xun may serve as a deputy deacon of the Origin Sky Pavilion, but whether he accepts this challenge or not is entirely his decision.”

“Hahaha! So even this youngest disciple of the Lord of Fangchun Mountain has lost his nerve?” Xiong Tu threw his head back and laughed.

Though he was a Transcendence-level powerhouse, his emotions showed plainly on his face, and he made no effort to hide the hostility and disdain he had toward Fangchun Mountain. This was the way of the Shaman Sect. Top to bottom, they were all like this.

Fu Wenli said nothing, as though none of this concerned him. Xuan Feiling let out a cold snort. “Old Monster Xiong, if waiting bores you, why don’t you try sparring with me?”

Xiong Tu’s eyes narrowed, then he gave a low chuckle, “Xuan Feiling, don’t try to provoke me. If I smash you flat here on your own Origin Sect’s turf, that old Yan Ji would go mad with rage.”

Xuan Feiling spat, “If you don’t dare, then just admit it. Why talk nonsense? Have you already forgotten when I alone chased you all the way to the gates of your Shaman Sect? Who was the one wailing about revenge and settling scores? It’s been over ten thousand years, yet you still haven’t shown your face.”

If Xuan Jiuyin had been here, he would have realized that his great-grandfather outshone him by a wide margin when it came to arrogance. These words made the audience stir uneasily.

Among the older generation, many exchanged odd looks, recalling that earth-shaking pursuit long ago. Back then, Xiong Tu had indeed been driven into utter misery by Xuan Feiling.

Having his past disgrace exposed in front of everyone, Xiong Tu’s aged face darkened and his eyes blazed with murderous fury. After a long pause, he growled coldly, “Don’t worry. I will repay that humiliation a hundredfold. But today I’ve come as a guest and no matter what, I’ll give your Origin Sect some face.”

Meanwhile, Xing Jun’s voice rang sharp from the arena, “So long has passed, yet Lin Xun still hasn’t appeared. In my opinion, he’s afraid. What a disappointment.”

“I’ll fight you!”

Suddenly, a figure stepped forth, his expression cold as ice.

𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

Ying Tianhong!

He was the head of the deputy deacons of the Origin Emptiness Pavilion, a pinnacle Heavenly Longevity Immortal. It was said that he had already laid the foundation to break through to the Nirvana Spirit Stage. He rarely appeared in public in recent years.

“Brother Ying, you must destroy that guy! He’s far too arrogant!”

Cries erupted around him as many Origin Sect experts shouted in anger. On the Heavenly Enlightenment Dao Arena, Xing Jun sneered coldly, “I’ve already crushed the last two. Do you really want to share their fate? Don’t make a fool of yourself!”

A green light flickered across Ying Tianhong’s face as his fighting spirit surged, and he was about to step onto the arena—“Tianhong, step back!” Dugu Yong’s stern voice cut through the air.

Ying Tianhong frowned. “If Lin Xun doesn’t show himself, are we to let this man run rampant in our Origin Sect?”

The faces of those present grew complicated. At first, they had all been looking forward to Lin Xun appearing up and teaching Xing Jun a lesson.

Now, with no sign of him, a thought surfaced in their hearts.

Could it be that Lin Xun doesn't dare to accept the challenge?

That isn’t like him at all!

“The mighty Origin Sect, and yet not one of you at the same level dares to face me. Perhaps the rumors are true...your sect has declined and is no longer what it once was?” Xing Jun sneered coldly.

That single sentence made the blood of the Origin Sect boil.

This man is simply too arrogant!

On the distant viewing platform, countless watched, curious to see how the Origin Sect would handle such a humiliation.

Just then, an apologetic voice spread across the arena. “Sorry, I’m late.”

The words were not loud, yet every ear caught them clearly. A tall figure appeared out of thin air, stepping into the sight of all.

Lin Xun!

High-ranking figures like Xuan Feiling, Dugu Yong, and Fang Daoping all breathed a sigh of

relief.

Just moments before, they had been silently dissatisfied. At such a time, Lin Xun, why had you not come forward? Do you want to watch a Shaman Sect barbarian trample the sect’s dignity? However now, seeing him arrive, all of their dissatisfaction instantly dispersed.

“Lin Xun, it’s Junior Brother Lin Xun!”

“It’s Deputy Deacon Lin!”

“Great! He finally came! I’ve admired him for so long!”

The successors of the Nine Peaks erupted in excitement, their eyes shining with fervor. Even the elders, deacons, and other important figures of the three pavilions felt a weight in their hearts lift.

It was a mysterious feeling. It was as though, with Lin Xun’s arrival, everything would be resolved. A sense of reassurance and confidence filled them.

“In just less than two years, this boy’s prestige within the sect has reached such a level!”

Noticing these reactions, Fu Wenli, Qi Xiaoyun and several others felt a sinking weight in their chests. The response of the sect at this moment was nothing less than a resounding recognition of Lin Xun. This was prestige, an awe-inspiring, terrifying influence.

At ordinary times, such power might remain hidden and hardly noticeable. However, in critical moments like this, it revealed itself in full force. Just like now!

Some peak masters and elders who had always maintained neutrality couldn’t help but smile. For instance, First Peak Master Yue Wuchou, Fifth Peak Master Yu Xiangting and Sixth Peak Master Wen Dongmian all had always chosen to remain neutral and adhered strictly to rules in matters concerning Lin Xun...

Now, they were brimming with hope and confidence in him. This was precisely the scene Fu Wenli, Qi Xiaoyun and the others least wanted to see.

On the distant viewing platform, every gaze was fixed on Lin Xun. The Spirit Sect’s Spirit Venerable Qing Yun, the Zen Sect’s Buddha Venerable Shiye, the Shaman Sect’s Earth Shaman Xiong Tu, and the powerhouses of the Ten Immortal Giants all wore different expressions.

Some eyes gleamed with curiosity. Some faces were icy-cold, faintly concealing murderous intent. Some were still and tranquil, like an ancient well, detached and watching the flames from across the river. Others were lost in deep thought.

Everyone knew that Xing Jun’s appearance was no coincidence. He had clearly been pushed forward by the Shaman Sect to target Lin Xun directly. Now that the man in question had appeared, all eyes turned to see whether the disciple the Lord of Fangchun Mountain had awaited for eternity was truly as formidable as legends claimed.

“You’ve only shown up now?” Ying Tianhong frowned in irritation at Lin Xun’s late arrival.

Lin Xun bowed apologetically. “Senior Brother, don’t be angry. Leave the rest to me.”

“This battle cannot be lost. Otherwise, the reputation of our Origin Sect will be ruined.” Ying Tianhong’s expression was grave.

At the same time, his voice echoed in Lin Xun’s mind. “Be careful. This person has tempered his body to an unbelievable degree, comparable to an immortal dao weapon. He also carries the innate talent of Golden Shaman Divine Blood and wields indestructible, domineering divine arts. You must not be careless when you face him.”

With that reminder, Ying Tianhong turned and stepped back. Lin Xun smiled faintly, then lifted his gaze toward Xing Jun in the arena.

“What are you waiting for? Get over here and fight!” Xing Jun crooked his finger arrogantly, his voice booming with menace.

Lin Xun, however, remained calm and composed. Instead of answering him, he turned toward the viewing platform and said evenly, “If anyone else wishes to challenge me, step forward now. Otherwise, once I defeat Xing Jun, I won’t be entertaining you.”

The entire arena fell silent in shock. Xing Jun froze for a moment, then threw back his head in wild laughter. “Lin Xun! As arrogant as the rumors said! Don’t worry, I won’t kill you too quickly. I’ll make sure to play with you first!”

His voice was violent and savage. Lin Xun ignored him, his gaze still fixed on the viewing platform. “No one? Very well, then I’ll have some fun with my friend from the Shaman Sect.”

Just as he was just about to step onto the Heavenly Enlightenment Dao Arena, a cold voice cut through the air, “If you win, I’ll be happy to give you some guidance.”

An uproar swept through the arena. The speaker was a man from the Jing Clan, one of the Ten Immortal Giants. His name was Jing Qingjia, a renowned powerhouse, revered in his clan, and a pinnacle Heavenly Longevity Immortal.

He wore a black armor with a crimson crane cloak flowing behind him. His handsome face and blazing eyes gave off an extraordinary air.

“You won’t go back on that?” Lin Xun asked with a faint smile.

Jing Qingjia chuckled. “Before so many eyes, I would never stoop to something so shameful. On the contrary, you’d best hope you don’t get beaten to death by Fellow Daoist Xing Jun.”

Lin Xun produced a jade-colored silk scroll he had prepared in advance. “Then press your handprint here. Only then will I believe you’ll keep your word.”

All eyes turned toward the scroll. Bold, unrestrained writing sprawled across it: “Whoever goes back on their word is the grandson of everyone here.”

Everyone was struck dumb, eyes going wide.

You can do that?!

“Nonsense!”

Fu Wenli barked coldly, a frown creasing his face. “At such a critical moment, you’re still playing childish games. If word of this gets out, won’t our entire Origin Sect become the laughingstock of the world?”

Qi Xiaoyun, Chi Wen and others were left speechless.

This Lin Xun really never stops making trouble!

However, more were excited, stirred to the core. They couldn’t help recalling the scenes from the day Lin Xun ascended to the Immortal Stage. Back then, he had called Qi Lingzhen, Zhongli Ran, Gu Shaoyin, and Fu Chaosheng onto the Heaven’s Judgement Arena all at once, choosing to fight one against four...

Everyone thought he had lost his mind. In the end, the truth proved otherwise. Lin Xun only did that to ensure none of his opponents could go back on their words or flee!