In the end, Lin Xun agreed.

He had no choice since Zhao Tailai had brought up Zhao Jingxuan. If Lin Xun disagreed, it would make him look too weak and cowardly.

Moreover, Zhao Tailai wasn’t wrong either. If he continued ignoring the Omega Sword Sect disciple camping at his doorstep to challenge him, everyone would look down on him.

𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

……

At the Mind Cleansing Peak entrance.

Qing Zhe savored his tea with a confident and relaxed expression. The seemingly perfect composure he gave off only made him appear more extraordinary.

In the distance, Gu Dongting watched in admiration as he stroked his beard and smiled.

He was the Omega Sword Sect Elder who came to the Ziyao Empire and was also a Life Death Stage King with immeasurable strength and high status.

He had a neat and tidy appearance, a snow-white beard and hair, and his skin gave off the healthy glow of a newborn baby. Although he was merely standing there holding a horsetail whisk, he gave off a majestic presence that made others feel as if they were looking up at a mountain.

“As expected of an inner true disciple of the Omega Sword Clan. His composure, demeanor, and presence are superb.”

Beside the elder, a bigwig sighed in admiration.

“Agreed, a young-generation talent like Qing Zhe is akin to a mighty peng. Only an ancient sect like the Omega Sword Sect can nurture such an outstanding genius.”

Praises sounded one after another. Gu Dongting was accompanied by a group of bigwigs from the Zuo Clan and the Qin Clan.

“When there’s no tiger around, even a monkey can call itself king. Lin Xun might think he’s unmatched among the empire’s younger generation, but he doesn’t know that he’s just a frog in the well in the Ancient Wasteland Domain’s eyes!”

Another bigwig icily snorted, displaying his disdain toward Lin Xun.

The two high clans, the Zuo Clan and the Qin Clan, were undoubtedly the happiest in this situation.

Previously, Lin Xun had singlehandedly humiliated the Zuo Clan and the Qin Clan while they had no choice but to swallow their grievances against him.

However, things were different now. Qing Zhe was an inner true disciple of the Omega Sword Sect who possessed superb cultivation and had subdued many bigwigs during the imperial banquet a few days ago.

Under these circumstances, the Zuo Clan and the Qin Clan could not wait to see Qing Zhe take Lin Xun down a peg, or even better, cripple him!

Gu Dongting merely smiled without saying a word, appearing rather reserved.

“Quickly look, Lin Xun is coming out!”

Gasps suddenly sounded in the distance, drawing everyone’s attention. The crowd looked over and saw a young man walking out from Mind Cleansing Peak.

It was Lin Xun.

Everyone was stunned. Many had believed that Lin Xun would not easily show himself.

After all, the duel was far too risky. If he lost, it would be a terrible blow to his reputation.

Hence why there was such a commotion when he appeared.

“Does he actually intend to accept the duel?”

Several cultivators grew anxious. News of Qing Zhe’s terrifying strength had long spread to the entire city. Even the perfect Cyclic Derivation stage bigwigs had been unable to block his three swords, so how could Lin Xun possibly be his match?

“This is good as well. Rather than feel crappy letting him camp at your doorstep, why not happily duke it out and give Qing Zhe a taste of our empire cultivators’ might!”

Some were excited due to their blind faith in Lin Xun. After all, his past battle accomplishments were far too glorious. Since he dared to appear, he must be confident.

On the other hand, the Zuo Clan and Qin Clan members’ eyes were wide in disbelief, but they soon grew excited.

They could not wait to see Lin Xun lose everything!

A storm began to gather, and there was no going back now.

When Qing Zhe issued his challenge letter, it stirred up the entire Forbidden City and drew the attention of countless factions.

On one side, there was an inner true disciple of the Omega Sword Sect who had subdued the empire’s Cyclic Derivation stage bigwigs with his three swords. He boasted overwhelming combat power and appeared unrivaled.

On the other side, was the empire’s strongest youngster who was also an amazing expert with numerous dazzling achievements.

It was easy to imagine how astonishing the battle between them would be!

……

When Lin Xun appeared, Qing Zhe was slightly taken aback, seemingly surprised that he would appear so soon.

Qing Zhe quickly regained his composure, placed his cup on the table, and rose to his feet.

The simple movement caused the entire place to fall silent as everyone's gaze focused on them.

Qing Zhe’s tall and slim figure stood there with excellent posture, his silver hair sparkling under the light. He was a very handsome specimen with fair skin and sapphire eyes. When he stood up, he seemed to become a spear that gave off an intimidating aura.

Even the cultivators who didn’t like Qing Zhe had to admit that he was remarkable. Anyone could tell at a glance that he was a heaven pride who was destined to shine.

Several of the older-generation experts had grave expressions. Compared to his previous relaxed demeanor, Qing Zhe now gave off a palpitating aura that resembled a sheathed sword.

“Careful, his sword dao mastery is insanely frightening. Moreover, he’s a descendent of the ancient era Azure Crane Clan who has awakened his innate secret ability.”

Zhao Tailai cautioned from behind.

Lin Xun acknowledged the warning and walked out from the entrance. His long black hair reached all the way to his waist, and his skin sparkled like gems, gleaming brightly under the sun.

His steps were unhurried, and his graceful figure gave off a transcendental aura.

“He’s no ordinary person.”

In the distance, Gu Dongting was somewhat surprised.

“No matter how extraordinary he is, he is too arrogant and has no morals.”

The Zuo Clan and Qin Clan bigwigs felt a little uncomfortable. They felt nothing but hatred toward Lin Xun and wished he would hurry up and die.

Gu Dongting smiled slightly and said, “I see. This could be a chance for Qing Zhe to temper his arrogance.”

“That will be best.”

The Zuo Clan and Qin Clan bigwigs were overjoyed.

In the distance, Qing Zhe’s bright eyes focused on Lin Xun and said, “Did you run out of patience?”

His expression was exceptionally calm as an intimidating icy light flowed in his eyes as if he were looking down on Lin Xun.

“You’re not the only person here, so I can’t let everyone wait for too long as it would be wasting their time. As for you, you’re not enough to affect my mental state.”

Lin Xun was also sizing up Qing Zhe and could not help but admit that what he saw was indeed very extraordinary.

Even the Spirit Treasure Holy Land’s Xiao Ran, Su Xingfeng, and the top saints from the various clans of the Spirit Burial Sea were inferior to him.

However, it was only logical since he had Cyclic Derivation cultivation and had long surpassed the Heaven Ascension stage. Moreover, such an aura was expected from an inner true disciple of the Omega Sword Sect.

“I heard that you’ve attained the strongest supreme path and hope to see it for myself today. For the sake of fairness, I will suppress a portion of my strength to prevent others from saying I’m bullying you.”

Lightning seemed to flash in Qing Zhe’s eyes as he spoke, and an almost indiscernible smile hung from the corners of his mouth. Hidden under that calm exterior were absolute confidence and pride.

Numerous cultivators’ expressions fluctuated as they were uncertain about this.

Suppress his strength to have a fair fight with Lin Xun?

Qing Zhe was undoubtedly not lacking in confidence.

Lin Xun asked, “Is that so? Before the duel, I’m curious to know whether you’re worried your blood might be spilled and you might die?”

“Arrogant!”

“What a death-seeking fool!”

In the distance, the Zuo Clan and the Qin Clan bigwigs nearly laughed out of anger.

“You guys were right. He is indeed very arrogant.”

Even Gu Dongting frowned slightly as his expression turned somewhat icy.

“It seems that you’re rather conceited. However, overconfidence is no different from foolishness, especially when you’re facing me. The likes of you aren’t qualified to say such words.”

Qing Zhe was cool as a cucumber. An intimidating aura spread as he closely examined Lin Xun.

His silver hair glowed as blood and qi began to roar within his body, causing the surrounding world to tremble in terror.

He sounded very condescending and triggered the empire cultivators. However, they were also worried for Lin Xun because Qing Zhe was too powerful.

“Since that’s the case, how about we have a bet? If you lose, truthfully answer two questions of mine. What do you think?” Lin Xun displayed a nonchalant smile.

Qing Zhe frowned although his expression remained composed. However, his eyes grew increasingly frosty as he disdainfully looked at Lin Xun and said, “What if you lose?”

Lin Xun answered without hesitation, “Do whatever you want.”

These words shook the empire cultivators. That was no different from signing away his life. Wasn’t Lin Xun the least bit worried?

Qing Zhe displayed a rare smile. It was, however, a very cold smile. “I originally had no intentions of killing you, but since you’re so insistent on wanting to die, I’ll grant your wish!”

His words were extremely domineering and displayed his unshakable confidence. No opponent would feel comforted hearing such words.

These words, however, made perfect sense to Gu Dongting because Qing Zhe was most definitely more than qualified to make such claims!

Lin Xun laughed. “Then let’s fight.”

Qing Zhe began to glow. Those with keener senses could feel his aura grow weaker.

Just as he had said, he didn’t wish to bully Lin Xun with his cultivation and was thus suppressing his power.

Rumble!

The battle erupted in an instant.

Qing Zhe advanced with a big step. His clothes and long silver hair fluttered as he turned into a streak of light and disappeared from the spot.

When he appeared again, he was already in front of Lin Xun. Sharp azure light swirled around Qing Zhe’s hand as it formed a seal and swung at Lin Xun.

The air exploded as the hand seal forcefully tore open space with power that could probably destroy a mountain.

Any other Heaven Ascension expert would not be able to block this strike. The attack would blow them apart, leaving not even a corpse behind!