Chapter 1644: Liu Donglin's Provocation
The moment Liu Donglin saw that disciple from Dongling Immortal Pool exchanging what looked like affectionate glances with the Senior Sister he had admired for so long, his expression immediately darkened.
"Hehe!"
Liu Donglin stepped directly out from Yunluo Sacred Land's camp and sneered.
"Dongling Immortal Pool truly deserves its title as the head of the Three Great Saint Lands. Just like always, you people certainly outnumber everyone else. Unfortunately, the Sunset Heaven Selection isn't won through sheer numbers."
"Junior Brother Liu, do not speak nonsense."
Wang Qian shot Liu Donglin a glance over his shoulder.
Those words carried far too much provocation.
"Hehe, am I wrong?"
Liu Donglin was already hot-blooded by nature, and now jealousy had clouded his judgment entirely.
He sneered coldly. "There's even an Extreme First Stage Human Emperor here. Even if Dongling Immortal Pool wants to pad the numbers, there's no need to bring someone this weak, right?"
As he spoke, his gaze shot directly toward Ling Feng, the disdain in his eyes completely undisguised.
Ling Feng looked baffled.
Who the hell had he offended now?
Before Ling Feng could even respond, however, Helian Xiao strode forward and spoke coldly.
"Kid, I'll give you three breaths to take back your words. Otherwise, I don't mind teaching you whether the disciples of Dongling Immortal Pool rely on numbers or not."
"Hahaha!"
Liu Donglin burst into loud laughter.
"Since this is a martial exchange gathering, I naturally won't refuse!"
A faint smile curved at the corner of Ye Changge's mouth.
Liu Donglin was arrogant and overbearing, but Helian Xiao was not much better. Both sides were the type to ignite at the slightest spark. If real anger broke out between them, they would definitely fight to the bitter end.
That suited Ye Changge perfectly.
He could simply sit back and observe while learning the true strengths of the disciples from both Dongling Immortal Pool and Yunluo Sacred Land.
Perhaps he might even uncover a few hidden experts.
"Hehe, this is merely a sparring exchange. I hope everyone remains calm and stops at the appropriate point. If anyone attacks too viciously, I will not stand idly by."
Ye Changge spoke lightly, carrying himself fully like the host of the gathering.
After all, this martial exchange gathering had been organized by him. If anyone died or suffered serious injury before the competition even began, he naturally would not escape responsibility.
"Junior Brother Liu, allow me to meet this old friend first."
At that moment, a man dressed in tight green clothing stepped out from Yunluo Sacred Land's camp.
His features were resolute, and his figure somewhat lean, yet he resembled a treasured sword with its锋芒 hidden away, capable of erupting with terrifying sharpness at any moment.
"Yuan Huaji!"
Helian Xiao's pupils shrank slightly.
Yuan Huaji was practically his lifelong rival.
The two came from the same empire and had competed fiercely since their youth. After later joining different Sacred Lands, more than ten years had passed in the blink of an eye.
Yet the moment they met again, an even stronger battle will erupted between them.
"Good! Yuan Huaji, make your move. I'd like to see just how much you've improved over these past ten years!"
Helian Xiao tapped the ground with his foot and prepared to leap forward.
Just then, a hand pressed against his shoulder.
Xu Ming shook his head slightly and said calmly, "Senior Brother Helian, let me test him first. If I lose, it won't be too late for you to step in afterward."
Helian Xiao was impulsive and fiery by nature, while Xu Ming was intelligent and steady.
If Xu Ming fought first, he could probe Yuan Huaji's abilities. Winning would naturally be ideal, but even if he lost, Helian Xiao could still observe from the sidelines and gain a greater chance of victory afterward.
After all, in name, Helian Xiao was Dongling Immortal Pool's Fourth Young Emperor and the strongest among the disciples present.
If even he lost, Dongling Immortal Pool would truly lose all face.
Helian Xiao clenched his fists tightly.
Though impatient by temperament, he still understood the bigger picture. This matter concerned the reputation of Dongling Immortal Pool, so he could not simply act recklessly.
"Unfortunately, Senior Brother Murong isn't here. Among Dongling Immortal Pool's disciples, only the two of us can really uphold the sect's reputation."
Xu Ming felt the heavy burden on his shoulders. He nodded slowly.
"I'll do my best to figure out Yuan Huaji's methods. Senior Brother, make sure you observe carefully."
Hearing the two whispering among themselves, Tuoba Yan secretly found it rather amusing.
These two really thought highly of themselves.
If Dongling Immortal Pool truly had to rely on them to hold up the situation today, then the sect was probably doomed.
A teasing glint flashed through her beautiful eyes as her gaze drifted toward Ling Feng.
The only one truly capable of suppressing the entire gathering was probably this fellow.
At this moment, Xu Ming's figure flashed forward. With a graceful flip, he landed in the center of the courtyard arena.
Looking toward Yuan Huaji, he cupped his fists politely.
"My name is Xu Ming. For this first battle, let me test on behalf of Senior Brother Helian just how high the quality of Yunluo Sacred Land's disciples truly is."
Ye Changge smiled faintly as he returned to the pavilion belonging to Wulei Sacred Land.
Sitting cross-legged, he watched the scene unfold with great interest.
Unexpectedly, Yuan Huaji merely lifted his eyes and gave Xu Ming a brief glance before shaking his head indifferently.
"Helian Xiao, after more than ten years apart, have you really become this timid? Boring. Truly boring."
Seeing that Helian Xiao had not stepped onto the stage personally, Yuan Huaji simply returned to Yunluo Sacred Land's pavilion and calmly sat back down.
"Damn it!"
Helian Xiao trembled with anger.
Given his usual temper, he would have already rushed out to fight Yuan Huaji to the death.
"Yuan Huaji, what do you mean by this?"
Xu Ming tightened his fists.
He was rational by nature, but that did not mean he lacked anger.
"It means nothing. Senior Brother Yuan simply can't be bothered fighting you. He's afraid he might beat you too badly."
Liu Donglin sneered as he leapt out from the crowd.
"Why don't I fight you instead?"
Xu Ming's brows twitched as his face turned icy cold.
"Then please enlighten me, Junior Brother. I'm much older than you, so I'll try to show some restraint."
From appearances alone, Liu Donglin was far younger than Yuan Huaji. Although his talent was extremely high, his strength should theoretically be weaker as well.
Xu Ming had already suppressed quite a bit of anger earlier. Now he intended to vent it all upon this ignorant brat.
Liu Donglin jumped onto the center stage with his hands behind his back and laughed arrogantly.
"Show restraint? You? Hahaha!"
Xu Ming remained expressionless and indifferent.
"Junior Brother Liu, please."
"Heavenly Net Cloudmist Palm!"
Liu Donglin's movements became ghostlike and elusive.
His figure drifted unpredictably as his palm shot forward like a hidden azure dragon concealed within the clouds, impossible to distinguish between illusion and reality.
"Sigh, Junior Brother Liu's personality really is..."
Wang Qian shook his head helplessly.
Liu Donglin truly deserved the title of a young genius, but he was far too hot-blooded. What should have been a peaceful martial exchange gathering had now gained the atmosphere of open conflict because of him.
Meanwhile, Yue Huaqing still found herself unable to understand one thing.
How had Ling Feng ended up here?
In just over a year, that weak little fellow from before had actually grown enough to qualify for the Sunset Heaven Selection?
It was simply unbelievable.
Crackle!
At the center courtyard arena, the battle had already erupted.
The air itself vibrated violently.
The force behind Liu Donglin's palm strike was astonishing. Overlapping palm shadows swept outward like thousands of roaring azure dragons.
Xu Ming's expression turned serious as shock rose in his heart.
What a powerful palm technique!
No wonder Liu Donglin was so arrogant.
He truly possessed the qualifications to be proud.
"Heavenly Tyrant Fist!"
Xu Ming cast aside all underestimation and circulated the elemental force throughout his body.
As his fists danced outward, fierce and domineering currents of power surged like an endless ocean. Furious waves rolled forward while thunder roared intermittently, tearing through the skies.
The aura of the fist art was majestic and overwhelming, powerful enough to shake heaven and earth.
The moment the technique was unleashed, Xu Ming's entire bearing transformed completely.
He stood there like a supreme tyrant capable of looking down upon the world itself.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Fist and palm collided repeatedly, unleashing violent bursts of force.
Shockwaves rolled endlessly through the air.
This initial exchange was merely probing from both sides, and neither gained the advantage. The clash ended evenly matched.
Xu Ming's eyelids twitched slightly.
He steadied his thoughts and charged forward once more.
Meanwhile, Liu Donglin merely sneered calmly as he continued fighting with relaxed ease.
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