Immortal Martial Emperor

"As long as I’m here, you’re destined to be nothing more than a nobody who can never make a comeback!"

Hong Renjie’s words were arrogant and direct, but no one could refute them.

In the Cyan Nether Sword Sect, he was qualified to contend for the position of Chief Disciple. As someone who had broken through to the Celestial Soul Realm, he had the power to suppress any genius within the vast Fengyue Kingdom, ensuring they could never rise again.

The crowd, who had previously looked at Hong Yu with envy for winning the Cyan Cloud Secret Realm trial, now had a change of heart.

The envy in their eyes as they looked at Hong Yu was replaced by a hint of mockery, pity, and disdain.

’Daring to provoke Hong Renjie... isn’t that just asking for death?’

’Hong Renjie is an absolute Demon Fiend, someone who can contend for the position of Chief Disciple!’

’So what if his talent is off the charts?’

’As long as Hong Renjie is around, he’ll use every trick in the book to suppress and ostracize him.’

Just imagine...

A genius who has yet to mature versus a Chief Disciple candidate with immense power—who would have the upper hand? To put it simply, even the most talented genius needs resources for their cultivation. If Hong Renjie decided to intervene and cut off all access to those resources, how could Hong Yu possibly improve his strength?

Meanwhile, Hong Renjie himself would enjoy the highest level of treatment and a wealth of resources.

The gap between the two would only grow wider and wider!

For a moment, everyone’s gazes toward Hong Yu turned strange.

Even the many family factions in the stands who had intended to recruit Hong Yu became hesitant after seeing Hong Renjie’s resolute stance. Some even gave up on the idea entirely.

’Rather than recruit an undeveloped genius who could be snuffed out at any moment, it would be better to use this opportunity to curry favor with Hong Renjie!’

This was just human nature.

Hong Yu naturally understood the stakes.

But that didn’t mean he would simply yield!

Hong Renjie had targeted and provoked him time and again. Their relationship was already irreconcilable, like fire and water; there was no need for any retreat.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, he walked past Feng Xue Xin and stared at Hong Renjie, who was not much taller than him, and smiled faintly.

Just as everyone was wondering what he would do, Hong Yu did something completely unexpected.

Hong Yu’s mouth moved a few times, and with a "PTUI," he spat a glob of saliva directly onto Hong Renjie’s pristine clothes.

Wiping his mouth, he said, neither servile nor overbearing, "Then you’d better open your eyes and watch closely. I have a feeling you’ll soon see how I make my comeback. There’s a saying: when a nobody makes a comeback, the rivers and seas tremble. You should be careful. I can’t guarantee I won’t end up capsizing a little boat like you and your so-called Heaven and Earth Alliance!"

"With just you?"

"That’s right. With just me!"

Their eyes met, and an invisible clash of Momentum sparked intensely between them.

「A moment later...」

Hong Renjie threw his head back and laughed loudly. "Hahaha, good! I’ll be waiting for that day. We’ll see if you capsize me, or if I ram you into the depths!"

Hong Renjie flicked his sleeves and stormed away.

The experts from the Heaven and Earth Alliance all glared at Hong Yu with hatred before following close behind.

Hong Long and Hong Gang’s expressions were extremely ugly. From within the crowd, their gazes flickered with a deep, venomous resentment and hostility.

"Junior Brother Hong, long time no see! I never thought you’d change so much in just a few short months. It’s quite a surprise!" Feng Xue Xin’s lazy, carefree voice rang out, so soothing it put one’s mind and body at ease.

Hong Yu smiled slightly. "Hong Yu greets Senior Brother Feng!"

"Haha, get up, get up!"

Feng Xue Xin waved his hand and sized up Hong Yu curiously. After a long moment, he said softly, "Junior Brother Hong, you and that Hong Renjie are from the same clan. How did things between you become so irreconcilable?"

Hong Yu gave a wry smile. "It’s just an old story."

"If that’s the case, we don’t have to talk about it. However..."

Feng Xue Xin’s expression grew serious as he said in a low voice, "Junior Brother Hong, I don’t know the full history of the grudge between you and Hong Renjie. But I must remind you of one thing: Hong Renjie is very strong. With your current strength, you’re no match for him!"

"Oh? Senior Brother Feng, what kind of person is Hong Renjie, exactly?" Hong Yu asked.

Feng Xue Xin was silent for a moment before continuing, "He is a terrifying opponent, completely unscrupulous in achieving his goals. But I have to admit, his talent in the Martial Dao is truly frightening. He’s even broken through to the Celestial Soul Realm now. Even if I were to fight him, my chances of winning would be up in the air. As for you... your chances are slim to none."

Hearing this, Hong Yu fell silent.

’He’s probably just saying that to spare my feelings,’ he guessed.

’In his heart, he probably thinks I don’t have a single shred of a chance!’

He clenched his fists, his eyes glinting. ’Hong Renjie just showed a little hostility toward me, and it was enough to make many experts drop the idea of recruiting me. If he becomes the Chief Disciple, where will I stand? I’m afraid that even Elder Zhu would be unwilling to offend Hong Renjie and refuse to help me. No, I must defeat him. Otherwise, all my efforts will have been for nothing.’

Feng Xue Xin twitched his prominent nose, slung an arm around Hong Yu’s shoulders, and said boisterously, "Alright, don’t overthink it. There’s still some time before the second stage. Come with me right now. I brought some incredibly rare ingredients. Hehe, they’re delicious!"

A resigned Hong Yu was reluctantly dragged away by Feng Xue Xin.

They arrived at the Wind and Snow New Villa. The villa was enormous, like a magnificent palace.

「At this moment...」

In the palace’s central garden, a massive five-meter-tall cauldron stood in the middle. Eight Desolate Beasts that looked like small dogs were crouched around it, constantly spewing scorching flames to heat the pot. White steam billowed from the cauldron, and a rich, fragrant aroma wafted through the air.

Stewing inside the pot was none other than the Tier Three Desolate Beast, a Thousand Feather Toad, that Feng Xue Xin had gone to great lengths to capture!

"Come, come! Everyone’s worked hard. Let’s all enjoy a good meal!"

Feng Xue Xin invited everyone to eat together.

The meat of the Thousand Feather Toad was fresh, sweet, and delicious. The moment it entered one’s mouth, it transformed into a clear stream that nourished the body. It had a considerable effect on physical nourishment and laying a foundation for the Martial Dao.

Some Martial Artists who were on the verge of a breakthrough even sat down cross-legged right after tasting the delicacy and broke through to the next realm.

The members of the Wind and Snow Association, however, were used to such scenes.

In Tie Shou’s words—don’t be fooled by Brother Xin’s carefree, idle appearance, as if all he knows is eating. In reality, the study of food runs deep!

Hong Yu also calmed his mind and savored the food.

After ten bowls, he felt a warmth spread through his entire body, and his newly achieved Mid-Stage Earth Soul Realm Cultivation became even more stable.

After spending some more time with everyone, Hong Yu stood up to take his leave.

Just before leaving, Hong Yu found Tie Shou, and the two conspired in hushed tones for a moment before parting ways.

Just after leaving the Wind and Snow New Villa, he saw Ling Tian, who had clearly been waiting for some time. The two top geniuses stood facing each other.

Ling Tian quickly strode forward. With a cold expression but a direct tone, he said, "What the hell were you thinking? I was looking all over for you. How could you be so reckless? Don’t you know how powerful Hong Renjie and the Heaven and Earth Alliance are? To go head-to-head with him... do you really think you’re some kind of god?"

He let loose a torrent of abuse, picking the harshest words he could find, and chewed Hong Yu out completely.

Throughout it all, Hong Yu simply watched Ling Tian in silence with a smile on his face.

It wasn’t that he was a masochist looking for a scolding. It was Ling Tian’s pure, transparent heart, completely devoid of scheming, that made his own mind feel clear and untroubled.

Smiling faintly, Hong Yu said, "Don’t worry, Ling Tian. When have you ever seen me do something I wasn’t confident about? Forget the fact that Hong Renjie isn’t the Chief Disciple yet. Even if he does become the Chief Disciple, I’ll find a way to drag him down from that pedestal!"

Ling Tian was taken aback.

He studied Hong Yu seriously for a moment before letting out a long sigh. "No matter what, you have to protect yourself." He paused, then added with a wry smile, "Sorry, Hong Yu. I went to see my master earlier, but he said he won’t interfere in the grudges between disciples..."

A wave of warmth washed over Hong Yu’s heart. Despite Hong Renjie’s blatant threats today, Ling Tian had still unhesitatingly come to warn him. This act alone was enough to earn Ling Tian his respect.

He gently patted Ling Tian’s shoulder and smiled. "I know you did your best. It’s okay, though. You have to believe in my strength!"

Ling Tian nodded seriously, his expression completely sincere and free of guile. "I always thought I was the most amazing genius, but I didn’t expect you to be even more amazing, taking first place in the Cyan Cloud Secret Realm. But I won’t give up on competing for the top spot. In the next round, you’d better watch out!"

"Alright!"

The two high-fived, sealing their pact.

Then, they parted ways.

With half a double-hour remaining before the second stage began, Hong Yu returned to the tournament stage on the Cyan Nether Main Peak.

He had just sat down when he felt countless gazes fixated on him.

"Hm?"

Hong Yu frowned slightly and looked in a particular direction, only to see Guo Fei staring at him with a strange expression.

They weren’t close, but Guo Fei’s lips moved, and Hong Yu could clearly make out his words: *Congratulations on your championship. I’ve already had someone inform the two of them. I’m sure they’ll be very happy!*

Hong Yu snorted coldly and mouthed back: *If you dare hurt them, I’ll kill you.*

With that, he said no more and closed his eyes to rest.

In truth, Hong Yu was extremely agitated. ’Fuck, I can’t believe I, Hong Yu, would have such a miserable day.’

’Ahead, there’s Hong Renjie and the Heaven and Earth Alliance. Behind, there’s the insidious villain Guo Fei and his schemes...’

’Neither of them is easy to deal with.’

’Hong Renjie’s strength, in particular, hangs over me like a cold blade, a constant threat.’

"Little One, do you have a way for me to defeat Hong Renjie?" Hong Yu asked.

There was a moment of silence from within the Profound Celestial Tower. After a good while, Little One’s lazy voice finally drifted out, "There is a way. But you only have half a double-hour before the second stage of the trial begins. There’s just not enough time for you!"

"No matter what, I have to at least try, or I’ll never be at peace!"

Hong Yu said, his gaze firm.

Little One pouted. For once, it didn’t ask for any benefits and spoke quite directly, "From what I can see, that Hong Renjie has already broken through to the Celestial Soul Realm. His strength is far beyond what you can currently handle. As for the only way to counter him, the one method to secure victory!"

It paused deliberately, watching Hong Yu’s desperately anxious expression, before saying softly, "The way to defeat your enemy is..."