Chapter 727 - 288: Concentration
The outcome of this battle was still unknown.
Elsewhere, Ruan Lingxiu of the Jade Celestial Lineage had also arrived quietly.
Unlike last time, her fine brows were now slightly furrowed, and a hint of worry filled her beautiful eyes.
She was good friends with Shen Xiuyong, so she naturally felt a bit more concerned for Chen Qing.
However, the reality of the situation was clear. The True Essence Realm held absolute dominance over the Astral Force Realm. She found it difficult to believe Chen Qing could create another miracle this time.
Meng Qianxue, Wan Shangyi, Qian Baole, Wu Anren, and a group of other True Successor Candidates were also all in attendance.
Although they knew the position of a True Disciple was still beyond their reach for now, observing a duel of this caliber would be of great benefit to their own cultivation.
Their expressions were grave, their gazes locked on the platform, unwilling to miss a single detail.
Over with the Mystic Sun Lineage, Luo Chengxuan watched the platform, a faint, almost imperceptible smile playing on his lips. "The True Martial Lineage was just starting to make a name for itself thanks to Chen Qing," he said slowly. "Looks like they’re about to get knocked right back down."
He felt a certain satisfaction at the thought of the True Martial Lineage suffering a setback, especially since it involved a junior brother so highly regarded by Qu River. Furthermore, Chen Qing’s murky history with the Shen Family made his very existence an eyesore to Luo Chengxuan.
"It is a bit of a shame," Zhang Baicheng added, his tone complex.
He had received an invitation from Chen Qing and still couldn’t fathom its purpose. An inexplicable restlessness stirred within him. He had a faint feeling this challenge might not be as straightforward as everyone expected.
A short distance away, Shen Xiuyong, Qiao Hongyun, and their companions had also arrived.
Shen Xiuyong’s injuries had mostly healed, but his face was still somewhat pale. He stood in the crowd, gazing intently at the platform, his hands clenched unconsciously. It was clear he was not at ease.
Qiao Hongyun whispered from the side, "Old Shen, try to relax."
Just then, all eyes turned toward the platform.
Lu Chenming was already there.
He wore a clean set of Nine Heavens Peak Core Disciple robes today. Cradling a long saber, he stood with his arms crossed over his chest, his eyes closed in meditation.
Even from dozens of feet away, the disciples in the front row could feel their skin prickle. The oppressive might of the True Essence Realm was on full display.
But Chen Qing had yet to arrive.
A buzz of discussion rippled through the crowd. Many looked impatient, while some began to wonder if Chen Qing had lost his nerve.
About the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn, a commotion suddenly erupted in the crowd. Like a receding tide, the people parted, clearing a path.
Chen Qing had arrived.
He was still dressed in a simple green robe. His steps were steady and his expression was calm as he walked onto the platform, one step at a time.
Unlike Lu Chenming’s undisguised, sharp-edged presence, his own aura was completely withdrawn.
The entire venue fell silent at once, every gaze fixed upon him.
Lu Chenming slowly opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing within them for an instant. He looked at Chen Qing, who had finally taken the stage, and said, "Brother Chen, you’re late."
He bit out those two words.
Now that he was in the True Essence Realm, by the rules of cultivation, Chen Qing should have been the one calling him Brother.
Chen Qing acted as if he hadn’t heard the barb in his words, replying calmly, "My apologies for keeping you waiting, Junior Brother."
"No matter. As long as you showed up."
Lu Chenming took a deep breath to suppress his roiling emotions. "Good. I can finally put this matter to rest."
Of course he was resentful.
In the last battle on the Seven-Star Platform, he had been just one step from the True Essence Realm, yet he was defeated by Chen Qing’s spear and lost his seat as a True Disciple.
It was absolutely impossible for him not to hold a grudge.
Now that he had successfully broken through to the next realm, his power had taken a qualitative leap. His confidence was on a completely different level.
With this challenge, he would not only reclaim his seat but also wash away his past disgrace!
The two locked eyes, their gazes clashing in midair as if striking invisible sparks.
No more words were necessary. Old grudges and new, all would be settled in this one battle.
On the high dais, Steward Wu, who was presiding over the challenge, saw that both combatants had arrived. Without further delay, he channeled his True Astral and let out a clear shout that echoed across the entire Seven-Star Platform:
"Both challengers are in position! The match... begins now!"
The moment his voice faded, Lu Chenming took a deep breath, and the aura he had been suppressing exploded outward like a volcano!
......