Chapter 566 - 239: The Match
"Isn’t that the truth? I heard that during the elixir distribution on Danxia Peak, Luo Chengxuan of the Mystic Sun Lineage tried to cut the True Martial Lineage’s share. Now Han Xiong is strong-arming Chen Qing. It really runs in their lineage!"
When such talk reached the ears of the Profound Sun Peak disciples, many ordinary members of the Mystic Sun Lineage felt a sense of shame, frowning to themselves.
Many of them had also advanced through diligent cultivation. In their hearts, they didn’t approve of Han Xiong using his background and cultivation level to crush a fellow disciple; in fact, they felt a certain disdain for it. However, out of loyalty to their lineage and respect for Han Xiong’s status, they dared not voice their opinions.
"Brother Han’s methods... are rather crude this time."
A Profound Sun Peak Inner Sect Disciple whispered to a close friend.
"Sigh... You’re right, but what can we do? I just hope Chen Qing doesn’t suffer too humiliating a defeat."
"I have to admire Chen Qing’s courage. He knows he’s outmatched, yet he still accepted the challenge. If it were me, I probably wouldn’t even have the guts to set foot on the Seven-Star Platform."
"Yeah. That fighting spirit alone makes him worthy of the title True Successor Candidate."
On Xu Wang Mountain, the atmosphere was even more complex.
The geniuses from the Hundred Sects empathized deeply. Since most of them also came from the Hundred Sects, they understood Chen Qing’s predicament better than anyone.
Wu Anren, He Shuang, and Luo Qianjue also heard the news, each with their own thoughts on the matter.
This seemed to be the first time the geniuses from the Hundred Sects on Xu Wang Mountain had a direct conflict with the Inner Sect Disciples since coming to the Celestial Treasure Upper Sect.
......
The news spread like wildfire!
But Chen Qing paid no mind to the outside world, focusing solely on improving his own strength.
After consuming the Pure Yang Yuan Astral Pill, its power erupted within him. A vast medicinal force surged through his body, integrating into his meridians and apertures.
Tempered by this Supreme Yang and Pure Primordial Gang Qi, his Five Elements True Astral was further purified and refined. What was once vigorous and condensed became even more so. Its color deepened, and when it circulated, it surged like a mighty river.
Turning his senses inward, he could clearly perceive the impurities being purged from his True Astral. The very essence of his Gang Qi was becoming purer and more condensed.
As news of the duel between Chen Qing and Han Xiong on the Seven-Star Platform spread, a steady stream of visitors came to his small courtyard on Xu Wang Mountain.
Shen Xiuyong and Qiao Hongyun were the first to arrive, their faces etched with deep concern.
They were well aware of Han Xiong’s strength and background and were deeply worried about Chen Qing’s decision. They subtly probed to see if there was any room for reconciliation, even suggesting they ask Ruan Lingxiu to mediate.
But seeing Chen Qing’s calm demeanor, they could only turn their anxieties into a sigh, urging him to be careful and not to act recklessly.
Nie Shanshan arrived in a hurry soon after.
Having been in the Inner Sect for some time, she had a more concrete understanding of the power that True Disciples like Han Xiong wielded.
This veteran True Successor Candidate had a deep foundation and unfathomable strength. Everything she said, both spoken and unspoken, was filled with concern for Chen Qing.
After seeing off his visitors, a soft knock sounded again at the courtyard gate.
He opened the door and was surprised to see Meng Qianxue.
She wasn’t in her usual martial attire, but a simple, elegant, light-purple dress. A trace of melancholy was still faintly visible between her brows.
"Junior Brother Chen."
She stepped into the courtyard and looked at Chen Qing with a complicated expression. "The rumors are flying everywhere... Did you really accept Han Xiong’s challenge?"
Chen Qing nodded. "I did."
Hearing his confirmation, Meng Qianxue took a soft breath. "Is it because of everything that happened before? Are you acting out of indignation, letting him provoke you? Junior Brother Chen, you have a boundless future ahead of you. Don’t throw away this excellent position over a moment of anger!"
She took a step closer and lowered her voice. "The competition between True Successor Candidates is far more brutal than it appears. If one of the Ten Great True Disciples falls or a seat is otherwise vacated, the Sect often doesn’t hold a challenge. They simply fill the position directly with the candidate who has shown the best performance and greatest potential."
"Han’s intentions are malicious! He’s not just after the Pure Yang Yuan Astral Pill. He wants to use this chance to publicly suppress you, break your momentum, and ruin your reputation! If he succeeds, your competitiveness will be greatly diminished, even if a True Inheritance seat opens up in the future."
"The other True Successor Candidates, like Wan Shangyi and Qian Baole, are more than happy to sit back and watch the tigers fight. Seeing you suffer a setback is the same as eliminating a powerful future rival for them."
Chen Qing was so young and already a True Successor Candidate; his potential was astounding. If he was allowed to grow until he reached the Late-stage Astral Force Realm, or even the Perfection Realm, he would become a major threat to everyone vying for a True Inheritance seat.
Han Xiong was merely the first one to make a move, doing what many others wanted to do but hadn’t yet.
Chen Qing listened quietly, his expression unreadable. Only after Meng Qianxue had finished did he slowly speak. "Senior Sister Meng, I understand what you’re saying. But some challenges can’t be avoided. He’s thrown down the gauntlet, so I’ll pick it up."
Seeing that Chen Qing was unmoved, Meng Qianxue sighed internally. ’His mind is made up.’
She changed the subject. "Since you’ve made up your mind, I’ll tell you about Han Xiong’s techniques. He cultivates the Mystic Sun Lineage’s Superior Hammer Technique, the *Heaven-Burning Eight Desolations Hammer*. This technique is fierce and overbearing, and its power is astounding when combined with his Fiery Sun True Gang. He has already cultivated this Hammer Technique to the Extreme Realm and gained insight into the Molten Rock Momentum. A single swing of his hammer unleashes a ferocious Power akin to a volcanic eruption, making it incredibly difficult to counter."
"It’s said that to compensate for the *Heaven-Burning Eight Desolations Hammer’s* lack of versatility and speed, he has also been secretly cultivating another Superior Hammer Technique: the nimble and unpredictable *Meteor Chasing Moon Hammer*. That technique focuses on instantaneous bursts of power and erratic trajectories. I don’t know what Realm he has reached with it, but if he’s also brought it to the Extreme Realm, the combination of a Dual Hammer Momentum would make him far more threatening. Han Xiong’s talent and strength are the reasons he holds his position as a True Successor Candidate so securely. He should not be underestimated."
She shared all this information with Chen Qing, her own feelings a complicated mix.