Volume Two - The Nine Provinces Map Appears, Entering the Spirit Void Chapter 152: Han Lian's Challenge

The disciples responsible for maintaining order here hurried forward to check on Mo You's condition. Upon learning that Mo You had merely fainted, they let out a collective sigh of relief.

"He's fine, just knocked unconscious," said the leading disciple, Gao Feng. "To launch such a vicious attack against a fellow sect member shows a severe lack of mental tempering. Once he wakes up, send him to the Heart-Refining Cave for a month."

"Understood, Senior Brother Gao Feng."

Gao Feng turned around, looked at Chen Yu, and asked in surprise, "Which peak do you belong to?"

"Chen Yu of Taizhu Peak, greetings, Senior Brother Gao Feng," Chen Yu replied, neither servile nor overbearing.

Gao Feng nodded slightly. The fact that Chen Yu was able to block the onslaught of a demonic-state Mo You with just two fingers showed extraordinary strength. Moreover, Chen Yu had indirectly helped him resolve the previous crisis, naturally earning his favorable impression.

However, Gao Feng did not linger in conversation, merely adding that if Chen Yu ever encountered any trouble, he could seek him out. Within his capabilities, he would certainly lend a hand.

And thus, this sudden incident came to a close.

***

After Gao Feng and the others left, the surrounding disciples broke into animated discussions.

"Who is this guy? Such formidable skill, effortlessly subduing Mo You with just two fingers?"

"No idea. Haven't seen him around much."

"He... Ah, I remember who he is!" someone suddenly exclaimed as a memory clicked into place.

"Who is it? Tell us quickly..."

"It was about a year ago, right here—that Chen Yu who defeated Lü Jie with a single sword strike."

"Right... right... It's him. I remember now. But his cultivation level right now..."

"How did his cultivation break through so fast? Can his foundation possibly be stable?"

Various speculations spread through the crowd, and the disciples gradually grew familiar with Chen Yu's name.

The truth was that Chen Yu usually kept a very low profile and rarely interacted with others, which was why many failed to recognize him.

Deng E, having regained his composure, still felt a lingering sense of fear. Nonetheless, he stepped forward to Chen Yu in utter astonishment and said, "Chen Yu, thank you for saving me. I truly don't know how to repay you."

Chen Yu smiled faintly. "Fellow disciples cannot just stand by and watch. You're being too polite, Deng E."

Deng E smiled somewhat sheepishly, but he etched this deep debt firmly into his heart.

"Senior Brother Deng, how are you holding up?" Zhao Xin of Wuxin Peak walked over and asked with concern.

"Junior Sister, there's no need to worry about me. I'm completely fine," Deng E replied, his heart fluttering with joy as a faint blush crept onto his cheeks.

"Senior Brother Chen, your strength is growing more and more terrifying," Xue Ren and the others said, their faces a mix of shock and excitement.

"Nothing special, my cultivation realm has simply surpassed his by a few stages," Chen Yu replied with modest understatement.

Though the few of them could not truly comprehend the full terror of Chen Yu's strength, it did not diminish their profound respect for him.

***

This small interlude was quickly swallowed up by the raging excitement of the grand tournament.

Xue Ren, Zheng Geng, and the others fought their respective matches in succession. Regrettably, having broken through only recently and lacking sufficient strength, they were all eliminated. Among the three, only Zheng Geng managed to win a single match.

"Senior Brother Chen, aren't you going to take the stage?" Shi Bing asked with a puzzled expression. Ever since he had witnessed Chen Yu's mighty display, he had turned into an avid admirer, itching to witness Chen Yu's brilliance once more.

"The ones fighting right now are disciples around the First Yuan and Three Orifices stage. Wouldn't it be bullying if Senior Brother Chen stepped up?" Zheng Huai remarked.

Shi Bing scratched his head sheepishly and chuckled, "That's a fair point."

And indeed it was. Although Chen Yu desperately craved combat, he knew the time wasn't right yet. Just as he was contemplating waiting a few more days, a figure leaped onto the arena stage right before them, instantly sparking a wave of gasps.

"Look, isn't that Senior Brother Han Lian of Wuzhu Peak?"

"Senior Brother Han Lian is a cultivator at the First Yuan and Six Orifices stage! Who on earth is he planning to duel?" The crowd waited in tense, breathless excitement.

Without beating around the bush, Han Lian directly pointed out the person he wished to challenge.

"Chen Yu of Taizhu Peak, care to step up and have a match?" Han Lian stared intently at Chen Yu, his gaze full of provocation.

"Senior Brother Chen, I've heard that Han Lian broke through to the First Yuan and Six Orifices stage over half a year ago. His strength is formidable—you mustn't take him lightly," Xue Ren quickly warned.

Chen Yu nodded, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. He had intended to wait a few more days, but since a challenge had been thrown down, he might as well start today.

He leaped gracefully onto the stage and said, "Then I ask Senior Brother Han for your guidance."

Han Lian smiled happily and said, "I've long heard tales of Junior Brother's great strength. I'd love to see how many moves you can last under my sword."

Facing the smug Han Lian, Chen Yu maintained his calm smile and made a polite gesture inviting him to attack.

Seeing that Chen Yu hadn't even drawn his sword, Han Lian's brow furrowed in sudden annoyance, thinking resentfully: *Is he looking down on me?*

With a mocking smile, he said, "Junior Brother Chen, if you don't even draw your sword, don't go crying and refusing to admit defeat if you lose."

"Senior Brother Han, rest assured. When it's time to draw my sword, I won't hesitate," Chen Yu replied blandly. Yet anyone could hear the underlying arrogance in his voice, as good as saying Han Lian wasn't worthy of him drawing his weapon.

At this, the disciples watching from below instantly split into different factions. Some deemed Chen Yu far too arrogant and looked upon him with disdain; some were just there to stir up trouble, loving the spectacle; others felt Chen Yu was deeply insulting Han Lian, deeming him entirely unworthy of a match...

Regardless of the heated debates below, Chen Yu remained utterly calm on stage, completely unaffected. Han Lian, on the other hand, grew increasingly irritated and impatient at Chen Yu's unbridled arrogance.

"This Chen Yu is no simple character. He has already won the psychological battle against Han Lian before a single blow has even been struck," a cultivator at the Yin-Yang realm laughed.

"Underhanded tricks amount to nothing in the real world."

"Their cultivation is still too weak. The true highlight of this Outer Sect tournament depends on us."

"Haha... Who knows? Among this bunch of junior brothers, there might just be a hidden dark horse waiting to emerge."

"Is that so? Well, no matter how dark this horse is, a spot among the top hundred will definitely have my name on it."

"Hehe... Then we shall certainly wait and see."

Likewise, the atmosphere among the Yin-Yang realm disciples was taut with tension, every single one of them spoiling for a fight.

Soon, everyone's attention was recaptured by Chen Yu and Han Lian on the arena stage.

The two did not strike immediately; both sides were sizing each other up. The difference was that Chen Yu consistently maintained an air of effortless detachment, whereas Han Lian's brows were tightly knitted. Though he sensed opening after opening on Chen Yu's body, he didn't dare to act rashly, fearing they might be traps set by his opponent.

Yet he also knew that if this stalemate continued, his own state of mind would inevitably fracture, leading to an even swifter defeat. Han Lian couldn't help cursing inwardly: *This Chen Yu is truly despicable. Hmph... What a pity. In the face of absolute strength, all petty schemes are nothing more than illusions. Let me, Han Lian, shatter your crooked paths once and for all!*