Chapter Twenty-Six: May I Challenge You?

Seeing Yi Invincible treat Tianming so kindly, the outer disciples all looked at the two standing in the arena with admiration. It was well known that this Vice Hall Master always wore a stern face toward everyone; even though he temporarily held the vice position, the actual Hall Master had to heed his words.

They also felt fortunate they hadn't recklessly sought trouble with him earlier. Otherwise, it wouldn't be Suo Yangcan suffering now. It was clear that this was an opportunity for the newcomer to assert himself—proof of how much the sect valued this young man.

“Brother, were you playing me?” After Yi Invincible left, Tianming turned to Chu Qingchen and asked.

Tianming had already been curious—this elder brother seemed a bit unusual, and now it was clear they'd been testing him together.

Chu Qingchen turned away, shaking his head.

“Haha... nothing of the sort, just coincidence.” Chu Qingchen replied with a smile.

He couldn't let Tianming realize he'd waited there on purpose; if Tianming found out, all his earlier efforts would be wasted.

“Brother, are you still planning to hide it? Elder Yi said you should answer everything truthfully. Come on, just spill it!” With furrowed brows and a solemn expression, Tianming pressed.

He no longer believed Chu Qingchen’s words; even he’d been fooled by the acting. Perhaps their earlier chance encounter was just as carefully arranged.

Seeing this, Chu Qingchen could only smile wryly. Clearly, he couldn't avoid telling the truth.

“All right, let me be honest. I was cooperating with Hall Master Yi. You could call it a test. After all, you just stepped onto the path of cultivation, and suddenly you’re an inner disciple. There are plenty who aren’t convinced.” Chu Qingchen spoke with utmost seriousness.

“I understand—jealousy!” Tianming nodded and smiled.

Having experienced life’s ups and downs, Tianming knew well that everyone harbored envy; no matter how indifferent they acted, there was always discomfort deep down. When someone who seemed no different suddenly surpassed you, jealousy inevitably followed.

“More or less. But you should be wary of Suo Yangcan. He might be punished, but the worst that’ll happen is he pays some spirit stones. And don’t underestimate him just because he’s only at the sixth stage of Foundation Establishment—he has a highly talented elder brother. Consider this your second trial from the sect.” Chu Qingchen continued.

“Heh, so he’s got a patron. Well, I have you, Brother Chu. Why should I be afraid?” Tianming glanced at Chu Qingchen with a meaningful smile.

“You can’t be so sure. The sect has set up two rankings—the Heaven List and the Human List, each with three hundred spots. Lower ranks can challenge higher, and those challenged can’t refuse. If a challenger wins, the loser is demoted. That means even an outer Human List disciple can challenge you, and you can't refuse. If you lose, you become an outer disciple again. So, are you really unafraid?” Chu Qingchen interrupted.

“What if I win?” Tianming asked, curious.

He understood now—it was a system to keep disciples from growing complacent. But he wondered what rewards the winners received.

“If you win, it's good news. The challenger has to compensate you with a thousand spirit stones, and the amount varies by rank. For example, I’m currently ranked 256 on the Heaven List, so a challenger must pay me five thousand spirit stones if they lose.” Chu Qingchen said with a proud smile.

When discussing himself, Chu Qingchen’s pride was unmistakable.

“I see. It's a threshold to prevent those with too much free time from interfering with others’ cultivation.” Tianming said calmly.

He suddenly saw a huge opportunity to earn spirit stones. With his first-grade Qi Induction, many would surely challenge him. Instead of seeking spirit stones, they'd be delivered to him.

“Right, but don’t think it’ll be easy. If you lose, you have to pay them too!” Chu Qingchen nodded.

Seeing Tianming like this, Chu Qingchen rubbed his forehead—this guy still hadn’t figured out his place.

Tianming nodded as well, accepting that this was the sect’s way to encourage ambitious disciples.

...

Just as Tianming and Chu Qingchen hesitated in their conversation, a unique woman strode calmly towards Tianming through the bustling Heavenly Path. Dressed in flowing white robes, her clear gaze swept the crowd, causing everyone to step aside. It was as if those around her became mere backdrop, making the outer disciples feel overwhelmed, unworthy, and afraid to offend.

When she looked at Tianming, her gaze lingered for a moment before moving on.

As Tianming examined her, he glanced at Chu Qingchen beside him.

Huh?

He noticed that his elder brother seemed to be avoiding her gaze, but Tianming didn't dwell on it.

“Fairy sister, please wait!” Tianming hurried forward, seeking to strike up a conversation.

As he approached, he was enveloped by a delicate fragrance, making him momentarily entranced, until his protagonist’s aura snapped him back to reality.

“What is it?” The beautiful woman asked, surprised that Tianming had stopped her.

She’d been curious about his identity, but hadn’t expected him to approach her directly.

“Well, may I challenge you?” Tianming smiled brightly at her, his eyes shining.

If he guessed right, she was an outer disciple—probably just a few stages into Foundation Establishment, easy enough to handle. More importantly, if he defeated her, her admirers would rush to avenge her, and then Tianming could simply wait for the spirit stones to come pouring in.

“Heh, do you know who I am?” The woman’s snow-white face showed a trace of surprise, then she laughed coldly.

She admired this man’s courage, but a mere first-grade Qi Induction dared challenge her? If she hadn’t sensed something mysterious about him, she wouldn't even give him a second glance.

“I don’t know. But don’t you want to be an inner disciple? Here’s your chance—defeat me, and you’ll become an inner disciple, enjoying all their privileges. Isn’t that a good deal?” Tianming replied calmly, shaking his head.

“Ahem!”

At the sound of coughing, Tianming glanced back—Chu Qingchen was signaling him, perhaps uncomfortable with Tianming bullying a woman. But Tianming was unmoved; he waved back to show it was fine.

Though this beauty was stunning, Tianming’s heart remained unmoved. If there was a chance to profit, he’d do so—after all, in the end, all are but bones beneath the earth, while spirit stones are eternal.

“Then should Mengshu call you ‘senior brother’?” The beautiful woman laughed in amusement.

“Haha... that would be wonderful!” Tianming replied, his eyes gleaming, nodding eagerly.

He was intrigued by her name—it suited her perfectly. Tianming resolved to show mercy when they fought.