Chapter 71 - 71 68 Settling a Feud

71: Chapter 68: Settling a Feud 71: Chapter 68: Settling a Feud “””Is there a problem with the testing column?””” The nearby crowd exchanged glances, some beginning to suspect that indeed something unusual had occurred with the True Qi Testing Column, wondering if it had perhaps malfunctioned. “In our Green Leaf Valley, a senior brother once struck a scale of ninety, and even so, the True Qi Testing Column was completely unaffected. With just a scale of eighty-one, how could it possibly malfunction? You’re overthinking it,” a Green Leaf Valley disciple said with a cold laugh, clearly unwilling to give Xie Cangsheng face as he directly refuted him. “That’s right, you can’t blame the testing column for your results being inferior to others by talking nonsense. If you’re not as skilled, you should just admit it sooner rather than later,” another Green Leaf Valley disciple mocked. Although they also somewhat doubted that Ye Xuan could achieve a scale of eighty-two, they disliked Xie Cangsheng’s smugness even more. After striking a score of eighty-one, he had become so proud. “Shut up!” Hearing the two Green Leaf Valley disciples’ jeers, Xie Cangsheng’s complexion grew even darker, and then he turned his gaze to Ye Xuan, “Kid, you did that on purpose, didn’t you? We were just fooling around here. Did you have to go all out as if your life depended on it?” He had just hit an eighty-one, and the latter came out with an eighty-two. How could such a coincidence exist in this world? This kid was definitely out to humiliate him. “It’s not as much effort as nursing from a mother, I’d say I used about forty percent of my strength.” Ye Xuan said casually. Upon hearing this, the scene went quiet, and some could not help but click their tongues in disbelief—forty percent strength for eighty-two? Wasn’t that a bit too much to claim? “Ha ha, forty percent strength?” Xie Cangsheng laughed out loud, but the veins popping on his forehead indicated the extreme rage inside him. This damn kid was showing off in his face, which was utterly detestable. “Ye Xuan, anyone can talk big. If you’re really as amazing as you claim, then why not test again and have another comparison with our Young Master Xie!” shouted a youth who had been flattering Xie Cangsheng, unable to stand it any longer. “Not interested. The testing column is right here, you can try it all you want, but I won’t be joining,” Ye Xuan replied. The previous test had been a spur-of-the-moment thing, and now Ye Xuan had lost interest in trying again. Besides, if he were to lose to Xie Cangsheng, that would be fine, but if he won again, it would only bring more trouble. Why should he invite trouble upon himself? After dropping his remark, Ye Xuan turned and left, heading towards the inn. “Damn it.” Staring fiercely at Ye Xuan’s receding figure, Xie Cangsheng clearly could not quell his anger. If it weren’t for the presence of so many people and being within Dragon City, he probably would have had a hard time restraining himself from attacking. “Third Young Master, calm yourself. Ye Xuan is just a minor character, not worth your anger,” the youth hastily said. “Hmph, this waste from the Ye family, not only has he made enemies with the Jun family, but he even dares to be so arrogant in front of me. Once we enter the trial grounds, I must show him my methods!” It wasn’t suitable to make a move in such a public place, but Xie Cangsheng had already blacklisted Ye Xuan in his heart. If he encountered Ye Xuan during the trials, the latter was as good as dead. “Let’s go!” In a foul mood, Xie Cangsheng left with a sweep of his sleeve, having intended to show off with the True Qi Testing Column initiative but had it all ruined by Ye Xuan, leaving him smoldering with unvented anger. At this moment, from a tavern window near the square, three figures watched the scene that had unfolded on the square. “This kid sure knows how to court trouble. In the current situation, he still dares to provoke Xie Cangsheng. He’s really asking for death,” said one of them, dressed in purple, who was none other than Jun Wuyan from the Jun family, watching Xie Cangsheng leave with bottled-up rage, and he too sneered coldly. “Isn’t that perfect? The more enemies he makes, the sooner he’ll die when the Hundred Clans Trial begins,” said a handsome man in white in front of Jun Wuyan, leaning against the window with a wine cup in hand, a cold glint flashing in the depths of his eyes. “That’s right, with Big Brother taking action this time, this brat is doomed for sure.” Jun Wuyan grinned and then looked to the “Big Brother” he mentioned, a stern youth in black robes. This person was the top young expert of the Jun family, Jun Wuming. Searᴄh the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. “Ordinarily, I would disdain to act against the weak, but since it’s the family’s order, he won’t have a chance to leave the trial grounds alive.” The stern young man’s voice was somewhat monotonous and husky, yet his intent to kill was unmistakable in his words. Erasing Ye Xuan during the trials had been arranged by the Jun family’s high levels; the opponent’s cultivation speed was too fast, and only by completely annihilating Ye Xuan in his cradle could they rest assured. “Ye Xuan, let’s see if you can survive this time.” “” Seeing the expression on the stern young man’s face, Jun Wuyan’s smile grew even brighter, a sense of satisfaction swelling in his heart. He was eager to see how Ye Xuan would evade this calamity. … In the following two days, the popularity of Dragon City skyrocketed at a terrifying speed. Not only did Princely Heirs from various states and counties arrive one after another, but numerous Martial Artists who heard the news also flocked to the city rapidly. For a time, Dragon City was filled with a gathering of the strong, and a convergence of stars. With only three days left before the trial began, Dragon City started to forbid unrelated people from entering due to the excessive number of people inside, mostly Martial Artists, which had caused quite a few conflicts. Since the incident in the square last time, Ye Xuan had quietly stayed in his room, rarely going out. The trial was imminent, so these few days, Ye Xuan was practicing Martial Arts in his room. He not only honed his Heavenly Water Palm Skill but focused primarily on comprehending the Great Jade Spiral Finger. The mysteries of the Great Jade Spiral Finger were profound, and so far, Ye Xuan had only mastered the first layer. If he could advance to the second layer, the enhancement in his strength would be quite noticeable. However, achieving such success in a short time was extremely challenging. As the atmosphere in Dragon City reached a fever pitch after three days, the anticipated moment finally arrived. When the first ray of light on the third day pierced through the clouds and shone upon the land, Dragon City undoubtedly boiled with excitement. Figures quickly gathered toward the southern part of the city. “It’s time to leave.” In his room, Ye Xuan also opened his eyes, as the day of the trial had finally come. With a whoosh, Ye Xuan swept out of the room and disappeared swiftly. … Approximately three hundred miles south of Dragon City, there was a natural flatland. From here, one could enter the inner area of the Panlong Mountain Range. As a result, traces of Demon Energy dissipated across the flatland, causing goosebumps to arise on anyone’s skin. This flatland was also the starting point of this trial. By the time Ye Xuan arrived, numerous figures had already gathered there, and in the distance, the sound of urgent horse hooves kept coming, constantly bolstering the terrifying sea of people. Amidst the crowd, there were scions of noble families dressed in bright and luxurious clothing everywhere. Amongst the throngs of figures, he could sense quite a few subtle and formidable auras. It was clear that there were many hidden dragons and crouching tigers here—the trial had attracted many low-profile geniuses. “Ye Xuan.” Shortly after Ye Xuan arrived, a group of people approached him, and it turned out to be Xia Xun, along with several young men wearing python robes. “Princess.” Ye Xuan clasped his fists slightly in greeting. These people must be the representatives from the Royal Family and the Xia family participating in the trial. Even as a part of the Royal Family, if the Xia family failed to reach the top three for three consecutive trials, they might face the danger of being overthrown. After all, the Royal Family was nominally the most prestigious in the Great Xia Kingdom. Failing to make into the top three meant they weren’t qualified to hold that position any longer. Seeing Ye Xuan’s greeting, Xia Xun felt somewhat disappointed in her heart. Given their relationship, there was no need for such formality. Ye Xuan’s behavior, while appearing thoughtful on the surface, actually implied an intention to distance himself. However, she also knew that Ye Xuan could not be blamed for this. When he had faced difficult times, she had been extremely averse to him and was eager to distance herself. Now that Ye Xuan’s Cultivation was advancing rapidly, it was only natural for him to have reservations when remembering the past. “Haha, Ye Xuan, you and Xuner are engaged, and you’ll soon be a member of our Royal Family. There’s no need to be so formal.” The leader among the Xia family, a burly man with a big sword on his back and a bold aura, exuded the unique sharpness of a Swordsman; he was the young powerhouse leading the Xia family this time, Crown Prince Xia Xingyuan. He seemed to have noticed the nuances between Ye Xuan and Xia Xun and approached with a smile. “I heard that you played a trick on that coward Xie Cangsheng the other day. Well done,” Xia Xingyuan seemed to have no affection for Xie Cangsheng either and chuckled teasingly, “That coward always likes to show off in front of others. Being humiliated by you in front of so many people probably hurt more than if you’d actually slapped his face.” “That guy just brought trouble on himself.” Ye Xuan stated indifferently. “Regardless, you’ve made an enemy out of him, so you should still be careful. Xie Cangsheng is notorious for his pettiness. You humiliated him publicly, and he is unlikely to let that go easily. During the trial, besides being wary of the Jun family, you should also be on guard against this Xie Cangsheng.” Xia Xingyuan’s smile faded, and he suddenly looked towards a spot, reminding Ye Xuan. Hearing this, Ye Xuan also followed Xia Xingyuan’s gaze towards Xie Cangsheng, only to see the latter staring back at him with a cold and bitter look that indeed seemed filled with deep enmity. “Thank you for the warning.” Ye Xuan frowned slightly but then relaxed a bit and no longer dwelt on it. Xie Cangsheng’s strength was the weakest among the three hot candidates; if they did encounter each other, who would teach whom a lesson was still up for debate.