345: Black Annihilation King! Canaan College, Lin Xiu!

Upon hearing Gu Shan's words, most people finally reacted.

The two had privately agreed to a battle, but Gu Shan, provoked by Mang Tianchi, didn't want to postpone it and hoped to complete the duel early, witnessed by many eyes.

Gu Shan stared at Clan Chief Gu Yuan, a bit nervous.

According to the rules, challenges could be made during the coming-of-age ceremony, but only by those participating in the ceremony.

And the Disciple he chose was not in that category.

Gu Yuan clearly understood as well, his brows slightly furrowed, "Gu Shan, is there really a need to have Gu Yang challenge Lin Xiu?"

Gu Yang was Gu Shan's favored Disciple at the moment, with good talent, but still young, his strength only at a Two-star Dou Zun.

As for Lin Xiu, he had investigated him and heard some things about him.

The simplest point was that Gu Yang's strength was definitely no match for Lin Xiu.

Gu Yuan didn't believe Gu Shan hadn't investigated Lin Xiu.

"Clan Chief, the one representing me in battle is not Gu Yang, but Gu Tong. He is also my Disciple, only a few years older than Lin Xiu," Gu Shan said slowly.

"Gu Tong? How could it be him?"

"Brother Gu Tong has a Ninth Grade Bloodline and already won the title of Black Submergence King last year. His strength is very formidable!"

"Is Elder Gu Shan being a bit of a bully?"

When the name Gu Tong fell, some young Disciples of the Gu Clan widened their eyes.

The Gu Clan was a large clan, with countless young people, many of whom were outstanding.

For example, Gu Qingyang, the current Commander of the Black Annihilation Army; no one among the younger generation of the entire Gu Clan would not acknowledge his strength.

And Gu Tong was the one who had suppressed many peers in the previous generation.

"Since Big Brother Gu Tong won the Black Submergence King title, he has been in seclusion. A year ago, he was only a step away from being a Half-Saint. Perhaps he has already achieved a Breakthrough to Half-Saint by now," a young man in a silver robe murmured from afar, his gaze sweeping over Lin Xiu.

He looked to be no more than thirty years old. Without the augmentation of a Dou Di Bloodline, his Cultivation speed couldn't possibly catch up to Big Brother Gu Tong.

What was the point of such a battle?

The same thought spread among the many Elders of the Gu Clan.

"Gu Shan actually arranged for Gu Tong to compete against Lin Xiu from Canaan Academy. His approach is a bit too unsightly."

"A Ninth Grade Bloodline, who last year overpowered many opponents to gain the Black Submergence King title. I can't imagine how a student from an academy could win against such a person."

"How could Mang Tianchi agree to such a match? I thought Gu Shan would at most arrange for Gu Qingyang to be Lin Xiu's opponent."

Other ancient clans, who also had some understanding of the Gu Clan's information, couldn't help but whisper among themselves.

Gu Yuan was stunned, looking seriously at Gu Shan, "Aren't you being absurd? Gu Tong is already the Black Submergence King. To let him compete with Lin Xiu?"

Compete in what? Alchemy, perhaps?

Lin Xiu was the champion of this year's Pill Tower Alchemist Grand Assembly!

Gu Yuan didn't believe Mang Tianchi would agree to such a hopeless request.

"Clan Chief, Mang Tianchi agreed," Gu Shan reminded him, a smug smile curving his lips as he looked towards Mang Tianchi.

When this matter was agreed upon, he had used some clever tricks, and some details were not fully disclosed.

This was also one of the reasons Gu Shan wanted to use this occasion to make the agreement come true.

Because he was worried that Mang Tianchi, upon learning that Lin Xiu's opponent was Gu Tong, would voluntarily give up.

How could winning once be enough? It definitely had to be twice.

However, when Gu Shan saw the calm expression on Mang Tianchi's face, the curve of his lips stiffened for a moment.

He knew that the one he arranged was Gu Tong, so how could he show no reaction at all?

Shouldn't he be angry? Worried? Upset?

Gu Shan's brows furrowed slightly.

"Clan Leader Gu, this matter was indeed agreed upon between me and Gu Shan. Since he is so eager to have a match early, I have no objections," Mang Tianchi said indifferently.

"Lin Xiu and Gu Tong? Are you sure?"

Not only was Gu Yuan incredulous at Mang Tianchi's attitude, but even the other Elders of the Gu Clan were somewhat surprised.

Gu Yuan reminded him, "Elder Mang, you should understand the meaning of the words 'Black Submergence King'."

Black Submergence King represented the strength of a Half-Saint!

Mang Tianchi naturally understood, especially since Xun'er had already revealed it earlier.

But Lin Xiu also said that he was not afraid, and even if the opponent was truly a Half-Saint, he could still win.

Since Lin Xiu had said it to that extent, should he, as the Dean, continue to question him?

Moreover, hasn't Gu Shan always been like this?

If he were honorable, after a small victory against him, he wouldn't personally act again, but instead clamor for his Disciples to fight in his place.

Why?

Isn't it because he can't afford to lose? His strength has improved over the years, and he could already crush him.

"Since you both have agreed, then do as you wish." Gu Yuan no longer obstructed, as Gu Yao had already delayed a bit of time earlier, so wasting a little more was fine.

He was actually curious about Lin Xiu as well.

For several centuries, the Dou Qi Continent had not seen a young man who, without relying on Bloodline, but solely on his own efforts, achieved such accomplishments and stirred up trouble in the Central Continent.

Despite Lin Xiu's youth, he held the title of Pill Association Champion.

Previously, among the One Palace, One Tower, Two Sects, Three Valleys, and Four Pavilions, the Wind and Thunder Pavilion and Ice River Valley were removed due to Lin Xiu.

Even Tianming Sect, one of the two sects, has now become an affiliate of the Cultivation Alliance created by Lin Xiu.

"Senior, all the best." Xiao Yan still had considerable confidence in Lin Xiu; even with his teacher's help at Canaan Academy, he was still overshadowed.

"Brother Lin, go all out."

"Elder Mang is always protective, so you don't have to worry about anything happening."

Lei Hong and Lei Tao also cheered him on.

All the forces present sat upright, with gazes converging on Lin Xiu.

During this time, if one were to ask whose reputation was the greatest in Zhongzhou, it would undoubtedly be Lin Xiu.

Many second-rate forces in Zhongzhou even lowered their status, actively traveling to the Northwest Region to join the Cultivation Alliance.

Many people had heard about Lin Xiu's affairs, but opportunities to actually see him in action were rare.

Now, everyone was excited. Thinking that after leaving the Ancient World, they could not only boast about Divine Grade Bloodlines but also discuss Lin Xiu's deeds.

They were all filled with anticipation.

They hoped that this highly renowned young man could last a while longer against the Black Submergence King.

That way, they could also boast for a while; if he lost in one move, it wouldn't be very interesting to talk about.

"Is Elder Mang being too overconfident? How could he think Brother Lin Xiu can be an opponent to the Black Submergence King?" On the Yan Clan's side, Huo Xuan frowned, his gaze sweeping between Mang Tianchi and Lin Xiu with confusion.

"He's truly arrogant. Just because he won a Pill Association championship, he dares to challenge the Gu Clan's Black Submergence King." A young man from the Yao Clan spoke with a complex tone, laced with mockery and disdain.

"Interesting. I hope that Elder of the Gu Clan is ruthless enough, and it would be best if he could use the opportunity of the competition to directly cripple Lin Xiu," Hun Ya said coldly.

Anyone who could win the title of Black Submergence King was considered the most talented and powerful person in the Gu Clan.

How could a student from an academy in a place like the Northwest Region possibly defeat him?

"I will preside over this match." Elder Tong Xuan stepped from his seat into the Void Realm. "Gu Tong!"

As his voice fell.

From deep within a distant cluster of buildings, a ripple spread, followed by the appearance of a stern-faced man.

As he appeared, many of the younger generation of the Gu Clan let out gasps, their eyes filled with admiration.

Hun Ya, Huo Xuan, and others felt immense pressure just by looking at him.

"So strong." Xiao Yan felt an extremely powerful oppression from him, several times stronger than the previous Gu Yao.

"Gu Clan, Black Submergence King Gu Tong." The man looked at the figure standing a few meters away and slightly cupped his fists.

Lin Xiu also cupped his fists, "Canaan Academy, Lin Xiu."