76: Chapter 76 Swift Defeat, Murong Bai and His Disciple

Yan Lie rested his long spear on his shoulder, sizing Ye Chen up from head to toe, his eyes filled with disdain.

"I heard you received a special grade evaluation at the Meridian Opening Realm? However, the Meridian Opening Realm is ultimately just the Meridian Opening Realm, even if you were lucky enough to reach the Lunhai Realm First Level."

"In front of me, you are still trash! Today, I will let you know how deep the water in the Inner Sect is, and that not just any stray cat or dog can get involved!"

Ye Chen slowly drew his ice scar sword, the dark blue light flowing along the blade, reflecting in his calm, unruffled eyes.

"Are you done talking? Can we begin?"

"You're courting death!"

Yan Lie was thoroughly enraged by Ye Chen's indifferent attitude, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes.

Without further ado, he flicked his long spear, the crimson spear light like a viper flicking its tongue.

Carrying a scorching wave of air, it thrust directly at Ye Chen's throat!

The speed was extremely fast, the angle devious.

This was the opening move of his famous 'Poison Dragon Spear Art' — Poison Dragon Leaves the Cave!

Facing this swift and ruthless spear thrust, Ye Chen did not dodge or evade, simply lifting his sword to deflect it diagonally.

"Clang!"

The tip of the sword landed with extreme precision three inches from the side of the spearhead, exactly at the node where the spear's power flowed.

A strange force, interwoven with icy cold and scorching heat, traveled along the spear shaft.

Yan Lie felt the spear shaft shake, and his originally fierce spear momentum was diverted, stabbing into empty air.

Startled, he hurriedly changed moves, sweeping the spear shaft like an iron rod, smashing toward Ye Chen's waist and abdomen!

Ye Chen's feet moved slightly with the Mist Transformation Steps, his figure drifting back half a step like a ghost.

He narrowly avoided the sweeping spear shaft, while simultaneously slashing the ice scar sword downwards, aiming for the wrist Yan Lie was using to grip the spear!

"What fast movement technique!"

Yan Lie's expression changed slightly, and he hurriedly retracted his hand, pulling the spear back.

At the same time, he kicked towards Ye Chen's lower abdomen; his reaction was not slow.

Ye Chen pressed his left palm down to block the kick, using the force to float backward and put distance between himself and Yan Lie.

The two exchanged two moves, fast and furious, seemingly evenly matched.

But those with a discerning eye could see that Ye Chen was responding with ease, while Yan Lie was somewhat flustered.

"Not bad! Take another move from me! Poison Dragon Drills the Heart!"

Yan Lie shouted sharply, no longer testing him, his entire body's True Essence surging.

The aura of the Sea of Acupoints Realm Third Level Peak fully erupted.

A crimson light flared brightly on the long spear, the shaft rotating rapidly and transforming into a crimson drill.

Carrying a piercing sound of tearing through the air and terrifying high heat, it shot toward Ye Chen's heart like a meteor!

This spear strike was far more powerful than the previous one, pushing the ruthlessness and piercing power of the 'Poison Dragon Spear Art' to the extreme!

"It's Senior Brother Yan's ultimate move, 'Poison Dragon Drills the Heart'!"

"That kid is finished! With this strike, even someone at the Lun Hai Jing Fourth Level might not dare to take it head-on!"

Exclamations erupted from off the stage.

Zhao Feng and Duan Tianya also clenched their fists, their faces full of worry.

Facing this terrifying spear strike, Ye Chen's eyes narrowed slightly.

He did not dodge again, nor did he use subtle force to deflect it.

He needed a clean and decisive victory to deter the petty people and to vindicate Zhao Feng and himself!

The Wheel Sea vortex within his body suddenly accelerated its rotation, and the Ice Fire True Essence surged out!

He gripped the sword with both hands, and on the ice scar sword, icy blue and golden red lights bloomed and intertwined with unprecedented brightness!

An icy, bone-chilling yet explosively hidden Sword Intent soared into the sky!

The insights from his seclusion over the past few days, the Fusion of the Two Extremes Separating Light Sword and the Surging Waves Sword Art, flooded his mind instantly.

"Ice Fire Surging Waves Slash!"

He slashed out with his sword!

It was no longer a simple sword move, but a highly condensed Sword Qi, like waves crashing against the shore, made of ice and fire!

The Sword Qi did not travel straight, but carried a strange rotation and wave-like rhythm.

One layer after another, continuous and endless!

The powers of ice and fire alternated and overlapped within the Sword Qi; the first layer was bone-chillingly cold, slowing down the opponent's spear momentum.

The second layer was scorching and explosive, wearing down the opponent's True Essence.

The third layer interwoven ice and fire, carrying a Sword Intent of extinction, crashed onto the crimson spear drill!

"Boom — —!!!"

Amidst a deafening roar, the crimson spear drill and the Ice Fire Sword Qi clashed violently!

The shockwave exploded, causing the protective light barrier at the edge of the arena to shake violently!

The stalemate lasted only for an instant.

"Crack!"

A shattering sound rang out!

In the eyes of the incredulous crowd, Yan Lie's high-grade crimson long spear began to break from the tip, inch by inch!

The Ice Fire Sword Qi did not lose its momentum, slashing fiercely onto the arms Yan Lie had hurriedly raised to block!

"Ah — —!"

A shrill scream rang out!

The bones in Yan Lie's arms were completely shattered, and his entire body was sent flying like a sack of broken rags, as if he had been struck by a giant beast, spewing blood from his mouth.

He slammed into the protective light barrier at the edge of the arena, then bounced back to the ground, rolled a few times, and lay limp on the ground with his arms twisted.

His aura was withered, and he had already lost his ability to fight.

Silence!

A deathly silence engulfed the entire Martial Arts Arena.

Everyone widened their eyes and opened their mouths in shock, looking incredulously at the young man in green robes standing on the arena with his sword, and then at the miserable Yan Lie on the ground.

One move?

No, strictly speaking, it was three moves.

But what truly decided the outcome was that final sword strike!

Lunhai Realm First Level, one sword, defeated the Elite Disciple Yan Lie, who was at the Sea of Acupoints Realm Third Level Peak?

And destroyed his Spiritual Artifact spear, crippling his arms?

How... how is this possible?!

"Ye Chen... wins!"

The referee Disciple was stunned for a long while before announcing with a dry voice.

"Wow — —!"

After a brief silence, there was a clamor like a mountain collapsing and a sea roaring!

"My god! What did I just see?!"

"One sword! Just one sword! And Yan Lie is crippled?!"

"Is this Ye Chen really at the Lunhai Realm First Level? This combat strength is too terrifying!"

"No wonder he got a special grade evaluation! This is a true Genius!"

The Outer Sect Disciples were excited, especially those who also came from small places and had suffered the cold shoulders of the Inner Sect Disciples.

They were like they had been injected with adrenaline, their eyes full of worship as they looked at Ye Chen.

This was the blood-boiling scene they wanted to see!

Defeating the strong with the weak, fiercely slapping the faces of those arrogant Inner Sect elites!

Zhao Feng and Duan Tianya also breathed a sigh of relief, smiles appearing on their faces.

Ye Chen's strength was even greater than they had imagined!

Ye Chen sheathed his sword, not even looking at Yan Lie, who was like a dead dog on the ground, and turned to leave the arena.

"Stop!"

A violent shout rang out like a thunderclap.

Immediately after, three figures leaped onto the arena, surrounding Ye Chen.

All three were wearing the Elite Disciple attire of Golden Flame Peak, their auras powerful.

The lowest among them was at the Lun Hai Jing Fourth Level.

The leader had even reached the Early Stage of the Fifth Level of Wheel Sea Realm!

With a gloomy face, he was one of the Golden Flame Peak Disciples who had appeared with Chen Ao at the Law Enforcement Hall before.

"You want to just walk away after injuring my Golden Flame Peak Disciple?"

The Disciple at the Early Stage of the Fifth Level of Wheel Sea Realm, named Han Gang, stared at Ye Chen with sinister eyes.

"Ye Chen, your methods are too vicious! In a friendly spar, you actually crippled someone's arms and destroyed their Spiritual Artifact! This matter must be accounted for!"

"Account for it?"

Ye Chen scanned the three, his expression still calm.

"In an arena duel, fists and feet have no eyes. When he attacked with a killing move, intending to cripple Zhao Feng's Dantian, did he ever think about showing mercy?"

"I was merely defending myself, so where does the talk of viciousness come from? As for the Spiritual Artifact, if you are not skilled enough and your weapon is destroyed, who can you blame? Is your Golden Flame Peak unable to afford a loss?"

"You!"

Han Gang was choked until his face turned blue.

Indeed, it was Yan Lie who struck hard first and initiated the provocation.

But when had Golden Flame Peak ever suffered such a big loss in front of so many people?

If Ye Chen were allowed to leave safely today, where would Golden Flame Peak's reputation go?

"Sharp-tongued! Today, I will teach you, this ignorant newcomer, a lesson on behalf of the Law Enforcement Hall!"

A murderous glint flashed in Han Gang's eyes; he disregarded his reputation and intended to attack Ye Chen himself!

His aura at the Fifth Level of Wheel Sea Realm erupted, crushing down on Ye Chen.

At the same time, he struck with a palm, the palm wind scorching.

It turned into a giant, crimson flame palm, clapping down from above!

He intended to suppress Ye Chen on the spot, or even severely injure him!

"Han Gang! Do you have no shame? A Cultivator at the Fifth Level of Wheel Sea Realm bullying one at the Lunhai Realm First Level?!"

Duan Tianya roared from below the stage, wanting to rush up, but was blocked by the other two Golden Flame Peak Disciples.

Zhao Feng also gripped the hilt of his sword, cold light flashing in his eyes.

Facing this palm that could severely injure or even kill an ordinary Cultivator at the Lun Hai Jing Fourth Level, Ye Chen's eyes finally turned completely cold.

He had not wanted to reveal too many trump cards too early.

But since the other party had no shame and was pushing him step by step, he could not be blamed.

The Wheel Sea vortex within his body rotated crazily, and the Ice Lotus Imprint shone faintly.

Ye Chen did not use the Ice Fire Seal, but instead applied the new insights he had gained from his seclusion over the past few days, having initially fused the principles of the Two Extremes Separating Light Sword—the splitting of sword light and the interplay of reality and illusion.

His figure flickered, and instead of taking the hit head-on, he transformed into three afterimages, indistinguishable between real and fake, and scattered in three directions!

This was the application of the Mist Transformation Steps combined with the Two Extremes Separating Light concept—Phantom Step!

Han Gang's giant flame palm struck down, only shattering one of the afterimages.

And Ye Chen's true body had already appeared to the left of Han Gang like a ghost!

The ice scar sword thrust out silently, its tip trembling as it transformed into three cold stars, aiming for Han Gang's left rib, left shoulder, and left neck!

The sword light was bone-chillingly cold and incredibly fast; it was a killing move that fused the essence of the 'Profound Ice Stab'!

Han Gang was greatly alarmed, not expecting Ye Chen's movement technique to be so bizarre and his speed to be so fast!

In his haste, he could only turn his palm to parry, his protective True Essence erupting.

"Ding! Ding! Ding!"

With three crisp sounds, although Han Gang blocked the sword light.

But that condensed, icy Sword Qi pierced through his protective True Essence.

Leaving his left side numb and his Qi and blood stagnant.

He was shocked, thinking, "This boy's Sword Qi is so strange!"

Its power is definitely not just at the Lunhai Realm First Level!

"Attack together! Take him down!"

Han Gang shouted sternly, knowing that relying on himself alone, he probably could not take down this slippery kid in a short time.

Hearing this, the other two Golden Flame Peak Disciples at the Fourth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm immediately struck as well.

With a saber and a sword, they attacked Ye Chen from the left and right sides!

Facing the encirclement of the three, Ye Chen's pressure increased sharply.

He pushed his 'Phantom Step' to the limit, weaving through the flashing blades and sword shadows.

The ice scar sword transformed into streaks of blue and red intertwined sword silk, parrying, deflecting, or attacking where they had to defend.

Although he showed no signs of defeat for the moment, he was in constant danger, and soon added several wounds to his body.

"Ye Chen! Hold on!"

Zhao Feng and Duan Tianya were extremely anxious off the stage, but they could not break through the obstruction.

"Kid, let's see how long you can hold on!"

Han Gang sneered, his offensive becoming even more ferocious.

He could see that although Ye Chen's movement technique was superb and his sword technique was sharp.

His cultivation was only at the First Level after all; in a prolonged battle, his True Essence would inevitably run dry.

However, just as they thought victory was in their grasp.

A cold light flashed in Ye Chen's eyes as he suddenly changed his moves.

He no longer engaged in hit-and-run tactics but charged directly at Han Gang, the ice and fire light on the ice scar sword flaring up once more.

Vaguely forming a rotating miniature vortex!

"Ice Fire Vortex Stab!"

Ye Chen thrust his sword out, the Ice Fire vortex at the sword tip spinning crazily.

Carrying powerful tearing and devouring force, it struck directly at the center of the flaming palm Han Gang was sending over!

He was actually trying to break the surface with a single point, hard-clashing against his strongest attack!

"You're courting death!"

Han Gang was not alarmed but overjoyed, the light of his flaming palm intensifying as he struck down fiercely!

"Boom!"

Sword and palm clashed again!

But this time, there was no loud noise.

The Ice Fire vortex acted like a drill, actually boring directly into the flaming palm.

Spinning crazily and annihilating the flaming True Essence within!

Han Gang felt a sharp pain in his palm, his condensed True Essence being rapidly worn away and disintegrated!

His expression changed drastically; he wanted to withdraw his hand but felt as if his palm was being sucked in by the Ice Fire vortex!

"Explode!"

Ye Chen shouted lowly, and the Ice Fire vortex exploded with a roar!

The two forces of extreme cold and extreme heat erupted and collided in Han Gang's palm!

"Ahhh!"

Han Gang let out a scream even more miserable than Yan Lie's.

His entire right palm was instantly blown into a bloody mess, charred black and frosted, almost completely crippled!

He stumbled backward, his gaze toward Ye Chen filled with fear and disbelief.

Ye Chen was also shaken by the recoil of the explosion, his Qi and blood churning, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.

But he forced himself to steady his figure, the ice scar sword sweeping back along the momentum.

Forcing back the other two attacking Golden Flame Peak Disciples.

Fighting one against three, he had actually severely injured the leader, Han Gang!

Although he himself had suffered a not-insignificant shock, this battle record was enough to shock the entire audience!

The entire Martial Arts Arena fell into dead silence once again.

Everyone was stunned.

Lunhai Realm First Level, hard-clashing against the Fifth Level of the Wheel Sea Realm, and even crippled one of the opponent's hands?

This was simply a myth!

"Do you still want to fight?"

Ye Chen leaned on his sword, wiping away the blood from the corner of his mouth.

His cold gaze swept over Han Gang and the other two pale-faced Golden Flame Peak Disciples.

Han Gang clutched his hand, his face deathly pale, shocked and angry, but he dared not step forward again.

He felt that within Ye Chen's body, there seemed to be an even more terrifying power hidden.

The other two Disciples were even more terrified; they were only at the Fourth Level.

Han Gang had his hand crippled, so wouldn't they be throwing their lives away if they went up?

"Good! Very good!"

Han Gang stared at Ye Chen with venomous hatred.

"Ye Chen, Golden Flame Peak will remember today's humiliation! Let's go!"

He endured the sharp pain and humiliation.

Taking his two companions, and having people carry away the unconscious Yan Lie.

They squeezed through the crowd in a dejected manner and left quickly.

Only when the people from Golden Flame Peak had completely disappeared did the Martial Arts Arena erupt into a huge roar once again.

Countless fanatical gazes were cast upon that blood-stained yet standing-straight-like-a-pine figure on the stage.

"Senior Brother Ye!"

"Senior Brother Ye is mighty!"

"Inner Sect Geniuses, nothing more than this!"

Many Outer Sect Disciples shouted excitedly, as if they themselves had defeated the Inner Sect Elites.

Ye Chen seemed not to hear the clamor from off the stage. He leaped off the stage, and Zhao Feng and Duan Tianya immediately stepped up to meet him.

"Brother Ye, how are you?" Zhao Feng asked with concern, handing over a Medicinal Pill.

"It's nothing, just flesh wounds. A bit of meditation will fix it."

Ye Chen took the Medicinal Pill and nodded to the two.

"This is not a place to stay for long; let's leave first."

The three quickly left the Martial Arts Arena and headed toward the Inner Sect direction.

On the way, Duan Tianya was still incredibly excited.

"Brother Ye, you are too awesome! Fighting the Fifth Level at the First Level of the Wheel Sea Realm, and you actually won! Let's see if those guys from Golden Flame Peak dare to be arrogant anymore!"

Zhao Feng was calmer, his brows slightly furrowed.

"Brother Ye, although you displayed great might today, you have thoroughly offended Golden Flame Peak. That Han Gang is a capable subordinate of Chen Ao, and behind him is Elder Wang. They will definitely not let this rest. In the future within the Sect, you need to be more careful."

"I know."

Ye Chen nodded, his eyes calm.

"Some things cannot be avoided. Since they came looking for trouble, then fight back. Fight until they are afraid, fight until they dare not come to provoke me again. Strength is the best amulet."

He looked toward the depths of the Tianyun Mountain Range.

After this battle, his name, "Ye Chen," would likely spread truly within the Inner Sect, and even the Outer Sect.

There would be more trouble, but opportunities might also follow.

"Return to the Immortal Cave, heal, and then... continue to Cultivate."

Ye Chen said to the two.

"I must obtain a spot for the Hundred Herbs Secret Realm in half a year. Before that, I need to become stronger."

Zhao Feng and Duan Tianya nodded heavily.

After this incident, their relationship with Ye Chen became invisibly tighter.

What Ye Chen did not know was that, just as he was fiercely fighting the Golden Flame Peak Disciples in the Martial Arts Arena.

Deep within the main peak of the Tianyun Sword Sect, in an Immortal Cave surrounded by clouds and mist, two figures were sitting opposite each other playing chess.

One of them was the Core Disciple Murong Bai.

The other was an old man with white hair and beard, a refined face, and eyes as deep as the starry sky.

Wearing a simple gray Daoist robe, he had no aura, yet seemed to be integrated with the surrounding heaven and earth.

"Is this the Ye Chen you mentioned?"

The gray-robed old man placed a piece, his voice flat.

"It is, Revered Master."

Murong Bai said respectfully.

"You must be aware of the matter at the Outer Sect Martial Arts Arena today. Lunhai Realm First Level, defeating Han Gang and others of Golden Flame Peak, cultivating both ice and fire, possessing outstanding combat power, tenacious Heart-Nature, decisive in killing, yet not a person who kills indiscriminately. He is a good seedling."

The gray-robed old man nodded slightly.

"Cultivating both ice and fire, to be able to reach this step is indeed rare. The secrets on him are likely not small. Golden Flame Peak seems to have been somewhat restless recently."

"Chen Ao, Elder Wang He, and others seem to have connections with certain forces outside the Sect. This targeting of Ye Chen is likely not as simple as a private grudge."

Murong Bai said.

"Hmm. Keep an eye on this matter in secret, but do not intervene too much. If this boy is truly a raw piece of jade, he will naturally be able to be honed into a tool in the wind and rain. If he dies midway, it can only mean his Luck is insufficient."

The gray-robed old man said faintly, placing another piece.

"Since the Hundred Herbs Secret Realm is about to open, this time, perhaps we will see some interesting things."

"Disciple understands."

Murong Bai nodded, his gaze looking outside the Immortal Cave.

As if piercing through the clouds and mist, seeing that young man in green robes returning to Flowing Cloud Peak.

This pool of water that is the Tianyun Sword Sect, because of the stone that is Ye Chen being thrown in, the ripples were gradually becoming waves.

And the true undercurrents and storms might have just begun to brew.

...

The battle at the Outer Sect Martial Arts Arena was like a gale passing through, rapidly sweeping across the entire Inner and Outer Sects of the Tianyun Sword Sect.

The name Ye Chen was no longer just a curiosity of "Meridian Opening Realm Special Grade."

It had become synonymous with "Lunhai Realm First Level defeating the Fifth Level by leaping levels" and "Sword challenging the elites of Golden Flame Peak," filled with legendary color.

Countless Outer Sect Disciples, and even some low-level Inner Sect Disciples, regarded him as an idol.

Talking about the details of that battle, their blood boiling.

However, behind the glory, there were undercurrents surging.

Ye Chen had thoroughly offended the Golden Flame Peak lineage; this was an indisputable fact.

Chen Ao, Elder Wang He, and others would never let this rest.

Although the Law Enforcement Hall had not taken action for the time being.