Chapter 248: Challenge Begins!

On the way back, the more Nan Xuanrou thought about it, the more something felt off. She kept feeling that she had missed something crucial.

It wasn’t until she was nearly at the Cave Residence that it finally dawned on her—the key!

Back then, the person accompanying Gu Fan was cloaked in black robes, making it impossible to discern their gender.

Thinking back now, that person had suffered a Divine Soul Injury to save Gu Fan!

During the trial, Gu Fan had made them promise not to harm the person shrouded in the black robes, even going as far as to reveal an extremely terrifying Magical Tool that made even the adjudicator flinch.

Looking back now, the biggest mystery was whether the one in the black robe was male or female!

No, it must be a woman!

Nan Xuanrou clenched her silver teeth tightly, her expression tinged with anger.

For some unknown reason, she was so furious her teeth itched. Although she herself couldn’t explain why she felt that way.

“Eastern Region Assembly… Hmph!”

With a cold snort, Nan Xuanrou sped up and disappeared into the Cave Residence Formation.

Soon, the final two days passed quickly.

On this day, all disciples of the Immortal Ai Sect had already gathered early at the sect’s Arena to wait.

Today marked the day the newly promoted True Disciple, the fifteenth-ranked Gu Fan, would challenge the ninth-ranked Xun Bo among the top ten.

This had already been circulating within the sect for quite some time.

With the underground betting rings flourishing, whether one paid attention to it or not, as long as you placed a bet, you had to care about the battle outcome, right?

Even those who didn’t bet were swept up by the rumors. After all, a challenge to a top ten True Disciple was something rarely seen in recent years.

On one side stood the newly emerged dark horse, who had only recently entered the sect and had already defeated Xia Qianliu, Wan Peng, and several other veterans. What’s more, he had used Mid-stage Divine Moon Realm cultivation to defy the heavens and challenge a Half-step Celestial Heart Realm Expert!

On the other side stood a long-established senior disciple, who had held a top ten spot for years without budging—clearly a testament to his formidable strength.

A battle between these two promised both spectacle and buzz!

Thus, even before the two main characters arrived, the spectator seats were already packed.

At that moment, several of the top ten True Disciples had already arrived and stood at a high spot on a hillside nearby.

Someone laughed and said:

“No one’s dared to challenge the top ten in years. Who’d have thought that a little newcomer this year would dare provoke Xun Bo.”

“Hold your horses. If anyone should be anxious, it’s Yin Huishu. He’s been tenth for ages, and if Xun Bo really loses, then he’ll be pushed down to eleventh!”

As soon as that was said, a gloomy-faced man sneered from the side:

“Heh, do you people really believe a Mid-stage Divine Moon Realm brat can win? What do I have to be nervous about? If Xun Bo is such a useless old thing that he loses, I’ll just win my rank back myself!”

“Whether or not you can win it back is another story. Look—Gu Fan directly challenged the ninth-ranked Xun Bo. What does that prove? It means he didn’t even see you, the tenth-ranked, as worth his time!”

“Haha, now that’s harsh. Can you all stop rubbing it in? Look how mad you’ve made Huishu.”

A wave of laughter spread among the group, making Yin Huishu’s expression even more unsightly.

This direct challenge from Gu Fan to the ninth-ranked Xun Bo not only slapped his face, it directly endangered his position.

Challenging above his rank—straight to ninth place—made Yin Huishu’s position as tenth incredibly awkward!

It seemed that this arrogant junior named Gu Fan really didn’t take him seriously.

If Xun Bo lost, he could at least stay in tenth. But Yin Huishu would be knocked out of the top ten!

With that thought, his resentment toward Gu Fan grew stronger.

He swore that if this so-called Gu Fan turned out to be all talk, he would absolutely not let him off lightly!

By now, more and more disciples had arrived to spectate. Even two Elders had come.

One was Elder Huichun, who had treated injuries before. The other was the rarely seen Elder of Discipline Hall.

The two observed the battle, validating the challenge.

“Do you all think Gu Fan has a chance to defeat Senior Brother Xun Bo?”

Among the spectators, someone voiced their doubt.

“Chance my ass. Does he really think he’s invincible now? That’s the top ten we’re talking about! It’s said that each of them has comprehended the Domain—how could he possibly win?”

“Heh, he’s clearly full of himself. Just because he defeated Xia Qianliu and Wan Peng, he thinks all True Disciples are pushovers. He has no idea that every one of the top ten has already touched upon the Domain!”

“Well, not necessarily. Since Gu Fan dared to challenge Senior Brother Xun Bo, he must’ve prepared thoroughly over this past month. I think nothing’s certain yet.”

“Don’t tell me you placed a bet on Gu Fan to win? Hoping for a big payout?”

“Just wait and see. Senior Brother Xun Bo will definitely crush Gu Fan in less than ten moves!”

“Hey hey hey! Senior Brother is here! Senior Brother Xun Bo has arrived!”

A burst of exclamations erupted as Xun Bo, ranked ninth, floated proudly down into the center of the crowd.

One look and his presence was unmistakable—a true prodigy!

“Senior Brother Xun Bo, go for it! Smash Gu Fan!”

“Let’s go! I bet half a year’s savings on this!”

“Crush Gu Fan! Show him the weight behind being a top ten disciple!”

Xun Bo smiled confidently and cupped his hands to the crowd.

“Everyone, there’s no need to worry. I won’t let you down.”

Just as he finished speaking, a figure appeared in the distance, walking through the air.

Gu Fan, dressed in black robes, stepped across the void in just two short strides.

“Such powerful control!”

Among the top ten disciples watching, someone exclaimed in surprise.

The untrained eye only saw Gu Fan casually walking through the air, but those in the know could see the truth.

This wasn’t just Mysterious Power keeping him airborne—his steps carried hints of Domain power!

“Looks like this guy’s reputation isn’t undeserved. He’s already come into contact with the Domain Laws!”

“He already had the power to leap realms, and now he’s begun unraveling the Domain too… some people really make you want to die from jealousy!”

Yin Huishu’s face turned grim. He was the typical cultivator who relied on effort and talent.

Though not lacking in talent himself, he couldn’t help but feel intense jealousy every time he saw geniuses like Xia Qianliu and Gu Fan!

“At this rate, Xun Bo really might stumble in the gutter.”

“Not necessarily. Even if Gu Fan has touched on the Domain, it’s still uncertain whether he can utilize it. Unless he has already mastered the Domain, I don’t believe Xun Bo will lose!”

A silence fell over the crowd. They could understand what it meant to touch the Domain, but mastering it…

That wasn’t something achievable before reaching the Celestial Heart Realm. Even after years of study and cultivation, they themselves were stuck here.

If a Half-step Solar Radiance Realm junior had truly mastered the Domain, then they’d all become a laughingstock.

At that moment, Xun Bo in the arena sneered and said:

“A month’s time has passed. Looks like Junior Brother Gu Fan is well-prepared?”

“Prepared? Prepared for what?”

Gu Fan looked completely innocent, then suddenly reacted and said:

“Senior Brother Xun Bo, you don’t actually think I’ve been spending all this time preparing to duel you, do you?”

Xun Bo paused, and then heard Gu Fan say with a grin that begged for a beating:

“Senior Brother, aren’t you being a bit too narcissistic? Why would I need to prepare to deal with you? It’s not like I’m challenging the top five.”

“I already said last time—a cultivator who lacks sharpness and fighting spirit is no longer a threat!”

“Senior Brother Xun Bo… you’re no longer fit to remain in the top ten!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep