Fu Dongliu harbored no resentment towards Chen Qingyuan, for Yang Suirong’s defeat was due to his own lack of ability. A loss was a loss, and no one else could be blamed.

He wanted to challenge Chen Qingyuan simply because he saw him as a strong opponent, nothing more.

“Coward.”

The young elites of the Western Border didn’t take Chen Qingyuan seriously, shouting insults at him.

All eyes were on Chen Qingyuan, and many sighed inwardly, thinking he didn’t dare to accept the challenge, which was truly shameful. However, to be fair, most of the people present wouldn’t have the courage to fight Fu Dongliu either.

After all, Fu Dongliu was the top figure among the younger generation of the Western Border, having defeated all the evildoers of the Eighteen Veins of the Western Border and firmly holding his position as the leader.

With such solid achievements, who would dare to underestimate Fu Dongliu?

“Old Chen…” Zhangsun Fengye listened to the various disparaging remarks, his eyes fixed on Chen Qingyuan beside him, feeling a pang of sympathy.

Daochen Buddha’s child remained relatively calm. He had personally witnessed the ancient karmic power carried by Chen Qingyuan and had received guidance from the Buddhist Sect’s abbot, understanding that Chen Qingyuan was not as simple as he appeared on the surface.

“Dao Friend Fu, he’s just a Heaven’s Pride from the Northern Wilderness, while you are the leader of the Western Border. Forcing him like this seems a bit like bullying the weak.”

Wang Shutong from Pear Blossom Palace spoke up, seemingly to help Chen Qingyuan out of his predicament, but in reality, she was belittling him, fanning the flames even further.

“There’s some truth to that.”

Fu Dongliu replied.

“Boring.”

The evildoers from the Imperial Province sat in a row, expecting a more exciting show, only to be disappointed by Chen Qingyuan’s silence.

“People from the Northern Wilderness are just like this.”

Even though Chen Qingyuan had defeated Yang Suirong, he still couldn’t earn the respect of the top evildoers present. Many of them could defeat Yang Suirong with absolute ease, without suffering any injuries.

Heh.

Suddenly, Chen Qingyuan laughed.

Everyone’s expressions froze, their eyes fixed on Chen Qingyuan, slightly puzzled as to why he was laughing.

Was he laughing out of frustration?

Was he using laughter to cover up his embarrassment for not daring to accept the challenge?

Many thought so.

Chen Qingyuan had been silent not because he was contemplating whether he could defeat Fu Dongliu, but because he was questioning the significance of this battle in his heart.

After a moment of deep thought, Chen Qingyuan found his answer.

He could be thick-skinned, but he couldn’t let his dignity be trampled upon.

The behavior of the people from the Western Border had already crossed Chen Qingyuan’s principles.

Since a battle was inevitable, then let it be. What was there to fear?

“I accept your challenge.”

Chen Qingyuan’s expression was calm, his eyes clear.

Wow—

The crowd was shocked.

Those who had been mocking Chen Qingyuan were momentarily stunned.

“Is he accepting the challenge because he couldn’t handle the pressure?”

Most people thought so.

“He is very calm, his eyes clear. The words of outsiders don’t affect his heart. This time, he seems to be serious.”

Only the top-tier evildoers saw something different, their faces solemn.

“Perhaps his battle with Yang Suirong earlier wasn’t his full strength.”

A few evildoers secretly speculated, becoming deeply interested in Chen Qingyuan.

How much power could an Elemental Infant stage cultivator’s body hide?

The scene fell silent for a long time. The people from the Western Border exchanged glances, their lips curling into smug smiles, as if they had already seen Chen Qingyuan being trampled under Fu Dongliu’s feet.

“Are you not afraid?”

Fu Dongliu spoke.

“Afraid.” The first word from Chen Qingyuan made everyone misunderstand. Then he continued, “I’m afraid of killing you, and the old fellows from the Western Border won’t let it go.”

The crowd was stunned, falling silent.

The women from Pear Blossom Palace had a glimmer in their eyes, their red lips slightly parted, as if saying, “How dare he…”

The Heaven’s Pride from various sects were speechless, never expecting Chen Qingyuan to utter such arrogant words.

Fu Dongliu was the leader of the Western Border!

No matter how extraordinary Chen Qingyuan was, he was just one of the Ten Heroes of the Northern Wilderness, an Elemental Infant stage cultivator.

It was no exaggeration to say that even Zhangsun Fengye, hailed as the first among the Ten Heroes, would find it difficult to match Fu Dongliu.

Fu Dongliu’s strength made the Holy Sons and Holy Daughters of various sects in the Imperial Province wary, not daring to confront him directly.

There were too many legendary stories about Fu Dongliu, too many to explain in a few words.

“This is the first time I’ve heard someone dare to speak to the boss like this.”

A Heaven’s Pride from the Western Border was stunned for a long time, his throat moving several times, speaking with a trembling voice.

“Afraid of killing the boss, what gives Chen Qingyuan the right to say such things!”

In the eyes of the people from the Western Border, Fu Dongliu’s authority was inviolable.

“He doesn’t think that defeating Yang Suirong means he can challenge the boss, does he? With the boss’s skills, he could suppress Yang Suirong with a flip of his hand. They’re not even on the same level.”

No one expected things to turn out this way; it was truly exciting and worth looking forward to.

Fu Dongliu didn’t mock Chen Qingyuan’s words, maintaining a cold expression: “If you have the ability to kill me, the old fellows from the Western Border won’t trouble you.”

“No worries, even if the older generation steps in, they won’t be able to harm me.”

Chen Qingyuan believed in his master’s abilities; the Academy was not to be trifled with.

“Why accept the challenge?” Fu Dongliu was puzzled, unable to understand: “Someone like you shouldn’t be influenced by a few words from outsiders.”

“Because you annoy me.”

Chen Qingyuan’s reason was simple.

Hearing this, Fu Dongliu fell silent.

After a while, Fu Dongliu said, “If you’re annoyed, then use your fists to teach me a lesson!”

“I will.” Chen Qingyuan said, “I will make you understand one thing.”

“What is it?”

Fu Dongliu asked.

“Fighting me will be the biggest mistake of your life. I will become your lifelong nightmare, one you can’t shake off.”

Chen Qingyuan’s tone was very calm, but his words were outrageous.

Strangely, after hearing this, no one felt the urge to mock him. Instead, a sense of unease and a slight fear arose in their hearts.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Fu Dongliu smiled, not mockingly, but seriously.

“Ten years from now, beyond the ancient star of Yanchang, we will settle this.”

Chen Qingyuan set a specific date for the duel.

“Alright.” Fu Dongliu nodded.

Their eyes met, and the air was thick with a murderous intent.

The Hundred Veins Banquet was about to reach a new climax. The battle between the top figure of the Western Border and Chen Qingyuan was like a bomb exploding, sending shockwaves throughout the Ancient World.

Ten years was not a long time for cultivators, and many had already begun to wait in anticipation.