In the Star Domain of Human Spirit, at the Hundred Jade Mountain.
This was the appointed place for the duel between Wu Junyan and Changsun Qian, with only a month left until the agreed date.
Chen Qingyuan hurried over without stopping, inquiring along the way until he finally arrived.
Looking around, a sea of black heads could be seen, all here to witness the excitement from various Dao Friends.
To avoid drawing attention, Chen Qingyuan disguised himself, wearing a darker set of clothes, a bamboo hat on his head, resembling a fisherman.
In the Northern Wilderness's three core Star Domains—Heavenly River, Earthly Path, and Human Spirit—the cultivators here are generally much stronger than those from other domains, with first-rate forces having Mahayana cultivators in residence, demonstrating profound foundations.
If Chen Qingyuan were to reveal his identity as one of the Ten Heroes of the Northern Wilderness, it would undoubtedly bring considerable trouble. Thus, it was best to keep a low profile to avoid discomfort.
His Master, Yu Chenran, had once instructed him that unless necessary, he should not reveal his background from the Dao Yi Academy.
"Where's that old Wu?"
Chen Qingyuan stood at the foot of Hundred Jade Mountain, scanning the surroundings, but Wu Junyan was nowhere to be seen.
Nearby, many people were discussing, and Chen Qingyuan subtly moved closer to listen in.
"They say Miss Changsun used to be very beautiful, outshining all others."
Many people knew this and missed Changsun Qian's former appearance.
"Why has she become so… burly now?"
The one asking the question dared not use the word "ugly," fearing to offend someone inadvertently.
"I heard from my old man that Miss Changsun obtained a high-quality secret technique a hundred years ago. She deviated during her cultivation, causing her physique to change drastically and her appearance to be ruined. Alas, what a pity!"
The former Changsun Qian, with her talent and beauty, made countless women feel inferior.
Restoring her original appearance was no easy task.
Perhaps, only when Changsun Qian mastered the high-quality secret technique to perfection could she reverse the situation and return to her former self.
Through the discussions in the crowd, Chen Qingyuan learned a lot of useful information.
Changsun Qian was the holy maiden of the Piao Miao Palace, holding a very high status. However, due to her appearance, some of the high-level members of the palace seemed to be considering a replacement.
After all, having an ugly woman represent the Piao Miao Palace in various realms was indeed damaging to their reputation.
Half a month passed, and Wu Junyan appeared, clad in white robes, standing atop Hundred Jade Mountain with an ethereal demeanor.
People looked towards Wu Junyan with admiration in their eyes.
It had to be said, Wu Junyan's appearance was indeed excellent, otherwise, he wouldn't have won the hearts of countless women. The colder and more elegant he was, the more he attracted the attention of the favored daughters of heaven.
"I'll chat with old Wu after the fight."
Chen Qingyuan did not want to show his face now, lest Wu Junyan turn his spearhead towards him.
Although Chen Qingyuan was forced and unable to duel with Wu Junyan in the past, there were also personal reasons. If he met Wu Junyan now, it would be impossible to sit down and reminisce.
Chen Qingyuan stayed in a corner, waiting for the day of the duel to arrive.
Soon, half a month passed.
A woman in black armor appeared, followed closely by a group of cultivators with extraordinary auras.
Changsun Qian, burly and strong as an ox, with a rather ugly appearance, held a dark long axe in her hand, looking very valiant.
Seeing is believing, and upon seeing Changsun Qian in such attire, Chen Qingyuan's gaze became dull for a moment, thinking to himself, "Was this girl really that beautiful before?"
What kind of woman uses an axe as a weapon?!
Just the axe alone could crush a crowd of girls.
"It seems only old Wu can enjoy this fortune!"
Chen Qingyuan silently pitied Wu Junyan.
Wu Junyan had once been drugged by someone, a holy maiden from a sacred ground with an exquisite appearance. Now, Changsun Qian had also fallen for him, truly charismatic!
"Young Master Wu, you are a man who values promises. If you lose, you must accompany me for seven days of leisure, with no regrets."
Before the battle, Changsun Qian emphasized once again.
"As long as you can win, I will surely keep my promise."
It was just spending seven days enjoying the scenery with Changsun Qian; Wu Junyan felt no pressure. In his eyes, all women in the world were but skeletons in rouge, stumbling blocks on the path of cultivation.
Whether they were stunningly beautiful or ugly, none could stir Wu Junyan's heart.
"Good, I like Young Master Wu's character, a man of his word."
Changsun Qian's voice was as clear and melodious as a lark, a pleasure to listen to if one closed their eyes. However, looking at the eight-foot-tall, muscular Changsun Qian, it was somewhat off-putting.
"Begin!"
Wu Junyan sought to grow stronger, only by defeating the evildoers of his generation in the Northern Wilderness. Once he accumulated enough experience, he could head to the Imperial Province and stand on a bigger stage.
"Be careful."
As her words fell, Changsun Qian made her move, her axe cleaving towards Wu Junyan, splitting the void and shattering the peak of Hundred Jade Mountain.
As their battle commenced, the crowd felt their cultivation levels, both at the pinnacle of the Elemental Infant Realm.
A three-foot sword descended from the sky.
Wu Junyan reached out, causing the treasured sword to fall into his hand, blocking Changsun Qian's attack.
Then, Wu Junyan's aura became overwhelming, his powerful presence erupting with the sword's might, creating a terrifying storm that surged in all directions, forcing the surrounding cultivators to stagger back several steps.
Changsun Qian swung her axe, splitting Wu Junyan's sword might in two.
The two fought fiercely in the clouds, dispersing the clouds for tens of thousands of miles around.
As the battle intensified, a crack appeared in the sky. Through the fissure, one could see thousands of stars, dazzling and bright, as well as countless celestial bodies floating in the dark, desolate space, timeless as if forever unchanged.
After hundreds of rounds, neither had gained the upper hand.
Both being among the Ten Heroes of the Northern Wilderness, their strengths were at the peak of their peers, making it difficult to determine a winner in a short time.
Cultivators from various Star Domains and Sects who had come to watch the battle were keenly observing.
Many people started betting.
"Count me in."
Chen Qingyuan joined in, wagering hundreds of high-quality Spirit Stones on Wu Junyan's victory, as a form of support for his brother.
"Brother, your attire seems simple, but your demeanor is extraordinary. May I know which Sect's esteemed disciple you are?"
Someone noticed Chen Qingyuan, dressed in splendid clothes and holding a folding fan, elegant and courteous, greeting with a fist.
"Just a rogue cultivator."
Chen Qingyuan did not wish to reveal his identity, preferring to keep a low profile.
Only fools fear not being known by others. Of course, if you have the strength to dominate the era, that's different. If not, it's safer to keep a low profile and survive.
After all, Chen Qingyuan had spent a hundred years in the Sky Abyss and was listed as one of the Ten Heroes of the Northern Wilderness. There were no shortage of people who coveted and hated him.
"Even as a rogue cultivator, you may achieve great heights in the future."
The refined young man narrowed his eyes, suspecting Chen Qingyuan was lying, but he did not expose him, merely chuckling lightly.
Who is this guy!
Chen Qingyuan cursed inwardly, simply wanting to watch the battle quietly without drawing attention.
Proofreader & Editor: Lotas