Inside the Song Family's main hall, a colossal circular arena was set up, spanning ten thousand meters in diameter.
A barrier surrounded the arena, mitigating the impact of supernatural powers and Dao techniques, while also safeguarding the lives of the combatants.
This was a friendly exchange between two families, and it was imperative to avoid any loss of life.
The younger generation of the Song Family and the true disciples from the Mysterious Sacred Ground began their competition. Despite some minor friction, the overall atmosphere remained relatively harmonious.
After several days, the wins and losses between the two families were evenly matched.
This balance was undoubtedly orchestrated by the older generation, ensuring neither side lost face.
The martial world isn't just about fighting and killing; it's about relationships and social etiquette.
You can fight, but unless you can dominate the entire world, without friends, you'll eventually stumble.
Song Ningyan and Zhangsun Fengye, among others, were present, watching the competition on the arena to pass the time.
From time to time, the main hall echoed with hearty laughter and praise from the elders of both families, complimenting each other on having successors with exceptional talents and extraordinary comprehension.
Zhangsun Fengye, who usually showed little interest in such events, found himself quite intrigued today.
As the pleasantries between the families concluded, the competition was also nearing its end.
Zhangsun Fengye stood up, drawing the attention of everyone present.
"What's the matter, Fengye?" asked the grand elder of the Mysterious Palace.
"Since it's a contest among the young, I'd like to give it a try," Zhangsun Fengye said with a slight smile, scanning the crowd.
His words silenced the room.
Many faces changed, including those of the high-ranking members of both families.
"Stop messing around, sit down," the grand elder quickly transmitted to Zhangsun Fengye, speaking sternly.
Zhangsun Fengye's participation would be an affront to the Song Family.
Although the Song Family had many talented individuals, none could match Zhangsun Fengye in a contest. The Song Family was seeking a marital alliance precisely because there was no one in this generation to carry the torch.
"Elder, I'm serious, no joke," Zhangsun Fengye replied, looking back at the grand elder without using sound transmission, making his words clear to all with strong cultivation levels.
Most of the Song Family's high-ranking members frowned, wondering if Zhangsun Fengye understood the intricacies of social etiquette.
If the Song Family accepted the challenge, no one could match Zhangsun Fengye; if they declined, it would be a loss of face.
Either scenario was disadvantageous for the Song Family.
The atmosphere became somewhat tense.
"I have a worthy opponent in mind; this isn't just a whim. The exchange shouldn't be limited to the Song Family and the Mysterious Palace."
Zhangsun Fengye walked towards the arena, addressing the crowd, "I've heard that Chen Qingyuan from Dao Academy is visiting the Song Family. Why not invite him to join?"
The hall erupted in murmurs, with everyone showing surprised and varied expressions.
It was well-known that Chen Qingyuan was a particularly unique figure among the Ten Heroes of the Northern Wilderness, and many were curious about him. Several young prodigies even wanted to defeat him as a stepping stone to their own rise.
A spar between members of the Ten Heroes of the Northern Wilderness was bound to be spectacular, and anticipation grew among the crowd.
People said Zhangsun Fengye was frighteningly powerful, yet no outsider had ever witnessed it firsthand. If this could force Zhangsun Fengye to reveal his trump cards, it would satisfy the curiosity of his peers.
"Can he… defeat Zhangsun Fengye?"
Song Ningyan, who had been sitting expressionless like a wooden statue, now had a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. She pictured Chen Qingyuan's carefree demeanor, finding it hard to imagine him fighting seriously.
A few days earlier, someone had gone to invite Chen Qingyuan to observe the competition, but he had declined without hesitation.
Getting involved in fights was best avoided; one could inadvertently get dragged in. If Zhangsun Fengye weren't there, Chen Qingyuan might have been interested in watching.
"Chen Qingyuan is our guest, and it may not be appropriate to fulfill Young Master Changsun's request," Clan Leader Song Xiufeng pondered.
"I'm merely making a suggestion. Whether it's feasible or not, we should at least hear Chen Qingyuan's thoughts," Zhangsun Fengye said, eager to measure himself against Chen Qingyuan, even if it was just a friendly exchange.
"This…"
Song Xiufeng fell silent, harboring a hint of expectation himself.
However, the matter involved Chen Qingyuan, and the Song Family couldn't make a rash decision.
"I'll go invite Chen Qingyuan myself; perhaps he'll agree," Zhangsun Fengye said with a graceful smile, turning to head towards the guest hall.
Subsequently, the main hall buzzed with discussion.
Not only were the young people excited, but many of the old fellows also showed anticipation.
"Ultimately, this matter has nothing to do with the Song Family; it's all stirred up by Zhangsun Fengye," Song Xiufeng thought to himself, also curious about the capabilities of Chen Qingyuan, who had been taken as a disciple by Vice Dean Yu.
Outside the guest hall, Zhangsun Fengye, dressed in spotless white, called out, "Chen Qingyuan, I'm here again."
This guy is relentless!
Chen Qingyuan, who was meditating inside, felt annoyed.
"The young ones from the Song Family and Mysterious Palace are sparring, which is quite dull. I'm feeling a bit itchy to spar and suggested a friendly exchange with you, Chen Qingyuan. What do you think?"
Zhangsun Fengye continued.
"Are you sick? I'm not going," Chen Qingyuan couldn't keep silent any longer and cursed in response.
This was bullying; rumors had it that Zhangsun Fengye had reached the Divine Transformation Realm, while Chen Qingyuan had just stepped into the Elemental Infant phase. In a real fight, unless Chen Qingyuan revealed his trump card of the Three High-Quality Spirit Stones, he stood no chance.
The Three High-Quality Spirit Stones were a secret not to be exposed, for the consequences would be dire.
"Why so hot-tempered, Chen Qingyuan? It's just a simple exchange, nothing more," Zhangsun Fengye said, his temperament excellent, his smile bright.
"Why should I satisfy your perverse desire for a fight?"
Chen Qingyuan had no intention of fighting, especially not a battle he wasn't confident in.
"An equal realm contest, I won't let you suffer any disadvantage," Zhangsun Fengye quickly added.
"Not going," Chen Qingyuan's voice of refusal came again: "Fighting you has no benefits for me."
"Then let's make a wager. If you win, I'll give you a thousand High-Quality Spirit Stones. If you lose, no need for that," Zhangsun Fengye proposed, thinking it might entice Chen Qingyuan.
"A thousand Spirit Stones? Who do you think you're looking down on?" Chen Qingyuan retorted.
"Uh…" Zhangsun Fengye was taken aback: "Then what do you want?"
"Ten thousand High-Quality Spirit Stones, plus a high-grade spiritual treasure. And regardless of who wins or loses, you have to give them to me. If you agree, I might satisfy your request and spar with you."
If it was an equal realm battle, Chen Qingyuan wasn't too worried. He could use the opportunity to gauge Zhangsun Fengye's depth and make a tidy profit—why not?
"That's… too much!" Zhangsun Fengye's mouth twitched, thinking Chen Qingyuan was too greedy.
Spirit Stones were one thing, but a high-grade spiritual treasure was quite a painful offer.
"If you don't agree, then leave me alone," Chen Qingyuan insisted, showing impatience.
After a moment's hesitation, Zhangsun Fengye nodded in agreement: "Fine, it's a deal."
Kid, if you had mentioned an equal realm battle earlier, I would have wanted to fight you without any price.
The foremost of the Ten Heroes of the Northern Wilderness, let's see what you're made of.
Having made a profit, Chen Qingyuan opened the door to his room in high spirits.
Proofreader & Editor: Lotas