Chapter 174: A Battle Hardly Worthy of Two or Three Swords

Chapter 174: A Battle Hardly Worthy of Two or Three Swords

As Xie Lingfeng and Hu Shan watched their excited junior martial brothers, they were both left bewildered.

That was a Peak Grand Master, after all!

In their eyes, was such a formidable figure so insignificant? Was he akin to a grasshopper that could be squashed at will?

"Brother Xie, is the other Peak Grand Master from the Demon Sect or the Black Robed Man's group?" Xu Yan asked curiously.

Aside from the Fire Demon Lord, the other Peak Grand Masters were either powerful members of the Demon Sect or part of the Black Robed Man's faction.

Xu Yan couldn't think of any other force that would target him at the moment.

Having just killed a Peak Grand Master from the Black Robed Man's group, if there were more of them lying in wait on Canglan Island, it would prove just how formidable their organization was.

"Most likely the Black Robed Man's group," Xie Ling replied with a grave expression. "I've accessed some intelligence from the Sword Cliff, but I still can't discern which faction the Black Robed Man belongs to. Their secrecy and strength are not to be underestimated."

Xu Yan's expression turned solemn, and he said coldly, "After killing their Peak Grand Master, I want to see if they'll reveal themselves. Let's see how many more Peak Grand Masters they have for me to slay!"

"Let's go to Canglan Island," Xu Yan waved his hand and said. "But before that, Fire Demon Lord had better prepare my fee for taking action."

The group of four left Tieshan County and headed straight for Canglan Island.

However, in Lanping County, the news was spread, reaching Canglan Island.

If they wanted Xu Yan to go to Canglan Island to accept the challenge, the Fire Demon Lord must prepare one million spirit crystals and move all his assets to Canglan Island! Otherwise, Xu Yan would not accept the challenge!

When this message spread among the inner domain warriors, they were stunned.

Could he really make such demands?

Xu Yan's reasoning was that Canglan Island might have already been destroyed, and he had suffered heavy losses. Even if he regained Canglan Island, he couldn't make up for those losses.

Unless the Fire Demon Lord paid a challenge fee of one million spirit crystals, plus moving all his assets to Canglan Island, it wouldn't be worth Xu Yan's time.

On Canglan Island, the Fire Demon Lord, with a fierce expression and bright red hair, was furious. "This brat is going too far!"

How dare he demand a challenge fee from him!

And to demand that he move all his life's treasures to Canglan Island, only then would he accept the challenge.

Moreover, Xu Yan was doing so blatantly, without any shame or regard for the dignity expected of a strong warrior!

What infuriated the Fire Demon Lord even more was that the inner domain martial world considered Xu Yan's avoidance of the challenge a wise move, even praising him for his tact and ability to advance and retreat appropriately.

At such a young age, with exceptional talent and strength, avoiding a challenge from the Fire Demon Lord, who had a notorious reputation, was not something to be ashamed of.

This made the Fire Demon Lord so angry that he wanted to destroy Canglan Island. However, with Xu Yan refusing to accept the challenge, there was nothing he could do. Even if he wanted to take the initiative to seek him out, it was simply impossible.

If he could find Xu Yan's whereabouts, he wouldn't have come to Canglan Island in the first place.

"Agree to his demands," a black-robed man said in a deep voice, standing behind the Fire Demon Lord.

"My spirit crystals are not for just anyone to claim," the Fire Demon Lord said coldly. "If you want to kill him, come up with the million spirit crystals yourselves."

"We can do that," the black-robed man nodded.

"Yin Jue, as the deputy leader of the Hidden Pavilion, have you personally taken action against Xu Yan because of some deep grudge?" The Fire Demon Lord narrowed his eyes.

"Fire Demon, you should mind your own business. Don't ask what you shouldn't ask, and don't speak nonsense about what you shouldn't speak about, or the consequences will be severe," Yin Jue replied, his eyes icy cold.

"Hmph!" The Fire Demon Lord snorted coldly.

A hint of wariness flashed in his eyes as he thought of the Hidden Pavilion's leader, a formidable figure that even he, a Peak Grand Master, feared. It was truly terrifying.

"Tell Xu Yan that I, the Fire Demon, have left a map of my collection on Canglan Island, waiting for him!" the Fire Demon Lord said coldly.

His gaze shifted past Yin Jue to the man standing behind him, another black-robed man.

He was one of the protectors of the Hidden Pavilion, a Peak Grand Master.

The Fire Demon Lord's eyes then fell on the river, as if someone was hidden underwater.

The deputy leader of the Hidden Pavilion, along with two protectors, plus himself, four Peak Grand Masters, were all gathered to kill a single youth! This had never happened in the history of the inner domain's martial world.

However, Xu Yan's strength and talent had struck fear into their hearts, and they knew they had to eliminate him before he grew even stronger. Otherwise, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Nevertheless, the Hidden Pavilion seemed to have another purpose—to find a particular person, perhaps under the orders of their leader.

Canglan Island had now become the focal point of many powerful experts.

The notoriously fierce Fire Demon Lord was challenging the rising prodigy, Xu Yan, something unprecedented in the martial world.

News about Xu Yan's feats also began to spread: conquering the Nine-Layered Combat Stage of the Seven Stars Academy, defeating Grand Masters, and slaying two besieging Grand Masters in their prime.

Thus, everyone's attention turned to Xu Yan.

Was he really going to accept the challenge?

Furthermore, some astute forces vaguely sensed that Canglan Island seemed to be a trap.

A deadly one!

Xu Yan received the million spirit crystals that the Fire Demon Lord had entrusted to Tianbao Pavilion to deliver, and he couldn't help but feel delighted.

"The more enemies like this, the better. If I kill eight or nine of them, I'll never be poor again!"

Xu Yan couldn't help but marvel at this turn of events.

"Big Brother Xu really knows how to make a profit. I, on the other hand, haven't earned much in the way of spirit crystals."

Meng Chong sighed, feeling that he needed to learn a thing or two from Xu Yan.

Xie Lingfeng and Hu Shan exchanged glances, unsure of what to say.

Only these two brothers dared to make money in such a way, and only they had the strength to do so!

"Tell the Fire Demon Lord that I, Xu Yan, will definitely accept the challenge. Outside Canglan Island, we will fight to the death."

Xu Yan replied solemnly, instructing Tianbao Pavilion to relay his message.

Having obtained what he was owed, Xu Yan and his group set off leisurely towards Canglan Island, in no particular hurry.

"Big Brother Xu, now that you've obtained the Fire Demon Lord's treasure map, do you think anyone will come to rob you?"

Meng Chong asked with a mix of excitement and anticipation.

"It's hard to say," Xu Yan shook his head, a hint of regret in his voice. "After all, I've killed a Peak Grand Master. Who else would dare to come and rob me?"

Xie Lingfeng couldn't resist adding, "Not necessarily. Perhaps the other Demon Lords will make a move?"

Xu Yan's eyes lit up at the thought. "That would be fantastic! A proper Demon Lord should be quite wealthy, right? It would be another windfall!"

Xie Lingfeng's mouth twitched, unsure how to respond.

In his heart, he marveled at the confidence that came with possessing overwhelming strength.

On their way, they unexpectedly encountered a familiar face—Fu YunTian, the Grand Supervisor of the Seven Stars Academy.

"Supervisor Fu, are you here to see me?"

Xu Yan was taken aback by this unexpected encounter.

"Young Friend Xu, after this battle, I invite you to visit the Seven Stars Academy. Our Palace Master wishes to meet you, and there are also some things that you may want to know," Fu YunTian said.

"No problem," Xu Yan readily agreed.

As for why he would visit the Seven Stars Academy after the battle, it was simply to assess his own strength.

Soon after Fu YunTian left, two graceful figures appeared—the Grand Master of the Without Equal Pavilion and the plain-clothed woman.

"Young Master Xu, it's been a while," the plain-clothed woman said with a gentle smile.

"Not too long, I think," Xu Yan replied with a blink of his eyes.

The plain-clothed woman was momentarily taken aback, unsure how to respond.

The Grand Master of the Without Equal Pavilion seemed to be holding back a smile.

"What brings you here? Is there something you need from me?" Xu Yan asked, his tone casual.

"I'm here to remind Young Master Xu that there is more than one Peak Grand Master on Canglan Island, including the Fire Demon Lord. I hope Young Master Xu will exercise caution," the plain-clothed woman said, her expression solemn.

"Are there ten Peak Grand Masters there?" Xu Yan asked after a moment's thought.

The plain-clothed woman was stunned. Ten Peak Grand Masters?

Did that mean that any fewer would not pose a threat to him?

Was he truly that powerful?

"I-I don't think so," she stammered.

"Not even ten? Are they looking down on me, Xu Yan?" Xu Yan sighed.

Could it be that because of his youth, they underestimated him so?

The plain-clothed woman fell silent, unsure how to respond to Xu Yan's question.

The Grand Master of the Without Equal Pavilion, who had been holding back, let out a cold hmph. "You arrogant brat! Without ten Peak Grand Masters, you think they're looking down on you?

"Do you think you can take on ten Peak Grand Masters by yourself?"

This young man's arrogance was too much for her to bear.

"You woman, what do you know? Only the weak are arrogant. True strength needs no boast, for it speaks for itself!" Xu Yan glanced at her, his tone dismissive.

"Hmph, I'd like to see how strong you are to make such a claim," the Grand Master of the Without Equal Pavilion scoffed.

"Not too strong, I suppose. Someone like you, I could take down with two or three strikes. Not much effort required," Xu Yan replied nonchalantly.

How dare this young man humiliate her so! She was a Peak Grand Master, after all.

Even Xie Tianheng, the Sword Venerable of Sword Cliff, wouldn't dare speak to her like that!

"Master, calm down! Please calm down!" the plain-clothed woman hastily pleaded, trying to soothe her enraged master.

Frowning, Xu Yan replied, "Why would I want to kill you? Besides, my services as Xu Yan don't come cheap. It'll take at least a million spirit crystals to make me lift a finger!"

The Undefeated Grand Master was seething with anger. Her chest heaved, her delicate face flushed, and with a swift motion, she flung her disciple away, snapping, "I will teach this brat a lesson today! Don't try to stop me!"

The plain-clothed woman's expression changed as she anxiously called out from behind, "Master Xu, please spare her!"

Undefeated Grand Master: "...You ungrateful disciple!"

She was even more infuriated now. With a flick of her wrist, she threw a bag at Xu Yan and coldly said, "There are more than enough spirit crystals in here. Now, show me how you plan to kill me with just two or three swords!"

Xu Yan was delighted. This Undefeated Grand Master was quite a generous person. He had never met anyone like her in his life.

"Sure, sure," he said with a smile. "Then, please take my sword!"

Xu Yan took the bag, drew his longsword from its sheath, and slashed forward.

Roar!

The mountains and rivers seemed to echo the dragon's roar!

The enraged Undefeated Grand Master did not take this lightly. In her hands appeared a pair of willow leaf-like twin blades, which she brandished with force.

Xu Yan's strength was undeniable, and she knew it. Otherwise, she wouldn't have dared to challenge him on Canglan Island. However, it was his arrogant claim of being able to kill her with just two or three swords that had angered her. Did he think of her, a Peak Grand Master, as nothing?

She was indeed a Peak Grand Master, and her strength was not to be underestimated, even among other Peak Grand Masters.

How dare those mediocre Grand Masters compare themselves to her?

Boom!

As the mountains and rivers trembled and the dragon's roar echoed, Xu Yan's sword descended.

The Undefeated Grand Master's expression changed drastically.

Her twin blades' radiance shattered, and the overwhelming might that stirred the winds and clouds was extinguished by Xu Yan's sword. She hastily retreated.

Xu Yan did not continue his attack.

After all, he didn't intend to kill her.

"This sword of mine was just average. What do you think? If I went all out, could you withstand three of my swords?" Xu Yan sheathed his sword and asked.

The Undefeated Grand Master fell silent, biting her teeth as complex emotions flitted across her face. In her heart, she cursed, "Where did this monster come from? Who is his master, and how did they manage to produce such a freak?"

She now understood that true strength needed no arrogance to announce itself.

"Master, are you alright?" The plain-clothed woman quickly rushed to her side, gently patting her master's heaving chest as she admonished, "Please don't be angry. Master Xu is an honest person, and he never lies. Why won't you listen?"

"You ungrateful disciple!" The Undefeated Grand Master glared furiously at her disciple.

After comforting her master, the plain-clothed woman, whose name was Yun Miaomiao, approached Xu Yan with an apologetic expression. "Please forgive my master, Master Xu. She may be temperamental, but she means no harm."

Xu Yan nodded, "It's fine."

"Thank you, Master Xu, for your mercy. Please accept this small token of my gratitude. I hope you won't reject it," Yun Miaomiao said as she personally handed a bag to Xu Yan. Her soft, white hands lingered on his for a moment, sending a tingle through his body.

Xu Yan's eyes lit up, and he replied with a cheerful laugh, "How could I possibly accept this? Miss Yun, you're too kind."

"You're welcome," Yun Miaomiao replied, reluctantly withdrawing her hand.

The Undefeated Grand Master was about to explode from her disciple's behavior. She was taking every opportunity to give gifts to that young man! What kind of charm did he possess?

"Master Xu, my name is Yun Miaomiao. Please be careful on Canglan Island," Yun Miaomiao said softly.

"Those few Peak Grand Masters are nothing to worry about, Miss Yun. Rest assured," Xu Yan assured her.

Finally, Xu Yan learned that the plain-clothed woman's name was Yun Miaomiao.

Recalling their first encounter at the Undefeated Pavilion, he couldn't help but marvel at her allure and beauty. Her name, Miaomiao, like a distant cloud, was indeed befitting, making her even more unforgettable.

However, her charms had no effect on him.

Yun Miaomiao wanted to say something more, but the Undefeated Grand Master was too embarrassed to linger. She pulled her disciple away, leaving in a rather pitiful state.

"Miss Yun is truly a kind and generous person. When I was tempering my mental state, she also helped me with all her strength. She's truly remarkable," Xu Yan praised.

Meng Chong nodded in agreement, while Xie Lingfeng remained silent, thinking to himself, 'Xu Yan truly has 'no heart for women.' His mental state is too profound for me to fathom. I am far from his level!'

Hu Shan's facial muscles twitched. These two brothers were too straightforward. Didn't they notice the subtle affection in her eyes?

He sank into thought, wondering if it was precisely because they were so single-minded and focused solely on martial arts that they became such monstrously powerful beings.

'Maybe I should change my ways too. I should stop overthinking and just focus on martial arts,' Hu Shan thought to himself.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end