Chapter 299: A Challenge at the Gates of the Thousand Martial Arts Temple

Chapter 299: A Challenge at the Gates of the Thousand Martial Arts Temple

At the foot of the Thousand Martial Arts Temple, a fierce battle was taking place, and the news spread like wildfire. More and more martial artists rushed to witness the spectacle, their faces filled with shock.

"Is it Sword God Xu Yan? The one who slew Yu Changfeng in Luo State?"

"Not just Yu Changfeng, but the master of the Sword Pavilion as well."

"Are all rogue cultivators so bold these days, challenging the Thousand Martial Arts Temple directly at their gates? Where is the dignity of the Super Spirit Sect?"

"Wow! Xu Yan is so powerful, and did you notice that his sword technique seems unusual?"

"Yes, I feel it's even more powerful than the sword techniques of the Thousand Martial Arts Temple."

The spectators whispered among themselves, intrigued by the battle.

On the peak of the Thousand Martial Arts Temple, the Temple Master and the elders glowered at the scene below, their faces grim.

According to their plan, the proud geniuses of the Super Spirit Sect would descend the mountain later, sweeping through their competitors and showcasing the sect's might. They would then use their overwhelming advantage to suppress the geniuses of the Myriad Age Alliance.

They were confident and had every reason to be. Even with the knowledge that the Myriad Age Alliance had Wu Tiannan backing them, and his terrifying strength, the foundation of the Super Spirit Sect was not something to be trifled with.

They had already begun pouring more resources into cultivating their geniuses, determined to emerge victorious in the upcoming Geniuses' Clash.

But now, someone had come to their very gates to issue a challenge. This was something they had never anticipated.

"What kind of sword technique is this?"

One of the Thousand Martial Arts Temple elders asked in a low voice, his eyes narrowed.

He himself cultivated the sword techniques of the temple, yet upon witnessing Xu Yan's swordplay, he felt as if he couldn't unsheathe his own sword!

"You can't discern it either?" The Temple Master inquired gravely.

"I feel ashamed to even draw my sword against him," the elder admitted, his expression somber. "My hard-earned sword technique seems like child's play in comparison."

The other elders were equally stunned by his words, for the speaker was none other than the foremost sword cultivator of the Thousand Martial Arts Temple, the Elder in Charge of the Sword!

"I feel the same way!" Another elder who cultivated sword techniques added, his face solemn.

"This young man must have stolen our Thousand Martial Arts Temple's sword techniques!" A third elder hissed, his eyes glittering with malice.

"Huang Liang went to Yu State because of this matter, and he ended up dead!" someone reminded them.

"Hmph, he's already at our doorstep. What is there to fear?" The first elder scoffed.

"But what about the rules of the Geniuses' Clash...?"

"Is he a genius of the Myriad Age Alliance? If not, why should we concern ourselves too much with him? Are you suggesting that Wu Tiannan would step in on behalf of this rogue cultivator?"

"Temple Master, what are your thoughts?" They turned to the Temple Master for guidance.

The Temple Master frowned in thought for a moment before replying, "The time is not yet right, and Xu Yan likely has a connection to Wu Tiannan. Otherwise, how could he have attained such an extraordinary sword technique? Remember, without his soft spot, Wu Tiannan is a force to be reckoned with, and we may not be able to stop him if he goes berserk. We will bide our time until the Divine Bridge is about to descend. By then, it won't be too late to make our move. Let's see what Wu Tiannan can do about it then."

The Elder in Charge of the Sword nodded in agreement. "You're right, Temple Master. The time is not yet ripe."

"Then what should we do about Xu Yan?" another elder asked, his brow furrowed.

"Among the geniuses of the Three Kingdoms, the Seven Sects, and the Eight Noble Families, surely there is someone capable of dealing with Xu Yan?" the Temple Master said coldly. "Let them take care of it."

The other elders nodded in assent. It wouldn't do for their own geniuses to respond directly to the challenge, as it would diminish their prestige.

So, they decided to set a condition: Xu Yan would have to defeat all the geniuses of the Three Kingdoms, the Seven Sects, and the Eight Noble Families before they would consider his challenge to their own geniuses.

At the gates of the Thousand Martial Arts Temple, the battle was drawing to a close. Xu Yan's sword flashed, and in an instant, his sword intent transformed into countless sword shapes, enveloping his opponent from the Thousand Martial Arts Temple.

The Life-and-Death Sword Wheel appeared in the blink of an eye, and as life and death alternated, the sword circled the opponent's neck, causing his head to fall.

With the Wind Sword Intent, Xu Yan's spirit dissipated, and his physical body turned to ash.

Xu Yan slashed down another warrior of the Thousand Martial Arts Temple and held his sword proudly as he gazed at the mountain gate. "Are all the geniuses of the Thousand Martial Arts Temple cowards who hide away?" he challenged.

The onlookers were shocked. The Thousand Martial Arts Temple was being slapped in the face, yet they didn't retaliate with overwhelming force to suppress the challenger?

Could there be some hidden agenda behind this Geniuses' Clash that even the Super Spirit Sect dared not defy?

"Xu Yan!"

A powerful elder of the Thousand Martial Arts Temple strode forward, his aura formidable. He seemed to have the might of the heavens and the earth condensed within him—a true powerhouse!

Xu Yan narrowed his eyes, ready to flee at any moment. This elder's aura was even stronger than Huang Liang's, and he knew he was no match for him.

"What's the matter, Thousand Martial Arts Temple? Have you run out of geniuses and only have these old fogies left?"

"As I heard, Xu Yan is indeed arrogant, and now I see it for myself!"

The onlooking martial artists sucked in a breath of cold air, astonished.

This was a peak expert, yet Xu Yan dared to treat him with such disdain.

Rage burned within Song Zeng, but he suppressed it, his voice cold as he spoke, "The Thousand Martial Arts Temple holds an esteemed position within the Super Spirit Sect. Our sect's geniuses are not ones that a mere vagrant cultivator like you can challenge as you please."

"You must first defeat all the geniuses of the Thousand Martial States before you can challenge our sect's geniuses. Otherwise, you are not qualified!"

Although they had been challenged at their own gates and two of their martial artists had been slain, affecting their reputation, it would not do to have their geniuses fight in response. That would only diminish their prestige.

If not for the rules of the Geniuses' Clash, they would have slapped Xu Yan to death already.

Alas, the Thousand Martial Arts Temple was being closely watched by Wu Tiannan. Any violation of the rules would give him a reason to strike.

The other sects of the Super Spirit Sect might not join forces with the Thousand Martial Arts Temple over this matter when it came to dealing with Wu Tiannan.

In the past, during the battle at the Myriad Star Martial Arts Institute, the previous Temple Master had intervened and crushed Wu Tiannan. Yet, the latter had managed to escape, and his strength had only grown since then, reaching the martial peak of the Spirit Realm!

Being watched by such a formidable opponent, the Thousand Martial Arts Temple could only endure for the time being.

"The Thousand Martial Arts Temple is indeed powerful. Their geniuses possess Spirit Body talents, and with a two-level difference, it would be difficult for me to suppress them with my current strength.

"Moreover, if I were to defeat all their geniuses, these old fellows would definitely not sit idly by. If they were to swarm me, it would be challenging for me to escape with my current strength.

"At that point, I would have to rely on my master's divine talisman, which is not ideal. I, Xu Yan, walk the path of the martial way and should not rely on my master's protection.

"I'm about to break through to the Divine Origin Realm soon. A few more battles, and I should be ready. Once I enter the Divine Origin Realm, there won't be much to fear."

Xu Yan's thoughts raced as he made his plans.

"Good. Then I, Xu Yan, shall suppress all the geniuses of the Thousand Martial States!"

Xu Yan nodded, his expression cold.

Song Zeng's face darkened. This Xu Yan was truly arrogant, intending to suppress all the geniuses of the Thousand Martial States by himself.

"I want to see how you plan to suppress the geniuses of the Thousand Martial States!" Song Zeng sneered.

The onlooking martial artists were suddenly energized. Things were about to get exciting in the Thousand Martial States, and the various geniuses would likely appear one after another.

"Where will Xu Yan go to challenge next? One of the Three Kingdoms, the Seven Sects, or the Eight Noble Families?"

"Definitely. They are all affiliated with the Thousand Martial Arts Temple."

The martial artists whispered among themselves.

Xu Yan's figure moved, retreating a few steps. Just when everyone thought he was about to leave, he raised his hand and slammed it downward.

Boom!

Hundreds of feet away from the mountain gate of the Thousand Martial Arts Temple, the earth surged and piled up. Soon, a platform tens of feet high, made of compacted soil, emerged.

Xu Yan stood on the flat platform, taking out unknown treasures and driving them into the four corners. In an instant, an unknown force gathered and condensed on the earthen platform.

As this power gathered, the platform, made of compacted soil, became as solid as a rock.

Xu Yan stood proudly on the platform, his sword in hand, and declared, "I, Sword God Xu Yan, challenge the geniuses of the Thousand Martial States outside the mountain gate of the Thousand Martial Arts Temple!"

The crowd of martial artists was stunned, their mouths agape. How bold was he?

They had assumed he would leave the mountain gate and challenge the various powers, but instead, he had directly set up a duel platform outside the mountain gate, challenging the geniuses of the Thousand Martial States from all directions.

Song Zeng's face turned green with anger. "You dare to be so presumptuous, Xu Yan!"

Xu Yan turned to look at him and said, "This was your suggestion, wasn't it? That I should defeat all the geniuses of the Thousand Martial States before challenging your sect's geniuses. The Thousand Martial States is so vast, and it would be tiring for me to travel everywhere by myself.

"Setting up a duel platform in front of your mountain gate is much more convenient, and it will be easier for you, the Thousand Martial Arts Temple, to watch. This way, you can't deny my victories after I defeat all the geniuses of the Thousand Martial States."

Song Zeng's face darkened. Xu Yan's words were not entirely unreasonable, but setting up a duel platform right in front of their mountain gate was akin to slapping them in the face!

"Xu Yan, do you think you can act so recklessly just because of the rules of the Geniuses' Clash?" Song Zeng glared at him, his eyes sharp.

"I, Xu Yan, have never paid any attention to the socalled rules. Rules are meant to bind the weak, and I have always broken them. Your Super Spirit Sect's rules are nothing but rubbish in my eyes.

"Today, I challenge the geniuses of the Thousand Martial States right here. If you are dissatisfied, send out your sect's geniuses to fight me.

"If you want to bully the weak, then go ahead and make your move. After all, everyone says that the Thousand Martial Arts Temple is the most shameless..."

Xu Yan looked at Song Zeng with a contemptuous expression, his posture and demeanor exuding disdain. He goaded Song Zeng, causing the anger within him to rise, his face turning red as his aura surged. Instinctively, he gripped the handle of his blade.

The Thousand Martial Arts Temple was infamous for its shamelessness, even more so than the other sects and clans in the Spirit Realm. This was a widely acknowledged fact.

However, no one had ever dared to call out the Thousand Martial Arts Temple as the most shameless to their face.

Today, they were witnessing history!

There was a bold warrior who had the guts to say those words right in front of the Thousand Martial Arts Temple!

Song Zeng's face turned red with anger. He had never been so humiliated, especially by a vagrant cultivator like Xu Yan, who was openly disdainful and insulting.

If he swallowed this insult, how would he be any better than a turtle that hid in its shell?

Xu Yan must die!

"Xu Yan, no matter who is backing you, you will not leave here alive today..." Song Zeng gritted his teeth, his hand tightening around his blade as he channeled the power of the heavens and earth, preparing to strike down the detestable youngster on the platform.

However, his expression suddenly changed as he sensed a faint, yet powerful, aura locking onto him. A strong sense of danger filled his mind.

At the same time, the Temple Master of the Thousand Martial Arts Temple moved with lightning speed, reaching the clouds in an instant. His face was solemn, and his eyes were filled with caution.

Within the sect, a powerful force began to gather, ready to be unleashed at a moment's notice.

Song Zeng retreated to stand with the elders, his gaze fixed on the sky above, his expression grave.

Xu Yan was taken aback for a moment, but then he smiled faintly as he, too, looked up.

"Impressive!"

At that moment, he felt a chill run down his spine.

"His strength far surpasses Huang Liang. If he decides to make a move, I would have no choice but to use Master's divine talisman to escape."

Xu Yan couldn't help but take this threat seriously.

"I am still too weak. Even if I haven't reached the Divine Transcendence Realm, I should at least be at the peak of the Spirit Realm to stand a chance against such an opponent."

With his keen senses, Xu Yan could feel an immense power gathering in the sky above, far beyond the simple convergence of heavenly energy or the channeling of heavenly laws.

"Could it be the power of heavenly rules?" Xu Yan wondered.

In the clouds above, a man who resembled a teacher, holding a book in one hand and a ruler in the other, seemed completely oblivious to the angry gaze of the Temple Master.

"Wu Tiannan!" The Temple Master gritted his teeth. "How dare you show your face at my Thousand Martial Arts Temple? Do you not fear being crushed?"

Wu Tiannan turned a page of his book and replied with a smile, "You can certainly try. I, Wu Tiannan, am here to oversee the Geniuses' Clash and ensure that no one breaks the rules.

"After all, everyone knows that the Thousand Martial Arts Temple is the most shameless, even that little boy down there knows it."

"Hmph, we'll see how long you can keep up your arrogance!" The Temple Master sneered.

With Wu Tiannan's appearance, it was clear to everyone that he was the powerful backer behind Xu Yan.

The Temple Master returned to the sect's gates and said in a low voice, "Wu Tiannan has arrived, and Xu Yan is most likely his disciple. Otherwise, why would he come directly to our mountain gates to challenge us?

"Gather all the geniuses from the Three Kingdoms, the Seven Sects, and the Eight Noble Families, and offer a great reward to anyone who defeats Xu Yan, regardless of their location within the Thousand Martial States!"

The Temple Master's orders were met with solemn nods from the elders.

Wu Tiannan, too, was puzzled as he stood in the clouds. "Xu Yan's sword technique is so profound and unique; I've never heard of it before. Where did he learn such a technique?"

For a vagrant cultivator to directly challenge the Thousand Martial Arts Temple at their mountain gates, he must have incredible confidence and courage.

Even the infamous Blood Spirit from the past had never been so brazen!

News of Xu Yan's challenge at the gates of the Thousand Martial Arts Temple spread like wildfire throughout the Thousand Martial States.

The entire region was shaken by the news, and everyone was astounded by Xu Yan's boldness and bravery.

What surprised them even more was the fact that the Thousand Martial Arts Temple did not use their overwhelming power to suppress Xu Yan but instead allowed him to continue challenging their geniuses at their mountain gates.

"Xu Yan, do not let your arrogance be your downfall. The top genius of the Thousand Martial Arts Temple is not someone you can challenge. Today, I will be the one to cut you down!"

A figure sped toward Xu Yan with lightning speed.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end