Chapter 37: Facing Li Zikun

The martial stage was teeming with people, a sea of faces stretching as far as the eye could see. The moment Bai Feiyu stepped onto the platform, the crowd erupted in fervor. Bai Feiyu was different from those disciples who had long since made their names; he was a newly promoted inner disciple, having only recently entered the inner sect. Yet, among all the disciples of the Gui Xu Sect, Bai Feiyu was perhaps the most renowned. For a long time to come, he would likely remain the sect’s most popular figure; if things went well, he alone could command a hefty sum in endorsement fees as the sect’s star. But first, Bai Feiyu had to survive this battle.

“See that? That’s Bai Feiyu.”

“My god, he still looks so confident. Does he even know the meaning of fear?”

“I don’t believe it. There’s no way he can turn the tables today! It’s impossible!”

Many disciples whispered among themselves, some furtively borrowing money to place bets. Everyone wanted to stake big and reap greater rewards.

In the judges’ stand, the sect’s leading figures had all assembled. The Sect Master, the Grand Elder, and others were present to witness the duel firsthand. The attention drawn by this contest was immense, for it concerned whether a peerless genius would destroy his own future or forge ahead bravely. They had to see it for themselves.

“Grand Elder, do you think Bai Feiyu can win?” The Sect Master’s tone was intriguing.

“Replying to the Sect Master, I cannot say for certain. But since the boy dares to challenge, he must have some hidden cards,” the Grand Elder replied.

Everyone’s gaze was fixed on Bai Feiyu, eager to know the final outcome. After all, Li Zikun’s strength was well known; otherwise, the danger would not be so high, nor would the rewards be so generous.

“Let’s wait and see. I’m rather looking forward to this youngster’s performance!” The Sect Master said with interest.

“Indeed. Let’s hope our Gui Xu Sect gains another peerless talent, so when we compete with other sects in the future, our reputation will be preserved!” The Grand Elder agreed, his expression as calm as still water, betraying no true emotion.

Below the stage, Chen Xuan and his companions arrived early. Since Bai Feiyu had chastised him a few days ago, Chen Xuan’s mood had been sour, and he scarcely dared to leave his quarters. He even relaxed his cultivation for fear his grandfather would discover what had happened. If the truth came out that he kept a bunch of useless followers, his grandfather would surely kill him.

In the past two days, Chen Xuan had pawned many possessions and borrowed a good number of spirit stones, all to bet on Bai Feiyu’s defeat. He firmly believed Bai Feiyu would lose; after all, his opponent was Li Zikun. Li Zikun’s demonic arts allowed him to dominate battles against peers—how could Bai Feiyu possibly stand a chance?

Soon, Bai Feiyu stepped onto the stage under the gaze of thousands. Li Zikun was led up as well. Upon first seeing Li Zikun, Bai Feiyu was surprised; the youth’s attire and appearance marked him as no more than a young man. Yet, his face was etched with iron determination and ruthless coldness—one could only imagine how many had perished by his hand.

“You are Bai Feiyu?” Li Zikun asked.

“And you must be Li Zikun?” Bai Feiyu replied. The next moment, Li Zikun gave a venomous smile.

“So it was you who found my whereabouts, leading to my capture. And now you wish to challenge me, to prove yourself and become the peerless prodigy of Gui Xu Sect?” Li Zikun’s tone was disdainful, his face full of mockery.

“What gives you confidence? Your cultivation at the third stage of the Hao Qi Realm?”

Bai Feiyu merely smiled, refusing to argue further with this demonic cultivator. After all, what was there to say to a man doomed to die?

“Hmph, how arrogant. Even I was never so bold in my youth. But then again, you flowers raised in the greenhouse are bound to be arrogant, never having seen the world beyond. What a pity—my skills are wasted, and now I’m left to kill minor characters like you.”

“Back then, when I emerged, how many did I slaughter? And now, the one who discovered my hideout is to be my final victim. Truly unfortunate,” Li Zikun said, his tone tinged with nostalgia and regret. Clearly, the deeds he had committed for his cultivation were countless and heinous.

Bai Feiyu felt a chill run through him, losing all desire for a prolonged battle. He only wished to defeat this villain swiftly and then torment him for a while.

“Garuda Fist!” Bai Feiyu shouted. Instantly, his fist turned golden, Buddhist radiance rising as if a great Buddha had descended.

Li Zikun laughed coldly, “Great Sumeru Demon Palm!” A wave of demonic flame surged from him, weaving around his arm and finally enveloping his palm.

“That... That’s the highest realm of the Garuda Fist—the Garuda itself! How did he learn the Garuda Fist?”

“The legendary Garuda realm has appeared in this youngster, and in just a few days his cultivation has improved greatly! My heavens, this is a major event for Gui Xu Sect—a peerless genius!”

“Elder Protector, quickly, send more men to guard Bai Feiyu. No matter what, Bai Feiyu must not die at Li Zikun’s hands. If Bai Feiyu dies, you Protectors will have to commit collective suicide!”

Seeing Bai Feiyu manifest the Garuda, the Sect Master was so shocked he nearly forgot his dignity. Such a talent appears once in ten thousand years—he must not be lost to a demonic cultivator.

If this prodigy were to perish merely because of the rules he himself had set, it would be utter folly. As long as you are strong and gifted enough, all previous words can be disregarded.

Arrogant? That flaw can be cured. The most important thing is for him to survive; only then can he grow.

The Protectors’ faces were full of bitterness at the Sect Master’s urgent command. The battle was about to begin, and it was uncertain if they could intervene in time. If not, even though one Protector was already present to safeguard Bai Feiyu, a single misstep would spell disaster for them all.

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