54: bet

Although she was a woman he had snatched away, she was still his Dual Cultivation partner, so this investment was necessary.

By helping her increase her strength as quickly as possible, he would also gain the maximum benefit from their Dual Cultivation.

Lu Yuner was stunned on the spot, her small hand covering her lips, unable to speak for a long time.

In the past, when she followed Li Jian, being given a single qi gathering pill would have been a blessing from the heavens.

Xiao Chen smiled slightly. "Take it. I'll see how you perform in the future."

Only after seeing the serious look in Xiao Chen's eyes did Lu Yuner dare to reach out and take it. Then, she threw herself into Xiao Chen's arms and began to cry loudly.

Perhaps it was the release of long-held grievances, or perhaps she felt that her choice had finally been rewarded.

Having lost her virginity to Xiao Chen and having her body completely claimed by him, she had chosen to depend on him.

In truth, Xiao Chen's heart was also filled with mixed emotions. Initially, it was because he had won a wager against Li Jian that he had forcibly taken her as his own.

If it weren't for the fact that she had been a virgin, Xiao Chen might not have felt so much pity; at most, he would have treated her as a Cauldron to play with.

[Ding! Detected that the current female, Lu Yuner, has significantly increased her affection value toward the Host. Current affection value is 70 points. Host, would you like to bind with her?]

"No need."

[Ding!...]

Xiao Chen still felt some reservations about this Dual Cultivation partner he had snatched, and he wanted to test her further.

Seeing that it was broad daylight, Xiao Chen bid Lu Yuner farewell, then stepped onto his Flying Sword and flew toward the Inner Sect.

As for the two young girls, Qin Xianger and Ye Qinghe, Xiao Chen did not intend to look for them. They needed to figure things out for themselves.

Since Song Shuting had ruined things last time and their affection values had dropped to 40 points, they hadn't increased, but they hadn't decreased either. This showed that they were actually struggling internally.

If he took the initiative to find them, it would mean admitting he was wrong. It was better to let them think it through and come to him themselves.

For now, he had to get back to the Cultivation Room as soon as possible. Otherwise, if his Revered Master asked for another massage, everything would be exposed.

Just as Xiao Chen was approaching the Inner Sect, a familiar blue figure happened to fly out from the Mountain Gate.

The two stood facing each other from dozens of yards away. When enemies meet, their eyes blaze with hatred.

Yang Yunkang's feminine face suddenly twisted. "You Qi Refining Stage trash, you really are everywhere!"

"And you, a piece of trash accustomed to superiority, are as self-righteous as ever," Xiao Chen retorted without backing down.

"Hahahaha..."

Yang Yunkang suddenly burst into laughter, seemingly not expecting that an Outer Sect Disciple at the Qi Refining Stage would have the nerve to mock someone else.

"What? Is there something wrong with calling you trash?"

"I am thirty-two years old and already at the Golden Core Stage Fourth Level. If I am trash, then what are you, forty years old and only at the Qi Refining Stage?"

"Do you have any skills other than bullying the weak? Calling you trash is a compliment!"

"Good! You piece of filth, you've successfully enraged me!" Yang Yunkang's face darkened instantly, and he clenched his fists until his knuckles cracked.

In the distance, the four patrolling Disciples at the Mountain Gate looked over with identical expressions of curiosity.

They apparently hadn't expected a Qi Refining Stage cultivator to dare challenge a Golden Core Stage expert. It was simply seeking death.

"If you have the guts, suppress your Realm to Qi Refining Sixth Level and fight me fairly! Life or death will be left to fate!"

"Hahahaha..." Yang Yunkang laughed loudly, as if he had heard the biggest joke of his life.

"What? You don't dare?"

"Fine! Since you're seeking death, this Young Master will give you the chance today!"

Yang Yunkang looked at him playfully. Even if a Golden Core Stage cultivator suppressed their Realm, their comprehension of the immortal path and sword techniques far exceeded those of the Qi Refining Stage.

Hearing the conversation between the two, the patrolling Disciples nearby began to mock them.

"Is this guy's brain fried? A Qi Refining Stage cultivator clamoring to fight a Golden Core Stage expert at the same Realm?"

"Look at him. He's older than us but hasn't even reached Foundation Establishment. Just another ignorant country bumpkin!"

"Exactly! Daring to offend a Sect Prodigy, he's really tired of living!"

"People like this existing is an insult to intelligence... though, I feel like I've seen him somewhere before..."

Xiao Chen glared fiercely at them, then turned to Yang Yunkang. "Let's go. I'll see you at the Outer Sect Martial Arts Arena!"

The corners of Yang Yunkang's mouth curled up as he followed unhurriedly behind Xiao Chen, preventing him from escaping.

One after the other, they crossed layers of mountains. Before long, a large, empty square appeared amidst the peaks ahead.

A massive Martial Arts Arena stood above the square. Two Outer Sect Disciples were currently sparring, their swords clashing as Sword Qi hummed.

Below, the crowd surged, looking up in anticipation and cheering.

Yang Yunkang's figure flashed as he appeared at the edge of the arena. His Golden Core Stage aura was fully revealed, causing the crowd to marvel.

"It's Yang Yunkang, Senior Brother Yang!" someone in the crowd cried out in surprise.

The area below the stage instantly became rowdy. Clearly, as a Sect Prodigy, he was extremely popular within the Sect and was rarely seen.

"Heavens, it's actually Senior Brother Yang!" An Outer Sect female Disciple couldn't help but look infatuated.

"An Inner Sect Prodigy actually coming to the Outer Sect arena, this is truly a first."

"You don't understand. He's at the Golden Core Stage with high sword cultivation. He must be here to guide the newcomers in their sword techniques."

"Wow! As expected of Senior Brother Yang, so magnanimous!"

Amidst the marvelous discussions below the stage, Yang Yunkang gave a sharp shout, interrupting everyone's thoughts: "You two, get down!"

The two sparring on the stage were confused, but after seeing Yang Yunkang's powerful aura, they tactfully flew off the arena.

"Eh? What's going on?" The onlookers were all puzzled.

With a flash of his body, Yang Yunkang reached the center of the arena, one hand behind his back, looking every bit the superior figure.

Xiao Chen no longer hesitated and flew down to land opposite him, the two of them less than twenty yards apart.

Then, Yang Yunkang reached out and tapped his forehead. His Golden Core Stage pressure rapidly decreased, only stopping when it reached Qi Refining Sixth Level.

"This... what's the situation? Are they going to duel?"

"Looking at this setup, it's definitely a duel."

"A Qi Refining Stage Disciple dueling a Golden Core Stage Prodigy? Is he brain-dead?"

"Isn't he? Cultivation can be suppressed, but can a Golden Core Stage Divine Sense be suppressed? Can sword cultivation be suppressed?"

"Look at him, he's at least forty years old and only at Qi Refining Sixth Level. He looks like his brain isn't quite right."

Hearing the crowd's discussions, Yang Yunkang couldn't help but feel a hint of pride. Looking at Xiao Chen, he said, "How about we make a wager?"

"What wager?"

"Whoever loses must let the other plant a Divine Sense Brand and become a lifelong slave."