46: Chapter 46 Chu Youcai steps on Yu Qing and makes harsh remarks; Li Siwen issues a challenge in public.

At dawn, Li Siwen (Li Shiwen) hurried along the stone path in the Utility Area of the Xuanjian Sect, worried about Yu Qing's injuries.

However, just as he was about to pass through a relatively secluded clearing in the woods, his path was directly blocked by several figures.

The leader, dressed in Outer Sect Disciple attire and with a beautiful jade hanging from his waist, had a condescending and arrogant smile on his Face. It was none other than Chu Youcai!

Behind him followed four or five Disciples with considerable Aura, one of whom was clearly at the Marrow Cleansing Stage, while the others were at Aperture Opening Completion. They were obviously his lackeys and followers.

Chu Youcai's gaze shamelessly lingered on “Li Shiwen,” an undisguised look of admiration and greed flashing in his eyes, a self-satisfied smile playing on his lips.

"Tsk tsk tsk, I wondered who was in such a hurry early in the morning. So it's Junior Sister Shiwen. After a few days, Junior Sister's cultivation has advanced remarkably, and your demeanor... is even more captivating."

His words were frivolous, carrying an undisguised hint of teasing.

Li Siwen paused, his delicate brows slightly furrowed, his eyes instantly turning cold.

He didn't want to cause trouble, especially when he was anxious to visit Yu Qing, but trouble had clearly come knocking.

"Senior Brother Chu, do you need something?" Li Siwen's voice was clear and cold, devoid of any emotion.

"Of course, and it's good news."

Chu Youcai stepped forward, closing in on Li Siwen, and lowered his voice slightly as he spoke:

"I heard that Junior Sister's talent is astonishing, reaching Aperture Opening Completion in just a few days, and will soon be promoted to Outer Sect? Truly commendable! How can a Fairy with both talent and beauty like Junior Sister associate with those mediocre individuals?"

He paused, his voice laced with temptation: "Come with me, how about it? Resources, status, future... as long as you nod, they'll be within reach, a hundred times better than struggling on your own!"

Seeing Li Siwen's expressionless Face, he thought "she" was weighing her options, so he upped the stakes, his tone even carrying a hint of threatening "frankness":

"As for that small incident with Yu Qing earlier... hehe, Junior Sister also saw, he's just a mere Aperture Opening Stage good-for-nothing. What if he died or was crippled? Am I, Chu Youcai, not perfectly safe? Just spend some Yuan Stones and Medicinal Pills, and plenty of people will rush to take the blame for me!"

His followers immediately chimed in, chattering:

"Junior Sister Li, for Senior Brother Chu to fancy you is an immense blessing!"

"Follow Senior Brother Chu, and you can walk sideways in the Xuanjian Sect from now on. Who would dare not give you Face?"

"Yu Qing brought it upon himself for being blind! Why should Junior Sister dwell on a good-for-nothing?"

"A wise person submits to circumstances, Junior Sister!"

Chu Youcai listened to his followers' support, his Face growing even more triumphant, as if he had already secured “Li Shiwen.”

He thought this display of “strength” and “promise of future” would be enough to make this seemingly delicate female Disciple comply.

However, they did not know that these words would only backfire, making Li Siwen despise them even more.

His eyes were utterly cold, and the Aura around him seemed to chill even further.

Some passing Disciples had already been attracted by the commotion and stopped to watch from afar.

Hearing Chu Youcai's words, many showed indignation, but intimidated by the Chu family's power and the strength of Chu Youcai's lackeys, no one dared to speak out in rebuke, only daring to be angry but not daring to speak.

"Finished?" Li Siwen finally spoke, his voice terrifyingly calm, yet carrying a biting chill.

Chu Youcai was startled.

Li Siwen raised his eyes, those clear eyes now sharp as swords, piercing directly at Chu Youcai: "Senior Brother Chu's 'kindness,' I appreciate it. It's just a pity that I, Li Shiwen, am insignificant and have little fortune, so I fear I cannot climb up to a great tree like you."

He paused, his voice suddenly turning sharp, each word clear: "And I am even less fortunate to enjoy such a 'future' where you treat fellow Disciples like dirt, abuse your power, and use despicable methods!"

"You—!" Chu Youcai's smile instantly froze, turning ashen.

He never expected that the other party would not only refuse but also dare to openly rebuke him! This was a blatant slap in the Face!

This was the second time!

The second time he had his Face completely swept away by this small Utility Disciple!

A ferocious glint flashed in his eyes. Suppressing his anger, his voice became gloomy: "Li Shiwen! Don't be ungrateful! You refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit! Do you think having a bit of talent makes you extraordinary?"

He took a step forward, pressing with Evil Qi, his tone carrying a naked threat: "Do you believe that I can have someone cripple you right now? Within this Sect, even if I cripple you on the spot, at most I'll receive some minor, insignificant punishment! Do you believe it or not?!"

The Outer Sect Disciple at the Early stage of Marrow Cleansing behind him cooperated with a cold laugh, stepping forward, his powerful Aura locking onto Li Siwen.

The surrounding air instantly became extremely tense!

The observing Disciples' hearts were in their throats, fearing that a conflict would erupt at any moment.

Chu Youcai stared intently at Li Siwen, seemingly still wanting to see fear and submission on “her” Face, to give him one last step down.

However, Li Siwen (Li Shiwen), facing this naked threat, not only did not back down but instead curled his lips into a cold and mocking arc.

"I believe it!" Li Siwen's voice was still calm, but carried an undeniable resoluteness, "Senior Brother Chu's power is immense, so naturally, he can do it."

He changed his tone, his gaze like lightning, looking directly at Chu Youcai: "Therefore, there's no need to wait for later."

"On the day I officially advance to the Outer Sect, the first thing I, Li Shiwen, will do, is to formally challenge you according to the Sect rules!"

"On the arena, life and death are up to fate! At that time, I will personally reclaim this debt for Senior Brother Yu Qing from you! I will make you pay the price you deserve for your actions!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire place erupted in an uproar!

All the watching Disciples were stunned!

A Utility Disciple who had just reached Aperture Opening Completion (they thought) actually dared to actively challenge a Chu family Disciple at Marrow Cleansing Perfection with a deep background?! And it was a life-and-death arena match?!

This was simply insane!

Chu Youcai was also stunned, then as if he had heard the biggest joke, he laughed out loud in anger: "Hahahaha! Challenge me? Just with you? An Aperture Opening good-for-nothing? Hahahaha! You truly overestimate yourself, seeking death!"

He looked at Li Siwen as if he were looking at an idiot, his Face full of ridicule.

Just then, the Outer Sect Disciple at the Marrow Cleansing Stage who had been watching with cold eyes beside Chu Youcai, a fierce glint flashed in his eyes.

He proactively stepped forward, cupping his hands to Chu Youcai and saying: "Senior Brother Chu, why do you need to personally act? Save yourself the trouble and avoid being laughed at for bullying a Utility Disciple."

He then turned to Li Siwen, his tone grim: "A mere Aperture Opening Disciple dares to spout nonsense here and disrespect Senior Brother Chu? Truly ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth!"

"Li Shiwen, if you kneel now and kowtow to Senior Brother Chu in apology, offering yourself to him, perhaps you can still keep your worthless life! Otherwise..."

Before he finished speaking, his cultivation at the Early stage of Marrow Cleansing erupted, and a powerful Aura pressed directly towards Li Siwen!

"Otherwise, I don't mind teaching you what 'rules' are on behalf of Senior Brother Chu right now!"