22: Challenge Hu Junfeng

After a moment of thought, Lu Xingchen still chose the Azure Cloud Wings.

Compared to offensive methods, he still preferred a trump card that could save his life.

Without Li Yan holding them back, everyone returned much faster.

It only took one day and one night for the group to return to Lingxiao Sect.

Lu Xingchen continued his routine of Alchemy in the morning and hunting Yao Beasts for experience in the afternoon.

However, the experience needed for leveling up was simply too much; even after five days, he hadn't managed to advance a single level.

This day, Lu Xingchen was in the Alchemy room, performing Alchemy.

Suddenly, a sharp voice echoed throughout Little Bamboo Peak.

"Lu Xingchen, get out here!"

Hearing this voice, Lu Xingchen felt a sense of unease.

To be able to amplify one's voice with Qi to be heard by everyone on Little Bamboo Peak, the person's strength must be considerable.

But he had always been on good terms with everyone in Lingxiao Sect; besides Xiao Yue, did he have any other enemies?

This was clearly a man's voice.

Lu Xingchen stopped his Alchemy and said to Lin Qingzhu, "Peak Master, I'll go take a look."

Lin Qingzhu nodded slightly: "I'll go with you. Although Hu Junfeng is the Saint of Lingxiao Sect, he cannot bully fellow Disciples casually."

Only then did Lu Xingchen realize that the one causing trouble was none other than the Saint, Hu Junfeng.

It must be because he inherited the Shadow Sword Art.

The two arrived at the foot of the peak, and Lu Xingchen finally saw the legendary Hu Junfeng.

He wore a blue robe, was slender, with sword-like brows and starry eyes, and his robe was embroidered with lotus patterns, making him appear as ethereal as an Immortal.

Lu Xingchen still held some admiration for this Saint of Lingxiao Sect.

For no other reason than his powerful strength.

"Junior greets Senior Brother Hu Junfeng! May I ask what important matter Senior Brother has for me?"

Hu Junfeng said coldly: "I just confessed to Junior Sister Wanqing, but she said her heart already belongs to someone."

"It just so happens that you are the inheritor of the Shadow Sword Art, and we were bound to fight sooner or later. Now you've also snatched Junior Sister Wanqing. I think, let's not wait any longer. Let's decide who is superior right now!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Xingchen was greatly surprised.

No wonder Hu Junfeng was so attentive to Miss Wanqing; he wanted to pursue her.

After these days of getting along, Lu Xingchen had long since fallen for her, but had simply never broken through that invisible barrier.

Now that Lin Wanqing had brought up the matter herself, how could he back down?

But Lu Xingchen still didn't want to fight Hu Junfeng, because the chances of winning were too low.

Lu Xingchen said in a deep voice: "Senior Brother Hu, the feelings between Miss Wanqing and I have accumulated over a long time, and it's a natural progression. Feelings don't distinguish between status or Realm; even if you defeat me, Miss Wanqing won't fall in love with you."

Hu Junfeng snorted coldly: "Feelings can be cultivated slowly. As long as I get rid of you, this bothersome person, Junior Sister Wanqing will surely change her mind."

Lu Xingchen: "This isn't fair. You are three years older than me, and your Realm is so much higher than mine. How can I fight you?"

Hu Junfeng said indifferently: "I know that. You are a Four-Star Martial Master, right? I can suppress my Realm to that of a Four-Star Martial Master. We will fight at the same Realm. If you lose, you must get out of Lingxiao Sect!"

Lu Xingchen's heart stirred.

He was a Transmigrator after all, backed by the System.

If it was a fight at the same Realm, why would he fear Hu Junfeng?

He could both confirm his relationship with Miss Wanqing and complete Fu Xin's request to improve the quality of his shadow sword.

Why not take such a profitable deal?

Lu Xingchen nodded heavily: "Alright, I accept this challenge! If you lose, you can no longer harass Miss Wanqing."

Hu Junfeng nodded slightly: "It's a deal!"

Lu Xingchen then looked at Lin Qingzhu: "Peak Master, I trouble you to be a witness for us."

Lin Qingzhu said in a deep voice: "Lu Xingchen, you must consider this carefully. Hu Junfeng is, after all, the Saint of Lingxiao Sect. Even if he suppresses his Realm, his strength is not comparable to an ordinary Four-Star Martial Master."

Lu Xingchen chuckled: "My strength is also not comparable to an ordinary Four-Star Martial Master. Peak Master, you can rest assured."

Lin Qingzhu sighed softly, saying nothing more.

The three walked together towards the arena.

On the way, Lu Xingchen checked his System panel.

[Host: Lu Xingchen]

[Realm: Four-Star Martial Master]

[Experience: 410 / 500]

[exchange points: 420]

[Talents: Eagle Eye (20), Strong Strike (20), Berserk (16), Blade Edge (20), Jade Shatter (30)]

[Profession: First-Grade Alchemist (15 / 100)]

With 20 remaining talent points, Lu Xingchen put them all into "Berserk."

[Berserk (36): Critical hit rate increased by 70%, critical hit damage increased by 35%.]

With such a high critical hit rate, basically every normal attack could land a critical hit.

This way, he would have a higher chance of winning against Hu Junfeng.

Hu Junfeng's earlier shout had already alarmed all the Disciples of Little Bamboo Peak. As the three walked towards the arena, the news spread instantly.

A large number of Lingxiao Sect Disciples flocked to the arena, ready to watch this exciting duel.

"It's Senior Brother Hu! I finally get to see him in person today! He's so handsome!"

"What's the name of the person challenging Senior Brother Hu? Lu-something-chen? Never heard of him."

"Lu Xingchen, he ranked tenth in the new Disciple assessment, but was rejected by all the Peak Masters and eventually went to Little Bamboo Peak."

"A new Disciple dares to challenge Senior Brother Hu? Is he out of his mind?"

Without exception, the audience's opinions were unanimously in favor of Hu Junfeng.

Hu Junfeng was not only powerful but also handsome, the face of Lingxiao Sect, and held extremely high prestige among the Disciples.

Lu Xingchen and Hu Junfeng both stepped onto the stage.

Hearing the cheers and shouts of encouragement from the surrounding Disciples, Hu Junfeng's lips curled slightly upward.

This feeling of being the center of attention had always been his driving force.

"Lu Xingchen, it seems everyone is more optimistic about me," Hu Junfeng said with a proud look.

Lu Xingchen said indifferently: "When I knock you to the ground, they won't be laughing anymore."

"Hmph! What big words!"

Lin Qingzhu stood in the center of the stage and announced loudly: "Hu Junfeng needs to suppress his Realm to a Four-Star Martial Master. You lose if you surrender, and you lose if you fall off the stage. Stop before killing blows, understand?"

"Understood!" both said simultaneously.

Just then, Lin Wanqing, who had heard the news, rushed to the arena and shouted loudly: "Wait!"

She then walked up to Lu Xingchen, and said nervously: "Big Strong One, are you crazy? He is a Saint!"

Lu Xingchen chuckled: "Miss Wanqing, you must have faith in me. For our future happiness, I must defeat Hu Junfeng."

Upon hearing this, Lin Wanqing's pretty face flushed slightly: "What are you talking about? I haven't agreed to anything."

Lu Xingchen smiled: "Then I'm proposing it to you now. If I defeat Hu Junfeng, will you be with me? How about it?"