Free Web NovelChapter 1924: Chapter 1924: No Battle!
When he first arrived at Dao Village, Huangfu Xuanming heard about the arrival of the Ninth Palace’s new disciple.
At that time, he had already set his sights on Qin Chen.
Saber Saint Cliff’s Ninth Palace has a renowned reputation in Qian State, and for the Huangfu Family, this was an opportunity to gain fame.
Yuan Sha forced a smile and said, "Let’s not do this, after all, today’s occasion is not suitable for combat. Everyone is drinking and laughing; let’s not ruin the mood."
He deeply regretted not stopping Qin Chen from coming to Dao Village.
Now his situation was very awkward.
"Vice Palace Master Yuan, it’s just a duel between the same realm. I’m not taking advantage of him. Is he afraid to fight?"
Huangfu Hao spoke.
Huangfu Xuanming said, "Brother Yoan, today at this Dao Lake night feast amidst the gathering of clouds, our Saber Saint Cliff and the Huangfu Family are both top forces within Qian State. A duel would only add to the excitement of the feast."
"Moreover, victory or defeat is not important; the main focus is on exchange and sparring, that’s all."
Quite a few gazes from nearby focused on them. As Huangfu Xuanming mentioned, both Saber Saint Cliff and the Huangfu Family were established entities in Qian State.
The former is known as Qian State’s top Sword Cultivator Sect.
The latter is reputed as Qian State’s top Noble Family.
"It’s said that last year Saber Saint Cliff suffered humiliation at the hands of the Huangfu Family, and it seems another conflict might arise this year."
"Saber Saint Cliff has been in decline recently, and who knows what the outcome will be tonight."
...
Though Huangfu Xuanming said victory or defeat didn’t matter, everyone knew it mattered a great deal.
Huangfu Hao looked at Qin Chen: "Don’t worry, I know you’re much younger than me, so as an elder, I’ll go easy on you. No need to be afraid."
He appeared very magnanimous.
But isn’t that just a form of disdain?
Seeing no other option, Yuan Sha acknowledged that with so many eyes watching, if he refused the duel, Saber Saint Cliff might be subject to criticism.
He immediately ordered, "Qin Chen, have a duel with Huangfu Hao in the same realm for friendly competition, friends first, victory second."
Huangfu Hao’s face revealed a smile.
The idea of a duel in the same realm sounded fair.
However, those with a higher realm would undoubtedly surpass those of a lower realm in aspects like combat experience, reaction speed, adaptability, and tactics.
The cultivation may be the same realm, but in all else, he was bound to be ahead of Qin Chen.
Thus, he believed victory was assured.
The Ninth Palace disciples of Saber Saint Cliff!
Ye Wutian’s junior brother.
Although Huangfu Hao was talented, he wasn’t absolutely top-tier within the Huangfu Family.
And across the whole Qian State, few people knew of Huangfu Hao.
But after this duel, he believed his fame would begin.
Huangfu Xuanming transmitted a message to Huangfu Hao: "Later, beat him mercilessly. As long as no life is lost, I’ll handle the rest."
Friendly match?
It’s just a facade.
This duel, not only must the Huangfu Family win, but win beautifully, giving no reason for Dream Saber Lord to trouble them afterward.
The surrounding onlookers’ attention increased as they discovered Qin Chen was a disciple of the Ninth Palace from Saber Saint Cliff, and they were all startled.
Their curiosity also grew.
But to their surprise, Qin Chen merely glanced at Yuan Sha and calmly responded, "I will not fight."
Why should he fight?
Just because Yuan Sha asked him to?
It was Yuan Sha who previously told him not to come, who asked him to refuse the battle, and now it was Yuan Sha asking him to fight.
What did they take Qin Chen for?
A plaything at their disposal?
And there’s another point.
Honestly speaking, Qin Chen had no interest in dueling Huangfu Hao.
Qin Chen didn’t need to fight Huangfu Hao to know his strength, roughly at Tribulation Transformation Third Layer, about the same as Gao Yu.
Of course, he surpassed Gao Yu easily.
But in Qin Chen’s eyes, Tribulation Transformation Third Layer was hardly worth consideration, even if Qin Chen hadn’t undergone Body Tribulation Transformation, he could easily crush him.
The faces around them froze.
They stared at Qin Chen in astonishment, having not expected him to refuse even after Yuan Sha agreed and directly asked him to fight.
Yuan Sha’s face immediately darkened.
Honestly, he was in a bad mood because of Huangfu Xuanming’s targeting.
Now, Qin Chen was disregarding him?
He directly transmitted to Qin Chen: "You must fight for me!"
His tone was exceedingly firm.
Qin Chen smiled faintly, then turned away with Lin Songyun in his arms and left.
If Yuan Sha had spoken kindly, Qin Chen might have considered fighting for the sake of Saber Saint Cliff and the Ninth Palace.
But with such an attitude towards him?
Qin Chen felt there was no reason to pay him any mind.
If he wanted to fight, he should fight on his own, don’t involve Qin Chen.
The crowd was stunned.
Just walked away?
Yuan Sha’s face was uncontrollably livid, his body trembling with anger; had it not been for so many people watching, he truly wanted to confront Qin Chen.
This was simply a slap in his face.
Huangfu Hao’s face was full of disdain: "What kind of Ninth Palace disciple of Saber Saint Cliff is this? Just trash!"
He certainly wouldn’t believe Qin Chen disliked Yuan Sha, assuming Qin Chen purely dared not fight him.
Thus, his words were unabashed.
No remorse whatsoever!
Huangfu Xuanming’s gaze scrutinized Qin Chen, surprised by his choice but naturally with a hint of contempt.
"Master, calm down."
Yue Lintao whispered into Yuan Sha’s ear, then boldly stepped forward without Yuan Sha’s approval.
"First Palace Disciple of Saber Saint Cliff, Yue Lintao, Cultivation, Tribulation Transformation Fifth Layers, asks the Huangfu Family for guidance!"
He issued a challenge directly towards the Huangfu Family.
Yuan Sha’s face changed dramatically, his voice booming in Yue Lintao’s mind: "What are you doing?!"
The surrounding crowd’s eyes flickered.
They knew Yue Lintao was trying to redeem Saber Saint Cliff’s honor.
But could he actually do it?
Yue Lintao remained composed: "Master, rest assured, I will win a victory for Saber Saint Cliff."
He had long yearned to prove himself!
Yuan Sha wanted to say more but realized the situation was irreparable, letting out a sigh.
If bullying the Huangfu Family were easy, Saber Saint Cliff wouldn’t have suffered at their hands last year.
"Who will fight?"
Huangfu Xuanming asked.
Huangfu Ming’s face broke into a smile as he stepped forward: "Huangfu Family, Huangfu Ming, Cultivation, Tribulation Transformation Fourth Layer, requests guidance."
One realm lower than Yue Lintao!
Yue Lintao spoke: "Pick someone else; your cultivation is lower than mine, it’s unfair for you in a duel with me."
Huangfu Ming smiled slightly: "Frankly, you overestimate yourself; to deal with you, I am more than enough."
