Chapter 1639

Wan Guiyi quickly stifled a laugh, thinking what his father could have possibly done to wrong him. His attention quickly returned to the arena.

Luo Dongjiang of Mount Luofu stared sharply at the honest and simple-looking man opposite him. "Brother Wu, everyone says you are the foremost among the younger generation of Taoists. This time, I'd like to see it for myself."

Wu Xiaofan shook his head slightly. "How dare I claim to be the best of the younger generation? Lord Zu, who fought a few days ago, is stronger than me."

Luo Dongjiang gasped, thinking, 'Isn't that obvious? Even Elder Xu of our sect was defeated. Everyone compares him to the elders of the previous generation, not to other young people.'

He assumed the other party was deliberately trying to slight him, and his heart filled with rage. He stopped speaking, drew his long sword, and a heavy earth element gathered at his feet, quickly forming an earth dragon that coiled around him, even emitting a faint dragon's roar.

Mount Luofu specializes in earth-element cultivation techniques, and this was their ultimate skill: the Earth Dragon's Roar.

The earth dragon became increasingly violent, emanating a fierce pressure. Even the many disciples and spectators around the arena could feel the profound weight of the earth.

Many disciples sighed, realizing that because of his earlier discomfiture against Zu An, many had underestimated this chief disciple of Mount Luofu.

Popular contestants like Wan Guiyi and Lou Wucheng stared intently at Wu Xiaofan, wondering how he planned to respond.

As Luo Dongjiang's momentum grew stronger, Wu Xiaofan calmly watched his opponent, showing no intention of interrupting him.

Many disciples felt that Wu Xiaofan was being a bit overconfident. After all, his opponent was also a chief disciple; even if there was a gap, how significant could it be?

Allowing his opponent to build their momentum to its peak would surely put him at a disadvantage once the fight began.

"Earth Dragon's Roar!" By this point, Luo Dongjiang had completed his build-up. He spun rapidly, merging with the earth dragon around him, and charged towards Wu Xiaofan with a heavy, destructive aura. The barriers around the arena flickered continuously, clearly indicating that the violent power within was causing them to operate rapidly.

"Earth elements are typically strong in defense and weak in offense; I didn't expect such a domineering attack skill.""Truly worthy of Mount Luofu's ultimate move!"

Disciples from various sects exclaimed in surprise, while chief disciples like Wan Guiyi began to ponder how they would counter such a powerful and heavy blow if they were in the same position.

Zhang Zijiang couldn't help but sigh with emotion. However, seeing Zu An's calm expression, he quickly changed his tone, "Of course, they are still far inferior to Lord Zu."

Not missing any opportunity to flatter was a fundamental quality of a competent court official.

On the arena, Wu Xiaofan remained unmoving like a mountain until the violent earth element power was right before him; only then did he raise his hand.

A faint layer of purple energy emanated from his hand. He appeared to swat forward casually, but then a powerful wave of elemental energy abruptly burst forth.

With a loud bang, the charging earth dragon suddenly paused, then a visible surge of force rapidly permeated its entire body. Immediately after, the earth dragon's body began to shatter inch by inch, and finally, the previously violent and mighty earth dragon completely turned to dust.

Luo Dongjiang, who was in the very center of the earth dragon tornado, executing his sword technique, was instantly stunned. This move used the earth dragon as an outer layer to conceal his true killing blow within.

But with the outer earth dragon tornado directly collapsing, he immediately felt his vital energy surge turbulently.

What made him even more uncomfortable was that the opponent's move felt as if it had ripped off his outer garment, giving him the illusion of being completely exposed before everyone.

How is this possible!

Luo Dongjiang's face was filled with shock. He knew there was a gap between himself and Wu Xiaofan, but he never expected it to be this significant.

The Earth Dragon's Roar was already his strongest attack. He had originally anticipated that his opponent would either dodge it or expend great effort to resist the earth dragon tornado. He planned to find an opening during the opponent's energy circulation and strike decisively, catching him off guard.

But he never imagined that he would be the one caught off guard.

However, with the arrow already on the string, he had no choice but to release it. Without the cover of the earth dragon tornado, he still unleashed his strongest sword technique.

Dazzling sword light bloomed in the arena, engulfing Wu Xiaofan in an instant.

However, in the next moment, all sword shadows dimmed. Wu Xiaofan simply slapped the sword blade, directly shattering its momentum, then closed in on Luo Dongjiang.

Luo Dongjiang was greatly alarmed and tried to retreat to dodge, but unfortunately, the force from the previous strike on his sword had disrupted his vital energy. In that brief moment of stagnation, Wu Xiaofan had already landed a palm strike on his chest.

"Pfft!" Luo Dongjiang spewed blood, his entire body flying backward like a sandbag.

Wu Xiaofan did not pursue. Instead, he politely cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for the concession!"

Luo Dongjiang got up from the arena, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, and with a look of despondency, said, "Thank you, Brother Wu, for showing mercy."

Although he had vomited blood and looked disheveled, he could tell that the opponent hadn't used his full strength; otherwise, he probably wouldn't even be able to stand.

He had always thought highly of himself, but now he realized he didn't even qualify for his opponent to use full strength. Remembering his earlier embarrassment against Zu An a few days ago, he was instantly disheartened.

The disciples of Mount Luofu were also utterly devastated. First, their leading elder suffered a terrible defeat at the hands of a young man, and now their chief disciple was thoroughly beaten by another chief disciple. Mount Luofu would likely be unable to hold its head high for at least the next ten years.

Wan Guiyi cursed under his breath, "Luo Dongjiang, that good-for-nothing!" He had hoped Luo Dongjiang could force out some of Wu Xiaofan's trump cards, but he was unexpectedly defeated in just two palm strikes.

The other chief disciples also looked displeased. Everyone had hoped Luo Dongjiang would wear down Wu Xiaofan, their biggest rival, but it turned out to be a crushing defeat.

"Master, this Wu Xiaofan is quite strong," Qiu Honglei whispered to Yun Jianyue.

"You're not weak either," Yun Jianyue replied. "You'd have an advantage against him compared to that girl named Chu."

Qiu Honglei rolled her eyes. "That's only an advantage when charm techniques are effective. But looking at this guy's stiff and upright demeanor, it's probably useless against him."

"You can know a person's face, but not their heart. The more stiff and upright they appear, the more likely they are to be secretly lustful," Yun Jianyue said nonchalantly. In her opinion, no matter how powerful these young juniors were, she could easily suppress them with one hand, except for that one anomaly.

She subconsciously glanced at Zu An in the distance, only to see him occasionally looking towards the Biluo Palace.

She couldn't help but inwardly sneer. "As expected, he's a philanderer."

At this moment, Wu Xiaofan, still on the arena, cupped his hands towards Luo Dongjiang. "Brother Luo, don't be disheartened. It's mainly because you lost your edge against Lord Zu a few days ago, which prevented you from performing at your usual full strength today. In truth, I had the advantage."

Everyone's gaze immediately turned to Zu An, who smiled and waved back, as if he were reviewing a parade.

The spectators were utterly bewildered. This overly familiar guy showed no trace of the incredibly formidable expert demeanor he had displayed before.

Luo Dongjiang knew Wu Xiaofan was trying to save his face. A flicker of gratitude appeared in his eyes. He cupped his hands to thank him before leaving the arena.

Wang Wuxie nodded inwardly. He most admired the dignified demeanor of his disciples. The extent of one's achievements could be entirely judged by their bearing, which he sometimes considered even more important than talent.

However, he immediately thought of Zu An as a counterexample, and his expression instantly stiffened. He quickly announced, "The first match goes to Wu Xiaofan of Zhengyang Sect! Next up, Wan Guiyi of Biluo Palace will face Qiuchanzi of Qingxu Mansion."

Wan Guiyi stood up and walked towards the arena. Pei Mianman smiled kindly at him. "Good luck, Senior Brother!"

After all, they belonged to the same sect, so she naturally hoped he would win.

To her surprise, Wan Guiyi gave her a disdainful glance and then muttered continuously: "No women in my heart, my sword strikes will be divine..."

Pei Mianman: "..."

Abbess Huoling immediately became furious, glaring fiercely at Wan Tongtian. "Indeed, like father, like son!"

The surrounding disciples of Biluo Palace were accustomed to the two arguing, but they wondered if this particular phrase was used in reverse today.

Only Wan Tongtian knew what was going on. His face alternated between green and pale, and finally, he flicked his sleeve and snorted, "A good man doesn't contend with women!"

The commotion on this side did not escape Zu An's notice. He couldn't help but take a few more glances at Wan Guiyi. This young man was truly a character. If he continued like this, Old Wan might end up without heirs.

At this point, both combatants had entered the arena. Wan Guiyi naturally exuded an over-the-top swagger, looking ready to conquer the heavens and earth, while his opponent, Qiuchanzi, was a boy as delicate and lovely as if sculpted from pink jade.

"Wow, so cute!"

Many female cultivators in the audience exclaimed. During the previous chaotic battles on nine arenas, everyone was more concerned with their own opponents or, at most, the situation of their fellow sect members, so they hadn't necessarily paid attention to others.

Many people realized for the first time that Qiuchanzi of Qingxu Mansion was such an adorable young man.

The young ascetic monk Jie Se of Wuyou Temple couldn't help but whisper, "This child can actually rival me in cuteness."

Master Jianhuang barely managed to resist the urge to hit him with his wooden fish.

"Senior Brother, please be merciful later," Qiuchanzi said, looking like a well-behaved student, the kind anyone would want to pinch and cuddle.

Wan Guiyi impatiently waved his hand. "Less talk, let's just start the fight."

Wu Xiaofan had won so cleanly just now, putting a lot of pressure on him. He also wanted to win beautifully.

Qiuchanzi lowered his head, looking wronged.

Seeing this, the surrounding female disciples, who were like "mother fans," became indignant, condemning Wan Guiyi's poor attitude.

"Hmph, women," Wan Guiyi completely ignored them. With his arrogance, he naturally disdained striking first, but he was also growing impatient. "Are you going to make your move or not?"

The cicadas around them were also chirping noisily, making him even more irritated.

Qiuchanzi suddenly looked up, a strange smile appearing on his face. "Senior Brother, I've already made my move!"

At this moment, the entire audience was startled. It was widely known that Qiuchanzi had been a cute and kind young boy, the kind everyone wanted to pat, hug, and pinch his cheeks. But now, it was clearly the same face, yet its features were distorted, with added shadows, and his demeanor had become incredibly bizarre and terrifying, radiating an inexplicable sense of madness from head to toe.