Eternal Heavenly Emperor

Actually, after the battle with Mo Guxin, those who had seen the two of them compete would admit that both Mo Guxin and Chu Hao could be classified as super geniuses, but no one had ever placed these two on the same level as Cao Jingwen.

Unworthy.

That was the greatest genius in all of Tianhe County. Such a vast area, so many young martial arts talents, yet only four individuals had managed to stand out in such fierce competition. To what extent was Cao Jingwen's talent?

He was indeed an exceptional presence in the Yunliu Sect, others in front of him were like fireflies to the bright moon, utterly without the qualifications to compare.

But now, everyone had to admit that a second monstrous figure had finally emerged, capable of challenging the status of the eldest brother.

If it were someone else, they might have happily waited to enjoy a good show, but this person, to their dismay, came from the Lower World.

The dog from the Lower World.

The slap to their faces was loud and clear.

"Kid, you truly have made me see you in a new light," Xia Yun exclaimed, a strange light flashing through his eyes, "Take my Extreme Tai Claw."

He had unleashed his ultimate move.

A strong chill immediately rose in Chu Hao's heart as he instinctively sensed the terror of the opponent's strike. Without hesitation, he had already executed the second move of Sky Wind Eight Styles.

Breaking Wave.

Bang!

A loud crash later, both Chu Hao and Xia Yun were sent staggering back, their clothes ripped and tattered, their figures shaky, and blood hanging from the corners of their mouths, seemingly unable to continue fighting.

Smack, smack.

Sure enough, the two men almost simultaneously plopped down to the ground, just gasping for breath.

They had finally not lost.

The disciples of the Native Faction secretly rejoiced in their hearts, but then they grew puzzled. Why were they so happy about an even match? Could it be that, unknowingly, they had already considered Chu Hao as a core disciple?

The disciples of the River Down Courtyard were not disappointed either. Fighting evenly with Xia Yun, who was ranked 57th, wasn't that enough?

After all, Chu Hao was currently only at the Early Stage of Four Meridians. He had been promoted to the Inner Sect only two months ago.

Given time, he could definitely become a core disciple.

"Hahaha, you're pretty good, really good," Xia Yun wasn't a sore loser, covering his chest with one hand, "Although this match ended in a draw, my cultivation is so much higher than yours, actually, I lost."

"As a dog from the Lower World, you performed quite well, but that's as far as you go,"

Chu Hao also pressed his hand against his chest, his body was in chaos inside, and it was very hard to even stand up, he laughed loudly, "Then just wait and see, the River Down Courtyard will definitely become the strongest force in Yunliu Sect."

That was a bold claim.

All the disciples of the Native Faction snorted coldly. You had just fought to a draw with Xia Yun, ranked 57th, and you are already thinking about making River Down Courtyard the number one force? The strength of an individual does not necessarily reflect the strength of the force they belong to.

This is about the overall strength.

Otherwise, why would Zhao Huan, who is clearly stronger than Pang Yi, have the River Down Courtyard still ranked at the bottom?

"Enough." A cold snort sounded, and a distinguished-looking man approached, around 21 or 22 years old, tall and slender with a flawless face, and an overpowering aura that immediately overshadowed Xia Yun.

This was a man who could make one's legs tremble at sight.

Core disciple ranked fourth, Ling Tianhe.

Chu Hao's eyes brightened; this was the leader of the Ling Sect, the strongest young member of the Ling Family of his generation. He, along with Fu Xue and Tang Xin, had come here because of Madam Yun and were initially stamped with the Ling Family's label.

However, the discrimination against those from the Lower World here had reached extremes. Those from the Lower World barely mingled with the "masters." Instead, all the disciples from the Lower World had united to form the River Down Courtyard, supporting each other.

Ling Tianhe coldly looked at Chu Hao, "Aren't you embarrassed enough?"

Where was the embarrassment?

Looking at Ling Tianhe, Chu Hao realized that he did not possess the inclusiveness of Madam Yun. In his view, the Ling Family were the masters, and the disciples from the Lower World brought by the Ling Family were nothing but tail-wagging dogs.

—Naturally, masters would not live with dogs, humans have their rooms, and dogs have their kennels.

He indifferently said, "So what?"

"Kneel down and apologize to everyone," Ling Tianhe said sternly.

"Ha, ha, ha." Chu Hao laughed loudly to the sky. Ever since learning about Yunliu Sect's conspiracy, he had lost all affection for the Ling Family, it was only because he owed Madam Yun a favor.

Trying to suppress him using the Ling Family? Dream on.

"I'm not interested," he bluntly refused.

"Are you trying to revolt?" Ling Tianhe glared.

"Ling Tianhe, are you planning to take action?" Fu Xue called out from the side.

"Hmph, don't forget, all of you are my Ling Family's dogs. I can discipline my dogs as I see fit, and the sect rules don't apply here. Besides, I am a core disciple," Ling Tianhe said ominously, his hand already reaching out, clearly about to strike.

Core disciples had considerable privileges. Even if he beat Chu Hao up, would the Sect punish him for it?

How could Chu Hao defend?

Although he was a prodigy, he was merely at the Early Stage of Four Meridians. Having only managed a draw against Xia Yun, ranked 57th, facing Ling Tianhe, ranked fourth, meant certain defeat.

"Senior Brother Ling, do discipline this dog well,"

"Don't let him bite people randomly again."

"It's best to break his dog's teeth."

"Break his dog's claws."

The disciples of the Native Faction cheered for Ling Tianhe. Indeed, as a core disciple, his oppressive presence was simply unmatched.

Ling Tianhe made a grabbing motion with his palm.

Bang.

A figure swooshed by, blocking his palm strike.

Teng teng teng, Ling Tianhe hadn't used his full strength in that palm strike, and the rebound force from the opponent made him stagger backward repeatedly.

"Luo Ping, what do you mean by this?" He steadied himself and immediately roared.

Only then did everyone see clearly that the person who had blocked Ling Tianhe's strike was a young man carrying a wine gourd, appearing slightly tipsy. Yet even in such a state, he exuded a unique aura, sharp like a sword, chilling to the bone.

Ranked second among core disciples, Luo Ping.

Luo Ping took a few gulps of wine, then contentedly wiped his mouth and said, "No particular reason, just don't like seeing you bully the weak."

"This is a family matter of the Ling Family, you're sticking your nose too far in," Ling Tianhe retorted angrily.

"Oh, how come I remember that this kid's last name is Chu?" Luo Ping purposefully aggravated.

"Luo Ping, are you determined to oppose me?" Ling Tianhe said sternly, "Is it worth it for you to do this over a mere dog from the Lower World?"

"I'm pleased to, what can you do about it?" Luo Ping responded indifferently.

"Then I'll have a taste of your 'Drunken Dream Heart Sutra,'" Ling Tianhe took a stance.

Swipe.

A strong gust passed by, and Ling Tianhe quickly shifted his stance, letting a strike from behind pass by. He was furious, who dared to sneak attack him? He spun around, ready to explode, but immediately shut his mouth.

Xue Li.

A woman troublesome enough to give one a headache.

"Xue Li, you too want to protect this dog from the Lower World?" Ling Tianhe grumbled, trying not to lose face.

Xue Li curled her lips and said, "Does it concern you that I handle affairs? Better scoot, or I don't mind teaming up with Luo Ping to give you a good beating."

Luo Ping took another sip of wine and laughed, "So what do you think, still want to experience my 'Drunken Dream Heart Sutra'?"

Ling Tianhe was instantly at a loss for words.

These two clearly had teamed up to fight two against one. How was he supposed to play this game?

He enjoyed privileges as a core disciple, but so did the other two. Even if they beat him up in a two-on-one, so what?

Two against one, he could always walk away if he chose to. But then, what face would he have left?

"Fine, fine, fine," Ling Tianhe, furious, put his hands behind his back and said, "Today, I'll spare this kid. However, in two months, we'll be celebrating the New Year. At the Ling Family's New Year ritual, I'll teach this kid a lesson. If you still want to meddle, feel free to come to the Ling Family then."

Since the Yunliu Sect was essentially formed by disciples and strongmen from many families, during the New Year, all disciples, deacons, and elders would return to their own clans for the celebrations and ancestor rituals.

At that time, disciples from the Lower World would also head to their corresponding families. Officially, it was to foster a sense of belonging, but what it really entailed was another matter.

Once inside the Ling Family, would Luo Ping and Xue Li have any right to intervene?

Luo Ping pretended not to hear, smiling at Chu Hao. "Junior Brother Chu, do you still have the strength to stand up?"

"Thanks for your concern, Senior Brother Luo, I'm quite fine," Chu Hao smiled. After so many consecutive fights, he had exhausted all his energy and now just wanted to sleep deeply. Besides, he couldn't tackle any higher-ranking opponents at the moment, so it was a good opportunity to withdraw.

"Then let's go and drink," Luo Ping hooked Chu Hao's shoulder, seemingly unconcerned about mixing with a "lowly" person from the Lower World.

"Luo, Ping," Ling Tianhe clenched his teeth, infuriated by the disregard.

Luo Ping raised a hand in dismissal without turning his head, simply walking forward with Chu Hao.

Detestable, utterly detestable.

Ling Tianhe's eyes darkened, and he clenched his fists tightly. He swore that at the New Year ritual, he would teach Chu Hao an unforgettable lesson.

The disciples from River Down Courtyard cheered, following Chu Hao and Luo Ping down the mountain, feeling as if they had won a great victory.

It indeed was a victory.

Luo Ping immediately pulled Chu Hao down the mountain. The two arrived at a tavern in the town and ordered a table full of dishes, with Luo Ping eagerly starting to drink.

"Senior Brother Luo, why are you helping me?" Chu Hao put down his chopsticks.

Luo Ping took a swig of alcohol and then said, "I'm looking forward to seeing you and Cao Jingwen face off one day."

That was truly a high regard.

Chu Hao smiled and asked, "Is Cao Jingwen really that strong?" The other party didn't even have the confidence to challenge him.