Chapter 1084: Fierce Battle
Chen Yu was cultivating the "Nine Revolutions Bright Star Technique" and erasing the soul marking within the "Ten Thousand Dragon Crown" when suddenly a member of the Demon Race came to visit.
"What's the matter?"
His voice echoed outside the cave dwelling.
"Chen Yu, my master invites you tomorrow for a duel on the Sky Martial Battle Platform against the Heavenly Martial Sect disciple. Please make a visit tomorrow."
The servant outside the cave said.
After speaking, without waiting for Chen Yu's response, the servant left directly.
"What does the Demon Race have to do with me? Do they really need to invite me especially?"
Chen Yu was a bit puzzled.
A day quickly passed.
Chen Yu came out of seclusion and headed to the Sky Martial Battle Platform.
Firstly, he was slightly confused by the invitation from the Demon Race servant the previous day, and secondly, news of Chen Yu's return to the Heavenly Martial Sect had spread. Just a few days ago, he received messages from five people challenging him.
Among these five, three were from the Human Race and two from the Demon Race.
Of the two from the Human Race, both had specified the challenge time, which was today.
To avoid unnecessary troubles in the future, Chen Yu felt it necessary to display his strength, to deter others from continually challenging him.
Just now, at the Sky Martial Battle Platform, Chen Yu saw Kong Qiuye and Kong Xiaomu.
Besides them, there were many others watching with unfriendly eyes, as rumors of Chen Yu visiting the Lin Family were circulating fiercely recently.
"Chen Yu, when do you plan to accept my challenge?"
A tall woman, with a robust figure, approached Chen Yu a few steps.
Zhong Yue?
Chen Yu recognized this female disciple; she was once ranked ninety-nine on the Heavenly Martial List, but had been defeated and replaced by Geng Handong.
Upon hearing that Chen Yu became the new ninety-nine on the Heavenly Martial List, Zhong Yue prepared to challenge him, but unfortunately, Chen Yu was never around.
"Ready at any time."
Chen Yu said calmly.
Among those from the Human Race who challenged him, Zhong Yue was one of them.
"Good."
Zhong Yue was excited upon hearing Chen Yu's acceptance.
"Brother Chen, you've returned."
Kong Qiuye said with slight happiness.
Chen Yu nodded, Kong Qiuye was only at the early-stage Star Condensation when she entered the Heavenly Martial Sect, but now she had reached the peak of early-stage.
"It seems there will be a Heavenly Martial List-level duel today, otherwise there wouldn't be so many spectators." Chen Yu smiled.
Among the spectators, there were both Human Race and Demon Race; Chen Yu sensed many Four-star Kings, most of which were Human Race, possibly even experts on the Heavenly Martial List.
"Indeed, today there is a top-level duel between the eighty-third on the Heavenly Martial List, Zhu Cangyan from the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest."
Kong Qiuye's eyes shone with anticipation.
This battle involved two major races and two top forces, naturally attracting much attention.
"Was it Zhu Cangyan who sent someone to invite me to watch the fight?"
Chen Yu found himself slightly interested in Zhu Cangyan.
He had no connections with the Vermilion Bird Sacred Clan, why did they invite him?
Wait, there was a bit of a connection; a few days ago, he'd had an unpleasant encounter with Shi Yao from the Vermilion Bird Heavenly Nest.
Just as he thought this, Shi Yao's figure appeared opposite him.
"Chen Yu, don't forget about our duel."
Shi Yao said with a faint smile.
Chen Yu looked at the Demon Race member peculiarly; when he'd accepted the duel back then, Shi Yao fled in panic, now he had the nerve to shout in front of him.
He also noticed that Shi Yao's cultivation had broken through to the late stage Star Condensation? Was this his confidence?
"Haven't forgotten, but even with a breakthrough, you'll surely be defeated."
Chen Yu said with a faint smile.
Though many people didn't like Chen Yu, none felt this statement was wrong; after all, a few years ago, Chen Yu could defeat two late-stage Star Condensation opponents.
From a racial standpoint, Chen Yu was their kind.
They certainly wouldn't side with the Demon Race and speak against Chen Yu.
"Alright, then let's wait and see."
Shi Yao snorted coldly.
Chen Yu's disdain spurred Shi Yao's competitive spirit.
"Plan remains the same, you two go first and try to heavily injure him, exhaust him more."
Shi Yao transmitted to his two friends.
"No problem."
The brown-haired man said.
Whoosh!
A cold wind swept through, causing many people to shiver involuntarily.
"Here he comes!"
A stern-faced, cold-looking man arrived, hands behind his back, stepping on falling snow.
"Geng Handong?"
Chen Yu instantly recognized him.
His position of ninety-nine on the Heavenly Martial List was taken from Geng Handong.
"Chen Yu?"
Geng Handong was also somewhat surprised to find Chen Yu had returned.
"Although my current ranking surpasses yours, there remains a battle between us."
Geng Handong said icily.
Having once lost to Chen Yu, he was determined to win back at least once.
"The eighth-third on the Heavenly Martial List?"
Chen Yu speculated that the duel today would be between Geng Handong and Zhu Cangyan.
On the day he took Geng Handong's rank, he began seclusion and hard cultivation; during the three years, he successfully condensed the fourth Primordial Power Star, making a breakthrough to rank eighty-three.
Chen Yu had made progress over the past three years, and Geng Handong, having tasted failure, was equally driven to succeed; his talent and potential were impressive, not to be underestimated.
"Seems I've arrived late."
A clear, proud voice suddenly sounded.
Whoosh!
In the distance, a flaming red Fire Bird flew over, transforming into human form upon landing on the Sky Martial Battle Platform.
A fiery-red wave of airflow spread from this person as the center, reaching all directions, causing everyone to feel a burning sensation and general discomfort.
"Not late."
Geng Handong locked eyes with Zhu Cangyan, their gazes meeting with an explosion of fire and storm.
The space between heaven and earth seemed split in half, one side freezing cold, the other blazing hot.
Suddenly, Zhu Cangyan's gaze turned to Chen Yu, and in that moment, Chen Yu felt as if he was close to the sun, his entire body burning, his blood threatening to evaporate.
"The Vermilion Bird Sacred Clan, a four-star King, truly extraordinary."
In terms of combat prowess, Zhu Cangyan was even stronger than Huang Zhuohong from the Yellow Dragon Clan that Chen Yu had faced.
In the Qianyuan Realm, the Yellow Dragon Clan could only be considered remnants, with lower bloodline purity, not the true Yellow Dragon Clan. Zhu Cangyan, however, was from the legitimate Vermilion Bird Sacred Clan.
"Heh."
Zhu Cangyan chuckled softly, glad that Chen Yu had arrived, planning to settle matters all at once later.
He shifted his gaze again, focusing on his upcoming opponent, Geng Handong.
"Such a powerful bloodline aura, can Geng Handong prevail?"
"I've heard of Zhu Cangyan. He's from the true Vermilion Bird Sacred Clan, but Geng Handong is no ordinary figure either. Recently, he had a fortuitous encounter, condensing four Primordial Power Stars, greatly advancing his skill, and suddenly breaking into the eighty-third position on the Heavenly Martial List. Who knows if he used his full power in that battle? Perhaps Geng Handong has the strength to challenge for a higher ranking!"
People around discussed, understanding that this duel concerned the honor of two major clans, two major factions.
Geng Handong and Zhu Cangyan entered the Sky Martial Battle Platform, and a defensive barrier simultaneously activated to prevent their clash from impacting others.
Swoosh!
Suddenly, Geng Handong waved his hand, summoning a biting cold wind that turned into an icy storm, freezing everything it touched.
Within an instant, most of the Sky Martial Battle Platform transformed into a snowy realm, enveloping Zhu Cangyan in ice.
"Mere tricks."
Zhu Cangyan sneered, an arrogant smile on his face, as fiery red feather patterns emerged on his skin, unleashing infinite crimson flames, instantly melting the surrounding ice.
Furthermore, the crimson flames released by Zhu Cangyan swiftly formed a giant Fire Bird, swooping towards Geng Handong.
Boom!
Frost and blazing fire fiercely collided.
"Thousand Ice Sword Kill!"
A low shout resonated.
Shhh shhh shhh!
Countless icy blades pierced through the explosion with chilling, lethal intent, rushing towards Zhu Cangyan.
"This move is passable."
Zhu Cangyan's handsome, wicked face held a faint smile.
With a wave of his hand, a red feathered fan appeared; this profound weapon lightly swished, the flames erupting vigorously, surging and fierce.
Geng Handong's Thousand Ice Sword Kill was instantly obliterated, and his expression slightly changed, as a crystal pendant appeared before him.
He pointed to the pendant, and an extremely cold ray burst forth from it, sweeping towards the raging flames.
The battle between Geng Handong and Zhu Cangyan quickly intensified.
Onlookers held their breath, unable to determine the outcome from the current situation.
"Both of these men seem to have just reached the level of a four-star King."
Chen Yu thought silently.
Zhu Cangyan and Geng Handong's combat strength was impressive, but compared to Huang Zhuohong, who had been at the four-star King level for years, their Primordial Power utilization showed some disparity.
"Geng Handong has brought out the Thousand Cold Bead."
Someone exclaimed.
Chen Yu had witnessed the power of the "Thousand Cold Bead," able to significantly enhance Geng Handong's combat technique strength.
Moreover, within the Sky Martial Battle Platform, Geng Handong simultaneously activated his bloodline power, doubling his combat strength.
Bang!
He struck with his palm, transforming it into a freezing ice mountain, crushing towards Zhu Cangyan.
"Your bloodline power, how could it possibly compare to the Vermilion Bird bloodline."
Zhu Cangyan chuckled lightly, as an ancient, sacred bloodline power dispersed from within him.
Bang!
Zhu Cangyan's body gathered red flaming feathers, a pair of heaven-covering fiery wings a hundred feet long appeared behind him.
An intense crimson flame storm swept in all directions, consuming the frost, pressing down on Geng Handong.
Boom boom boom!
On the Sky Martial Battle Platform, Zhu Cangyan and Geng Handong clashed with great intensity, their techniques emerging endlessly.
"Geng Handong is going to lose."
Chen Yu judged based on his experience.
"Heh, the eighty-third on the Heavenly Martial List is just like that."
Shi Yao also realized, observing that after Zhu Cangyan unleashed his bloodline power, he gradually gained the advantage, victory was in sight.
"Incinerate Strike."
Zhu Cangyan's claw absorbed transcendent crimson fire, swiftly striking out with violent, terrifying red flames, transforming into a metallic flame giant claw, tearing towards Geng Handong.
Bang snap!
Geng Handong's icy defense was shattered, his abdomen ripped with two charred wounds, a scorching force invading his organs.
"I almost forgot, later I need to settle things with that kid Chen Yu, since that's the case, I can't win too quickly or easily."
Zhu Cangyan thought secretly.
If he defeated Geng Handong too effortlessly and demonstrated overwhelming excellence, would Chen Yu still dare to fight him?
Zhu Cangyan shook his head slightly, slightly restraining his bloodline power, continuing the fierce battle with Geng Handong.
"Oh? Zhu Cangyan's offensive suddenly weakened, could he be injured internally?"
"In that case, Geng Handong might still have a chance."
Many people speculated.
Geng Handong also noticed this, seizing the opportunity to launch a fierce assault.
For his next plan, Zhu Cangyan pretended to be weak, even allowing Geng Handong to inflict minor injuries on him repeatedly.
The fierce battle lasted quite some time.
"It's about time."
Zhu Cangyan's eyes sparkled.
Whoosh boom!
He wielded the red feathered fan, transforming it into the flaming form of the Vermilion Bird Sacred Beast, attacking Geng Handong with lightning speed.
Bang boom!
Geng Handong, heavily injured, couldn't withstand Zhu Cangyan's sudden burst, his figure flew backward, crashing into the barrier, his body charred black, spitting out several mouthfuls of blood.
The eighty-third on the Heavenly Martial List, Geng Handong, was defeated!