C14 Shocking!

"The former young master is now stepping up to compete at the very last moment. Could this be suggesting he's the weakest link?"

"How can you say that? He's certainly stronger than those kids who've just stepped into the Spirit Containing Stage!"

"Hahaha!"

Mocking voices and laughter bombarded Tang Yuan's ears, but he just smirked coldly and slowly placed his hand on the stone tablet.

Buzz!

The tablet burst forth with beams of light!

"Impossible!" Tang Hsing's smile seized up as he glared at the numbers, his eyes locked on Tang Yuan.

"Level Nine Heaven of the Spirit Containing Stage!"

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, their scornful grins freezing as if they'd been slapped across the face.

"He's broken through to the Level Nine Heaven of the Spirit Containing Stage overnight. This guy is truly a freak of nature!" Menng Ya's eyes flickered with shock, but she quickly broke into a smile.

"I saw him at the Treasure Pavilion yesterday; he must've used a pill to forcibly enhance his cultivation," Qin Hai said with a sneer. "Only those with a bit of talent would resort to such a method. It seems Tang Yuan is just as mediocre as I thought."

"Senior Brother Qin Hai is spot on! He's nothing but a nonentity," Zhou Changming commented coolly.

"What does it matter if he's reached the Level Nine Heaven of the Spirit Containing Stage? Does he stand a chance against Brother Hsing?" Tang Ling was taken aback, yet her face remained nonchalant.

"He's been cut off from the family resources, yet he's attained this level. He must have relied on the Nangong family's support!" Tang Zong's fists clenched tightly, his gaze on Tang Yuan filled with murderous intent.

Tang Yuan turned around leisurely. His sharp hearing had caught every word, and now he scanned the crowd with a smile. His gaze finally settled on a young man.

Tang Kui's heart skipped a beat, his face draining of color as he saw the mockery in Tang Yuan's eyes.

It was like a dragon disdainfully eyeing an ant challenging it.

"Do you still wish to challenge me?" Tang Yuan withdrew his gaze and spoke calmly, not waiting for a response before stepping off the trial platform.

The crowd parted slowly, creating a pathway, as all eyes followed him with a mix of reverence and awe.

"You really are a monster!" Tang Hu exclaimed, giving Tang Yuan a hearty pat on the shoulder in admiration.

Tang Yuan chuckled and took his place beside Tang Hu.

The previous night, after depleting all of his Spiritual Force, he had taken a pill and succumbed to a deep sleep. Upon awakening, he found his Spiritual Force fully replenished. Seizing the opportunity, he channeled the Essence Monarch Spell and effortlessly ascended to Level Nine Heaven.

The initial round of strength assessment had concluded. If Tang Hsing's advancement to Spirit Sea Stage Level One Heaven had shocked everyone, Tang Yuan's progress was simply beyond belief.

It was unfathomable to them how an outcast with no resources could elevate his cultivation by four realms within a single year!

Had they been privy to the circumstances of Tang Yuan's breakthrough, it might have infuriated them to no end. While others struggled for a year or more to advance, he had done so with ease after just one restful slumber.

"Alright, the first round's fastest cultivation improvement goes to Tang Hsing, claiming the top spot, followed by Tang Yuan, and then..." Tang Jing managed to quell the astonishment within. He was well aware of the factors contributing to Tang Hsing's rapid growth.

Back then, Tang Zong had withdrawn a significant amount of money from the family funds, a move that he and the great elder had silently consented to, having written off Tang Yuan.

Now, witnessing Tang Yuan's formidable talent, both elders were plagued with doubt—had they made a grave mistake?

"Let's proceed to the second round!" Tang Jing pushed aside his swirling thoughts and declared, "All disciples may choose their challenger. Those challenged will have the right to accept or decline!"

No sooner had the words left his mouth than many eyes turned to Tang Kui. The once-eager challenger to Tang Yuan now hung his head, too intimidated to utter a single word.

"If no one steps forward, then I shall go first!" A young man announced, confidently making his way to the trial platform.

"That's Tang Hao, with the cultivation of Spirit Containing Stage Level Nine Heaven!"

"Who will he choose to challenge at such a level?"

A buzz of speculation rippled through the crowd, all eyes locked on Tang Hao, eager to see who he would call out.

"Tang Yuan, do you dare to face me in battle?" Tang Hao's gaze locked onto Tang Yuan as he issued his challenge with a bold cry.

"It's Tang Yuan!"

"Tang Yuan is in for a rough time. Tang Hsing has been at the Spirit Containing Stage for years, while Tang Yuan has only just stepped into this level. How could he possibly stand a chance?"

"Haha, Tang Hsing doesn't even deem him worthy of a fight anymore. It's perfect that Tang Hao is stepping in."

A wave of murmurs rose from the crowd, their gazes filled with sympathy as they looked at Tang Yuan.

Tang Yuan smiled and made his way to the stage with measured steps.

"Why bother?" Tang Yuan whispered, fixing his gaze on Tang Hao.

"Once I kill you, Young Master Tang Hsing will naturally become the family head, and he'll ensure a bright future for me," Tang Hao whispered back.

He hadn't made any progress in this stage for a year and figured this was as far as he'd go in life. The best he could hope for was a minor managerial role within the Tang family.

But now, by killing Tang Yuan, Tang Hsing would grant him an opportunity, one that could at least propel him into the Spirit Sea Stage!

"Foolish!" Tang Yuan's voice was icy. "Even so, make your move!"

Confidence shone in Tang Hao's eyes, bolstered by his mastery of this realm.

A fierce wind swirled around him, and in a flash, he became a blur charging straight at Tang Yuan.

"Crippling Wind Slash!"

Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!

With a low shout, Tang Hao released several azure wind blades from his hands, slashing at Tang Yuan from above, in front, and below!

Tang Hsing watched with a cold smirk. Tang Hao was his opening gambit; sometimes, there was no need to get his own hands dirty.

Tang Ling's face was alight with glee, the memory of her kneeling before Tang Yuan flashing through her mind. She glared at the wind blades, vividly picturing the ensuing carnage of Tang Yuan's flesh being torn asunder.

The audience watched the stage eagerly, anticipating the unfolding drama.

Bang!

A soft thud resonated, and the platform seemed to quiver. A golden aura burst forth from Tang Yuan, transforming into an unstoppable force that ripped and pulverized the wind blades.

"Scram!"

Tang Yuan's roar echoed as he advanced, his palm striking out in a blur, creating a myriad of shadows that overwhelmed Tang Hao.

His face was a mask of terror, his heart sinking into the depths of despair.

There was no escape!

Bang! Bang! Bang!

A cacophony of noises erupted, punctuated by the sickening crunch of bones. Tang Hao's body was sent flying like a punching bag!

Thud!

Tang Hao hit the ground with a heavy thump, a sound that seemed to strike a harsh blow to the hearts of many onlookers.