C16 Trial Land

As a Prodigy, Hai Qingyu naturally possessed a sense of pride. The notion of being publicly insulted was something he could not stand idly by and endure. He was ready to rise and engage Xiao Feng in a battle to the death.

"Don't act on impulse," his master, Du Fengyu, suddenly appeared at his side, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Master!" Hai Qingyu, already seething with hatred for Xiao Feng for killing his brother Hai Li, was now being openly mocked. This was unprecedented in his life. How could he possibly bear it?

"I understand your hatred, but this is not the right time," Du Fengyu said with a tone of utmost calm. "He was able to overpower Liang Meng. Just on that basis, you are not his match at this moment."

"Liang Meng didn't even use his full strength. And I am confident that I can kill him!"

Du Fengyu continued to shake his head. "Little Yu, your impatience is getting the better of you. You seek revenge, but this is not the way to go about it."

With that, he escorted Hai Qingyu onto the arena platform. "We accept your challenge, but since you've sustained injuries in your recent fight, we won't take advantage of that. In three months, we will face you again."

Was this an admission of defeat?

The disciples watching were stunned, having not anticipated such an outcome. Although Hai Qingyu appeared to have accepted the challenge, it was clear to everyone that he had backed down.

"Hehe, you don't seriously believe that three months will be enough for you to catch up to me, do you? Ridiculous! But fine, three months it is. I'll be waiting for you right here."

Xiao Feng nonchalantly descended from the arena and made his way back to his quarters.

"Tsk, this kid is quite the character, not even bowing his head to Du Fengyu. He reminds me of you back in the day."

Lau Ruyan reflected on her own past and felt a twinge of understanding for her master's sentiments.

...

Hai Qingyu's face was etched with humiliation, his entire being unable to come to terms with the recent events.

"Feeling upset? Can't stand the way those people are looking at you?" Du Fengyu knew his disciple all too well. With a pride as strong as Hai Qingyu's, losing face in such a public manner had to be excruciating.

But that was exactly what Du Fengyu wanted him to experience.

"Ever since you were young, you've been hailed as a Prodigy, enjoying privileges that none of your peers have ever had. But this has also led you to hold yourself in too high regard."

Du Fengyu handed over a scroll, "Xiao Feng is a formidable opponent, perfect for you. I want you to use this humiliation to temper your spirit. Here's a God Rank Secret Technique for you. Next, I want you to head to Trial Land. You're strong, but you've had too few life-and-death fights."

Trial Land is a Secret Realm within the Mountain Sea Sect, originating from the sect's Central Plains branch. It's a place designed for disciples to engage in combat and experience the brink of life and death.

The trials adapt to each individual's cultivation level and techniques, increasing in difficulty to push participants to their limits.

Hai Qingyu accepted the secret technique, now understanding his master's tough love. "Thank you, Master. I won't let you down! I'll not only defeat this man, but I'll also become the unrivaled top contender of the Mountain Sea Sect and dominate the upcoming Great Competition!"

Du Fengyu dismissed him with a gesture, "Off you go. I've already made arrangements for your visit to Trial Land."

...

Upon returning to his palace, Xiao Feng was greeted by Lau Ruyan, who had been waiting for him.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Xiao Feng, the Mountain Sea Sect's top prodigy."

Lau Ruyan was clearly displeased. Sure, you're strong, but that's no excuse for such brazen arrogance! I was counting on you as my secret weapon. You just had to go and utterly defeat Liang Meng. Couldn't you have held back a little? Would a few exchanges have killed you?

Xiao Feng understood Lau Ruyan's frustration. "Master, it's not my fault! He insisted on fighting. I had to honor his challenge, right? Plus, I didn't even use my spear. Honestly, Liang Meng was just too weak."

"Hmph! You think Liang Meng is weak?"

Xiao Feng remained silent. Was there more to it?

Lau Ruyan exhaled deeply, "Liang Meng, like you, has concealed his true strength. If it weren't for Li Yan's desire to keep his abilities under wraps, he would never have intervened."

Why does everyone love to keep their power hidden? It's exhausting.

Xiao Feng was growing increasingly frustrated with the elders' antics.

Lau Ruyan added, "However, you managed to do something commendable today. You didn't back down just because that old geezer Du Fengyu showed up. That's quite impressive for my disciple."

Xiao Feng quickly threw in a compliment, "Of course! With a master as formidable as you, what's there to fear?"

Lau Ruyan couldn't help but feel pleased with his response.

"Hmph! I've just heard that Hai Qingyu has headed to the Trial Land. You better not make me look bad in three months!"

Clearly, the Trial Land was the prime spot for boosting one's strength! It looked like Hai Qingyu was pulling out all the stops to secure a victory in the upcoming battle.

"Master, is it possible for me to sneak over there and take him out?"

Xiao Feng wasn't worried about not being able to beat Hai Qingyu in three months; it was just that there was no need to engage the enemy in an honorable duel when the goal was to eliminate him.

Lau Ruyan gave him a light smack on the head, "What are you thinking? Absolutely not! He's already accepted the challenge. If you go and kill him now, you'd provoke the ire of the entire sect. Of course, if you were strong enough to overpower the whole Mountain Sea Sect, that would be a different story."

In essence, the rules of the sect, and indeed the world, were designed to constrain the weak. The true powerhouses were the ones who made the rules.

Xiao Feng got the message and sighed in resignation. His own strength was simply not up to par.

"Master, there's a favor I need to ask of you."

"What is it?"

Xiao Feng glanced outside with concern, "While I'm not worried about Hai Qingyu, the other disciples from our Cloud Soaring Sect are in a different boat. I'd like you to help protect them, so they aren't targeted by the lesser elements."

Hai Qingyu himself wouldn't bother with them, but those eager to ingratiate themselves with him, as well as his cronies, might well decide to go after them.

Xiao Feng didn't want his own issues to cause trouble for them.

Lau Ruyan looked at Xiao Feng approvingly. Though this disciple was prone to stirring up trouble, he had at least one redeeming quality — his loyalty.

"Rest assured, Li Yan owes you a favor, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to repay it. Additionally, I suggest you visit Trial Land. Engaging in battle will be beneficial for you."

One can only truly surpass their limits in life-or-death situations. It's the quickest way to advance in a short period!

Xiao Feng nodded in agreement. "That's exactly what I was thinking. However, what are the requirements to enter Trial Land?"

"You'll need a top-grade Spirit Stone and my approval."