C21 Provocation

It was time for cultivation. Having spent an extended period in Trial Land, Xiao Feng's body had already undergone further strengthening. Armor Senior had likened the Spiritual Force within the body to water and the body itself to a container. With the container now enhanced, it stood to reason that it should be able to hold more water.

The instant Xiao Feng began to channel the Immortal Rank Technique, the Spiritual Qi from the entire mountain peak surged toward him. In a matter of moments, the peak was stripped of its Spiritual Qi! Moreover, the Spiritual Qi throughout the Mountain Sea Sect had noticeably diminished, a testament to the technique's formidable power.

"Damn, what's happening? Why is the Spiritual Qi suddenly depleting? I'm in the middle of a breakthrough!" one disciple exclaimed.

"It must be sabotage! We need to conduct a thorough investigation!" another insisted.

Despite the widespread awareness of the diminishing Spiritual Qi among the Mountain Sea Sect disciples, the cause remained elusive.

Ye Xiu, who had also mastered the technique, knew it was Xiao Feng's doing. He chuckled and shook his head; Brother Xiao truly was extraordinary, making such a spectacle of his cultivation.

Unaware of the commotion he'd caused, Xiao Feng continued to draw in Spiritual Qi, his cultivation level soaring without encountering the typical bottlenecks.

A day later, Xiao Feng opened his eyes, a glint of Spiritual Light fleeting across his gaze – he had reached the Great Circle of the Flood Realm.

Although he was poised for a breakthrough, Xiao Feng decided to consolidate his gains a bit longer. Rushing through cultivation was never wise.

With the duel less than a month away, Xiao Feng had been challenging the monster in Trial Land to single combat daily.

He had previously triumphed over the beast with Ye Xiu's aid, but Xiao Feng was determined to prevail on his own merit.

Consequently, Xiao Feng resumed his relentless battles in Trial Land, engaging in ceaseless combat each day.

Despite his enhanced cultivation, initially, Xiao Feng still couldn't withstand the monster's onslaught. The creature's defenses were formidable; without the Overlord Spear, Xiao Feng had to strike repeatedly at the same spot to breach its armor. Coupled with the monster's overwhelming strength, it was the stuff of nightmares for Xiao Feng.

Armor Senior couldn't help but exclaim, "If I had known training like this would strengthen my physique so much, I would never have let you spar with the tides!"

Xiao Feng could only sigh in resignation at his words, "Senior, thank you. I'll try my best to avoid crossing paths with you in my next life."

Over the next half month, Xiao Feng progressed from being utterly defenseless to holding his own, and now he could even defeat the monster. His cultivation had not improved; it was his physical strength that had soared to a terrifying level, allowing him to clash head-on with the monster!

Yet, according to Armor Senior, this was just barely sufficient to break through to the Eternal Realm!

...

With only a week left before the duel, Xiao Feng felt no pressure. Hai Qingyu was merely a stepping stone; his sights were set on the Mountain Sea Realm that man had mentioned!

At that moment, Ye Xiu approached Xiao Feng, "Brother Xiao, I've heard you're going to face Hai Qingyu in a life-and-death match?"

Xiao Feng nodded, "Yes, that's right. Brother Ye, would you care to watch?"

Ye Xiu produced two pills and offered them to Xiao Feng, "How could I miss my brother Xiao Feng's duel? These pills can restore your Spiritual Force; you might find them useful."

However, Xiao Feng declined, "I'm grateful for the gesture, but I don't need the pills. Why would I need them to defeat Hai Qingyu?"

Undeterred, Ye Xiu pressed the pills into Xiao Feng's hand, "Take them! Even though you can now take on that behemoth alone, don't be overly confident. It's one thing not to use these, but it's another not to have them at all. Consider them a token of my gratitude for joining forces with me."

Ye Xiu let out a sigh, "If it weren't for you, I'd still be stuck in Trial Land for who knows how long, so I owe you my thanks! Actually, there's another matter I wanted to discuss with you today."

Given the circumstances, Xiao Feng would appear unappreciative if he refused any further.

"Brother Ye, feel free to speak your mind."

Ye Xiu hesitated but eventually got to the point, "I was wondering if you, Brother Xiao, would be interested in becoming the heir to the Mountain Sea Sect's Sect Master..."

He had long regarded Xiao Feng as his equal, and his own ambitions lay within the Central Plains of the Mountain Sea Realm, making it impossible for him to stay and assume the role of Sect Master.

Ye Xiu quickly added, "But to be honest, the position of Sect Master isn't really suited for Brother Xiao. With his talent, Brother Xiao shouldn't confine himself to the small confines of the Mountain Sea Sect or the modest Purvavideha."

Sincerity itself!

The title of Sect Master's successor might seem alluring, but Xiao Feng was well aware it wasn't for him. Ye Xiu had pointed this out, and it was clear that only a genuine person would do so.

Xiao Feng shook his head, his voice brimming with battle will, "Brother Ye, you must realize that my aim is the same as yours: the Mountain Sea Realm! I'm looking forward to our sparring match there. How could you even consider me for Sect Master?"

His words carried a hint of rebuke, but Ye Xiu understood there was no real anger behind them.

Relieved, Ye Xiu smiled and replied, "Good brother! Then let's set our sights on the Mountain Sea Realm together!"

...

Upon leaving Xiao Feng's place, Ye Xiu made his way back to his own island. He had barely settled in when a visitor arrived—it was Hai Qingyu.

Ye Xiu immediately grasped that this young man had been keeping a close watch on him.

Days had passed, and it seemed like someone came calling daily under the guise of friendship. But Ye Xiu knew better—they all wanted to leverage his reputation. He was certain Hai Qingyu was no different.

Yet, Ye Xiu was curious to see what sort of mischief he might stir up.

As soon as Ye Xiu took his seat, Hai Qingyu introduced himself, "Brother Ye, it's a pleasure. I'm Hai Qingyu. I've long admired your reputation, but unfortunately, I've been in the Trial Land for cultivation and couldn't visit sooner. Please excuse my delay."

Trying to cozy up? Ye Xiu merely nodded, unimpressed.

This guy was going to be a handful!

"I noticed Brother Ye just left that youngster Xiao Feng's company. I know it's not my place, but I can't help warning you. That kid's no good—arrogant and obnoxiously so. You've probably heard that he's challenged me to a duel to the death. And that's not all! He's been boasting that the position of Sect Master's successor is as good as his, dismissing anything to do with Ye Xiu as nonsense..."

Ye Xiu gave him a cold look. This kid was clearly asking for trouble.

Before Hai Qingyu could stir up any more trouble, Ye Xiu spoke up, "Do you have any idea what the most devious trick I've seen that kid pull is?"

Hai Qingyu paused, confused. "What?"

What does that have to do with what I was saying?

Ye Xiu cracked a smile. "It's a sneak attack to the rear!"

No sooner had the words left his mouth than a sword materialized, delivering a crushing blow to Hai Qingyu. He was sent flying, crashing down in the courtyard.

Ye Xiu shot him a withering glance. "You really think you can drive a wedge between me and Brother Xiao? Dream on! Scram before I take matters into my own hands, because I won't need Brother Xiao to step in to finish you off!"