C13 I Challenge Chu Guangxiang
As Chu Qingyong spoke, a wave of applause erupted from the audience. The applause was for the Patriarch, certainly, but also for Chu Yangxiang.
The fact that he had reached the Peak of Profound Warrior One-star in just one month was astounding enough. Now, with his revelation as a Grade 4 Talent, he was eligible to join the Pill Cauldron Divine Sect.
A person with Grade 1 Talent could become a Profound Warrior, someone with Grade 2 Talent could rise to a Profound Master, an individual with Grade 3 Talent could achieve the rank of Profound General, and with Grade 4 Talent, one could ascend to the Profound Sect. A warrior endowed with Profound Power was among the rarest of experts in the world.
"A true genius has emerged in the Chu Family! There's hope for our family's resurgence."
"Indeed, a genius like this can't lack Martial Dao Talent! He's now shown us his Grade 4 Martial Dao Talent."
"Chu Yangxiang, you have our support."
The Third Elder, Chu Yuexing, Chu Xiaoxiang, and Chu Tixiang appeared as though they had been publicly slapped, their embarrassment palpable to all.
Chu Tianwen gazed at his son, his eyes brimming with tears, whispering to himself, "I am so proud of you."
Onlookers from the periphery rushed to offer their congratulations to Chu Tianwen, "Congratulations! Your son's remarkable talent is truly the Chu Family's pride."
"Absolutely, the Chu Family will surely provide him with special training."
"His potential is limitless. He's destined to lead the Chu Family to new heights."
Following the tests of Profound Power and talent was the martial competition.
The antics of the participants drew hearty laughter from the seasoned Profound Warriors, who saw it as nothing more than child's play.
Yet, the joy in their hearts was undeniable, as the event stirred fond memories of their own youth.
At the competition's conclusion, five more children were welcomed into the Chu Family Courtyard.
Chu Yangxiang remained the last one standing. His impressive earlier performance had deterred any challengers.
Being at the Peak of Profound Warrior One-star meant he was verging on the realm of Profound Warrior Two-star!
Standing on the elevated platform, Chu Yangxiang exuded a commanding presence, his aura sending ripples of awe through the crowd.
It was common knowledge that Chu Yangxiang was poised to challenge Chu Guangxiang.
Everyone's gaze was fixed on Chu Yangxiang, eager to see if he would indeed challenge the Profound Warrior Five-star as he had claimed.
Chu Yangxiang looked at Chu Guangxiang with respect in his eyes. Chu Guangxiang had proven to be a man of his word; since that day, he had not once targeted Chu Yangxiang's parents, a gesture that deeply touched Chu Yangxiang.
He bowed respectfully to Chu Guangxiang and declared, "Chu Guangxiang, I challenge you."
All eyes shifted to Chu Guangxiang, their surprise evident. Though they had heard about the impending challenge, the reality of it seemed incredible.
Could a Profound Warrior One-star really stand a chance against a Five-star Martial Warrior?
Chu Guangxiang's years of dedication had honed his South Bear Fist to perfection. His techniques, agility, and physical strength were beyond the comprehension of a One-star.
Everyone doubted Chu Yangxiang's chances of victory.
Yet, no one ridiculed him for biting off more than he could chew. He had already amazed everyone with his performance in the Profound Power Test and had brought a fresh perspective with the Talent Test. Who could say for sure that this match wouldn't hold another surprise?
"I think Chu Yangxiang might not lose," someone ventured.
"I disagree. The disparity between them is just too vast."
"Still, his courage to challenge Chu Guangxiang speaks volumes. Win or lose, he possesses the spirit of a true warrior."
"He should at least be aware of his limitations. If he were to die suddenly, it would all be for naught," Chu Xiaoxiang remarked with a sneer.
They had made their plans; Chu Yangxiang was not meant to survive this.
The stronger Chu Yangxiang became, the more he would be targeted.
Chu Guangxiang couldn't help but smile; Chu Yangxiang's talent had taken him by surprise. Honestly, even if it meant upsetting Chu Yuexing and others today, he couldn't afford to cripple Chu Yangxiang—the Chu Family would suffer the greatest loss.
Chu Guangxiang understood this all too well.
Standing up, he offered a friendly smile. "Very well, Chu Yangxiang, let's see just how formidable you truly are."
Chu Huixiang looked up at his brother and pleaded, "Brother, you must avenge me."
Chu Guangxiang cast a disdainful glance at Chu Huixiang. It was no surprise that Chu Yangxiang had managed to fracture his hand bones; clearly, he lacked judgment.
On the stage, The Fifth Elder served as the referee. He observed Chu Yangxiang and Chu Guangxiang with approval, particularly Chu Yangxiang. Addressing Chu Guangxiang, he cautioned, "Be mindful of your strength when you strike. Chu Yangxiang is our family's future."
Chu Guangxiang nodded in acknowledgment. "Elder, rest assured, I understand."
Chu Yuexing's expression turned grim upon noticing Chu Guangxiang's demeanor.
At The Fifth Elder's signal, the match began. Chu Yangxiang and Chu Guangxiang sprang into action, launching attacks at each other with lightning speed. Their punches, each packed with hundreds of kilograms of force, collided, sending a thunderous echo that reverberated through the ears of all present. The crowd's eyes were glued to the arena, eager to gauge the true disparity between Chu Yangxiang and Chu Guangxiang.
Many spectators anticipated that Chu Yangxiang would sustain serious injuries, given the vast gap between a Profound Warrior One-star and a Profound Warrior Five-star.
To their astonishment, Chu Guangxiang stumbled backward seven or eight steps. He shook his arms vigorously to dissipate the force from Chu Yangxiang's punch.
With a look of utter surprise, Chu Guangxiang stared at Chu Yangxiang. He had held back, using only half his strength for fear of injuring him, yet Chu Yangxiang had managed to push him back.
In the instant their fists met, Chu Guangxiang felt Chu Yangxiang's power surge like an oncoming mountain. He scrambled to adjust his strength, giving it his all, but it was too late. His arms tingled with numbness and ached with soreness.
The crowd below was stunned, struggling to comprehend the sight before them. "How is this possible? How could Chu Guangxiang be at a disadvantage?"
"Some say Chu Guangxiang was holding back."
"No, Chu Yangxiang is simply that strong. He might be nearly equal to Chu Guangxiang, leading to the misjudgment."
Regardless, Chu Yangxiang's innate combat prowess was now undeniable. He was a versatile contender, consistently astonishing onlookers with his performance in every challenge he faced.
Chu Qingyong, along with the four elders and the leaders of the four Profound Warrior Groups, all nodded in silent agreement. They recognized that with that single punch, Chu Yangxiang had demonstrated he was a true genius.
There were no longer any doubts.
He had triumphed.