C21 Death Match Arena!

Hu Qiu's words truly startled Yu Kun, prompting him to quickly replay recent events in his mind.

The Flying Cloud Sect may have encouraged rivalry among its disciples, but death was off-limits. Chen Rui had been brutal in his threats, but he stopped short of killing Yu Kun, merely crippling his Qi Sea.

Yet, if a deep-seated grudge existed, disciples could petition the sect for a formal duel to the death in the Death Match Arena.

"All this over a Space Ring you claim I stole, and now you're challenging me to a death match?" Yu Kun said, eyeing Hu Qiu with a growing suspicion.

"He's from a prestigious family, priding himself on his status. He wouldn't stoop to a death match with a commoner like me. It must be Chen Feng's doing. That way, even if Hu Qiu kills me, no one would question it."

Lost in thought, Yu Kun's musings were interrupted by a thunderous voice from above: "Granted."

Surprised, Yu Kun watched as Hu Qiu exclaimed with glee, "Did you hear that? The Flying Cloud Sect's Disciplinary Elder has given his consent. See that beam of white light piercing the sky? That's the Death Match Arena. Once it's initiated, there's no turning back. You have to face me there."

"You're willing to risk our lives for a Space Ring? I won't be returning it, though," Yu Kun retorted.

"Then to the Death Match Arena we go!" Hu Qiu declared, striding toward the distant white light.

Yu Kun's eyebrows lifted; he sensed something amiss.

"With the Shocking Wind Step Style, I managed to overpower Hu Qiu before, but I couldn't secure a victory. Now, with my improved skills, victory seems inevitable. But Hu Qiu is no fool; he wouldn't challenge me without a surefire plan."

Unable to puzzle it out, Yu Kun shook his head and reassured himself, "Regardless of his motives, I'll counter them with my strength. With the power I wield now, defeating him will be effortless!"

Mulling it over, Yu Kun followed him out.

Yu Kun had no desire to take a life, but if Hu Qiu insisted on a fight to the death, he would have no choice but to accept the challenge. Yu Kun was not one to back down under any circumstances.

The voice of the Disciplinary Elder echoed throughout much of the Flying Cloud Sect. It reached not only Yu Kun and a couple of others but also some Inner Sect disciples and even Direct Disciples.

Most Direct Disciples were immersed in their cultivation and wouldn't bother to spectate. Yet, a spark of excitement lit up the faces of several Inner Sect disciples.

"The Death Match Arena is open!"

"Come on! Let's hurry to the Death Match Arena!"

A buzz of conversation rose among the Inner Sect disciples as they made a beeline for the arena.

Yaen Hongling, upon hearing the announcement, showed no intention of joining them. She continued to focus, channeling her magic seals to refine the Astral Energy within her.

"Yaen Hongling, aren't you curious to see what's happening?" Across from her sat a strikingly handsome young man.

At his question, Yaen Hongling replied, "That has nothing to do with me."

The young man chuckled and said, "Yet, I've heard that just a few days ago, you were ready to discipline Chen Feng in the Cultivation Room on behalf of an Outer Sect disciple."

Caught off guard, Yaen Hongling looked up sharply, her expression a mix of surprise and annoyance.

"Do you doubt me? I've made it clear that I will only marry a true genius."

The young man's smile didn't waver as he responded, "Hongling, there's no need for anger. I understand your intentions. I merely wanted to remind you of something—you are engaged to me."

After a brief silence, Yaen Hongling spoke, "Xu Yeran, we are neither Direct Disciples at the moment, nor is our engagement official. You're aware of that."

"Of course," he conceded. "But if anyone from our generation in the Flying Cloud Sect is to become a Direct Disciple, it's bound to be me."

Before Xu Yeran could continue, Yaen Hongling had risen and was already heading out the door.

Unable to contain his curiosity, Xu Yeran called out, "Hongling, where are you off to?"

"I need to see what's really happening here," Yaen Hongling declared before departing. She didn't glance back even once.

Xu Yeran simply smiled at her departure, making no move to follow.

Upon reaching the Death Match Arena, Yu Kun was taken aback. It wasn't the notorious reputation of the arena that startled him, but rather the unexpected crowd that had gathered. Outer Sect Disciples, Elite Disciples, and even Inner Sect Disciples were present, which was surprising enough. But what truly shocked Yu Kun was the presence of Elders.

The realization hit Yu Kun—he had no choice but to face the upcoming battle, especially since the Leviathan-roc System had consumed the Space Ring. Sure, he could produce some snacks and other valuables from it, but none of those items could compare to the worth of the Space Ring itself.

"Since fighting is inevitable, I might as well use this chance to gain some advantage!" he thought.

With that in mind, Yu Kun turned to Hu Qiu and inquired, "If I lose, I'll give you the Space Ring back. But if I win, what will you do?"

Hu Qiu chuckled and replied, "If you lose, you'll surrender the Space Ring, and I'm afraid your life might be forfeit as well!"