C22 Demon Suppressing Ring!

Yu Kun feigned deafness and pressed on, "If you lose, will you surrender your life to me?"

Hu Qiu let out a cold, mocking laugh.

"I'm not going to lose," he declared, tilting his head up slightly. "I may not be the strongest among the elite disciples, but I'm certainly at the top. You've got decent movement skills, but beating me won't be a walk in the park."

After a brief pause, Hu Qiu added, "Since you're looking for a reward, if I lose, I'll hand over a Grade Two Martial Arts tome to you."

With that, Hu Qiu tossed a small booklet onto a plaque just outside the Death Match Arena, which featured a groove on either side for such purposes.

Yu Kun immediately recognized it as the designated spot for wagering in the arena. He then placed an ordinary-looking ring there. It was too distant for onlookers to discern whether it was a Space Ring or not.

Yu Kun and Hu Qiu stepped into the Death Match Arena, facing each other before bowing in mutual respect.

Without delay, Yu Kun unleashed his Shocking Wind Step Style, launching a relentless assault on Hu Qiu.

Even without employing martial arts techniques, Yu Kun's offensive left several marks on Hu Qiu.

The disciples watching were taken aback by the unfolding scene. The elite disciples marveled at Yu Kun's speed, while those from the Inner Sect could see Hu Qiu was on the back foot. A few elders offered their insights on Yu Kun's technique and Hu Qiu's defensive strategy.

On the arena floor, Yu Kun's swift movements landed a blow on Hu Qiu's back, sending him stumbling forward.

"I know you wouldn't step into the Death Match Arena without a strategy to counter me," Yu Kun stated. "So go ahead, show me everything you've got."

Hu Qiu chuckled in response, "I accepted this challenge because I have the means to handle you. But I had planned to unveil my other techniques a bit later. Since you're so eager, I'll give you a preview."

With that, Hu Qiu launched an Astral Energy attack at Yu Kun.

Yu Kun couldn't see it, but his system alerted him to the incoming threat.

However, before he could react and dodge with his Movement Technique, Hu Qiu's Astral Energy had already ensnared him.

Yu Kun was taken aback. He attempted to execute the Shocking Wind Step Style using his Astral Energy, but no matter what he tried, he couldn't escape Hu Qiu's Astral Energy grip.

"It's no wonder he had the guts to step into the Death Match Arena; he does have a method to counter me. Even though I'm clueless about the Martial Arts he's employing, once his Astral Energy has me bound, I find myself unable to break free."

Suddenly, Yu Kun noticed Hu Qiu's other hand manipulating the Astral Energy, preparing to launch a Martial Arts technique.

Yu Kun exclaimed in alarm, "This is bad. It looks like he's gearing up to finish me off with a powerful Martial Arts move."

Yu Kun was deeply shaken. He immediately channeled his own Astral Energy, desperately trying to shatter Hu Qiu's hold. If he could just get free, he'd be able to unleash his own Martial Arts. With the power of Leviathan-roc Astral Energy at his disposal, Yu Kun was confident he could not only fight back but potentially turn the tables and defeat Hu Qiu.

But the Astral Energy proved to be unyieldingly strong, and Yu Kun remained trapped.

Outside the Death Match Arena, several Elders exchanged knowing glances and murmured among themselves, "It looks like we're about to see the outcome."

"Indeed. The disciple has decent Movement Technique, but he was too reckless. Once ensnared by the Astral Energy, he's rendered immobile."

"If I'm not mistaken, the disciple wielding the Astral Energy is sure to be promoted to Inner Sect status. When that happens, I intend to take him under my wing."

Among these Elders was Zhou Xingtian, who had subdued his presence, softening his usually intimidating demeanor. Yet, the energy within him had fully coalesced. To anyone who could peer into Zhou Xingtian's Qi Sea, they would find a serene infant nestled within.

Zhou Xingtian had ascended to the Martial Disciple Stage, having harnessed the Earth Water Fire Wind Spiritual Energy and fused it with his Martial Soul to create a Soul Embryo.

At this juncture, the Elders were implicitly acknowledging Zhou Xingtian's leadership.

Upon laying eyes on Yu Kun, Zhou Xingtian's face darkened with concern.

"This disciple was the one who procured the Shadow Soul Grass for me, enabling me to advance to Intermediate Rank Martial Disciple in just one week. I have no desire to watch him perish like this! Yet, here in the Death Match Arena, my hands are tied—even as an Elder, I must not intervene."

Zhou Xingtian was lost in his thoughts when his face suddenly took on a grave expression.

"There could still be a twist in the tale!"

The Inner Sect disciples were abuzz with talk about the ongoing match, and surprisingly, Yan Hongling was among them. Witnessing Hu Qiu ensnare Yu Kun with ropes of Astral Energy, Yan Hongling's initial shock quickly turned to seething anger. She cast a stern look toward the Inner Sect disciples.

"Chen Feng!" Yan Hongling's eyes blazed as she confronted him. "How could you dare to pull off such a stunt!"

Chen Feng feigned ignorance, replying, "Why would you say that? It was the Elite Disciples who made their move, not me. What's that got to do with me?"

Yan Hongling huffed, "The Demon Suppressing Ring used by those Elite Disciples belongs to the Chen family. Don't think I wouldn't recognize it."

With a sly grin, Chen Feng responded, "The Chen family recently lost a martial arts manual. Who would've thought a fellow disciple would find it? Once this match is over, I owe Hu Qiu a debt of gratitude."

Yan Hongling fell silent, her thoughts interrupted.

"You've shown some talent, reaching the Intermediate Rank of Qi Refining. But it's a shame you're going to die today, and no one can save you."

Her contemplation was cut short by a voice from behind.

"Don't count your chickens before they hatch. The battle isn't over until the final moment. There might still be a surprise in store."

Startled, Yan Hongling spun around to see a young man in yellow robes approaching slowly.

All the Inner Sect disciples present paid their respects to the newcomer. Even Yan Hongling bowed her head, offering a respectful greeting, "My respects, Little Prince."

The Little Prince offered a knowing smile and turned his gaze to the center of the Death Match Arena, declaring, "Let the battle commence."

At his words, the crowd instantly turned their attention to the arena.

The Little Prince was no ordinary figure; he was among the elite of the Inner Sect!

With over five hundred Inner Sect disciples, only the top ten were revealed at the year's end. And the Little Prince was consistently among that elite group.

If the Little Prince believed the fight was still on, then it was far from over.