C16

Listen to this, can you believe what Lo Ding is saying?

He claims he only wants Lo Chen's sacred bone and nothing else?

"Young Master."

Already irritable, Lo Ding grew even more annoyed upon hearing someone address him.

"What's the matter?"

Lo Ding gave the person a menacing look.

He was certain that if this individual didn't provide a satisfactory answer, death would be imminent.

"Young Master, the family competition is fast approaching."

And what of the family competition?

Lo Ding grunted dismissively. "What are you implying?"

"Young Master, Lo Chen is sure to participate in the competition. When that time comes..."

In that moment, Lo Ding immediately grasped the underlying message in the man's words.

"Very well, you truly are my trusted advisor!"

The man mopped his brow, relief evident in his eyes.

Whether it was his fierce nature or his temper, his young master was known for his fiery disposition!

"Lo Chen, enjoy your arrogance for now. But come the family competition, I'll end you!"

With that declaration, everyone in the courtyard could see the ruthless gleam in Lo Ding's eyes.

"Young Master, shall we...?"

Lo Ding's mood was far from just 'good' – it was positively elated!

"Send a few young ladies in to attend to me tonight!"

With his command issued, the sycophant quickly bowed, signaling his understanding.

Meanwhile, Lo Chen remained unaware of Lo Ding's scheming, focused solely on advancing to the second level of the Qi Condensation Stage.

"Lo Chen."

At the sound from outside, Lo Chen slightly raised his eyebrows before rising to his feet and stepping out.

He recognized the voice as that of his father, Lo Wushuang.

"Family Head."

Lo Chen greeted him with a bow, showing no sign of subservience.

Lo Wushuang, who knew Lo Chen well, took no issue with the gesture.

"The family competition is just a few days away."

At these words, Lo Chen paused.

It wasn't that the competition concerned him; rather, he was reminded of a task assigned by the system.

"Alright, I understand."

With those words, Lo Chen turned and entered the room, leaving Lo Wushuang no opportunity to say anything further.

Lo Wushuang watched Lo Chen extend his hand, at a loss for words, and could only sigh in resignation.

"The top three?"

Lo Chen narrowed his eyes, then immersed himself once more in his cultivation.

Before long, the time for the Lo family's grand competition had arrived.

"Lo Chen, you're done for!"

Lo Ding's gaze was chilling as he looked at Lo Chen, a hint of malice flickering in his eyes.

One could say that Lo Ding had been driven to madness!

After all, what sane person would be willing to extract someone's bones?

Especially considering it was a demonic technique!

Neither the Lo Chen of the present nor of the past would ever consent to such a thing!

"Young Master, there seems to be something... in Young Master Ding's gaze."

Before he could finish, Lo Chen let out a scoff at his subordinate.

"Heh, I've said it before, Lo Ding is nothing but a clown. Don't bother with his gaze."

Upon hearing this, the attendant serving Lo Chen immediately bowed his head, thinking he was being reprimanded.

But Lo Chen had no time for such trifles and simply chuckled, shaking his head.

"Don't be so timid. I'm not a monster. What's there to fear?"

With that, Lo Chen took his seat and closed his eyes.

The seating within the Lo family was hierarchical, and as a direct descendant, Lo Chen was entitled to one of the prime spots.

Previously, no one would have challenged this, but now, many were feeling resentful due to Lo Ding's influence.

"Hey, brat, who let you sit here? Do you really think you deserve this seat?"

Lo Ding's words were barely out before his excitement was palpable. He probably didn't need anyone else to inform Lo Chen.

Lo Chen was well aware that this was Lo Ding's doing.

In response, Lo Chen simply raised an eyebrow at Lo Ding and then landed a punch on the Lo family disciple who had challenged him.

As a cultivator at the first level of the Qi Condensation Stage, not to mention his sacred bone lineage, Lo Chen's punch was incredibly forceful!

The side-branch disciple was hurled over ten meters, crashing down from the platform with a heavy thud.

"Why should anyone be unconvinced? With my strength, who would dare challenge me?"

Lo Chen's decisive actions stunned the Lo family disciples, who looked at him with a mix of fear and respect.

Some even cast furtive glances at Lo Ding.

Lo Chen, noticing these subtle cues, simply let out a light chuckle.

"You lot aren't up to par. And the one behind you? Even less so."

With that, Lo Chen returned to his seat.

This time, however, the Lo family disciples were wiser—none dared to provoke Lo Chen.

In the world of cultivation, it's survival of the fittest, and the Lo family, being part of that world, was no exception.

This position was a true test of the disciples' abilities.

If they could take it, it was theirs for the keeping.

But out of all people, they chose to provoke Lo Chen!

Was Lo Chen someone these side-branch disciples could afford to provoke?

Lo Ding glared at Lo Chen, clearly not expecting such resolute behavior from him.

It was clear that any further obstacles would have to be set in the arena!

As fate would have it, the first match was a battle for advancement on the same stage!

Only the last five standing in the arena would move on to the next round.

With eight arenas in total, that meant only forty could advance—a truly brutal selection!

So, most people aimed to take down the strongest first. Once the strongest was out, the rest would battle it out.

"Number eight arena: Lo Chen, Lo Yong, Lo..."

The Lo family deacon quickly called out Lo Chen's name, assigning him to the eighth arena.

But before stepping up, Lo Chen caught the schadenfreude in Lo Ding's eyes.

That look made Lo Chen's heart race as he surveyed the arena. Aside from a few hostile faces, the majority were sneering at him.

Good grief, with at least fifty people on this stage and nearly forty of them eyeing him, who wouldn't feel a chill?

But speaking up about it wouldn't change a thing.

Lo Chen understood the law of the jungle better than anyone: the strong devour the weak, and only the fittest survive.

When it comes down to a real fight, who's going to concern themselves with fairness and justice?

Nobody!