C20 Arrogant and Despotic

If word got out about his defeat of the Withered Bone Elder, it could potentially lead to a host of unwanted complications.

"Senior Sister Tian, let's keep the matter of the Withered Bone Elder between us. I'd rather not draw attention; I just want to dedicate myself to my training," Zhang Chen implored while astride the Divine Steed, addressing Tian Yuling.

Tian Yuling chuckled at his request. "Rest easy. Once I've secured the Merits and Virtues, I'll discreetly share them with you. With such an abundance, you'll have enough to advance to the Energy Master Stage and establish yourself as an Inner Disciple. Then, you'll be eligible to learn the advanced techniques of the Ten-thousand Elephants Palace!"

Zhang Chen's thoughts drifted to the 'Power of Ten-thousand Elephants In One' technique that Tian Yuling had used to wound the Withered Bone Elder. He recognized it as one of the formidable techniques from the Ten-thousand Elephants Secret Scripture, a hallmark of the Ten-thousand Elephants Palace.

A Master Stage Expert possesses the combined strength of nine bulls and two tigers, while an Energy Master Stage Expert commands the equivalent strength of ten elephants!

To clarify, the strength of nine bulls and two tigers is on par with that of one elephant. This means that even the least powerful Energy Master Stage Expert is on equal footing with ten Master Stage Experts.

Ascending to the Energy Master Stage not only augments one's strength but also involves cultivating Genuine Energy within the Dantian. This continuous refinement of the body through Genuine Energy significantly enhances physical development and can extend one's lifespan to nearly two hundred years.

In contrast, the lifespan of a Master Stage Expert, or any ordinary person for that matter, typically caps at about a hundred years. Furthermore, with age, their strength tends to stagnate or even diminish.

Energy Master Stage Experts, on the other hand, experience no such decline. The perpetual tempering of their bodies with Genuine Energy only serves to fortify their power.

This is precisely why only those who reach the Energy Master Stage are deemed worthy of becoming Inner Disciples at the Ten-thousand Elephants Palace.

In her recent clash with the Withered Bone Elder, Tian Yuling had unleashed the Power of Ten-thousand Elephants In One. Though it lacked the full Power of Ten-thousand Elephants, it still boasted the strength of at least ten elephants, which was essential to achieving such formidable force.

Zhang Chen handed the Fire Repelling Cold Toad and the venom of the Green Scorpion to Tian Yuling, asking for her assistance in exchanging them for Merits and Virtues.

While Tian Yuling was inside the Merits and Virtues Hall handling the exchange, Zhang Chen patiently waited outside by the Merits and Virtues Stone.

The bounty from this venture was substantial. Not only did he aid Pan in regaining a significant amount of strength, but he also amassed over fifteen thousand Merits and Virtues. With such an abundance of Merits and Virtues, he was well-equipped to advance to the Energy Master Stage.

At high noon, the number of disciples arriving to accept missions swelled, predominantly Outer Disciples, with scarcely an Inner Disciple in sight, since Outer Disciples lacked a monthly stipend.

Yet, in that bustling moment, a figure emerged outside the Merits and Virtues Hall. This young man, lean in build, bore a striking resemblance to Ning Feihong. With a somber expression and squinted eyes, his approach caused the nearby disciples to scatter.

"Senior Brother Ning doesn't look too well."

"Are you not aware? A few days ago, Senior Brother Ning's brother, Ning Feihong, went missing. Senior Brother Ning has been relentlessly pursuing the matter. Judging by his demeanor, the situation appears grim."

Amidst the murmurs of the disciples, Ning Feilong's intense gaze fixed on Zhang Chen, and he soared into the sky.

"Who is Zhang Chen? Show yourself and face your demise!"

Ning Feilong's call, though not loud, cut through the air with such clarity that every disciple in the square outside the Merits and Virtues Hall heard it distinctly.

Startled by the mention of his name, Zhang Chen instinctively looked up. Recognizing the man's face, so akin to Ning Feihong's, he knew immediately who it must be.

Despite the fear gripping his heart, Zhang Chen maintained his composure. With a respectful bow, he responded, "I am Zhang Chen. Senior Brother, what business do you have with me?"

"Enough talk! Come here and meet your end! Today, your blood will serve as a tribute to my brother!"

"Enough talk, come and meet your demise! Today, I will use your blood to honor my brother!" Ning Feilong's voice boomed, cutting off Zhang Chen mid-sentence. The force of his shout sent a gust sweeping across the plaza.

"How can this be? Ning Feihong was at the Peak of The Master Stage, the most likely among the Outer Disciples to advance to the Inner Sect. How could he have been killed?"

"I recognize this disciple; he's from Cloud Water Peak. He had a dispute with Ning Feihong at the Spiritual Pill Hall not long ago. I never imagined he would actually kill Ning Feihong!"

The crowd of disciples erupted into chaos upon hearing Ning Feilong's accusation.

Zhang Chen, who had been virtually unknown until now, suddenly found himself the center of attention. Ning Feihong, not only a prominent Inner Disciple and Ning Feilong's brother, was also a prodigy who had nearly reached the Energy Master Stage. He was considered the top Outer Disciple before Zhang Yuner's emergence. His death at the hands of an obscure disciple was nothing short of astounding.

"Senior Brother Ning, stop spouting nonsense. You accuse me of killing your brother—where's your proof?"

Zhang Chen regained his calm after the initial shock. On Tianshu Mountain, except for the Life and Death Arena, disciples were forbidden from fighting. Even Ning Feilong, as an Inner Disciple, wouldn't dare to flout this rule.

"Hmph! Proof? My word is proof!" Ning Feilong declared, his voice filled with arrogance, leaving no room for Zhang Chen to counter.

Unfazed by Zhang Chen's composure, Ning Feilong's expression darkened. "You think you're safe hiding on Tianshu Mountain? Unless you stay here forever, I swear I'll kill you!"

It was a blatant threat. The moment Zhang Chen stepped off Tianshu Mountain, he would face Ning Feilong's wrath. For an Energy Master Stage Expert, killing Zhang Chen, a Master Stage practitioner, would be effortless.

"Ning Feilong, don't think you can threaten me just because you're an Inner Disciple. I belong to Cloud Water Peak. If you want to lay a finger on me, you'll have to get past Senior Sister Yuner first!"

Zhang Chen's mind raced, and he no longer felt the need to address Ning Feilong with the respectful title of Senior Brother. In the current predicament, even if he called Ning Feilong 'Grandpa,' it wouldn't make a difference.

"What a brazen disciple! He dares to address Senior Brother Ning by his name! He must really have a death wish."

"What's the big deal? He's got someone powerful behind him. Senior Sister Yuner has reached the Energy Master Stage. If she decides to protect Zhang Chen, Senior Brother Ning might not be willing to completely burn bridges over this."

Zhang Chen's spirits lifted upon hearing the disciple's comment. He hadn't expected Zhang Yuner to have ascended to the Energy Master Stage, which was certainly a stroke of luck for him at this moment.

Yet Ning Feilong, hovering above the ground, let out a cold laugh after hearing Zhang Chen's words. "You think you can use Zhang Yuner to intimidate me? Besides, she left two days ago to seek vengeance on those Hidden God Sect disciples who attacked her. Waiting for her to rescue you? You might as well stop dreaming!"

Despair washed over Zhang Chen as Ning Feilong's words sank in. He hadn't anticipated Zhang Yuner would venture out of the Ten-thousand Elephants Palace after her seclusion. Now, it seemed there was truly no one left to come to his aid.