Chapter 43: Long Zhan’s Challenge

The one speaking was none other than Long Zhan, who had issued a challenge to Wu Tianxia at the sect’s rear mountain last time. Now, Long Zhan was passing by with a few of his teammates.

“The Grand Elder’s personal disciple, Long Zhan!” Although Niu Wuji was not particularly accomplished in cultivation, his experience was considerable, and as soon as Long Zhan approached, he recognized him at a glance.

“That’s right. What you’re looking at is the Grand Elder’s personal disciple, and also the number one genius of our Qitian Sect branch, Long Zhan! Senior Brother Long is searching for a place to stay. If you two know what’s good for you, hurry up and leave—we don’t want any unnecessary trouble!” one of Long Zhan’s followers said arrogantly.

“We got here first, so why should we give up the spot to you?” Niu Wuji retorted unhappily.

“Getting here first doesn’t mean much. You need to understand, Senior Brother Long is now the foremost genius of Qitian Sect, and he’s bound to enter the main sect as the top candidate! If you don’t open your eyes to the situation, don’t blame Senior Brother Long for being ruthless!”

“Hmph! Bullying others just because you’re strong. Well, we simply refuse!” Niu Wuji remained defiant.

“Damn it! You’re asking for a beating!” One of Long Zhan’s lackeys prepared to step forward.

But Long Zhan stopped him, smiling as he looked at Wu Tian. “Wu, the so-called number one genius, you may have some skills, but I advise you to go down the mountain while you still can. The further you go, the stronger the demon beasts become. I’d hate to hear news of your demise.”

“Thanks for the warning, but I thrive on adventure. In fact, I’m looking forward to seeing those fiercer beasts for myself!” Wu Tian spread his hands with an air of indifference.

A flicker of contempt flashed in Long Zhan’s eyes, and he smiled. “As expected of the former top genius—bold and spirited! Too bad, in a few days you might become food for the beasts. Tsk, tsk… If you end up in their bellies, I’ll be sure to burn a few joss papers for you when I reach the end of the Broken Mountain Range.”

“How dare you! Looking down on my boss like that? I’ll fight you!” Niu Wuji was instantly furious. He’d seen Wu Tian’s strength firsthand, so to hear someone mock him was unbearable.

“Oh? You even have a follower now? Not bad! Who would think a cripple with shattered meridians and a broken dantian could ever have a follower? I can’t tell if the boss is out of his mind, or if the follower is,” Long Zhan sneered, shaking his head.

“Bastard! Don’t think I won’t hit you just because you’re the Grand Elder’s disciple—I'll take you down right now!” Niu Wuji, unable to endure anymore, raised his sword and charged.

Wu Tian instantly grabbed him, calm and unruffled. “If a dog barks at you, do you really need to bite it back?”

Niu Wuji sobered up at once, suddenly enlightened. “Boss is right. If a dog barks at me and I bite back, I’d lose all dignity. Boss, what should we do?”

“We’ll spit on the dog, of course. Ptooey!” Wu Tian spat forcefully.

“Haha, Boss is right. Let’s spit!” Niu Wuji imitated Wu Tian and spat hard.

Wu Tian’s actions immediately ignited the tempers on Long Zhan’s side. Long Zhan’s face went dark, and one of his followers pointed at Wu Tian, roaring, “Wu Tian, how dare you be so disrespectful to Senior Brother Long! You’re too arrogant! Even if Senior Brother Long lets you go, I won’t!”

“That’s right! What right does a useless piece of trash have to look down on Senior Brother Long? He’s begging for a beating!”

“Damn it, why don’t we all go give him a slap, so he knows his place?”

Long Zhan’s followers were eager, ready to teach Wu Tian a lesson.

“Stop! What do you think you’re doing?” Long Zhan roared at his men.

The followers looked confused. “Senior Brother Long, that punk dared to talk to you like that. We have to teach him a lesson—let him know he’s just a worthless cripple!”

“Don’t you remember the rules for entering the Broken Mountain Range? Disciples of the same sect are forbidden from killing each other. If anyone is caught, they lose their right to compete in the sect tournament!” Long Zhan said sternly.

“But Senior Brother, it’s the middle of the night in the wilderness—no way the sect will find out if we rough him up a bit.”

“Nonsense! You really think no one is watching?” Long Zhan snapped coldly.

“Are there enforcement judges monitoring us?” The followers nervously glanced around.

Long Zhan curled his lips. With his current cultivation, he could faintly sense someone watching in the shadows. He wanted to win the sect tournament, so until victory was his, he wouldn’t risk losing his qualifications, no matter how angry he got.

“Senior Brother Long is right. Too bad we can’t teach that guy a lesson right now—so frustrating!” The lackeys grumbled, unwilling to let it go.

“You wanted to make a move? If you’ve got the guts, come at me! I’m right here—hit me if you can! Cowards!” Wu Tian shouted at Long Zhan’s group, disdainful.

“Wu Tian, don’t get cocky! There’s no benefit for me to deal with you now, but watch yourself. If you survive the first trial and make it to the second round in the arena, I’ll make sure you’re utterly humiliated—or better yet, I’ll kill you in front of everyone!” Long Zhan’s expression grew ruthless as he pointed at Wu Tian.

“I’ll be there. I hope you’re as strong as you claim,” Wu Tian shrugged, unconcerned.

“Hmph! Arrogant fool. Senior Brother Long just broke through to the eighth level of the Martial Master realm—among everyone competing, he’s the strongest. You’re as good as dead!” one of Long Zhan’s followers shouted.

“The eighth level of the Martial Master realm? Not bad,” Wu Tian replied with a lazy smile.

“Wu Tian, you’d better not die before crossing the Broken Mountain Range. Otherwise, you’ll be the most worthless of the worthless!” Long Zhan said coldly. Then, waving his hand at his followers, he added, “Let’s go. Just seeing this cripple disgusts me.”

“Tch! What’s so great about you? If you want to kill my boss, you’d better go train for another hundred years!” Niu Wuji shouted stubbornly.

Ding!

“Player Wu Tian, you have been challenged by Long Zhan, an eighth-level Martial Master. Do you accept the challenge?”

“Is there a reward?” After hearing the system’s notification, Wu Tian asked.

“The system cannot disclose that before you choose. Does player Wu Tian accept the challenge?”

“Fine, I’ll accept. It’s not like I’ll lose anything either way.”

Ding!

“Congratulations, player Wu Tian, you have accepted the challenge from Long Zhan. Side quest unlocked!”

“Side quest: Defeat Long Zhan in the sect tournament arena and claim first place overall!”

“Quest reward: one clue to the main quest, 20,000 experience points, 20 system shop credits, and a 30-point increase to your Instant Kill value.”

Wu Tian felt like a genius—thank goodness he’d accepted Long Zhan’s challenge and triggered a side quest. The rewards were incredible: not only a main quest clue, but also shop credits and instant kill points. It couldn’t be better.

“Excellent! Let’s strive for first place in the sect tournament. Xiao Niu, come! We set out for the end of the Broken Mountain Range at once!”