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“This place is crazier than I thought.”

Located in Gansu, the Main Hall of the White Lotus Sect was quite the scene. I joined the unarmed sparring event pretending to be a follower of Jin So-cheong, without any fancy disguises or stealth techniques. Honestly, trying to hide amongst all these characters would only make me stand out more. By just lowering my internal power, I blended in perfectly.

“Woohoo!”

“Jin So-cheong, become the best in the world today!!”

More than fifty followers, fired up, rallied behind Jin So-cheong. They were mostly late 30s energy enthusiasts from the Orthodox Sect, clearly impressed by her martial prowess. They even vowed to share her destiny, despite knowing it was more likely they’d just end up as fodder for the slaughterhouse if she lost.

Not to mention, prominent figures like Bright Dragon and Zen Master had shown up on purpose to witness this match. Even the Dharma Protectors stood by the sect master, wearing their masks, probably as a show of respect or intimidation.

The sect master loomed above on a huge platform, looking down at Jin So-cheong, who stared back up. They held eye contact for a moment before the sect master gracefully floated down to land in front of her.

The sect master’s voice rang out, echoing with gravitas:

“Today’s duel is special. I never thought a martial artist from the Central Plains would challenge me in my lifetime.”

A momentary silence rolled through the crowd. The weight behind the sect master’s words was palpable, causing those with lower martial skills to sway and turn pale. Jin So-cheong stepped forward and spoke.

“Sect Master, I’ve heard you possess the strongest martial skills in the world.”

“From whom?”

“Everyone I’ve met seems to think so.”

Her words weren’t exaggeration; the martial artists around had whispered among themselves speculating how the sect master was indeed the top candidate. Nobody dared compare themselves to him, and even his Dharma Guardians were rumored to be inhuman.

The sect master replied, “You’re quite accomplished at such a young age. Who is your master?”

Jin So-cheong replied calmly, “I can’t reveal that, but you already know my sect, don’t you?”

Gossip rippled through the crowd. They’d only tagged along, drawn by her incredible skills without knowing her martial origins. Yet, the White Lotus side seemed unfazed, suggesting they were more informed.

The sect master looked at Jin So-cheong and said, “Indeed. Therefore, I can’t let you leave lightly today.”

The implication was clear. To the sect master, Jin So-cheong was a butterfly caught in a spider’s web, an opportunity to extract secrets from the Thunder God lineage.

Jin So-cheong then proposed, “How about a wager?”

“A wager?”

“The loser becomes the winner’s disciple.”

“…”

“With all eyes on this event, we can’t possibly end up with an ill omen.”

Behind the sect master, Lung Bi-cheon chuckled coldly. “Ha! Someone’s planning their excuses already.”

“Shut it. No need to respond to that brat.”

“…”

Han Baek-ryeong swiftly silenced him, but her expression wasn’t exactly cheerful either. To the Dharma Protectors, a greenhorn challenging their supreme one was a significant dent to the White Lotus’ prestige.

The sect master stroked his mask with interest. “Interesting. You want to be my disciple, Jin So-cheong?”

“If your skills warrant it! But it won’t be easy.”

Jin So-cheong lifted her spear menacingly towards the sect master. “Today might be the day I gain a new disciple!”

At that moment, chaos erupted.

“How dare you!” screamed the followers from the sect master’s side.

“Kill Jin So-cheong!”

Immense Qi and murderous intent surged from the White Lotus side, coming from the skilled fighters of the Su Shin sect, the Water God Team, and the Elder Council. The aura was so overwhelming that those behind Jin So-cheong turned pale with fear.

“What is happening?”

“There are so many experts…”

Suddenly, the top fighters of the Orthodox Sect, like the Bright Dragon, Zen Master, and Sword Demon, stepped up to shield the nervous followers, with the Zen Master softly urging, “Amitabul. Please, White Lotus members, lower your murderous aura.”

With a glance at the Zen Master, the sect master replied, “Didn’t expect you’d bring children into this. I thought you were more discerning, Zen Master.”

“Your Supreme Power is known, so please show mercy. Hurting us here benefits no one.”

“True. It wouldn’t be wise to get riled up over such a trivial matter…”

The sect master calmly raised his hand. “Everyone stop. Anyone who releases their murderous intent on the guests will be punished.”

As the tension eased, the sect master, arms crossed, turned to Jin So-cheong. “I’m curious about your intentions in seeking me out.”

“…”

“If you desire a playful atmosphere, I’ll oblige, but don’t assume I won’t take this seriously.”

“I see.”

“Let’s hold back for about ten seconds.”

“How arrogant.”

“Just right.”

As the sect master summoned his immense power, everyone could sense the imminent danger. Jin So-cheong would have to resort to using secret techniques to withstand him, even if she managed to last a hundred seconds. But of course, she wouldn’t.

Jin So-cheong’s true goal was to securely lose while artfully concealing her powers. An almost impossible task! She had no choice but to rely solely on her Thunder God techniques to hold her ground.

After a moment of silence, she unleashed the Thunderclap. Just as she did, the sect master murmured in disbelief, “You’re using Thunder God techniques in front of the Thunder God lineage’s figure? Foolish.”

Jin So-cheong’s body transformed, accelerating explosively towards the sect master.

“Not on my watch.”

At the last moment, the sect master evaded while summoning a mandala to counter Jin So-cheong’s attack, retaliating with a palm strike that hit her right on target.

The perfect counterattack showcased the true terror of the sect master’s Absolute Realm! He was a complete powerhouse, effortlessly parrying any sudden moves with a counterstrike that was spot on!

“This is before even using full power…”

“Kugh!”

Jin So-cheong was knocked back, trying to regain her stance mid-air.

Simultaneously, the sect master targeted her blind spot again as he unleashed an unexpected attack from behind, causing another spectacular clash between them.

The spectators, completely engrossed in the action, were baffled, unable to keep up with the breathtaking pace of their movements. If anything, they were stuck in awe!

“What is happening?”

“I can’t even see them!”

At last, after what seemed like eternity, the sect master unleashed even more devastating power, pushing Jin So-cheong further. Yet, amidst the chaos, her resolve shone through!

“You’ll regret underestimating me!”

Suddenly, with a final flourish, Jin So-cheong deflected the last strike of the sect master. Just as it seemed she would fail, a new figure burst onto the scene!

“Master!”

Lee Kwang appeared, blocking the sect master’s attack, creating a shocking end to the showdown!

 

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