The corner where Ye Qingchen originally stood was already drawing attention.
Now, with those words spoken, the crowd erupted, and everyone turned their gaze. Some people initially wanted to see who dared to speak to Ye Qingchen, wondering if they had a death wish.
But upon seeing the giant cauldron being lifted in the opponentâs hand, all words were swallowed back.
"Zhang Muyun is here!"
"This is going to be interesting!"
Many peopleâs eyes lit up.
Everyone present knew about the grievances between Ye Qingchen and these top talents. Previously, people thought they would clash during the selection, but now Zhang Muyun was already here.
"Why is it only Zhang Muyun? Where are Chu Tian, Tang Lifei, and the others?" Some who thrive on chaos immediately looked for the other figures.
But instantly, someone sneered and said, "Zhang Muyun alone is already like Mount Tai pressing down on Ye Qingchen. If the others come too, Iâm afraid Ye Qingchen would be crushed to dust!"
All around, there was noise and laughter.
Ye Qingchen simply ignored the thoughts of others, his gaze already cold as it swept over, "Is it you?"
"Yes, itâs me!" Zhang Muyun casually tossed the giant cauldron to the side. With a loud clang, the ground shook violently, the floor cracked, and dust flew up.
Many Celestial Venerables with lower cultivation were shaken back by the tremor caused by the impact of the giant cauldron.
"Heh heh!"
Seeing the incapable stance of these Celestial Venerables, a trace of mockery appeared in Zhang Muyunâs eyes. Then, he looked at Ye Qingchen, and said with a half-smile: "Ye Qingchen, do you still remember what I said in front of the Human Immortal Martial Tomb? I didnât expect that you still had the nerve to show up at the Taotian Palace selection?"
"Who gave you the courage?"
Zhang Muyunâs gaze was contemptuous, looking at Ye Qingchen askance.
"With just you, you think you can become an Elderâs True Disciple? Do you deserve it?"
"If you kneel down and kowtow to me three times, rolling out of my sight, I can pretend nothing happened."
Zhang Muyunâs words sent a shock through the entire scene.
Everyone turned their gaze towards Ye Qingchen with faces full of pity. There was no need to state the obvious about what happens when targeted by such a top talent.
"If it were me, Iâd kneel! Whatâs pride worth? Survival comes first!"
"Yeah, kneeling to such top talent is not disgraceful either."
"Indeed, indeed! Since one is not as strong, why provoke such figures? Isnât it just seeking trouble for oneself? This could only be considered the price he pays!"
The crowd discussed animatedly.
Clearly.
In their eyes, Ye Qingchen had no other choice.
However, amidst everyoneâs discussion, Ye Qingchen suddenly raised his eyebrows, with a faint smile and said:
"What if I refuse?"
"What did you say?" Zhang Muyun narrowed his eyes, and asked coldly, "If you refuse, I will break your arms and legs and personally throw you out!"
Upon hearing this, Ye Qingchenâs gaze turned cold.
However.
Before he could speak, Lin Shifei hurriedly stepped forward to mediate: "Brother Zhang, Iâll take Ye Qingchen and leave. Please donât get angry and forgive us!"
After all, Ye Qingchen once saved his life on the Lantai River; he would not stand by and watch Ye Qingchen be humiliated by Zhang Muyun, so he hurried to intervene.
Especially since he knew Zhang Muyunâs background and strength.
No matter how strong Ye Qingchen was, he couldnât match the opponent, so itâs better to retreat for now.
"Who do you think you are? Iâm talking to others, do you have a say? Get lost!"
Unexpectedly, Zhang Muyun snorted coldly, flicked his toe, and lightly. That giant cauldron was effortlessly kicked up by him, carrying an astonishing sound of wind, and fiercely hurled towards Lin Shifei.
"Oh no!"
Lin Shifeiâs complexion changed. He never thought Zhang Muyun would make a move over a disagreement?
But he also had the cultivation of Celestial Venerable Seventh Layer, so upon seeing this, he didnât panic but rather rotated his hands, summoning a Surge of True Qi, attempting to block the giant cauldron.
In his view.
The gap between him and Zhang Muyun was only one small realm; it was impossible that he couldnât even withstand a single attack from the opponent.
But in reality, when his hands touched the cauldron, his expression completely changed. The power contained within the giant cauldron was like a tidal wave sweeping over, breaking his hands apart in an instant, crashing into his chest.
"Puh!"
Immediately.
Lin Shifei spat out a mist of blood, losing balance on the spot, and like an arrow off the string, crashed heavily to the ground, rolling dozens of feet across the surface before coming to a stop.
The entire place fell into silence.
Everyone was speechless, their eyes filled with shock.
In their eyes, these top talents were naturally on par in strength. But now with Zhang Muyunâs action, they realized how utterly wrong their previous assumptions were!
Even someone as strong as Lin Shifei was unable to withstand a casual strike from Zhang Muyun. Just how terrifying was this?
Meanwhile.
In the clouds above.
A few figures silently watched the scene.
"Zhang Nanxuan, your nephew is too domineering, isnât he? Doing things over a disagreement? He even injured Lin Shifei!" A displeased voice sounded.
"Hehe, itâs just a spar between juniors. He was not as skilled, can you blame others?" Another slightly somber voice chuckled, "Who knew Lin Shifei was so weak, unable to take even a casual move from Zhang Muyun?"
Several others frowned at this.
It wasnât Lin Shifei who was too weak, it was Zhang Muyun who was too strong. Among these talents, it seemed like just a small realm difference, but in reality, there was an invisible chasm between them.
However.
No one intended to interfere; it was like the other said, itâs a matter between disciples. As long as it didnât result in any deaths, they naturally wouldnât intervene.
"Hmph!"
The previous speaker snorted, increasing his dissatisfaction.
At this moment.
Zhang Muyun lightly tapped his toe, lifted the recoiling giant cauldron, easily tossing it aside, and then looked at Ye Qingchen with a playful smile.
Seeing this scene, Lu Yanwu and Sea of Zhou both tensed up, secretly composing hand seals, circulating True Qi, ready to take action at any moment.
Yet Zhang Muyun disregarded them entirely, still wearing a playful expression and said:
"Ye Qingchen, have you considered it? If I act personally, the consequences wonât be as light!"
All the people around shook their heads discreetly.
Originally.
They still held a sliver of hope, thinking Ye Qingchen could contend with Zhang Muyun a little. But seeing Zhang Muyunâs move now, they now realize even among talents, the disparity in strength is tremendous.
With just Ye Qingchen, how could he confront Zhang Muyun?
âLuckily, I escaped earlier; otherwise, I would end up like Lin Shifei!â From a distance, Fang Mingyu let out a sigh of relief, full of mockery towards Ye Qingchen, âWhatâs the use of talent if one doesnât know how to retreat.â
All eyes turned to Ye Qingchen, eager to see how this young man would respond when faced with the aggressive Zhang Muyun.
Would he kneel and beg for mercy?
Or dare to contend?
But seeing Ye Qingchen standing there, silent and with lowered eyes, they thought he had fully resigned. Just as Zhang Muyunâs smile grew, however...
Ye Qingchen suddenly raised his head and said coldly:
"If you kneel now, I can spare your life!"