Chapter 334: The Jiang Family’s Challenge, Many Come to Observe

Inside the Immortal Cave.

Zhou Chen opened his eyes, a flicker of satisfaction passing through them.

"The eighth layer of the Pluto Seal, I've finally succeeded."

He stood up, feeling the surging power within his body.

Currently, with the support of the Pluto Seal, his combat power had reached the Fifth Layer of the Emperor Realm.

Stacked with the Azure Lotus Creation Body, even if he faced a powerhouse of the Sixth Layer of the Emperor Realm, he would have the strength to fight.

"This way, even if the Jiang Family's Jiang Beichen awakens, I won't be afraid."

Zhou Chen nodded with satisfaction.

At that moment, an urgent knocking sound suddenly came from outside the Immortal Cave.

"Saint Zhou! Something terrible has happened!"

It was the voice of a Taichu Holy Land Disciple, sounding extremely anxious.

Zhou Chen frowned and opened the Immortal Cave door.

"What happened?"

The Disciple's face was pale, and he said breathlessly:

"The Jiang Family… the Jiang Family sent someone with a challenge letter!"

"Their Ancient Prodigy, Jiang Beichen, has awakened!"

"He wants to fight you to the death in three days at the Ascending Immortal Platform!"

Zhou Chen narrowed his eyes.

It's finally here.

Taichu Holy Land Meeting Hall.

The atmosphere was so oppressive it made people breathless.

On the long table in the center of the hall lay a gold-stamped challenge letter.

The challenge letter was made entirely of a special metal, engraved with ancient runes, and emitted a scorching aura.

Just lying there, it caused the surrounding air to distort.

The Taichu Old Ancestor sat in the main seat, his expression solemn.

Holy Lord Dao Xuan and several Elders sat on either side, all in silence.

Zhou Chen walked into the hall, his gaze falling on the challenge letter.

"Let me see."

He reached out and picked up the letter; it was burning hot to the touch.

On the letter, several lines of large characters were written in a bold, flowing script:

Zhou Chen of Taichu Holy Land:

I am Jiang Beichen, the 137th generation Imperial Son of the Flame Clan, Jiang Family.

I have heard that you killed our Clan Head and slaughtered thousands of our clansmen; this enmity is irreconcilable.

Three days from now, on the Ascending Immortal Platform, you and I shall fight to the death.

If you do not dare to accept the challenge, you are a coward. From then on, my Jiang Family may use any means to exterminate the Taichu Holy Land, and Jixia Academy will not interfere.

If you surrender, you may submit to the Jiang Family and be a slave for generations.

If you do not surrender, I shall use your blood to sacrifice to the souls of my clan.

— Jiang Beichen.

Between the lines, there was a sense of arrogance and killing intent.

After reading it, a cold glint flashed in Zhou Chen's eyes.

"What big words."

He put the letter back on the table and looked at the Taichu Old Ancestor.

"I didn't expect the Jiang Family to go to such lengths as to wake him up just to deal with you."

Holy Lord Dao Xuan, standing to the side, added:

"Awakening a slumbering Ancient Prodigy requires a massive amount of resources, and after awakening, the person needs a long time to return to their Peak state."

"The Jiang Family has invested heavily this time; it seems they are truly determined to fight our Taichu Holy Land to the death."

The hall fell into silence.

The name Jiang Beichen was like a mountain pressing down on everyone's hearts.

An Ancient Prodigy at the Fifth Layer of the Emperor Realm—even the Taichu Old Ancestor did not have a guaranteed victory against such an existence.

Furthermore, the opponent was still young and had infinite potential.

"Saint Zhou, you cannot go to this battle."

An Elder suddenly spoke up.

"Jiang Beichen is too strong. You are only at the Third Layer of the Emperor Realm. No matter how strong your combat power is, you cannot be his match."

"It's better if we refuse the challenge and wait until you break through to a higher Realm before settling scores with the Jiang Family."

The other Elders nodded one after another.

"Exactly. As long as the green hills remain, there's no fear of lacking firewood."

"Saint Zhou, you are the hope of our Taichu Holy Land; you cannot take this risk."

Zhou Chen shook his head.

"I must go to this battle."

"If I don't go, the Taichu Holy Land will fall into an even greater crisis."

"I will never allow such a thing to happen."

It wasn't that Zhou Chen was reckless, but that he had absolute confidence.

When the time came, he would find Jixia Academy to act as a witness, and the other party wouldn't dare do anything to him.

Besides, if he displayed even greater potential, he might be able to become a Core Disciple of Jixia Academy sooner.

The Taichu Old Ancestor looked at Zhou Chen, a flicker of gratification in his eyes.

"Zhou Chen, I am very pleased that you have this heart."

"But you must understand, Jiang Beichen is not like that trash Jiang Bufan."

"He is a true Ancient Prodigy with combat power far exceeding his peers and endless tricks up his sleeve."

"Furthermore, he holds a complete High Grade emperor weapon—the Flame Emperor Spear."

"This battle will be exceptionally dangerous."

Zhou Chen smiled faintly.

"Grandmaster, rest assured, I know what I'm doing."

"During this month of secluded cultivation, my strength has made significant progress."

"Even facing Jiang Beichen, I have the confidence to fight."

As he spoke, the aura on his body trembled slightly.

In an instant, a terrifying pressure erupted from him.

Everyone in the hall felt a sudden palpitation.

This aura was several times stronger than it had been a month ago!

The Taichu Old Ancestor's eyes widened.

"You… you've broken through again?"

Zhou Chen shook his head.

"I haven't broken through; I've just cultivated a secret technique, and my combat power has increased somewhat."

The Taichu Old Ancestor took a deep breath.

"Fine, since you have confidence, then go."

"But remember, if you can't win, flee immediately."

"Preserving your life is the most important thing; everything else is secondary."

Zhou Chen nodded.

"This Disciple understands."

One month later.

A commotion came from outside the Taichu Holy Land.

A Disciple ran in hurriedly.

"Reporting to the Elders, many people have arrived outside!"

"People from Jixia Academy are here, as well as people from the Ji Family of the Sword Clan, other Holy Lands, and even some forces from the Eastern Barrens have sent representatives!"

"They all say they've come to observe the battle!"

Everyone looked at each other.

They had only just received the challenge letter; how did the news spread so quickly?

A flash of realization crossed Zhou Chen's eyes.

"It seems the Jiang Family didn't just send us a challenge letter, but also spread the news throughout the entire Tianxuan Continent."

"They want to use this battle to restore the Jiang Family's prestige."

The Taichu Old Ancestor snorted coldly.

"The Jiang Family has made a fine calculation."

"If Jiang Beichen wins, they can wash away their previous shame and restore their reputation."

"If Jiang Beichen loses, they can use the excuse that he is an Ancient Prodigy whose strength hasn't fully recovered, so losing to Zhou Chen wouldn't be disgraceful."

"Either way, the Jiang Family won't lose out."

Holy Lord Dao Xuan said:

"Since so many people have come outside, we cannot be impolite."

"Saint, go rest first and prepare for the battle in three days."

"We will receive these guests."

Zhou Chen nodded and turned to leave the hall.

Walking out of the hall, Zhou Chen saw that a large number of Cultivators had indeed gathered outside the Taichu Holy Land.

In the sky, countless streaks of light flew back and forth—all powerhouses from various forces.

There were scholars from Jixia Academy, dressed in green robes and holding scrolls.

There were Sword Cultivators from the Ji Family of the Sword Clan, carrying long swords with sharp Sword Intent.

There were Cultivators from the Han Family, with powerful auras and impressive strength.

There were also some forces Zhou Chen didn't recognize, but judging by their auras, none were to be trifled with.

"Big Brother Zhou!"

A familiar voice came.

Zhou Chen turned his head and saw Han Li walking out from the crowd with a smile on his face.