Chapter 266: Fight Senior Brother?

“Fellow Daoist Ye’s strength is formidable, so he’ll take the second slot,” the Wang Clan patriarch outlined the strategy. “Today, Wang Lun will face Su Yuxuan. If Wang Lun has energy left, he’ll take on the Flying Tiger General tomorrow. Even if he’s outmatched, he can wear him down. Then, Fellow Daoist Ye can step in to easily crush the Flying Tiger General before facing Champion King. The Champion’s strength is profound and elusive. The more trump cards you force him to reveal, Fellow Daoist Ye, the greater Her Highness’s chances of victory.”

Wang Lun stood to the side, his heart icy. Ye Chen’s overwhelming power stirred suspicion. Could Ye Chen have been the one who ambushed him that night? The timing aligned—his first encounter with Ye Chen had been that very day.

He hadn’t considered it before, dismissing Ye Chen as insignificant, but now the pieces seemed to fit. With the ceremony looming, they needed Ye Chen’s strength, so Wang Lun held his tongue. But afterward, this grudge wouldn’t be forgotten.

He’d already schemed with his clan. Against Su Yuxuan, he’d feign a hard-fought battle, claiming exhaustion or injury to skip the next fight, forcing Ye Chen to face the Flying Tiger General.

The General, now late Golden Core, would be a tough opponent—perfect for Ye Chen to handle. And exhausting Champion King? That was even riskier, so naturally, it fell to Ye Chen. You’re so loyal, Ye Chen? Then die for the princess.

Ye Chen, unfazed, saw through their petty plotting but didn’t care. He’d half a mind to take the first slot, sweep all three days, and settle the contest single-handedly. But since Wang Lun was eager to fight Su Yuxuan, thinking her an easy target, Ye Chen let him have it. He was curious, too—how strong was Su Yuxuan now?

…

Before the Great Chu Empire’s palace stood a vast plaza, teeming with spectators from major factions and countless curious cultivators. High atop the palace’s towering walls, a commanding figure sat on a throne, his wild hair dancing in the wind, exuding imperial dominance. His cold gaze swept the crowd, inspiring awe. This was Champion King.

Soon, a woman in golden palace robes appeared, a radiant phoenix soaring behind her, casting divine light. Her noble, breathtaking beauty drew gasps. Princess Li Feihuang, bearer of the Moon Phoenix Body, had arrived, her presence as extraordinary as expected.

Royal clan elders ascended into the sky, their thunderous voices echoing. “Today, the Great Chu Empire selects its new emperor. The victor shall ascend the throne!”

With a shout, “Chu Emperor Arena, rise!” a massive battlefield ascended into the heavens. Spanning hundreds of thousands of meters, it shimmered with divine runes and crackling lightning, its ancient aura overwhelming. First-time visitors gaped at the sky-bound arena.

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Once stabilized, an elder boomed, “Enter the arena!”

Wang Lun, smiling confidently, flew before the wall and bowed to Li Feihuang. “Your Highness, I shall secure the first victory for you.”

Li Feihuang nodded calmly. Spectators viewed Wang Lun favorably—he was Great Chu’s top young prodigy, surpassing most late Golden Core cultivators. His opponent, Su Yuxuan, floated up barefoot from the crowd, looking delicate and unknown. Rumors suggested she was a last-minute replacement for the injured Flying Dragon General. With Champion King’s dominance, her strength seemed irrelevant. Most predicted an easy win for Wang Lun.

As both entered, the arena sealed, and the battle began.