To those in the Martial Forest who had not yet reached that level, the difference between the Innate Early Stage and the Early Stage Peak of Innate Realm might not seem significant. In their eyes, it was a gap they could only speculate about, unable to truly comprehend its breadth.

But in reality, even among Innate Ancient Martial Artists, the disparity in strength could be quite substantial. For instance, there was Elder Lann of the Xiao Family and Wang Dashan…

As a true expert at the Early Stage Peak of Innate Realm, Yuann Liegang was of course well aware of this. He knew just how great the gap was between himself and recent initiates to the Innate Realm like Chen Fei and Wang Dashan, which was why he was so dismissive.

The terrifyingly powerful aura now emanating from him proved this point. Wisps of black energy swirled around his body, making one's scalp tingle and creating an unconscious, suffocating sensation. Cold sweat dripped down their brows as if they were in the presence of an unassailable Revered Lord.

HISS! Many people retreated with looks of fright, sucking in sharp breaths. Perhaps only at this moment did they truly realize just how terrifying an expert at the Early Stage Peak of Innate Realm was—enough to make them tremble in fear.

However, even in the face of that daunting might, Wang Dashan remained impassive. He stared at Yuann Liegang, a cold, ferocious glint involuntarily flickering in his eyes. Admittedly, his opponent's strength was likely far greater than his, but he, Wang Dashan, was no pushover now.

"It seems Elder Yuann is quite confident," a young, indifferent voice suddenly rang in everyone's ears. Chen Fei's pitch-black eyes, as clear as polished glaze, narrowed as he stared at his opponent. "In that case, why don't we both set our positions, set the terms, and give it a try?"

"Set our positions, set the terms?" Yuann Liegang narrowed his eyes and said slowly, "Boy, what do you mean?"

"What do I mean?" Chen Fei stared at Yuann Liegang's wizened, tree-bark-like face, a mocking smile spreading across his own. "You don't understand? I'm saying, I challenge you. On behalf of Flying Leopard, I am issuing a formal challenge to your Blade Forge of Evil Dragon Pool!"

What!? A challenge?

As soon as these words were spoken, the crowd on the battlefield erupted. Even Yuann Liegang's previously disdainful old face darkened slightly. A challenge? That was a term that couldn't be thrown around lightly.

GULP. Many people couldn't help but swallow unconsciously, their minds filled with disbelief. They truly hadn't expected Chen Fei to be so audacious as to make such a declaration in this situation, right in front of an elder from the Blade Forge of Evil Dragon Pool.

Challenging Huadao Fort on behalf of Flying Leopard... that was one of the Four Great Hidden Sects! If a real fight broke out and things escalated, it would cause a massive incident. Although Flying Leopard couldn't compare to the Blade Forge of Evil Dragon Pool in terms of heritage or strength, there was one major issue: Flying Leopard was backed by the 'state.' That was an identity that couldn't be trifled with.

"Presumptuous!" Yuann Liegang's face suddenly sank. His gaze turned sinister as he spoke, "Do you think my Blade Forge of Evil Dragon Pool will be afraid just because you say that? Besides, on what authority do you speak for Flying Leopard?"

Clearly, even someone like Yuann Liegang, an expert at the Early Stage Peak of Innate Realm and an elder from one of the Four Great Hidden Sects, was reluctant to openly oppose the state. Anyone could hear that although his tone was still hard, it was more bluster than substance. Otherwise, he wouldn't have added that last sentence. After all, his Blade Forge of Evil Dragon Pool was powerful and held great status in the Martial Forest. But if this matter angered the higher-ups, all that supposed status and strength would be for naught. Even worse, Huadao Fort itself might end up in serious trouble, a consequence too dire to imagine.

"I think you may have misunderstood me," Chen Fei said coldly, a mocking smile on his lips. "I said, I represent Flying Leopard in challenging your Huadao Fort. This has nothing to do with anyone else. Do you remember what happened nine years ago?"

"Nine years ago?" Yuann Liegang's brows furrowed deeply. He stared at Chen Fei with a somber expression. "What exactly are you trying to say?"

"It's simple. Two days from now, at the Summit of Tian Kui Peak, both our sides will send out two people for a series of duels. They must be at the Innate Realm. The rule is that whichever side defeats both of the other's combatants first wins!"

Pausing here, Chen Fei looked at Yuann Liegang with a slight smile in his dark eyes, which slowly curved into a cold smirk. "As for the losing side, they'll have to stay quietly at home for a few years and will be barred from attending the next two sessions of the Martial Arts Academies. How does that sound?"

As soon as Chen Fei's words came out, the crowd instantly erupted in an uproar. Many people looked at Chen Fei with a peculiar expression. It seemed this young man was determined to settle the score for what happened to Flying Leopard all those years ago.

A battle between Innate Experts… Instantly, everyone's eyes lit up, a glimmer of anticipation appearing in their gazes. A confrontation of that level was a rare sight, let alone one involving four such combatants. The mere thought of it was incredibly exciting.

"Heh heh." At this moment, Elder Yuann Liegang let out a sinister laugh. His gloomy eyes fell on Chen Fei as he spoke with disdain, "It seems you really think you're some formidable character."

His gaze suddenly turned cold as he continued with a sneer, "Since that's the case, my Huadao Fort will naturally grant your wish. However, I'd advise you to prepare yourselves mentally. The result will be the same as it was nine years ago!"

"Is that so?" Chen Fei gently rubbed his fingers together and looked up, returning the sneer. "It hasn't started yet. Don't be so overconfident. You might find yourself unable to take your words back."

"We shall see," Elder Yuann Liegang scoffed. He glanced at Chen Fei and shook his head dismissively. "Young man, let me give you a piece of advice: sometimes, talent alone isn't enough to get by. It seems Flying Leopard has truly gotten more and more useless over the years. Don't worry, in two days, I'll leave you with an impression you'll never forget for the rest of your life."

At these words, many people's eyes narrowed. Did this mean that Yuann Liegang intended to fight personally? He was at the Early Stage Peak of Innate Realm, after all!

"Is that so? Then we shall wait and see," Chen Fei replied with a noncommittal smile. Would he have stirred up this trouble if he wasn't confident?

"Heh heh, then I'll see you in two days. Oh, by the way, you might want to use these two days to improve your strength a bit more. It'll be no fun if things are too boring. Let's go!" With that final taunt, Yuann Liegang led Zhan Hu and the others away. No one dared to stop them.

As Zhan Hu turned to leave, his gaze lingered on Chen Fei for a moment. A hint of killing intent flickered in his feral eyes but vanished just as quickly, as if he didn't dare to reveal it too openly yet.

Seeing this, Chen Fei simply narrowed his eyes and smiled faintly, not paying the man much mind. The difference in their strength was too vast to be interesting.

PHEW! Witnessing this conclusion, the crowd on the second floor of Tian Kui Pavilion, especially Bai Bin, let out a collective sigh of relief. Although a battle between Innate Experts was extremely rare, they didn't want to see one break out here. When gods fight, mortals suffer.

But now they had a definitive answer: in two days, at the Summit of Tian Kui Peak, four Innate Experts from Flying Leopard and the Blade Forge of Evil Dragon Pool would clash. It was bound to be an incredible spectacle! Instantly, many people began scheming how to get there early to secure a good viewing spot. It would be a true pity to miss such an event.

A small number of people, however, cast glances of envy and apprehension at Chen Fei's back as he remained on the second floor. They felt this man was not to be provoked; he was far too vengeful, holding a grudge over something that happened nine years ago.

"Chief Instructor…" At that moment, Wang Dashan walked up to Chen Fei's side, hesitating as if he wanted to speak but couldn't find the words.

"Are you wondering why I'd cause such a scene?" Chen Fei knew what he was thinking. He waved his hand and explained, "I didn't originally plan to do this. But before I came, Chief Luo specifically sought me out and asked me to try and settle that old score. With my current strength, it would be inappropriate and hard to justify if I went after a Half-Step Innate like Zhan Hu, so…"

"But Yuann Liegang is at the Early Stage Peak of the Innate Realm. Besides him, the other three Innate Experts from the Blade Forge of Evil Dragon Pool are no slouches either. It's said one of them has even broken through to the Innate Middle Stage," Wang Dashan said, slightly taken aback and still worried.

After all, if that Innate Mid-Stage elder from Huadao Fort personally took action, it would be no laughing matter. Several more of him would be useless; they wouldn't stand a chance.

"What's there to be afraid of? You still have me, don't you?" Chen Fei waved his hand dismissively, unconcerned. "Besides, unless they've lost their minds, they won't send that Innate Mid-Stage expert to fight. What would that look like? This isn't a battle to the death. Even if they don't care about the authorities, they still have to save some face, right?"

"Well… alright then." Though still hesitant, Wang Dashan obediently fell silent. If Chen Fei wasn't worried, then he had no real reason to be.

Firstly, Chen Fei was stronger and would be their main force. Secondly, Chen Fei was the Chief Instructor, while he was just the deputy. If anyone had to take responsibility, it wouldn't be him.

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