Chapter 1436: Chapter 1437: Xiang Qiu’s Aura

"Isn’t it said that only during the annual ranking challenge can the disciples initiate a challenge?"

Ye Mo asked curiously.

The annual ranking challenge is essentially a competition to gauge the strengths of the disciples. Once the challenge concludes, except for the top 20, the other ranking contenders can only grit their teeth and cultivate until the next challenge.

Only those who make it to the top 20 are regarded as the absolute elite among the disciples.

"Yes, but disciples can also duel in private. This duel can be refused by the challenged party as long as both sides agree. But generally, unless it’s during the ranking challenge, top 20 disciples rarely accept challenges to avoid revealing their true strength. Many hopefuls aim to make a remarkable impact in the next challenge by keeping their potential under wraps,"

Dantai Zanglian explained.

The higher the rank, the higher the status, and the more resources one enjoys within the clan.

The top-ranked Wang Luo Sha accepting Xiang Qiu’s challenge naturally stems from having nothing to fear. In the ranking, there are only two martial artists of the Divine Venerable Seven Souls power level. Since Xiang Qiu wants to challenge him, he’s more than willing to take this chance to reveal some strength, avoiding needing to do so during the ranking challenge.

"I do want to witness Wang Luo Sha’s strength,"

Ye Mo’s eyes flickered slightly.

Three days later, the duel that shook the entire Wraith Clan took place as Xiang Qiu from the ranking disciples suddenly ascended to the Divine Venerate Seven Souls, challenging the top-ranked Wang Mo Luo.

This challenge could indeed be counted as a challenge for the top rank, and it will also be a contest for the title of Great Celestial Son.

The two hadn’t yet arrived, but the area around the Life and Death Arena was already crowded with people. It’s estimated that over ten thousand disciples—from entry-level disciples in the Wheel of Reincarnation Realm to ranking disciples of the Divine Venerate Realm—were drawn to this spectacle, rivaling the excitement of Ye Mo’s battle against Wang Wei Wu.

Almost everyone was discussing the outcome of this battle. However, the majority believed Wang Luo Sha would win. Although Xiang Qiu successfully ascended to the Divine Venerate Seven Souls, Wang Luo Sha already held this status, maintaining the top position for more than ten years. For Xiang Qiu to succeed in challenging him seemed nearly impossible.

Of course, there were those who believed Xiang Qiu could win. Xiang Qiu might have just ascended to the Divine Venerate Seven Souls, but to openly challenge Wang Luo Sha means he must have some hidden aces up his sleeve.

While many were debating the result of the duel, someone suddenly shouted, "Look, Xiang Qiu is here."

Immediately, countless people looked toward the distant sky.

Indeed, Xiang Qiu approached from the sky, a prideful look never seen before gracing his face.

"Xiang Qiu seems confident, full of aggression, and bold. It appears he indeed has the confidence to challenge the top-ranked Wang Luo Sha,"

"Yes, just having ascended to the Divine Venerate Seven Souls, he’s already causing a sensational stir among the disciples. To openly challenge Wang Luo Sha is, in itself, a show of strength."

As Xiang Qiu stepped onto the arena stage, a flurry of soft discussions erupted. This Life and Death Arena confrontation boasted a level of excitement like no other.

In the sea of people, Ye Mo, Qin Yong, and Dantai Zanglian had already arrived.

Their arrival drew attention, having completed an epic-level mission together. Many speculated that they happened upon a wounded Lord of Myriad Demons and killed him at the cost of Li Xiuyuan.

Now as Xiang Qiu caught sight of Ye Mo and his companions, having ascended to the Divine Venerate Seven Souls, he became the true center of admiration among the Wraith Clan. Reflecting on the disgrace Ye Mo had once caused him, he couldn’t help but sneer, "Ye Mo, didn’t you say you’d challenge me during the ranking challenge? Now that I’ve ascended to the Divine Venerate Seven Souls, I shall soon have defeated the top-ranked Wang Luo Sha and claimed the top spot. During the ranking challenge, I wonder if you’ll still have the courage to challenge me."

Hearing Xiang Qiu’s words, Qin Yong was about to speak, but Ye Mo stopped him, saying, "No need to stoop to his level. The higher he stands now, the harder he’ll fall."

"That Ye Mo is truly unfortunate. If Xiang Qiu had not ascended to the Divine Venerate Seven Souls, Ye Mo might have had a chance to defeat him with his ranking skill, but now challenging him would be suicidal,"

"Hahaha, there’ll be quite a spectacle to watch. After seeing Xiang Qiu’s performance, I doubt Ye Mo will even dare to show up at the ranking challenge."

Many a disciple jested at Ye Mo’s expense.

"Xiang Qiu, you despicable scoundrel!"

Suddenly, a woman in yellow flew down to the arena, her face streaked with tears.

This woman was naturally Li Xiuyuan’s former fiancée.

"What are you doing here?"

Xiang Qiu’s face changed slightly, with anger in his expression.

"I’m pregnant with your child, and now you want to break up with me,"

the woman in yellow wept.

Her words instantly reignited murmurs among the crowd.

"That woman is a Core Disciple who once was engaged to Li Xiuyuan, but ended up with Xiang Qiu,"

"Xiang Qiu made her pregnant and now abandons her,"

"As a Divine Venerate Seven Souls martial artist, he only needs to beckon, and countless women would wish to be by his side,"

Though the woman in yellow’s appearance might tarnish Xiang Qiu’s reputation slightly, such issues are trivial against absolute power.

"Don’t think I don’t know; even after being with me, you continued to see that Li Xiuyuan boy,"

Xiang Qiu shouted with anger.

"I didn’t, I didn’t!"

The woman in yellow shook her head repeatedly, "Xiang Qiu, you might not care about me, but can you not care about our child?"

"A woman who only seeks to climb the social ladder,"

commented a sultry figure with a snakelike sway, striding onto the stage. The seductress, scantily clad and exuding allure, immediately clung to Xiang Qiu, adding, "Only a woman like me is worthy of Xiang Qiu."

"Isn’t that Yan Lingfeng, the third on the ranking board? She’s hooked up with Xiang Qiu,"

"Yan Lingfeng, a target of many aspiring ranking disciples, is now entangled with Xiang Qiu,"

"As Xiang Qiu ascends to the Divine Venerate Seven Souls, his influence skyrockets. Truly enviable,"

Thus, the arena transformed into a dramatic farce.

"You!"

The woman in yellow’s face showed reluctance as she recalled past scenes. Though Li Xiuyuan was an unremarkable genius among the clan’s elite disciples, he’d always treated her well, which she hadn’t appreciated.

Indeed, she felt sadness and regret after learning of Li Xiuyuan’s demise.

Now witnessing this scene today, regret overwhelmed her. But what use is regret now?

"Xiang Qiu, I’ve come to duel you, not to watch your sordid affairs,"

At this moment, Wang Luo Sha finally arrived, landing on the stage.

Simultaneously, the entire audience turned their gazes toward Wang Luo Sha.