Hong Longxiang seemed to realize he had spoken amiss.
His expression shifted, and he looked at Chen Xingcai with complicated eyes.
In that gaze was an emotion he could not conceal, but even more, there was a blazing fighting spirit.
Xi Yan looked at this person, then at that one, her brain nearly crashing.
She never could have imagined that this Hong Longxiang—who was unrivaled on the arena, whose single punch had shaken the world—would actually be Chen Xingcai's younger brother!
Naturally, she could not know that before Chen Xingcai was called Chen Xingcai, she had another name—Hong Yuechan.
And Chen Xingcai looked at the tall, sturdy young man before her, whose presence was fierce and formidable, yet who seemed somewhat at a loss in front of her.
Her heart was filled with a thousand emotions.
To be honest, she did not harbor much hatred toward Hong Longxiang himself.
In those years, when the Hong family committed that "blood extraction" deed, Hong Longxiang was still young.
It was never his intention; he was merely a tool and beneficiary of his family's ambition.
Later, when the Hong family was destroyed, she more or less learned that her younger brother seemed to have been influenced by some "God from Beyond."
His mind was different from ordinary people's, becoming paranoid and arrogant.
Until everything settled and all grudges were resolved.
When Hong Longxiang spoke those words—"The path to the heavens is already a road of invincibility; why borrow another's blood?"—and resolutely severed his external connections, choosing to rely on himself, Chen Xingcai had even felt a newfound respect for this younger brother.
Now, he had indeed relied on his own efforts and perseverance to emerge brilliantly in the Heavenly Alliance Grand Competition, radiating glory.
He had truly fulfilled his original promise.
Therefore, Chen Xingcai did not feel much aversion toward Hong Longxiang's address of "sister," which carried complex emotions.
She only sighed softly and responded in a calm tone, "Mm, it's been a long time."
Her response allowed Hong Longxiang's taut expression to relax slightly, but the fighting spirit in his tiger-like eyes grew even more intense.
He took a deep breath, straightened his spine, and spoke in a loud, firm voice.
It carried an undeniable confidence and determination, ringing clearly in this bustling restaurant:
"Sister! I know that your status is now noble and your cultivation profound! But I, Hong Longxiang, declare this here today!"
His gaze burned like flames, locked firmly onto Chen Xingcai.
"In this Heavenly Alliance Grand Competition, my goal is not merely to make a name for myself—I want to challenge you, openly and honorably, on the final arena!"
"I want everyone to know that my Hong Longxiang's path borrows no external power, relies on no bloodline—only on myself! Even if my opponent is you, I will never retreat!"
These bold words drew the attention of diners at several nearby tables, who looked curiously at this pair of siblings with their unusual relationship.
Upon hearing this, Chen Xingcai did not get angry.
Instead, the corner of her lips curved into a bright smile tinged with appreciation.
She liked this kind of direct challenge, liked this kind of spirit-filled gaze.
She stood up.
Though her figure was much smaller than Hong Longxiang's, the confidence and spirited aura that emanated from her bones was not a whit weaker.
"Good!"
She readily agreed, her voice crisp and clear.
"I'll wait for you to fight your way to the end! When that time comes, we'll settle it on the arena! Don't disappoint me now, little brother!"
The two siblings, separated by a dining table, met each other's gaze.
In the air, it seemed as though invisible sparks were flying.
One was filled with fighting spirit reaching the heavens; the other calmly accepted the challenge.
Past grievances and entanglements seemed to be quietly set aside at this moment.
What remained was only the anticipation and respect for a fair battle to come.
...
The next day, the fourth day of the Heavenly Alliance Grand Competition.
The sunlight remained intense, illuminating the enormous arena in a dazzling brightness.
Wei Wu had long since taken his place on one of the arenas in the Bing character zone.
His spiritual power surged beneath the surface as he adjusted his state, preparing for a fierce battle.
However, he waited left and right, but his opponent never appeared.
Until the referee stepped forward with a strange expression and announced, "Your opponent has forfeited due to circumstances. Wei Wu, victory!"
Wei Wu stood frozen on the spot, unable to react for a moment.
Just like that... he'd won? A victory picked up for nothing?
He scratched his head.
While advancing was a good thing, this feeling of throwing a punch at cotton was truly somewhat unsatisfying.
He shook his head and jumped off the arena, saving that energy for the next match.
Just then—
"Senior Sister Xingcai!!"
"It's the Holy Maiden! The Holy Maiden is taking the stage!!"
"Senior Sister Xingcai, go!!"
A wave of cheers far more enthusiastic than at any previous moment—enough to nearly overturn the entire sky—suddenly erupted like a tsunami from the direction of the main arena!
The sound waves rolled, filled with endless fanaticism and worship!
Wei Wu, who had just stepped down, was startled by the commotion.
Looking up, he saw that the area around the main arena was already packed with people.
Countless young cultivators, men and women alike, were excitedly waving their arms and shouting the same name.
Even Xi Yan, seated in the prime viewing area, couldn't help but stand up with the crowd.
She clapped and cheered with all her might for her close friend, while secretly marveling in her heart, "Xingcai's popularity is way too high..."
During last night's banquet and conversation, Xi Yan had learned that Chen Xingcai was not only the Holy Maiden of the Immortal Spirit Holy Land.
She had also, with her unique personal charm and fair, benevolent way of conducting herself, traveled between various factions.
Using the "Kingly Way" of persuasion, she had successfully convinced many young sects and noble families that had been wavering to join the Heavenly Alliance.
Her prestige among the younger generation was extremely high.
At this moment, this popularity-unsurpassed Holy Maiden gracefully took the stage.
She had changed into a moon-white martial outfit that facilitated movement, outlining her graceful figure.
Her black hair was tied into a high ponytail, making her look heroic and dashing, yet without diminishing her peerless beauty in the slightest.
She stood upon the arena, smiling and waving generously to the audience on all sides who supported her.
Sunlight fell upon her, as if coating her with a layer of brilliant radiance.
Her magnificence was unparalleled, drawing all eyes.
And the young cultivator across from her now wore only a bitter smile on his face.
He was Wang Shuo, the eldest son of the Wang family of Yun Province.
His own cultivation had reached the late stage of the Long Life Realm, and he was a favored son of heaven much sought after in his hometown.
But at this moment, feeling the almost tangible waves of fanatical support that were completely one-sided surrounding him, he had no doubt...
If he were lucky enough to win today... he probably wouldn't be able to leave this competition ground in one piece.
This pressure was simply greater than facing an opponent a full major realm above him.
Chen Xingcai seemed to see right through the concerns and pressure in his heart.
She withdrew her smile, her expression becoming earnest and sincere.
She spoke in a clear voice that rang throughout the arena:
"Fellow cultivator Wang, arena combat is based on one's own abilities. Please give your all—there is no need for any reservations."
Her gaze swept across the enthusiastic audience below, then returned to Wang Shuo.
Her tone was firm: "We cultivators, ascending the stage to contend, seek clarity of thought and a satisfying battle! Victory is welcome; defeat holds no regret—we ask only for no regrets!"
"Well said, 'no regrets'!"
Wang Shuo's heart shook violently at these words.
The slight trepidation and distracting thoughts he had felt largely dissipated.
Looking at Chen Xingcai, his gaze now carried genuine respect.
He had not originally been one of Chen Xingcai's admirers; he had even been slightly critical of her such high reputation.
But now he had to admit that the Holy Maiden before him, with her bearing and magnanimity, truly deserved all this adoration.
"Good!" Wang Shuo took a deep breath, his eyes becoming sharp.
All distractions were discarded, leaving only pure fighting spirit.
"In that case, I, Wang, will offense! Holy Maiden, please instruct me!"
"Please!"
...
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