NABC Chapter 234: Self-aware
Chapter 234: Self-aware
Chapter 234: Self-aware
As Li Pin slowly sheathed his sword, the dazed Huang He and Zhao Yunlong finally snapped out of their shock, as if they had just returned from the brink of death. For a brief moment, the two of them felt as though they had swallowed a mouthful of bitter herbs.
"We lost...."
"Li Pin... he's truly terrifying!"
"The ones truly arrogant... were us."
The four people who had gone up against Li Pin—including Su Fang and Fang Ziyou, who were still being healed by the astral equipment—wore expressions of utter shock and despair.
Yet no one mocked them.
Everyone was still immersed in the overwhelming shock of Li Pin effortlessly defeating the four Martial Saints—Fang Ziyou, Zhao Yunlong, Huang He, and Su Fang. Song Wuya, Zhao Yushi, and the Great Sun Chosen One were no exception.
They had expected Li Pin to be strong. After months of training in Dragon Gate Hall's new environment, they themselves had grown immensely stronger. Therefore, when it turned out that someone as talented as Li Pin wasn’t lagging behind, it didn’t come as much of a surprise.
But... they never imagined he would be this powerful.
Su Fang and Huang He were understandable. Their strength wasn’t famed to be anything exceptional and their reputation wasn’t resounding. They barely even qualified to be third-tier Martial Saints.
But Zhao Yunlong... was undoubtedly one of the Top-Tier Martial Saints. If he had participated in the last season of the World Top’s Martial Competition, Song Wuya would have stood no chance against him.
As for Fang Ziyou... nothing more needed to be said. He was an Extreme Martial Saint. As only his qi and blood had reached the human limit, however, he was not considered a true Extreme Martial Saint.
Nevertheless... he was someone who had pushed one of his attributes to the limit. For any martial artist, even a Martial Saint, this was the pinnacle of what they could achieve in a lifetime.
Moreover, Fang Ziyou had always held the fourth position on the Hidden Dragon List, just a step away from the top three. Yet even such a powerful figure was crushed by Li Pin as though it were nothing. The sheer strength Li Pin displayed this time...
It could only be described as dominating!
In the audience, Zhou Heng was dumbfounded. "Li Pin... is he really this strong!?"
Fang Ziyou's defeat could be chalked up to a one-on-one battle, but next came Zhao Yunlong, Huang He, and Su Fang...
Even with the three of them joining forces, they were still utterly overwhelmed!
Even more, the qi and blood Li Pin unleashed when he defeated the four Martial Saints... was staggering. Even if that was the result of a secret art, his strength still far surpassed everyone’s imagination.
Forty-seven? Forty-eight? Or was it forty-nine!?
With such power at his disposal, who could claim they could defeat him?
No one could confidently say those words. Only the top three on the Transformative Dragon List and Cang Yunxiao, ranked first on the Hidden Dragon List, were qualified to do so.
And as for Zhou Heng himself...
Sitting at the bottom of the Transformative Dragon List, how could he even think of challenging such a terrifying opponent!? And to top it off... spending 600 thousand points to challenge him!?
Meanwhile, Zhang Xujin, previously ranked second on the Hidden Dragon List, couldn't help but step forward as Li Pin swiftly defeated Zhao Yunlong, Huang He, and Su Fang.
It was as if, by moving closer, he could confirm whether the scene on the ring was real or just an illusion.
If they were to participate in the World's Top Martial Competition intermediate category, any one of them could claim the championship. Even if it were the adult category, it wouldn't be a stretch.
Yet despite their combined efforts, Li Pin had effortlessly crushed them. What could Zhou Heng, even with his Extreme Martial Saint abilities, possibly do if he went up there?
Was I just asking for a beating? He thought.
"Alright, please step down, your four."
Li Pin shook his exquisite Lingfeng Sword. "Let's have the next batch of challengers step onto the stage."
He looked down at the crowd. "I'll call out names. When you hear your name, come up, one by one. No rush, you'll all get your turn... Shi Le."
Hearing his name, Shi Le’s expression was full of seriousness. He said, "Li Pin, my Martial Will does not allow me to back down from a challenge. But after careful thought, you're still too young. You're twenty-three, in your prime years of cultivation. I'm fifteen years older than you. If I fought you, it would be a case of an elder bullying the young.
"So, for fairness' sake, let's put this fight off until you're older and at your peak. As for those points, consider them a little help from an elder to a junior."
He strode off the stage without giving Li Pin the chance to respond.
Li Pin was stunned for a moment. In the end, he could only say, "Alright, let's call the next one then. Also, let me clarify, don't let my age make you hesitate. In real life-and-death combat, no one cares about your age or gender. So, let's welcome the next challenger, Yue Hengjiang...."
Upon hearing his name, Yue Hengjiang hesitated briefly before leaping onto the stage.
Li Pin immediately cupped his hands. "Please."
"Wait a second," Yue Hengjiang was startled and quickly asked. "Just me? What about the next one? And the one after that? Shouldn't you call up three or five people at once?"
"I thought about it just now, and what Fang Ziyou said made sense. Challenging four people at once does seem a bit arrogant. It's disrespectful to both my opponents and the hundreds of thousands of points you've spent. So from now on, I'll take on challengers one at a time and fully enjoy each battle," Li Pin explained sincerely.
"No, no, no." Yue Hengjiang waved his hands hurriedly, his face earnest. "Dragon Prince Li, please, you must be arrogant."
Li Pin was surprised. "Wouldn't that be a bit inappropriate?"
When I challenged several at once, they called me arrogant and conceited. Now when I don’t do it, they tell me I should be more arrogant? The heart is truly a mystery.
"Alright then, I'll call a few more," Li Pin said, pointing at two people below. "You, and you, come up."
"Just two? Dragon Prince Li, do you want to call up a few more?" Yue Hengjiang asked.
Li Pin looked at Yue Hengjiang in disbelief. Considering the points the man had generously offered, Li Pin gave him some thoughtful advice, "Remember, people must know their limits. In this world, no one is invincible, and no one remains undefeated forever."
He added seriously, "Every grandmaster and Martial Saint in the Dragon Gate Hall is already a leader among their peers, a prodigy in the martial arts world. The fact that you dare to challenge me means you have great confidence in your own strength.
"When I challenge three of you at once, it's not because I'm arrogant. I've carefully calculated and concluded that my strength can handle the three of you together. Understand?"
"..."
Damn!
Somehow, that explanation made Yue Hangjiang feel even worse.
Yue Hengjiang opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but found himself at a loss for words. Forget it. Let's just consider this an investment in a future powerhouse.