Chapter 15: Ascending the Life-and-Death Stage

“I wouldn’t dare, though I am merely here to offer a reminder, Head Steward Chu.”

Li Xing’s expression shifted violently, but he quickly regained his composure, his face appearing extremely grim as he continued.

“Although Head Steward Chu has become a martial artist, you should think clearly. Before the inner sect of the Lin Mansion, such strength is nothing more than an ant. A mayfly trying to topple a tree—it is a path to certain death.”

Chu Fengmian understood the meaning behind Li Xing’s words.

It meant that even though he had become a martial artist and possessed strength, it still amounted to nothing if placed within the inner sect of the Lin Mansion.

“Li Xing, there is no need for you to beat around the bush. I am well aware of the events of these past years. Whether it is you or the person behind you, I will settle the accounts one by one.”

Chu Fengmian spoke in a cold, icy tone.

Although Li Xing’s status was not low, it was impossible for him to dare target Chu Fengmian so persistently on his own.

Behind Li Xing stood someone far more powerful: the current Young Master of the Lin Mansion. Only he would dare to target Chu Fengmian in such a manner.

“Chu Fengmian, have you truly gone mad? A small character like you dares to think of opposing Young Master Lin?”

Hearing Chu Fengmian’s words, Li Xing burst into laughter.

In Li Xing’s eyes, Chu Fengmian’s current position as the Head Steward of the Lin Mansion’s outer sect was merely due to the favors his grandfather had once bestowed upon the Lin Mansion. As for Chu Fengmian himself, Li Xing did not hold him in any regard.

That Chu Fengmian had recovered his spirit veins and become a martial artist did indeed surprise Li Xing, but so what? An eighteen-year-old who had just stepped into the Bone Tempering Realm—what kind of waves could he possibly make?

“Chu Fengmian, I am only here to remind you: be a good-for-nothing obediently, and you might avoid some physical suffering. Otherwise, the one who will suffer in the end is yourself.”

Li Xing sneered, his words filled with threats.

“Head Steward Chu had best stay quietly in the Lin Mansion these days. Otherwise, it would be unfortunate if you were to encounter some mishap while out.”

As he spoke, a hint of killing intent flickered in Li Xing’s eyes.

This flash of intent was caught by Chu Fengmian.

It was clear that Li Xing was already planning to take revenge. As soon as Chu Fengmian left the Lin Mansion, he would strike without hesitation.

“Li Xing, do you truly think you are my match?”

Chu Fengmian looked at Li Xing with a playful expression.

“Chu Fengmian, what right do you have to be arrogant here!”

Seeing Chu Fengmian’s expression, Li Xing flew into a rage. He had long harbored deep resentment toward him; had it not been for Chu Fengmian, he would have already been the Head Steward of the outer sect.

Although he was already considered the number one person in the outer sect, the title of ‘Deputy Steward’ had always been like a thorn in his side, one he desperately wanted to pull out.

Hearing Chu Fengmian’s words, Li Xing could no longer restrain himself and shouted angrily.

“If you have the guts, come with me to the Life-and-Death Arena for a battle! We shall see then who is truly the number one of the outer sect!”

“The Life-and-Death Arena!”

“This Li Xing is actually challenging Chu Fengmian to a duel on the Life-and-Death Arena!”

The commotion in the courtyard had already attracted many Lin Mansion disciples to watch.

Facing a battle between the Head Steward and the Deputy Steward—the two peaks of the outer sect—they were all extremely curious to see who was truly the strongest.

“Although Chu Fengmian has condensed his spirit veins and entered the martial path, he has only done so for a few months at most. Even with rapid progress, it is impossible for him to fight Li Xing.”

One outer sect disciple shook his head.

They had all witnessed Chu Fengmian’s talent, but they did not believe he could win against Li Xing.

After all, Li Xing had held the position of the outer sect’s number one for three years, unchallenged. No matter how high Chu Fengmian’s talent was, talent did not equate to strength. Without time to mature, he could not be Li Xing’s match.

“Not necessarily. Chu Fengmian just defeated Li Mingyang, and Li Mingyang is a sixth-stage Bone Tempering martial artist.”

“So what if he defeated Li Mingyang? Li Mingyang couldn’t even last a single move against Li Xing.”

“Do you think Chu Fengmian will accept?”

“In the past, he certainly wouldn’t have, but now… hehe, it’s hard to say.”

An outer sect disciple chuckled.

The Chu Fengmian of the past was a symbol of cowardice, but in recent days, everyone had noticed his change.

Chu Fengmian was no longer the same person he once was.

“The Life-and-Death Arena. Very well, I accept.”

Chu Fengmian’s eyes flickered, and he spoke with a calm expression.

“Accepted?”

This response caught Li Xing off guard, but his expression quickly twisted into a savage grin.

“Good! You are truly arrogant, Chu Fengmian! But once we are on the arena, I want to see how much longer you can keep that up! We meet at the Life-and-Death Arena in one hour!”

Li Xing sneered and walked out of the courtyard, laughing.

Under the eyes of so many, since Chu Fengmian had accepted, there was no possibility of him backing out.

Almost simultaneously, the news that Chu Fengmian and Li Xing were to duel on the Life-and-Death Arena spread throughout the Lin Mansion.

The Life-and-Death Arena was located on the west side of the inner sect.

It was a bronze platform a hundred meters high, surrounded by countless iron spikes. Once someone fell, even a ninth-stage Bone Tempering martial artist would surely die.

Around the platform was a viewing gallery. Usually, the area was deserted, but today, it was packed with people.

Not only outer sect disciples, but many inner sect disciples had also arrived to wait.

The names of Chu Fengmian and Li Xing were well-known in the inner sect. Especially Li Xing, whose strength was not inferior to an average inner sect disciple; he had only been sent to the outer sect to secure the position of Head Steward.

In reality, no one truly viewed him as a mere outer sect disciple.

“Chu Fengmian is here.”

As a figure approached from afar, voices rose from the gallery.

“Has Chu Fengmian lost his mind? To actually dare accept Li Xing’s challenge.”

“Hmph, perhaps he thinks he has a bit of strength and doesn’t know the immensity of heaven and earth.”

“That good-for-nothing Chu Fengmian has occupied the position of Head Steward for so long, losing face for the Lin Mansion. If he dies today, it will be a good thing for us.”