Chapter 16: Insidious Ambush

“It seems I really am not very popular.”

Hearing those words, a bitter smile tugged at the corners of Chu Fengmian’s mouth.

Within the Lin Mansion, both the inner and outer courts, there was not a single person who supported Chu Fengmian or wanted to see him win.

The reason these inner and outer court disciples targeted Chu Fengmian was, in truth, only one thing: jealousy.

They were jealous of Chu Fengmian’s background, and jealous of how a piece of trash who hadn't even become a martial artist could become the Head Steward of the Lin Mansion’s outer court.

Because of this, they all harbored hostility toward Chu Fengmian to varying degrees.

“Fengmian, why on earth did you agree to that Li Xing’s challenge to the Life-and-Death Arena?”

Not far from the Life-and-Death Arena, an old man suddenly ran over, looking at Chu Fengmian with a face full of worry.

“I’ve heard that your strength has made some progress, but this Li Xing is at the seventh level of the Bone Tempering Realm—two levels higher than you. If you face him, you have absolutely no chance of winning.”

“Don’t go to the Life-and-Death Arena this time. If you really want to deal with Li Xing, it won’t be too late to do so in a few years once your strength has improved.”

“In a moment, come with me to apologize to the Mansion Master and say it was a slip of the tongue. You absolutely must not step onto that arena.”

Although the old man’s voice was urgent, Chu Fengmian could still hear the genuine concern within it.

“Uncle Lin, I gave my word on this myself; there is no way I can take it back,” Chu Fengmian said softly, looking at the old man before him.

“Besides, it’s not certain that I’ll be afraid of that Li Xing.”

The old man before him was none other than the Third Elder of the Lin Mansion, and the only person in the entire mansion who could be considered kind to Chu Fengmian.

This Third Elder had been a close friend of Chu Fengmian’s grandfather. It was precisely because of the Third Elder’s words to the Mansion Master that Chu Fengmian had been able to become the Head Steward of the outer court.

Hearing the Third Elder’s words now—though they were stern, the concern contained within them warmed Chu Fengmian’s heart. Aside from his former master and senior brothers, this was the first time someone else had shown him such care.

“Don’t worry, Uncle Lin. Since I’ve agreed to it, I won’t be afraid of Li Xing.”

Chu Fengmian said calmly. The confidence contained in his tone made the Third Elder look at him with a hint of surprise.

Since when did the weak and humble Chu Fengmian possess such confidence?

Although the Third Elder had heard rumors about Chu Fengmian, seeing it with his own eyes now still left him shocked.

“Good. Fengmian, you are worthy of the Chu family bloodline, and worthy of being Senior Chu’s grandson.”

The Third Elder looked at Chu Fengmian for a moment, but ultimately did not stop him again.

He stood to the side, watching as Chu Fengmian walked toward the Life-and-Death Arena.

“Hmph, I thought you wouldn’t dare to show up.”

On the arena, Li Xing was already standing there. Seeing Chu Fengmian walk over slowly, a sinister grin appeared on his face.

“Usually, you hide inside the Lin Mansion, and I never had the chance. Since you want to die today, I will grant your wish.”

“Enough talk. Sign the papers,” Chu Fengmian said coldly, casting a glance at Li Xing.

A war of words was meaningless.

“Fine! It seems you really are in a hurry to die!” Li Xing shouted angrily.

“Sign the Life-and-Death Pact!”

“Once this pact is signed, life and death are in the hands of fate. Only one person can leave this arena. Do you both understand?”

An old man from the Lin Mansion said coldly.

This old man was the Law Enforcement Elder of the Lin Mansion; he had always been the one to preside over the Life-and-Death Arena.

As his voice fell, two sheets of talisman paper appeared before the two men.

These papers contained spiritual power and recorded everything that transpired.

“Fine!”

Chu Fengmian did not hesitate in the slightest. With a wave of his hand, he signed his name.

Li Xing, on the other side, signed his name at almost the exact same moment.

The instant he signed his name, several silver needles were suddenly launched from Li Xing’s hand, flying straight toward Chu Fengmian.

Each needle moved with extreme speed, coated in a layer of cyan spiritual power—they had been imbued with Li Xing’s own energy.

“Soul-Piercing Needles!”

“How despicable! To use such underhanded tactics?”

Seeing the needles suddenly appear, some of the Lin Mansion disciples in the stands couldn't help but cry out.

“Li Xing’s strength is already above Chu Fengmian’s, and yet he still uses Soul-Piercing Needles to ambush him!”

While waiting on the arena just moments ago, Li Xing had secretly hidden the needles in his hand. The moment he signed his name, he had launched them.

No one had expected Li Xing to resort to such a cowardly method.

“Fengmian!”

The Third Elder’s expression changed drastically in the stands.

These Soul-Piercing Needles were no ordinary items; they were Yellow-grade mid-tier spiritual artifacts. Once they pierced the body, those in the Bone Tempering Realm could hardly defend against them.

“Law Enforcement Elder, isn’t this a bit too despicable? Li Xing had already plotted this before the start!”

The Third Elder couldn't help but speak up, his body tensing as if he wanted to rush onto the arena.

“Third Elder, why say such things? Once the Life-and-Death Pact is signed, life and death are determined by fate. If Chu Fengmian didn't prepare himself, are you blaming Li Xing for being prepared?”

Another old man nearby said with a cold sneer.

This old man was the Fifth Elder of the Lin Mansion, the head of the Li family, and Li Xing’s grandfather.

“If you ask me, it only proves that Chu Fengmian is a fool. He stepped onto the Life-and-Death Arena without any preparation; he deserves to die.”

“Once they are on the arena, it is their own business. Outsiders must not interfere. Third Elder, you should just watch quietly.”

Although the Fifth Elder’s tone was calm, anyone could hear the smugness within it.

The Law Enforcement Elder heard the Fifth Elder’s words and nodded slightly. While Li Xing’s behavior was not honorable, it was a battle of life and death—what did such methods matter?

To a martial artist, as long as one could win, no method was beneath them.

On the arena, the Soul-Piercing Needles were already about to reach Chu Fengmian.

“Chu Fengmian, I know you’ve practiced some movement techniques and are quite troublesome, but today I want to see if your movement is faster, or my Soul-Piercing Needles!” Li Xing laughed loudly.

From the very beginning, he had no intention of engaging in a fair fight. Even though he was confident in his own strength, he was wary of Chu Fengmian’s Phantom Movement technique.

Now, he intended to use the Soul-Piercing Needles to kill Chu Fengmian outright.

The needles contained a paralytic toxin; once they pierced the body, the victim would be paralyzed and left at his mercy.

“Do you think these pathetic Soul-Piercing Needles can deal with me?”

Suddenly, Chu Fengmian’s expression changed. This look of seriousness was something almost none of the Lin Mansion disciples present had expected to see from him.

He drew the sword at his waist in a flash. With a few streaks of sword light, the Soul-Piercing Needles were severed one by one and fell to the ground.