News quickly spread that Zhou Tianyi, the leader of the Guiyi Sect, would challenge Mu Qing, the leader of the Tianyin Pavilion, and that the two would have a duel in the arena in three days.
Now, the inn and Huaixi City have attracted a large number of martial arts figures, and everyone is discussing this matter.
Many people felt that Zhou Tianyi bullied Mu Qing, who was weaker than him, by relying on his own strength, which was clearly not the behavior of a gentleman.
However, some people think that the two were just sparring, and besides, it was in the arena, so no one would get hurt.
Opinions varied, but there was no doubt that Mu Qing's courage in accepting the challenge earned her considerable acclaim in the martial arts world. Everyone agreed that Pavilion Master Mu truly deserved to be called a heroine, and the reputation of the entire Tianyin Pavilion was also enhanced.
The manager of the Xianyuan Inn personally announced that this duel will be open to the public, allowing everyone to watch the exciting battle without entering the arena.
These words stirred up an even bigger storm in the already lively discussion, with many people who were not interested in the martial arts world eagerly awaiting the challenge.
The atmosphere was somewhat somber for both of the two major factions involved.
When the news came, the Guiyi Sect disciples at the inn felt ashamed, and many of them changed out of their Guiyi Sect uniforms outside.
Shi Xinyi was so angry that she gritted her teeth and said, "What is Uncle Zhou thinking? He challenged Mu Qing to a duel. Even if he wins, he won't save face. If he loses... no, he can't possibly lose."
Shi Xinyi shook her head, banishing the terrible thought.
Now, all we can do is pray that Uncle Zhou wins convincingly, so that at least everyone can see the strength of the Guiyi Sect Master.
Zhou Tianyi was clearly surprised to hear that everyone could witness his duel with Mu Qing. Then, he couldn't help but feel relieved.
That's fine too. If we can easily deal with Mu Qing, it will at least show that we are strong and save face.
When Shi Xinyi came to him to ask about this, Zhou Tianyi patted his chest and said nonchalantly, "Xinyi, don't worry. Don't you know your Uncle Zhou's abilities? Just watch Uncle Zhou beat her into submission in a few moves."
Hearing Zhou Tianyi's assurance, Shi Xinyi's anxiety eased slightly.
Unlike Shi Xinyi's worries, when the news reached Yimen, Wan Fangxia was first surprised, then burst into laughter, her laughter tinged with bitterness.
"Zhou Tianyi, do you think I don't know your true worth? Your actual combat ability is absolutely not worthy of your apparent abilities. The Guiyi Sect is truly going to lose all face."
She knew Mu Qing better than anyone else what kind of person she was. She would never easily agree without being absolutely certain.
Wan Fangxia thought of her former friend Mu Qing and gave a bitter smile.
If she had known that Zhou Tianyi was such an irresponsible person, why would she have risked breaking with her best friend to be with him?
Although Zhou Tianyi hasn't done anything unforgivable over the years and appears to be doing well on the surface, only she knows the bitterness in her heart. Even to her father, she only reports good news and not bad.
If she could see Mu Qing again, she would definitely say, "I regret it!"
Wan Fangxia sat for a long time, and the thought that had just popped into her head became clearer.
Unlike Guiyimen, who felt ashamed, the entire Tianyin Pavilion did not consider the possibility that losing would make others look down on Tianyin Pavilion.
They've overcome so many difficulties, so this little thing won't bother them. Losing is better than being too afraid to accept it.
Currently, almost all the main disciples of Tianyin Pavilion are at the inn, discussing how to fight against Zhou Tianyi.
"Does the Pavilion Master know Zhou Tianyi's strength?" the First Elder asked first.
“Zhou Tianyi has been a first-class martial artist for over a decade, and I have never fought him. However, having been in the arena for so long, I am confident that I can exchange a hundred blows with him.”
That's why Mu Qing agreed to Zhou Tianyi's challenge.
The Third Elder was an impatient man. "What are you worried about? You have to trust the Pavilion Master. Besides, Zhou Tianyi is willing to issue such a challenge, he's even shameless, so what are we afraid of? If we lose, we lose, it's not like we can't afford to lose."
They knew perfectly well whether it was a friendly competition or an act of bullying the weak.
The Third Elder's words were unanimously agreed upon by everyone.
The Second Elder thought for a moment, "But after all, Zhou Tianyi is already a first-rate martial artist with solid strength, so we still need to make preparations as soon as possible. Why don't we ask if anyone in the pavilion has drawn a divine weapon or equipment?"
At this point, the Second Elder felt a pang of heartache.
She hadn't realized how useful the items drawn in the arena would be, and had readily promised her disciples they could keep them for themselves. By the time she discovered this, it was too late.
She originally planned to take advantage of the fact that Tianyin Pavilion was going through a difficult period and have everyone confiscate the good items they had drawn, and then compensate them with other things, but the Pavilion Master stopped her.
Seeing Mu Qing's disapproving expression, the Second Elder urged, "Sect Master, I know you don't want to take advantage of the disciples, but this concerns the entire sect, and I'm sure the disciples won't complain."
"Yes, Sect Master, the Second Elder is right, we have no objections."
"Yes, it's a pity that once the equipment is used, it can no longer be traded. I should have known better than to equip the sleeve I got recently."
This is also a characteristic of equipment drawn in the arena: the equipment is bound to the first person to use it, and it will lose its original attributes when used by someone else.
"Master, although I have no equipment, I have a pill here that can stimulate one's internal energy with few side effects."
"I recently drew a weapon, but its attack power is too weak; it's not as good as the Pavilion Master's weapon."
"It's a pity the probability of drawing equipment is too low. Otherwise, we can go back to the arena and start practicing from the first level again. What if we draw something good?" a disciple suggested.
The Second Elder's eyes lit up. "Sect Master, this suggestion makes sense. How about..."
"No!" Mu Qing was gratified to hear everyone's attitude of pooling their wisdom for the sake of Tianyin Pavilion. "Most of the disciples are currently stuck on the third level. Even if they draw weapons in the earlier levels, they won't be of much use."
"Ordinary equipment doesn't offer much of an advantage against top-tier martial artists; ultimately, it all comes down to your own strength. Don't worry too much, everyone. I'm confident in my abilities for this battle. I've called you all here simply to tell you not to take this matter too seriously; our focus right now should be on training."
Seeing that Mu Qing showed no sign of worry, everyone felt somewhat relieved.
The disciples gradually withdrew, leaving only the three elders.
"How confident is the Pavilion Master about this?" the Grand Elder asked bluntly.
"Less than 20%," Mu Qing answered truthfully.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief; the result was much better than they had expected.
Although they supported their own leader, like most people, they were not optimistic about the battle and only hoped that the defeat would not be too humiliating.
Judging from Mu Qing's words, there is still a possibility of winning.
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