Chapter 152: The Challenge

Lin Xiao followed Old Master Chen into the living room of Chen’s Martial Arts Hall, and they settled themselves as host and guest.

Old Master Chen personally served Lin Xiao a cup of tea, his demeanor more solemn than ever as he said, “Lin Xiao, what’s going to happen today is critical to the life and death of Chen’s Martial Arts Hall. I beg you to lend us your help.”

Lin Xiao was slightly taken aback. Although surprised, his expression remained calm, showing an unwavering steadiness as if nothing could perturb him.

“Old Master, are you saying someone will cause trouble at today’s exchange meeting? But surely, that can’t be too severe?” Lin Xiao asked, puzzled.

He had braced himself for a turbulent exchange meeting at the Chen’s Martial Arts Hall, mainly because his invitation to serve as honorary master was largely related to this event. However, he hadn’t expected it to be this serious.

Old Master Chen let out a wry smile, seemingly anticipating Lin Xiao’s question. He pulled out a red envelope from under the table and laid it before Lin Xiao.

Lin Xiao’s gaze shifted to the envelope, his pupils narrowing. On the envelope’s surface was one bold, defiant word.

“Challenge!”

“What is this?” Lin Xiao frowned slightly.

“It’s a challenge letter from the one who wants to fight our school,” Old Master Chen inhaled deeply, his voice grave. “It clearly states their intention to challenge us today at the exchange meeting. With many from our province attending, a significant loss could utterly ruin the reputation of the Chen’s Martial Arts Hall.”

Old Master Chen sighed, pausing briefly. In martial arts, victory and defeat were normal, but a disgraceful loss couldn’t be afforded.

Even though he had not always won during his tenure, his defeats were honorable and didn’t tarnish the school’s reputation. Instead, they demonstrated Chen’s Martial Arts Hall’s strength.

But now, having lost all his cultivation, the highest skilled in the academy was Chen Tianxing, only at the mid-stage of Bright Force. The challengers were at least at the peak of Bright Force, some even close to the Dark Force stage.

Given such a vast disparity in skill, if Chen Tianxing were to compete, it would likely result in an embarrassing defeat.

The Chen’s Martial Arts Hall, though benevolent, had always had a few enemies. If they saw through the true state of the school, it might jeopardize the very foundation of Chen’s legacy.

Additionally, what exacerbated the situation was not just the presence of any ordinary challenger. The significance of this confrontation lay in the unusual caliber of the challenger, making the school’s dependence on Lin Xiao more crucial than ever.

“Lin Xiao, do you recall I once mentioned my youthful impulsiveness, how I engaged in combat and ended up killing someone?”

Lin Xiao nodded.

He clearly remembered that Old Master Chen, due to a fight, had not only killed his rival but also suffered a grievous internal injury, leading to the loss of his cultivation.

“The one challenging us today is the descendant of the man I killed,” Old Master Chen sighed before continuing with a tinge of anger in his voice.

“Martial combat always carries the risk of life and death, and I signed a life-and-death agreement with his father. If his sole purpose was to avenge that loss, I would have no objection, after all, avenging one’s father is a natural duty. But this goes beyond that. He doesn’t just seek revenge, he plans to wipe out Chen’s Martial Arts Hall entirely. Ever since learning of my loss of cultivation, he hasn’t just issued a challenge for the exchange meeting, he’s joined forces with several of my old enemies, scheming together to destroy everything we’ve built.”

Lin Xiao remained silent, attentively listening without interruption.

With a sincere look, Old Master Chen addressed Lin Xiao, “I know this matter doesn’t concern you directly, and if you choose not to intervene, I won’t insist. I must be frank with you. This opponent is extraordinarily formidable. His martial arts is at least on par with mine before my injury. And with the additional support he’s brought, despite having summoned a few allies of my own, the situation is indeed dangerous.”

“Old Master Chen, there’s no need for further explanation. Since I’ve accepted the role of Honorary Master and have been paid for it, it’s only proper that I lend my assistance,” Lin Xiao interjected. “Moreover, the opportunity to face off against a master is an invaluable experience I eagerly welcome.”

“Excellent, excellent, excellent!” Old Master Chen, visibly moved, repeated the word ‘excellent’ thrice. “I knew I wasn’t mistaken about you.”

“Old Master, are the others at the academy aware of this upcoming challenge?” Lin Xiao asked.

“Except for my son Tianxing and my grandchildren Tianli and Lingxin, I haven’t informed anyone else. Revealing such information would be pointless and could easily unsettle everyone. Moreover, apart from Tianxing, who is aware of the challenger’s cultivation level, Tianli and Lingxin only know that someone will come to cause trouble, but they are unaware of who it is or their level of cultivation,” Old Master Chen explained, shaking his head.

“However, I have invited a few friends for assistance, and they should be arriving soon. I’ll introduce you to them. Hopefully, Chen’s Martial Arts Hall will safely weather this storm.”

After speaking, Old Master Chen sighed deeply, clearly lacking optimism.

In truth, when he received the challenge letter yesterday, his heart sank into despair. He had learned that the cultivation of his enemy’s son, who issued the challenge, might have already surpassed the Dark Force stage.

He had foreseen that the exchange meeting would be turbulent and had invited several friends for support.

But achieving the Dark Force level was no small feat. Such a level of cultivation was considered elite in the ancient martial arts world, and none of his invitees possessed such advanced skills.

It was only upon witnessing Lin Xiao’s breakthrough today that a glimmer of hope arose in his heart.

Still, even with this newfound hope, he remained anxious. After all, Lin Xiao had only just made his breakthrough, whereas his adversary’s son had been at that level much longer.

Furthermore, considering Lin Xiao’s young age, even with his exceptional talent, his combat experience would be significantly less, making the likelihood of victory slim.

Despite his concerns, Old Master Chen, seasoned by countless battles, kept his composure.

He understood that showing his worry would only disturb Lin Xiao’s focus. Besides, having advanced to the Dark Force stage, Lin Xiao might not win, but he could at least hold his own.

Unaware of Old Master Chen’s internal turmoil, Lin Xiao’s approach remained unchanged. To him, whether he had broken through the Dark Force stage or not, the situation was the same.

His primary reason for participating in the exchange meeting was to help Chen’s Martial Arts Hall, as they had been very good to him. Secondly, it was an opportunity to immerse himself in the ancient martial arts world.

As Lin Xiao chatted with Old Master Chen, the martial arts academy had undergone a transformation.

A red carpet was rolled out at the entrance, stretching all the way to the living room inside. Two large red lanterns were hung high, and the Chen’s Martial Arts Hall signboard was draped in red silk.

The faces of the students glowed with excitement, blissfully unaware of the looming crisis facing the academy.