Shi Xueyun stood proudly with her head held high, allowing everyone to clearly understand just how important Yi Tianyun was in her heart. She was not afraid of becoming enemies with Spirit Sect!
In fact, Shi Xueyun knew very well that Spirit Sect absolutely did not dare start a war. Even though Zhao Hualong had been slapped, he still would not allow the matter to escalate into open conflict. Although Jade Palace's overall strength was weaker than Spirit Sect's, Jade Palace possessed many outside connections that could make them far more influential than Spirit Sect.
Many disciples of Jade Palace had married outsiders. Although Jade Palace's status was not particularly high, they had no problem seeking outside support when necessary.
Zhao Hualong knew his words had gone too far, but after being slapped publicly, how could he simply swallow the humiliation? He immediately sneered: "Palace Lord Shi slapped me. This is undoubtedly physical aggression, not a trivial matter. If he truly did nothing wrong, then why won't you allow him to duel? Isn't it because he injured our disciples? Not only that, he even accused us of trying to snatch the Dragon Blood Divine Pill, as though Spirit Sect cannot afford one ourselves!"
He was furious that Shi Xueyun had slapped him in front of so many people. Such humiliation was unbearable.
"Is that so? Then let me repeat myself. I believe Tianyun would never attack others without reason. They wanted to snatch the Dragon Blood Divine Pill. Of course Spirit Sect can afford such a pill, but you would never waste it on trash like them! If you insist on blaming Tianyun, then don't expect me to back down without a fight!" The aura surrounding Shi Xueyun had not dissipated. Instead, it continued rising with each passing second, while fury burned within her eyes.
She believed Yi Tianyun would definitely lose. However, that was not the main reason she opposed the duel. The true problem was his weak body. If he were severely injured, even if he survived, he could become crippled for life.
No matter what happened, Shi Xueyun would never compromise. This was her bottom line!
Although her aura was overwhelmingly powerful, Yi Tianyun standing beside her suffered from the judgmental gazes surrounding them. A man hiding behind a woman was considered weak, no different from a coward. In this martial world, such behavior was deeply shameful.
But Yi Tianyun was not weak, nor was he a coward. He had always wanted to stand up and prove himself, to prove he was not trash, and to prove that his aunt had not protected the wrong person!
"I will fight. I will represent Jade Palace." Yi Tianyun stepped forward, his expression calm and indifferent.
He did not retreat. He was not a coward. At this moment, he boldly stepped forward. Even if he died in the duel, he would still stand proudly for himself. His eyes were firm, fearless of death, standing proudly above his peers.
The moment he finished speaking, the system's voice echoed in his mind.
『Quest: Defeat the Spirit Sect disciple in the challenge and lead Jade Palace to victory!』
『Reward: 10,000 EXP, 100 Gold, Divine Armor (Common)!』
"A quest? These rewards are quite generous!" Yi Tianyun felt delighted after hearing this information. He never expected the system to issue quests. As long as he completed it, the rewards would definitely be worth the trouble, especially the EXP.
However, the treasure reward seemed somewhat low-grade.
Whether weapons or treasures, they were divided into several levels: Common, Spirit, Holy, Relic, and Artifact!
Yi Tianyun's words immediately attracted everyone's attention. Zhao Hualong, meanwhile, sneered from the side. This was exactly what he wanted. If Shi Xueyun refused, there was little he could do. But now that Yi Tianyun had agreed personally, everything had become much more convenient.
As far as Spirit Sect was concerned, Fang Chen was merely a low-level disciple. They did not truly care about his death. However, Fang Yun genuinely hated Yi Tianyun. His younger brother, who had spent every day with him, was now dead. How could he not be furious?
Yet everyone knew Fang Chen's death had simply become an excuse for Zhao Hualong to use.
The female disciples of Jade Palace looked at Yi Tianyun differently now. At the very least, he had not remained silent while hiding behind his aunt's protection. Instead, he chose to stand up. This was what a man should do!
Shi Xueyun hurriedly said: "Don't talk nonsense. This is not a joke!" Her expression was extremely serious.
"If I don't participate in this duel, then I cannot call myself a man. I would not be worthy of Aunt's protection." Yi Tianyun smiled at her, his eyes filled with unwavering determination.
Shi Xueyun was stunned by Yi Tianyun's gaze. She had never seen such fire in his eyes before. He was truly determined to win!
After taking a deep breath, she turned toward Zhao Hualong and said: "Fine, I agree!"
"Good. Half a month from now, we will meet in the arena!" Zhao Hualong sneered. "This is a life-and-death duel. Death will be fully justified!"
At this moment, Yi Tianyun stood up and coldly declared: "No problem. But regardless of the outcome, stop causing trouble for Jade Palace afterward!"
"Interesting. Then this arena shall become your grave!" Zhao Hualong sneered before shouting toward Fang Yun: "Let's go!"
Fang Yun was briefly stunned. As he left, he cast Yi Tianyun a complicated look. Although he desperately wanted to kill Yi Tianyun, it was impossible while Shi Xueyun stood beside him.
After Spirit Sect departed, the entire Jade Palace exploded into discussion. No one believed Yi Tianyun could win. His cultivation was too weak. It was like losing a war before even entering the battlefield. Furthermore, Yi Tianyun lacked blood qi. If the battle dragged on even slightly, he would certainly lose.
Faced with the confusion and dissatisfaction of the entire Jade Palace, Yi Tianyun remained indifferent. He had already endured this kind of treatment countless times before. Today was no different from any other day.
"Disperse," Shi Xueyun ordered with a wave of her hand.
"Yes, Palace Lord."
The female disciples glanced at Yi Tianyun with disappointment before leaving. This duel would determine Jade Palace's future direction. Naturally, none of them wished to see the consequences of defeat.
Once everyone had left, Shi Xueyun softly said: "Don't force yourself. Even if you lose, just survive. As long as you stay alive, everything can still be resolved."
"Aunt, do you believe in me?" Yi Tianyun asked firmly.
"I believe in you!" Shi Xueyun nodded without hesitation. However, she immediately sighed. "But you must understand your own condition. If your body…"
As she spoke, her eyes became watery with sadness. Without medicinal pills constantly replenishing Yi Tianyun's blood qi, he likely would have died long ago.
"I will win!" Yi Tianyun grabbed Shi Xueyun's small hand and smiled brightly. "Even if I stand at death's door, I refuse to kneel. Let me be stubborn this time. I don't want Aunt to be criticized again, and I don't want Aunt to suffer injustice anymore…"
"Silly child, what are you saying?" Shi Xueyun's eyes turned red, tears framing her beautiful face.
"Silly child? You're not even much older than me. You could practically call me little brother instead." Yi Tianyun reached out and wiped away her tears, yet determination still shone within his eyes.
After calming both himself and Shi Xueyun, Yi Tianyun returned to his room. He then shifted his attention back toward the Crazy Leveling System. Because of the earlier chaos, there were still many things he had not fully understood.