Shi Xueyun's domineering display showed everyone just how high Yi Tianyun's status was in her heart; she was willing to make an enemy of the Celestial Spirit Sect for his sake!
In reality, Shi Xueyun knew her limits. The Celestial Spirit Sect would absolutely not dare to act recklessly. Even if she slapped Zhao Hualong, it wouldn't push the two sects into open conflict.
Although Merak Palace's Overall Strength was weaker than the Celestial Spirit Sect's, in terms of connections, Merak Palace was much stronger.
Quite a few disciples of Merak Palace had married out. Even if their status outside wasn't particularly high, they could still bring reinforcements without any issue.
Zhao Hualong knew his words had been a bit harsh, but he had just been slapped, so how could his anger subside so easily? He immediately sneered, "Palace Master Shi, you slapped me. This is undoubtedly a humiliation. This matter can't be settled with just words anymore."
"Did I say something wrong? Why not let him compete? It's not that I'm making things difficult for him, but he injured our disciple and must give us an explanation. He even slandered us, claiming we tried to steal a Dragon Blood Divine Pill. Do you think we can't afford a Dragon Blood Divine Pill?!"
His anger flared even higher. Shi Xueyun had slapped him in front of so many people; the humiliation was immense.
"Is that so? I'll repeat myself: I believe Tianyun would not attack someone without reason. You were the ones who tried to steal the Dragon Blood Divine Pill! I admit, you can afford a Dragon Blood Divine Pill, but you would never use it on a waste like Fang Chen! If you insist on pinning this blame on Tianyun, then don't expect me to be courteous!"
The aura around Shi Xueyun had not yet dissipated; it surged once more as rage churned in her eyes.
Yi Tianyun would undoubtedly be defeated if he went up there. Setting that aside for a moment, the main issue was that his body's Blood Qi was too weak, which made his Physique even worse. If he were to be sent flying, even if he didn't die, he would end up crippled.
No matter what, Shi Xueyun would not back down. This was her bottom line!
Although her aura was powerful enough, Yi Tianyun, standing off to the side, was receiving scornful looks from everyone. A man standing behind a woman, weak and powerless, was tantamount to a pretty boy who sponges off a woman. In this world where martial prowess was revered, it was an absolute disgrace.
Of course, Yi Tianyun was not a coward, nor was he a freeloader. He had always wanted to step forward and prove himself—to prove that he wasn't a waste, and even more, to prove that his aunt hadn't misjudged him!
"I accept this duel. I will represent Merak Palace in this fight."
Yi Tianyun stepped forward, his expression serene.
He did not retreat, nor did he show any fear. At this moment, he boldly stepped forward. Even if he were to die on the martial stage, he had to stand up. His gaze was resolute, completely unafraid. It was a dauntless spirit far beyond what his peers could display.
The moment his voice fell, a "DING!" rang out, and the system's voice sounded in his mind.
"Side Quest accepted: 'Defeat the challenging disciple from the Celestial Spirit Sect and secure victory for Merak Palace'!"
"Completion Reward: 10,000 Experience Value, one hundred gold taels, one Celestial God Armor (Mortal Iron)!"
'There are quests, too? And the reward is pretty generous!'
Yi Tianyun rejoiced internally. He hadn't expected to get a quest like this. As long as he could complete it, the reward would be substantial, especially the Experience Value.
'But the Treasure I get seems to be of a very low grade, doesn't it?'
Whether it was weapons or Treasures, they were all divided into several tiers: Mortal Iron, Spiritual Artifact, Soul Artifact, Sacred Artifact, and Divine Artifact!
Yi Tianyun's words drew everyone's attention. Zhao Hualong was stunned for a moment, then a cold, triumphant smile crept onto his lips. The fish had finally taken the bait.
If Shi Xueyun had refused, he really would have been out of options. But Yi Tianyun had agreed in the end, which meant things were about to get interesting.
Who cared about Fang Chen? He was a low-level disciple; if he died, he died. It had nothing to do with their interests. Fang Yun, however, was genuinely furious. How could he not be, when the brother he spent every day with was dead?
Little did he know, his younger brother had become a sacrificial pawn, immediately exploited by Zhao Hualong.
The female disciples of Merak Palace looked at Yi Tianyun with a slight change in their gazes. At least he hadn't just kept his mouth shut; he had chosen to step forward. That was how a man should act!
Shi Xueyun hurriedly whispered to him, "Don't be ridiculous, this is no joke!"
Her expression was very serious, the likes of which Yi Tianyun had never seen before.
"If I don't fight, can I still call myself a man? I'd be even less worthy of Aunt's protection. Please, agree to this duel."
Yi Tianyun gave her a faint smile, his eyes filled with unwavering determination.
Shi Xueyun was taken aback by the look in Yi Tianyun's eyes. She had never seen such a desire to win in him before! She immediately took a deep breath and said to Zhao Hualong, "Very well, I agree to this duel!"
"Excellent. We'll see you on the martial stage in half a month!"
Zhao Hualong sneered, "It will be a duel to the death, with no regard for who lives or dies!"
At that moment, Yi Tianyun stepped forward and said coldly, "No problem. The life-or-death stipulation only applies to my match. The other matches with my sisters cannot be held to the same terms!"
"Interesting. Since this grudge concerns you, of course!"
Zhao Hualong sneered, then grunted at Fang Yun and the others, "We're leaving!"
With that, he led Fang Yun and the others away. As he was leaving, Fang Yun shot a venomous glare at Yi Tianyun. Although he wanted nothing more than to fight Yi Tianyun to the death right then and there, it was impossible. With Shi Xueyun standing by his side, killing Yi Tianyun was out of the question.
After they left, the entire Merak Palace was in an uproar. No one was optimistic about Yi Tianyun's chances. In a duel of this level, having a cultivation base that was too weak meant certain defeat. This was especially true for Yi Tianyun, whose insufficient Blood Qi meant that if the fight dragged on even slightly, he would surely lose.
Facing the doubt and dissatisfaction of the entire Merak Palace, Yi Tianyun's expression remained as serene as ever. He had long since grown used to this kind of treatment; today was not the first time.
"Everyone, dismiss."
Shi Xueyun said with a wave of her hand.
"Yes, Palace Master."
The crowd of female disciples shot Yi Tianyun one last dissatisfied glance before leaving. The outcome of this duel would determine the allocation of certain spots, and none of them wanted to see their sect lose.
Once everyone had gone, even Lian, leaving the two of them alone, Shi Xueyun finally spoke gently, "When the time comes, don't force yourself. It's alright if you lose. As long as you save your own life, nothing else matters."
"Aunt, do you believe in me?"
Yi Tianyun asked in a firm tone.
"I do!"
Shi Xueyun nodded without the slightest hesitation, but then she sighed, "But you must act within your limits. If your body..."
As she spoke, her eyes reddened. The thought made her heart ache; without the Blood Qi Pills to sustain his life, Yi Tianyun would have likely died long ago.
"I will win!"
Yi Tianyun took Shi Xueyun's small hand and gave her a brilliant smile. "Besides, I would rather die on my feet than live on my knees. Just let me be willful this once... I don't want Aunt to be criticized anymore. I never want to see you wronged again..."
"Silly child, what are you talking about..."
Shi Xueyun's eyes reddened again, and tears began to fall uncontrollably.
"What 'silly child'? You're not that much older than me. It'd be more fitting if you called me your little brother."
Yi Tianyun reached out and wiped away her tears, his eyes filled with unprecedented resolve.
...
Yi Tianyun returned to his room. After steadying his emotions and calming down completely, he turned his attention back to the Crazy Upgrade System. Since he had been in a hurry earlier, there were many things he hadn't had a chance to figure out.