Chapter 586: A Move to Insult the Enemy

However, just after leaving the cell, Ling Chen encountered several people blocking his path ahead.

Seeing the man standing at the front, a flash of surprise crossed Ling Chen’s eyes. But it soon turned cold, his gaze sharp and wild as that of a beast.

"Yi Shuiyan," Ling Chen enunciated every syllable of the other’s name, "I really didn’t expect to run into you here." After speaking, Ling Chen glanced at the Dangyang Sect disciples behind Yi Shuiyan and said with a mocking smile, "So the Dangyang Sect is willing to play lapdog for the God Organization. I’m not at all surprised."

"Ling Chen, cut the nonsense. It’s not your place to judge the actions of the Dangyang Sect," Yi Shuiyan said with a ferrous face. "I do admire your courage for barging in here, do you not fear death?"

"Death?" Ling Chen said mockingly, "Yi Shuiyan, don’t forget, you were defeated by me. To deal with you, one hand is enough."

After saying this, Ling Chen, supporting Nanrong Wanqing with one hand, slowly stretched out his right hand, palm up, and curled a finger at Yi Shuiyan, making a provocative gesture.

Seeing his action, Yi Shuiyan’s face grew even uglier, his eyes filled with raging anger, as if he wished to brutally slaughter Ling Chen.

However, he wasn’t hot-headed. He knew how to contain his anger, especially considering the lesson from last time; he was well aware of Ling Chen’s strength. Now, he indeed wasn’t Ling Chen’s match.

"Do you think that just because you claimed the top newcomer spot, you can look down on everyone?" Yi Shuiyan spoke coldly.

Ling Chen shook his head and replied, "I’ve never thought that. There are skies beyond skies, people beyond people. Huaxia is full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers; there are many more powerful than me. But right now, it’s just you and me. In my eyes, you’re someone I’ve defeated before, is there a problem with that? If you want to turn things around, rely on your own skills and stop wasting time with words. I remember you used to be forthright; how come you’ve become so nagging now? Could it be that after the Heavenly Mechanism Great Ceremony, you took a trip to Thailand?"

"Shut up!" Yi Shuiyan bellowed in anger, his barely constrained rage flaring up again.

"Enough talk. If you want to fight, let’s get on with it. Don’t waste my time," Ling Chen said impatiently. He had only fifteen minutes as agreed with Kaelina; if delayed further, he might not make it to the rendezvous point in time.

"Disciple, since Mr. Ling wishes to fight, accompany him for a few moves."

At that moment, a voice suddenly came from behind Yi Shuiyan.

Ling Chen focused his gaze, and his expression changed instantly.

Zhu Jin!

Sect Leader of the Dangyang Sect.

He didn’t expect this guy to be here too. Ling Chen inwardly voiced his alarm. If it was just Yi Shuiyan, he wasn’t afraid at all, but with Zhu Jin as well, things were getting complicated.

Although he hadn’t fought Zhu Jin before, as the Sect Leader of the Dangyang Sect, he couldn’t be that weak.

Hearing his master speak, Yi Shuiyan’s courage was greatly bolstered, and he immediately drew the steel blade he carried, stepping towards Ling Chen.

"Ling Chen..." Nanrong Wanqing looked at the approaching Yi Shuiyan, her beautiful eyes full of concern.

Ling Chen gently patted her hand, reassuring her, "It’s okay, I can handle this, trust me."

With those words, Ling Chen placed Nanrong Wanqing in a corner of the corridor, against the wall. Then, he straightened his waist and strode forward to meet Yi Shuiyan.

As they approached each other, Yi Shuiyan flicked his wrist, and the steel blade, like a windmill, slashed through the air, seemingly with the force of ten thousand acres, aimed straight at Ling Chen’s head.

As the blade wind approached, Ling Chen did not dodge, his sharp eyes looking straight ahead, showing no intention of evasion.

In the moment the blade was about to strike, Ling Chen’s fingers swiftly struck out, hitting the steel blade dead center.

The instant his fingertips touched the blade, the steel knife was deflected as if it had been struck hard, springing away, and even Yi Shuiyan’s arm was thrown off course.

This sudden turn of events startled Yi Shuiyan, his face full of shock. He had never expected that his blade, carrying his full strength, would be easily neutralized by Ling Chen with just two fingers.

Could it be... in just a few short months, Ling Chen’s abilities had advanced to the Earthly List?

No, that’s impossible!

Yi Shuiyan stared blankly at Ling Chen, the steel knife in his hand hesitating to rise again.

"Shuiyan!"

Seeing his disciple’s dazed expression, Zhu Jin couldn’t help but yell out.

Regaining his senses, Yi Shuiyan looked at Ling Chen in front of him and couldn’t help but involuntarily step back, a hint of hesitation in his eyes.

Feeling the gap between them, Yi Shuiyan had already lost the courage to make a move.

At the Heavenly Mechanism Great Ceremony, under the watchful eyes of the public, he was defeated by Ling Chen.

Now, he didn’t want to experience another failure.

For a martial artist, being defeated twice by the same person would undoubtedly cause a significant obstacle to his future cultivation.

Yi Shuiyan knew this well, so he didn’t dare to make a move lightly.

"Useless." Zhu Jin snorted coldly, walked forward, and left Yi Shuiyan behind him.

"Ling Chen, you think you’re so great, then let me see for myself how capable you really are."

Hearing this, Ling Chen’s gaze slightly hardened. His body tensed up, and he stepped forward, positioning himself in front of Nanrong Wanqing.

Back at the Heavenly Mechanism Great Ceremony, he had already seen the shamelessness of the Dangyang Sect. Therefore, he had to be on guard against Zhu Jin to prevent others from taking the opportunity to attack Nanrong Wanqing.

Ling Chen was not very familiar with Zhu Jin’s strength, but he had heard from Qiu Yong that Zhu Jin was also a high-ranking master on the Dragon List; as to which rank, he wasn’t sure.

However, to become the Sect Leader of the Dangyang Sect, his strength couldn’t be too lacking.

In the blink of an eye, Ling Chen leaned slightly forward, with his shoulders facing Zhu Jin, ready to defend against any attacks.

However, to Ling Chen’s surprise, Zhu Jin did not immediately attack, but instead retreated two steps, increasing the distance between them.

Seeing the other’s action, Ling Chen was filled with confusion and puzzlement, not understanding what Zhu Jin was up to.

Not only that, but Yi Shuiyan and the others originally behind Zhu Jin also retreated, as if they knew what was going to happen next.

This scene caught Ling Chen’s eyes, making him even more surprised. His gaze towards Zhu Jin carried a hint of caution and care.

"Are you ready to take the hit?"

Zhu Jin’s voice came. Ling Chen remained silent, his expression stern, fully focused on his opponent, his right arm slightly leaning back. From this position, he could ensure he draws his dagger at the fastest speed.

Observing Ling Chen’s tense appearance, a sly smile suddenly appeared on Zhu Jin’s face.

At the moment the smile appeared, his long-brewed attack was finally launched.