"Good, good, good, haha. Then, let me show you how to fight properly. Beating someone in the lower realm sneakily is far from fighting head-on."
Once Zhixian agreed, Xiao Chen's face lit up with joy as he laughed. Now, he could finally take revenge for that day, regaining all the prestige he had lost.
'Even if you have the same realm as me, so what?'
Xiao Chen thought as he flew from his chair, landing directly in the central open area. After that, he looked at Zhixian and signaled with his hand,
"Come on, let's fight right here in front of everyone so that all of them can see if you are really capable of becoming a clan leader."
His voice was as condescending and hurtful as ever, just like that day when he confronted Elder Murong and Huang Yue.
"Zhixian, are you sure?"
Seeing that Zhixian was ready to fight, Grand Elder Baizhen asked a little worriedly. After all, he didn't want him to lose face in public on such a special day.
"Don't worry, Grandpa. I know what I am doing. Just sit down and observe. It is just a small thing."
Zhixian said with a carefree smile, as if he didn't take Xiao Chen's words and the upcoming fight to heart. From his easygoing expression, he looked quite confident yet humble at the same time.
Honestly, with his tall look, flowing robe, and ethereal presence filled with absolute confidence, he indeed began to look like a leader, a little.
"Then, that's good."
Smiles had always been contagious, and after seeing his grandson smile with confidence, Baizhen also sat down in his chair with a smile.
He didn't know when, but he had already begun to trust this grandson of his, who had been mediocre all his life.
"Hmm... show-off."
Of course, there was still someone who didn't like Zhixian's attitude, as he scoffed and turned to look at his son.
'Let me see if you can still smile after my son beats you black and blue.'
Xiao Heng thought in hatred.
"Brother Zhixian... I'm sorry..."
And while Zhixian slowly walked down the platform toward Xiao Chen, there was someone who was looking at his figure, full of conflict.
Multiple times, she seemed to want to stop that figure from descending, only to stop suddenly as if restricted by some chain.
'I shouldn't have given him that healing elixir.'
Xiao Xue bit her inner lip strongly with her teeth, causing it to bleed internally. Then she looked at the central platform of the hall where Xiao Chen was waiting for Zhixian in excitement and thought with blame,
'Brother Xiao Chen, why do you have to do this? I never knew you were like this. This is the last time I will listen to you.'
...
While everyone in the audience was busy with their own thoughts, Zhixian swiftly arrived at the center.
And besides him and Xiao Chen, Elder Nanfeng was also with them, appointed as the referee to oversee the battle between them.
"Clan Leader Zhixian, should we start the fight?"
Elder Nanfeng was still that shrewd elder who wouldn't leave any chance to flatter.
Even now, he was still betting on Zhixian, as could be seen from his wide smile and him addressing him as Clan Leader.
"Yeah, let's start."
Zhixian didn't mind, nor did he care. He simply nodded, giving the order while taking out a sword from his mana ring.
The sword was long, its steel blade slightly dulled from use, and the hilt was wrapped in worn leather for a firm grip.
Though it lacked ornate designs or spiritual markings, its balanced weight and sturdy make made it well-suited for low-level fights, even if it wasn't a treasure by any means.
'I need a better sword,' Zhixian thought.
And on the opposite side, Xiao Chen was already ready with a similar sword in his hand for the fight. His cold eyes were locked on Zhixian, as if he was ready to pounce as soon as the referee announced the fight.
"Okay, since our clan leader has to prove he's the ONE, he's finally decided to fight Xiao Chen to show he truly has what it takes."
Elder Nanfeng suddenly announced in a loud voice, causing all the people to twitch their mouths speechlessly.
What Clan Leader?
Zhixian was still stuck in the first step—when did he become the ONE?
But feeling that this guy was too shameless, even Xiao Heng didn't bother to correct him.
So, Elder Nanfeng continued with his speech,
"However, remember, ultimately, we are all from the same clan, and you cannot fight with the intent to kill. Otherwise, you two will be dealt with according to the family rules."
He warned with a serious look, as doing such would be frowned upon in any family, especially in front of the public. It would send the wrong signal to their enemies and affect the family bond.
"Okay, let's not waste time. Let the fight begin!"
As soon as Elder Nanfeng's words dropped, Xiao Chen, who had been waiting, suddenly rushed toward Zhixian, his figure becoming blurry on the way.
"Phantom Drift!"
Like he said, he was going to show Zhixian who was the boss today.
He was going to prove to everyone that the only reason he was beaten before was because he was caught off guard.
"Thunder Fang Strike!"
Suddenly, a streak of light rushed out of the sword Xiao Chen was holding, heading straight toward Zhixian menacingly. A chilling wind followed in its wake, slicing through the air with an eerie whistle.
Thunder Fang Strike, a low-level Earth-grade sword technique. From the way the streak of light could be seen outside, Xiao Chen's mastery over it seemed good.