Shen Xiuyong chuckled inwardly at Qiao Hongyun’s reaction, but his face remained impassive. "I’ve only just broken through, and my Realm has yet to stabilize... What, is Elder Qiao planning to take advantage of my vulnerability? That would be quite a dishonorable victory."

He had deftly turned the accusation of a "dishonorable victory" back on him.

Qiao Hongyun was taken aback. Hearing the two words "dishonorable victory," he let out a short huff.

Chen Qing, watching from the side, thought, ’Junior Martial Uncle Shen is as cunning as they say. With just a few words, he’s completely read Elder Qiao’s personality and made him hesitant to act.’

"Alright, alright, you two Elders."

Seeing this, Wu Hui stepped in at the right moment, smiling to smooth things over. She raised her teacup in a gesture. "You are both pillars of your Sects, venerable Elders. Why are you acting as impulsively as teenagers? Don’t let the younger generation see you make a scene."

Her gaze swept over Chen Qing and Chen Lin. Her tone was gentle, but she was pointedly reminding them that juniors were present.

’Then again,’ she thought, ’although these two are respected Elders, they’re only in their early thirties. Compared to the truly older generation, they are indeed still young and hot-headed.’

Shen Xiuyong took the opportunity to de-escalate, gesturing to Chen Qing with a smile. "Have some tea, Chen Qing. Elder Qiao’s prized ’Jade Sea Tide’ is a rare and excellent vintage. You won’t find it just anywhere."

With that, he took a delicate sip.

Qiao Hongyun’s eyes glinted. He set down his teacup and said loudly, "Shen Xiuyong, since it’s inconvenient for you to fight, I have a proposal. Why don’t the two of us just sit back and drink tea, and let the younger generation stretch their limbs a bit? What do you say?"

His gaze shifted to Chen Qing as he chuckled. "I’ve long heard that your Wutai Sect is teeming with talent these days. This Junior Brother Chen Qing here is particularly renowned—even Xiao Bieli of Cold Jade Valley fell to him. As it happens, I dare say the rising star of my Haisa Sect is no slouch either!"

As he spoke, he cast a meaningful glance at Chen Lin, who was beside him.

Shen Xiuyong instantly saw through Qiao Hongyun’s scheme.

’He knows I won’t fight rashly after just breaking through,’ Shen Xiuyong thought, ’so he wants to use a match between the juniors to settle the score and save face indirectly.’

Chen Qing’s hand, which was just about to lift his teacup, paused almost imperceptibly. He raised his eyes to look at Chen Lin across from him.

At that very moment, Chen Lin was also looking his way. Their gazes met.

A flash of fighting spirit sparked in Chen Lin’s eyes, along with a hint of eagerness.

Wu Hui took it all in but said nothing to stop it.

She was pleased to see this unfold. The Wutai Sect might be strong, but it wasn’t the sole power in Yunlin Prefecture. In terms of overall strength, it still lacked the deep foundations of the Haisa Sect.She had complete confidence in Chen Lin’s abilities. The young man was exceptionally talented, had a calm disposition, and possessed a wealth of combat experience. He was solidly ranked third among the candidates for the Haisa Sect’s next Sect Leader, though many believed his actual strength was among the top two.

If Chen Lin could win, it would naturally bring great honor to the Haisa Sect.

Shen Xiuyong’s thoughts raced as he quickly sent a mental message to Chen Qing. "Chen Qing, this man is a candidate for the Haisa Sect’s next Sect Leader. He’s ranked third, but his actual combat strength is rumored to be second. He’s nothing like Miao Zhicheng. If you don’t want to do this, I’ll find an excuse to turn it down. Don’t feel pressured."

Although he didn’t want to lose ground to Qiao Hongyun, he cared more about what Chen Qing wanted.

Chen Qing’s expression remained impassive as he sent a message back. "What’s in it for me?" 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

He never engaged in pointless battles, especially not in a situation that was so clearly a blatant measuring contest.

Shen Xiuyong almost laughed in exasperation. ’This kid never lets himself be taken advantage of,’ he thought. ’Haggling, even now.’

He quickly replied, "The Wood Yang Jade at the Treasure Gathering Square auction... I’ll pull whatever strings I have to and help you get your hands on it. How’s that?"

"Deal."

Chen Qing’s reply was short and decisive.

The auction at Treasure Gathering Square was full of uncertainties. With a master of the Astral Force Realm like Shen Xiuyong backing him, his chances of obtaining the Wood Yang Jade were much, much higher.

This was a good deal.

Seeing Shen Xiuyong fall silent in thought, Qiao Hongyun pressed him. "Give me a straight answer, Shen Xiuyong! Is it a yes or a no? Don’t tell me you have no confidence in your own disciple?"

Shen Xiuyong let out a hearty laugh, looking utterly confident—even though he wasn’t one hundred percent certain of Chen Qing’s exact capabilities, he couldn’t lose face now. "When has a young talent from the Wutai Sect ever shied away from a challenge?"

A sharp glint flashed in Qiao Hongyun’s eyes as he called out, "Excellent! So decisive! Chen Lin!"

"I am here."

Chen Lin had already overheard the two Elders’ conversation. Hearing his name, he immediately stepped forward. "I have long heard of Junior Brother Chen’s exquisite Spear Technique. It is my honor to have this opportunity to spar with him."

Qiao Hongyun nodded in satisfaction, then smiled at Wu Hui. "Elder Wu, what do you think? We let the young ones stretch their legs and exchange a few pointers. It will allow us to witness the skill of another Sect’s finest disciple and learn from each other’s strengths."

Wu Hui gave a small smile and a slight nod. "A friendly spar between fellow cultivators to exchange pointers is a wonderful thing. Chen Lin, you must remember to stop once a victor is clear. Do not go too far and damage the friendly relations between our two Sects."

She was naturally pleased with this outcome. It was a chance to gauge the true strength of the Wutai Sect’s younger generation, and she had absolute confidence in Chen Lin.

For a moment, all eyes in the open pavilion were fixed on Chen Qing, awaiting his final answer.

Chen Qing’s expression was as calm as still water. As everyone watched, he slowly rose and gave a formal salute to Qiao Hongyun, Wu Hui, and Chen Lin. "You two seniors show me great favor. How could I dare refuse? It’s just... this place is the Haisa Sect’s hallowed ground for peaceful cultivation. The scenery is quite beautiful. I’m not sure where would be suitable for a match, lest stray fists and kicks, having no eyes, damage the lovely view of your esteemed Sect."

Qiao Hongyun smiled slowly. "Not to worry. The Haisa Sect has its own Martial Arts Arena, built specifically for disciples to test their skills."

"Then let’s go," Shen Xiuyong said.

Qiao Hongyun made a gesture of invitation. "This way, please."

The group then rose to their feet. Led by Qiao Hongyun, they left the fragrant air of the open pavilion and headed toward the Haisa Sect’s Martial Arts Arena.