A myriad of figures burst forth from the collapsing tavern, appearing somewhat ragged due to the explosive energy impact.

Considering the proximity to the duel platform, the tavern shouldn't be so fragile. However, all the defense arrays were set up outside, mainly to guard against shocks from the duel platform, with no array barrier inside the tavern.

Thus, under the powerful moves of Li Feng and Feng Guang, the tavern collapsed directly.

"Hiss, who won?"

Escaping from the tavern, the floating crowd in mid-air gazed at the burning sea of flames, eager to know who triumphed in the duel between the two.

Golden Core Middle Stage, full-force attack, possesses the might to break through mountains and seas.

Feng Guang, as the Family Head of the Feng Family, has been at the Golden Core Middle Stage for some years, considered a veteran of this stage. His strength has reached the Transformation Realm, where the Golden Core can unite essence, energy, and spirit, merging outside power and inner intent with True Qi, greatly increasing the released power.

Thus, one Golden Core Middle Stage cultivator can battle against several Golden Core Early Stage cultivators. If one possesses exceptional talent, they could even confront ten, while those Golden Core Early Stage cultivators who don't know the Combined Attack Formation stand as nothing more than fodder before the Middle Stage.

"The Family Head of the Feng Family might be stronger; this old fellow usually keeps a low profile. That sword was truly unexpected, and its power appears akin to Middle Stage Transformation Realm level."

"Hmm, Feng Guang from the Feng Family cultivates the Earth Level cultivation technique, part of the Five Elements Technique known as the Geng Metal Technique. The Geng Metal Energy it produces is unbreakable and has astonishing defense, forming a powerful, all-encompassing attack and defense."

"Moreover, Feng Guang struck in rage, leaving no reserve, making the power of this move almost impossible to withstand at the same level."

"Very difficult."

One individual scrutinized Feng Guang's previous sword strike and, gauging their own abilities, offered an answer.

"Li Feng isn't bad either. I seemed to have heard the cry of a Vermilion Bird from him, likely a Bloodline Power outburst. This sea of flames must be Li Feng's handiwork."

Another person spoke.

Who will win between Feng Family's Geng Metal Energy and Li Feng's Vermilion Bird Bloodline?

"Quick, look over there."

As people discussed, someone keen-eyed noticed movement within the collapsed, burning tavern and turned their gaze to look.

"It's the Family Head of the Feng Family who triumphed."

In the sea of flames, Feng Guang pushed aside a beam before rising from the rubble, his clothes already consumed by the fire. His body, however, was enveloped in Geng Metal Gang Qi, making him appear like a small golden figure.

"Where is Li Feng?"

The crowd quickly began searching for Li Feng, feeling uneasy without witnessing his demise firsthand.

Suddenly, more movement was heard from the sea of flames.

A robust figure exerted force, directly throwing off rubble and wooden beams. Although appearing a bit distressed, he was shielding two figures underneath him: Tian Wenxin and Shadow.

"Ha ha, ha ha ha."

"Li Feng, keep pretending to be arrogant."

"Li Feng." 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

Tian Wenxin heard the derisive laughter nearby, glanced over, and followed the direction people were looking.

"Li Feng."

Tian Wenxin's heart tightened as she saw Li Feng from a distance, engulfed in flames, his body nearly cleaved in two.

"You dared to kill my brother, and this is your fate."

"Is Li Feng dead?"

"Almost dead, even if not. Feng Family's Geng Metal Technique is indeed strong. Li Feng certainly overestimated himself, thinking that defeating a few from the Zeng Family made him invincible."

"If not for Ji Family's eldest intervening back then, had Zeng Family's lion, Zeng Xingtian, acted, Li Feng would be dead. He escaped once."

"Afterwards, when Zeng Xingtian chased Fang Family remnants, forced by Li Feng to retreat, it wasn't because Li Feng was strong but because Zeng Xingtian hesitated to act, given that Li Feng borrowed Sikong princess's name to intimidate."

"This time, in Underground Palace City, no one can save him."

Hou Liang sneered as he surveyed below, gritting his teeth. The fact that Li Feng is destined to die was a foregone conclusion. With eight families deliberating together, even if Li Feng had three heads and six arms, he would still face a single outcome.

However, they never imagined Li Feng could be so insidious, taking a challenge letter and striking unexpectedly.

This action has enraged all families; they previously feared Golden Core losses, preferring diplomacy, thus proposing the execution team formed by one candidate from each family. Now that's unnecessary.

All Feng Family's Golden Core cultivators were eliminated by Li Feng, provoking Feng Guang into a furious spree. Without witnessing firsthand, they would never have realized how deeply he had concealed his strength.

This Fellow ranks well among the Golden Core Middle Stage, and despite significant losses, as long as he lives, none would dare offend the Feng Family.

The gaze of many in Underground Palace City also turned towards the tavern, pondering what transpired.

"What's going on?"

"Seems like it's around the underground duel platform area. Is another duel happening?"

The structure of Underground Palace City viewed from mid-air resembles a massive opening with a well inside. Two wide streets divide the city into nine sections, with an official hall in the center.

The hall faces south, bordered by the southern street area which hosts the city's open-air plaza, also the duel arena of Underground Palace City.

The duel arena is surrounded by various tavern buildings for convenient spectating, making this area the liveliest in the city.

The above-ground part of Yama Arena is open to everyone, while the Underground Palace City area restricts access to those above Golden Core level. The duel platform only holds duels through appointments.

"Sounds like quite a disturbance, let's check it out."

Many rushed towards the duel platform upon hearing the commotion.

While others ran towards the spectacle and Tian Wenxin seemed a bit out of it, Shadow smacked his lips.

"Are you secretly involved with this guy, feeling so saddened by his death?"

Listening to Shadow's callous gossip, Tian Wenxin turned her head: "Involved? No, but currently, the Fang Family is under his protection. If he perishes, where do we go?"

Tian Wenxin bit her lip, knowing despite Li Feng's unstable state before, Sikong princess's three-year promise offered a layer of safeguard, potentially helping the Fang Family through hardship.

If she endures these couple of years, she's confident in reviving the Fang Family.

Yet now with Li Feng's death, it disrupts her plans.

"Oh?"

Shadow squinted at Tian Wenxin, disbelief etched on his face. Tian Wenxin seethed: "If you're worried about my predicament, perhaps ponder yours. Remember, you signed a contract."

"If he dies, be cautious of contract backlash."