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Chapter 137: Chapter 137: Luo Cheng, Get Up Here!
The Ling Family was bustling with activity at the moment.
On the square behind the estate gates, nearly ten spirited young men and women had gathered.
Among them were three disciples from the Fierce Cloud Sect and three from the Luoxia Sect.
In addition, there were several other promising young talents from other sects.
Each of them had sharp eyes and an extraordinary aura — all were martial artists of the Sixth Layer of the Transcendence Realm!
Although the Ling Family preferred to hire disciples from the Three Great Sects, they did not wish to offend other sects.
To be fair, the Ling Family also posted the mission to nearby second-rate sects around Wushi City.
In total, there were nine sect disciples present. The Ling Family would hire only three people, requiring a selection process to determine the final candidates for the mission.
The ones who had been making arrogant remarks just now were all disciples from the Fierce Cloud Sect. 𝓃𝓸𝓋𝓅𝓾𝒷.𝒸ℴ𝓂
But as the words faded, a figure walked in — it was Luo Cheng.
"Oh, a disciple of the Xuanyuan Sect!"
Upon seeing the "Xuan" insignia on Luo Cheng’s chest, the crowd’s eyes took on a slightly playful look.
The Fierce Cloud Sect disciples’ loud declarations earlier had certainly been heard by Luo Cheng.
The three disciples from the Fierce Cloud Sect, however, remained indifferent.
In fact, the burly, broad-shouldered disciple standing in the middle smugly and disdainfully stared at Luo Cheng.
What if he heard it?
In terms of overall strength, the Xuanyuan Sect ranked last among the Three Great Sects. Its younger generation of disciples was simply no match for the Fierce Cloud Sect. Even if mocked in person, the Xuanyuan Sect disciples likely wouldn’t dare retort!
Ahem!
A middle-aged man, around forty years old, cleared his throat, breaking the awkward tension. Addressing Luo Cheng, he said:
"I am Ling Family Head, Ling Qifeng. Are you here for the escort mission?"
Luo Cheng nodded. "I am Luo Cheng of the Xuanyuan Sect. I was delayed on the road; I hope you won’t hold it against me, Family Head Ling."
"It’s no problem; the selection hasn’t started yet."
Ling Qifeng smiled faintly, his gaze falling on Luo Cheng, his brow furrowing slightly.
He noticed that Luo Cheng was merely at the Fifth Layer of the Transcendence Realm!
This was a Two-star top mission, fraught with danger. They would have to cross the Running Horse Plain, plagued with demon beasts and bandits!
Because of this, the reward for each participant was set at an astonishing 1.8 million taels!
The mission requirements were crystal clear: they needed three individuals with Sixth Layer Transcendence Realm strength to escort the caravan!
For an individual at the Fifth Layer of Transcendence to show up — what was he thinking?
Haha!
A Fierce Cloud Sect disciple beside him burst out laughing, mocking Luo Cheng:
"I thought the Xuanyuan Sect had sent some kind of expert, but it turns out it’s just a Fifth Layer Transcendence trash. Has the Xuanyuan Sect run out of people already, letting any random cat or dog take on a Two-star top mission?"
The burly young man sneered and added, "It seems you’re hoping to exploit the chaos and pick up easy money. Too bad, with us here today, there’s no room for you to fly under the radar. Still, you might as well stay for the night — at least your trip won’t be entirely wasted."
"I’ve heard rumors about how Xuanyuan Sect disciples love taking petty advantages. Seeing it firsthand truly lives up to the reputation!"
The three Fierce Cloud Sect disciples mocked mercilessly, not taking Luo Cheng seriously.
Disciples from other sects stood to the side, watching the show.
In their view, while the remarks of the trio were harsh, they weren’t entirely untrue.
For someone with mere Fifth Layer cultivation to attempt a Two-star top mission — it was sheer ignorance of his limitations! Being ridiculed was only asking for it!
Luo Cheng glanced expressionlessly at the trio of Fierce Cloud Sect disciples and said:
"No matter how sharp your tongues are, they’re mere words. If you want to know who’s truly unfit, let’s see it in action!"
"Oh?"
The burly youth raised his brows with disdain. "See it in action? You—a Fifth Layer Transcendence piece of trash—still want to challenge us?"
"Heh, Wu Ming, Senior Brother, since this brat has a death wish, why not grant it?"
A Fierce Cloud Sect disciple wielding a short staff stepped forward, glaring maliciously at Luo Cheng.
Luo Cheng stared back coldly, his stance ready for action.
Noticing this, disciples from other sects looked on with a gleeful expression.
Conflict between Fierce Cloud Sect and Xuanyuan Sect disciples had occurred countless times, both openly and covertly — it was nothing new.
However, in most of these clashes, the Xuanyuan Sect disciples usually came out worse. This time didn’t seem likely to be an exception.
As the fight was about to erupt, Ling Family Head Ling Qifeng stepped forward to intervene.
"Everyone, let’s begin the selection process first!"
Since they were all here for the mission, no one wanted to disrespect Ling Qifeng’s authority.
The burly youth Wu Ming cast Luo Cheng a cold glance, grinning to reveal white teeth: "Kid, after the selection, I’ll deal with you!"
"I’m looking forward to it!"
Luo Cheng remained indifferent.
Wu Ming’s face twitched slightly, his eyes becoming dangerously sharp.
Initially, he intended to merely humiliate Luo Cheng, without causing him further trouble. But now, seeing Luo Cheng’s audacity, he changed his mind.
Ling Qifeng sighed inwardly. He had just mediated the conflict, but Luo Cheng refused to back down, making reconciliation unlikely.
Still, he had done his part. Whatever happened next was none of his concern.
"Family Head Ling, how will the task selection be conducted?" asked a female disciple from the Luoxia Sect.
Ling Qifeng replied, "Since everyone’s cultivation levels are similar, let’s compare Martial Soul Grades. The three candidates with the highest grades will receive the mission slots."
At his words, Luo Cheng frowned.
If the selection were based solely on Martial Soul Grade, he would be the first to be eliminated.
"Family Head Ling, that doesn’t seem fair."
Luo Cheng had just opened his mouth to raise an objection when Wu Ming interjected first.
Ling Qifeng asked, "Why do you think it’s unfair?"
Wu Ming rolled his eyes, glancing at Luo Cheng before continuing, "Who says everyone’s cultivation levels are comparable?"
Immediately, all eyes turned toward Luo Cheng.
Wu Ming continued, "Under these circumstances, it wouldn’t be fair to let certain people sneak by. I propose a combat test. Let’s choose a venue and engage in a battle royale. The last three standing will earn the slots. How about that?"
"This..."
Ling Qifeng couldn’t help turning his gaze to Luo Cheng.
It was obvious to anyone that Wu Ming proposed this rule to target Luo Cheng.
"I have no objections!"
Luo Cheng’s face remained calm.
In fact, this suited him perfectly!
Seeing Luo Cheng’s straightforward answer, the crowd was somewhat surprised.
"We have no objections either."
The three female disciples from the Luoxia Sect also nodded in agreement.
With the disciples from the Three Great Sects all agreeing, the remaining three couldn’t refuse.
Besides, backing out now would inevitably earn them a reputation for cowardice.
Seeing that everyone agreed, Ling Qifeng didn’t say more and led the group to the Ling Family’s martial arts training ground.
At the center of the training ground was a small sparring arena.
The arena was square-shaped, with a length and width of fifteen paces each.
Clearing his throat, Ling Qifeng announced, "Everyone, we’ll use this venue. I’ll add one more rule: You’ll fight one-on-one on the stage. Falling off the arena or voluntarily conceding means elimination. The last three standing will earn the mission slots."
"Additionally, I hope everyone will show restraint — we don’t want any bad blood."
Swish!
As soon as Ling Qifeng finished speaking, Wu Ming stepped onto the stage first, beckoning at Luo Cheng and sneering:
"Kid, didn’t you want to prove it with your hands? Get up here already!"
