"An open challenge? Brother Shen, have you lost your mind? The Sect’s rules state that once a challenge begins, it can’t be stopped for any reason. So many people want to challenge you. You’re just a Tier Nine Spirit Pupil, how long can you possibly last?" Long Zhen stared at Shen Haoran in disbelief. He was shocked that Shen Haoran would make such a decision!

"What’s wrong? It’s precisely because I’m a Tier Nine Spirit Pupil that I need to fight in an open challenge!" Shen Haoran chuckled.

Shen Haoran had his own reasons. The moment he’d stepped out of his courtyard, he’d had an epiphany. He had just broken through and needed to stabilize his realm, then slowly accumulate power before trying to break through again. But that would take time, and time was the one luxury Shen Haoran couldn’t afford. Ji Lingxuan’s departure was imminent, and the need to save his parents was pressing. He had no time to waste. So, Shen Haoran chose a shortcut: battle. Intense battles that would push him beyond his limits!

Although battle was the fastest way to improve, it was also the most dangerous. Killing was forbidden in Sect battles, but who could guarantee there wouldn’t be accidents? Besides, since he was seeking battles beyond his limits, he would naturally be challenging opponents stronger than himself. That meant his opponents would be experts at the Spirit General Level at the very least! And when a Spirit General fought a Spirit Pupil, the chances of an accident were even higher.

But Shen Haoran had no other choice; he had to fight. ’I will either be reborn in battle or sink into oblivion. And I’m confident... I *will* achieve Nirvana!’

Seeing Shen Haoran’s confident expression, Long Zhen couldn’t help but try to dissuade him. "Brother Shen, are you sure you won’t reconsider? Look at all these challenge letters! Let’s not even mention the Level Four and Five Disciples from the other halls. There are more Level Three Disciples than you can count on one hand, and they’re all Spirit General experts! You’re just a Spirit Pupil, what are you going to fight them with? Do you have any idea what the gap between a Spirit Pupil and a Spirit General is?"

Hearing Long Zhen’s concern, Shen Haoran felt a warmth spread through his chest. ’I didn’t think this devious-looking pretty boy had such a kind side to him!’

"Alright, I get it," Shen Haoran said with a smile. "Just go deliver the messages for me. I know what I’m doing!"

Seeing the determined look in Shen Haoran’s eyes, Long Zhen wanted to say more but couldn’t find the words. He could only shake his head, gather all the challenge letters from the ground, and turn to leave the courtyard.

「The next day.」

Explosive news spread like wildfire throughout the Five Elements Sect!

"Hey, did you hear? Shen Haoran, that new disciple from the Red Flame Hall, is issuing an open challenge at Red Flame Peak!"

"How could I not have heard something so huge? That kid is way too arrogant! He’s just a newcomer, and he’s already looking down on us senior disciples. Come on, let’s go teach him a lesson!"

"Oh, did you send him a challenge letter?"

"To hell with a challenge letter! We can just write our own. Let’s go!"

In an instant, the news of Shen Haoran’s open challenge caused a huge uproar in the Five Elements Sect. Numerous disciples gathered on Red Flame Peak, transforming the once-deserted mountain into a bustling scene.

"What is that damned brat up to now? Can’t he just keep a low profile for once? He does nothing but cause me trouble day after day!" Inside Red Flame Peak, Elder Huo paced back and forth in the main hall, cursing loudly.

"Elder, should we... shut down the challenge?" a Martial Artist beside Elder Huo asked quietly.

"Shut it down? Why would we shut it down? Let the brat make a scene! The bigger the commotion, the better! How long has it been since our Red Flame Hall has made a name for itself in the Sect? They’ve probably all forgotten the strongest hall that once dominated the Sect! From this day forward, the Red Flame Hall will announce to the world: the king has returned!" As he spoke, a terrifying aura erupted from Elder Huo. The Martial Artist beside him was completely overwhelmed by it. He never knew Elder Huo had hidden his strength so deeply!

At the same time, on the main peak where Chen Yu resided, Elder Zhong appeared once again.

"Sect Leader, what should we do about this matter the boy has stirred up?"

Chen Yu swirled the tea in his cup. "Let him be," he said. "It’s been a long time since the Sect has been this lively!"

"Oh, and Elder Zhong, I’ll have to trouble you to make a trip over there. Keep an eye on these youngsters. Young people have hot tempers; just make sure no lives are lost. And remember," Chen Yu instructed Elder Zhong, "I’m talking about Shen Haoran’s life."

"Understood!" Elder Zhong acknowledged, and his body blended back into the darkness.

"Interesting..." Chen Yu took a light sip of his tea, chuckling softly as he gazed toward Red Flame Peak. Then, his figure also vanished into the darkness, and the hall returned to silence.

In any case, rumors of Shen Haoran’s open challenge were now flying thick and fast throughout the Sect. Some disciples were angry, others were dismissive, and many were just there for the show. Opinions were mixed. However, Shen Haoran, the man at the center of it all, was oblivious to these discussions. He was currently sitting cross-legged on the challenge stage, waiting for his first challenger to arrive.

Shen Haoran didn’t have to wait long. A Martial Artist dressed in a golden robe, with the character for "Gold" embroidered on his chest, stepped onto the stage.

"Zhang Lang of the Golden Sun Hall is here to challenge you!"

At these words, Shen Haoran opened his eyes and sized up the newcomer. ’A Tier Nine Spirit Pupil. He must be a Level Four Disciple from the Golden Sun Hall.’

"It’s Zhang Lang! That guy’s notorious for being sinister and ruthless. He has an endless supply of dirty tricks. I wonder if this newcomer can beat him!"

"But I heard this newcomer climbed to the eightieth step of the Chaos Celestial Ladder. His Talent is exceptional! You think he can’t beat Zhang Lang?"

"Talent is something that pays off in the long run. Right now, they’re both Tier Nine Spirit Pupils, but Zhang Lang has received the Sect’s systematic training. Beating him should be easy, right?"

"There’s no point in arguing. Let’s just watch!"

On the stage, Shen Haoran slowly rose to his feet. Looking at Zhang Lang, he asked, "Just you?"

"What do you mean?" Zhang Lang was confused. Weren’t challenges supposed to be one-on-one?

"If it’s just you, I suggest you surrender now," Shen Haoran said flatly. "You’re no match for me."

Hearing this, Zhang Lang’s expression darkened. "Such an arrogant brat. I wonder if you’ll have the strength to be talking in a moment!"

However, the moment the words left his mouth, Shen Haoran’s body vanished. A sense of mortal danger instantly enveloped Zhang Lang.

THUD! A muffled impact echoed. Shen Haoran reappeared, holding up Zhang Lang, whose body was bent into a painful arc. Bile dribbled from his mouth and the veins on his temples bulged.

Zhang Lang’s mind reeled with disbelief. ’Impossible! I didn’t even see him move!’ The punch had landed squarely on his abdomen, and the immense force nearly made him pass out.

"I told you," Shen Haoran whispered in Zhang Lang’s ear. "You’re no match for me." Then, the Inner Strength in his fist erupted, knocking him unconscious.

The crowd stared at the stage, unable to process the battle that had ended in an instant. They had still been debating who would win, and the result was already decided. A one-punch victory. Many of them hadn’t even seen how the fight had ended. What was this? It was a total domination! They were both Tier Nine Spirit Pupils, so how could the gap between them be so enormous?

"Let me offer you all a piece of advice," Shen Haoran said, looking down at the disciples below as he shoved the unconscious Zhang Lang from the stage. "Anyone below the Spirit General realm, challenge me in groups. I’m looking for a real challenge, not target practice!"

Watching the unconscious Zhang Lang tumble off the stage, the crowd couldn’t help but swallow nervously. This newcomer was absolutely savage!