Chapter 158: Chapter 116: Fighting for Life, Breaking All the Rules

"Those who come are not good, and those who are good do not come."

Chen Ping had just stepped into the Primordial Martial Arts Hall, and with just a glance, he realized something was amiss.

The disciples from the Primordial Martial Arts Hall were all eager and confident, as if they had full faith in their abilities for this duel.

Even the bald strong man Han Wushang, whom he’d seen the other night, seemed calm and relaxed, focusing on the duel without excessive worry.

He occasionally exchanged words with his wife, Sima Rou, and offered advice to his disciples.

In contrast, Chen Ping noticed a difference in the demeanor of Gao Yue, who he had met before. Although he too was smiling, his smile appeared somewhat peculiar.

There was a hint of coldness in his eyes.

This aura wasn’t exclusive to Gao Yue but extended to the disciples standing beside him, all exuding a sense of inevitable violence.

’Indeed, the aura of disciples from different martial halls is distinct.’

At this moment, Chen Ping’s senses were exceptionally sharp, especially after mastering the "Celestial Heart Bright Moon Sword," making him feel as if his heart mirrored the bright moon, illuminating all directions.

With just a slight sense, he could discern the overwhelming murderous intent from Gao Yue’s group, with a readiness to gamble their lives.

In contrast, the people from the Primordial Martial Arts Hall seemed completely oblivious to the gravity of the situation, naively assuming that this duel would be similar to the countless previous ones, aiming only to determine superiority rather than life or death.

"This could be bad."

Under the sensing of Qi mechanism, Chen Ping had a rough judgment in his heart.

He wasn’t adept at observing Qi, nor did he possess the irrational sense of crisis akin to Hua Lian’er. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

However, countless experiences of life and death in his past life granted him a certain battlefield intuition.

Enabling him to sense trouble ahead of time.

This feeling was quite idealistic, manifesting outwardly as a slight unease deep in the soul.

Generally speaking, as a cultivator, especially a martial artist having reached a certain level, might not regard everyday sword fights as worthy of concern.

To stir emotions to the point of unease requires seeing the dire situation firsthand.

In cases like this, where nothing has happened yet but anxiety begins creeping in.

The only explanation is that this duel is bound to be unusual.

"Brother Zhang Gu’s Silver Body is complete, making him as solid as steel, while Li Yangguang’s swordsmanship, although fierce, cannot breach his defense... Don’t be fooled by his current aggressive moves, as soon as Brother stabilizes, a turnaround is imminent."

Chen Ping silently edged closer to the martial stage, overhearing discussions.

Turning his head, he saw a young man in a sword shirt identical to Han Xiaoru’s sapphire blue ensemble, tall of stature, young, with fine whiskers just sprouting above his lips.

Beside him stood a group similarly dressed, varying in age, occasionally cheering loudly in support.

Their words revealed to Chen Ping that these individuals were regular disciples of the Primordial Martial Arts Hall, distinct from the seven or eight disciples in front of the martial stage.

Like Han Xiaoru, alongside Gao Yue’s adopted son Gu Chen whom Chen Ping previously encountered, they were direct disciples, personally taught by Han Wushang...

These individuals were considered peripheral; some akin to day-students from his past life’s school, visiting to train and practice, and returning home at night.

Of course, the uniforms—well, rather martial hall attire—remained consistent.

A quick glance showed over thirty people, quite substantial in number.

Yet still unmatched by Changkong Martial Arts Hall, whose numbers might not be complete, already boasting over fifty disciples in bright moonlit attire, each exuding imposing aura.

In terms of sheer quantity, Changkong Martial Arts Hall had the upper hand.

"Indeed, our Qi Blood Body Refinement path is known for its slow progress.

That Brother has achieved the Silver Body Realm before thirty, attained outstanding Jianghu standards, and is hopeful of breaking through to Innate before his Qi and Blood declines, truly enviable. This time, defeat is not an option for him."

Some beside him spoke confidently.

"That might not be the case; Li Yangguang, as the senior disciple of Changkong Martial Arts Hall, frequently teaches sword techniques to junior disciples, and has never been known to turn a victory into defeat.

Previously, he won twice and drew three times against Zhang Gu. This time, his chance of winning seems greater."

Nearby, a middle-aged man shook his head, asserting.

A group of Jianghu people stood behind him, likely spectators or important figures from Xingqing Prefecture there to witness the duel.

Perhaps the escalating intensity of the duel between Primordial Martial Arts Hall and Changkong Martial Arts Hall drew more people.

Even Han Wushang and Gao Yue couldn’t deny many entry.

So just opened the stage, allowing the public to observe.

Which explained why Chen Ping could enter the Primordial Martial Arts Hall directly.

No one even asked about his identity.

"Yes, consistently defending will eventually lead to loss; under normal circumstances, Li Yangguang’s strikes would not pierce Zhang Gu’s Primordial Silver Body.

But this time is different.

Both sides have staked their Primordial Golden Body Technique and Seven Stars Sword Technique, the core martial arts of their schools, neither can afford to lose."

A chorus of agreement followed the middle-aged man’s statement.

Many sided with this perspective amid the bustling discussions.

The Primordial Martial Arts Hall disciple beside Chen Ping looked grim.

He wanted to rebut, but didn’t know how.