Gu Baiyun accepted an Elixir from the elder’s hands, clenched his teeth, and swallowed it in one gulp.

He was astonished. A warm energy began to release slowly within him, permeating his entire being. In an instant, he felt years younger, and his mind grew sharp and clear.

Even his Martial Arts Realm had improved.

Previously, he had been skeptical. The elder looked like an old farmer, so he hadn’t taken him seriously at all. Now, however, he believed. His brother was right; this person was incredibly powerful.

He was now completely willing, eager to study medicine under this man.

"Stay here for a few days. I have some matters to attend to. Afterward, we’ll set out for Su Mansion!" the elder said with a smile, arranging for everyone to stay in several wooden huts. Although the surroundings weren’t great, they weren’t bad either.

「A day quickly passed.」

「Thunder City Life and Death Platform.」

This place had once been the stage for a life-and-death battle. At that time, one of the protagonists was Yang Qi, while the other side included Shi Quan and Jiang Tianfu. That battle wasn’t witnessed by many, but it had been enough to convince the Lei Family of his worth.

Today, it was the same Life and Death Platform, and similarly, there weren’t many people here. After the last incident, the area had been completely sealed off. Ordinary people didn’t have the qualifications to enter; those who could were all individuals of status.

On the Life and Death Platform, Tang Xuan sat with his eyes closed, as if everything around him had nothing to do with him. On his side were several formidable experts from the Tang Sect. They were few in number, but powerful.

Another person had been sent by Gu Lingshan. He was here to see if Tang Xuan could win this battle. If he did, there would be no need to flee. But if he lost, he feared he would have to escape back to Su Mansion immediately.

On Yang Qi’s side, there were many people. Nearly all the higher-ups of the Star Shining Society had arrived. In terms of momentum and numbers, Yang Qi undoubtedly had the advantage.

But Tang Xuan was disdainful. Just a bunch of rabble, he thought to himself.

Tang Xuan wasn’t in a hurry. He just sat there waiting with his eyes closed.

The few elders from the Tang Sect, however, were growing anxious. One of them looked at Ye Feng and the others and demanded, "Has that Yang Qi fled? He agreed to a duel at noon today, and it’s almost twelve o’clock. What is he playing at?"

Ye Feng said flatly, "It isn’t time yet, is it? A little more time just means you get to live a little longer. What’s so bad about that?"

The King of Jingnan also laughed. "Can’t you see? Our Boss is giving you a chance. Don’t be ungrateful."

The Tang Sect elder sneered, "You talk a good game, but I think he’s just too scared to show up. If he didn’t dare to come, why did he agree to this duel in the first place? Was it just to stall for time so he could escape? If so, don’t blame us for wiping out the Star Shining Society!"

"Hah, as if you have the ability. When our Boss arrives, you won’t even have time to cry," Kong Tianjian retorted with disdain.

"I really don’t get it. How can you all have so much confidence in that piece of trash? There are only five minutes until noon. If he doesn’t show up, it’s a public forfeiture. After that, don’t blame the Tang Sect for what we do to them," the Tang Sect elder snarled.

"Don’t worry. Our Boss said he would come, so he will," Ye Feng said sarcastically. "Can’t you old relics even wait a few minutes? With that kind of impatience, you call yourselves martial artists? Or are you just in a hurry to be buried?"

Their words were nasty, so his were naturally just as unpleasant.

That day, if not for Yang Qi, many on their side would have died miserably at the hands of Yang Taining and his men. In their eyes, Yang Qi was a godlike figure, and no one was qualified to mock or ridicule him.

"Heh heh, whether he comes or not, your Star Shining Society is doomed to a tragic end!" Tang Xuan suddenly declared, opening his eyes with a burst of laughter. "After he dies, I will flatten the Star Shining Society! As for that Li Qingyan from the Qifei Group, she’ll be handed over to Gu Lingshan of the Gu Family. I’ve already planned out your fates. You’ll all be sent to the Tang Family in Sea City as compensation! Hahahaha!"

Everyone clenched their fists in frustration. They were helpless, as Tang Xuan was stronger than any of them. They couldn’t afford to provoke him; only Yang Qi could handle this.

CREAK!

Suddenly, the main gate opened. Two figures, one after the other, appeared near the Life and Death Platform.

This was Yang Qi’s second time here. The place seemed to have been newly renovated. The Life and Death Platform had been rebuilt and surrounded by walls, and a roof had even been added, turning it into an enclosed space. This must be to avoid causing panic among the civilians, he thought.

All eyes turned to the gate. With his hands clasped behind his back, Yang Qi took a light step, his form stretching as he gracefully flew onto the Life and Death Platform.

"I’m glad you came," Tang Xuan said with a smile, glancing casually at Yang Qi. "Otherwise, my victory would have been meaningless!"

He had already tested Yang Qi last night. Yang Qi had some skill, but compared to him, he held no advantage whatsoever. He was confident he could defeat Yang Qi. A Fourth Rank Overlord was not to be trifled with.

"Master Yiyang, keep an eye on those old fogeys from the Tang Sect. That bunch might not follow the rules. If they break them, don’t be polite. Just kill them," Yang Qi transmitted his voice directly to Master Yiyang.

Indeed, the person who had come with him was none other than Master Yiyang.

Master Yiyang was now a Sixth Rank Overlord. He already possessed terrifying talent, and after receiving guidance from Yang Qi and being enhanced by Golden Eagle Blood, Qi Blood Pills, and other elixirs, he had achieved a massive breakthrough in a short period, becoming a Sixth Rank Perfection Overlord.

Now, even if Yang Qi left Thunder City, he wouldn’t have to worry. With Master Yiyang standing guard, it was more than enough. Moreover, he wasn’t worried about Master Yiyang betraying him, because he had already used the Puppetry Technique to control him. For him, betrayal was only possible through death.

"There’s no need for a referee in today’s match, right? On the Life and Death Platform, it’s a fight to the death!" Yang Qi said calmly.

"Agreed!" Tang Xuan nodded.

A referee was superfluous. If Yang Qi won, Tang Xuan could not change his fate. If Tang Xuan won, the people on Yang Qi’s side could not change theirs either.

"Let’s begin!" Yang Qi said, extending a hand in a welcoming gesture.

Tang Xuan stood up and took a deep breath. Though confident he could defeat Yang Qi, he didn’t dare let his guard down. Too many favorites had suffered unexpected defeats, and he had no intention of repeating that mistake.

Still, some posturing was in order. "Yang Qi, you’re not a smart man. You could have easily used this past day to slip away, and I might not have found you. It’s a pity you chose to come. Your destiny ends today."

"Are you planning to fight me with your mouth?" Yang Qi asked, beckoning with his finger. "Make your move. You can spout your nonsense after you’ve won."

"You’re courting death!" Tang Xuan’s face darkened as he suddenly sent a Flying Knife whizzing through the air, gathering a terrifying power.