Chapter 73: Yang Fan

A few days later, the expedition to the Toba Ruins came to an end.

During these days, the major sects had already taken away almost everything that could be investigated in the Toba Ruins. As for what remained, even their combined strength could not claim it, so they had no choice but to withdraw for the time being.

It was worth mentioning that this time, Bai Feiyu made quite a name for himself in the ruins. Although he had resolved not to use the compass anymore, he couldn’t resist employing it a few more times in secret, which led his team to unimaginable riches.

Almost all the inner sect disciples now knew of Bai Feiyu. Had he merely led his team to the entrance of a spiritual array, people might have dismissed it as mere luck. However, Bai Feiyu’s strength was undeniable and plain for all to see. Even when he was weaker, he had slain Li Zikun; now, with his power even more unfathomable, none dared doubt him.

Upon returning to the sect, Bai Feiyu was surprised to find that his dorm brothers, following his instructions and with more wealth than they could spend, had all been promoted to the inner sect. Upon hearing of his return, they came together to pay their respects.

“Brother Yu, thanks to you, we’ve successfully entered the inner sect.”

“These days, our eyes have been opened. We now realize how insignificant we once were compared to what’s inside the inner sect.”

“We’re grateful for your help. We know our own aptitude and understand we won’t achieve great heights, so from now on, we’ll do our utmost to assist you.”

His dorm mates looked at Bai Feiyu with deep emotion. Without him, they would likely still be idling away their days as outer sect nobodies, never enjoying such cultivation resources or status.

Since their promotion, even those disciples who once knew them now fawned over them. Admittedly, it was resources that propelled them forward, not their own abilities, but even so, others flocked to their side.

“It’s good that you realize this,” Bai Feiyu nodded. Then, from his storage pouch, he took out some techniques and weapons to distribute among his dorm brothers.

“These are for you—all things I... ‘found’ in the Toba Ruins. I hope you’ll work hard.”

He blushed slightly, almost admitting these were spoils from looting.

“Thank you, Brother Yu!”

...

Days in the sect had become exceedingly dull for Bai Feiyu. The Eagle Alliance no longer tried to force him to join.

Now, however, Bai Feiyu found himself troubled by how uneventful life had become.

“Hey, have you heard? There’s a very promising new female disciple among the outer sect this time.”

“I’ve heard. Her name is Qiao Yuxin, only fourteen years old, and she’s already reached the second level of the Haoqi Realm—she’s been promoted straight into the inner sect.”

“Geniuses appear every year, but this year there seem to be even more. There was Bai Feiyu before, and now there’s Qiao Yuxin.”

So the passersby conversed.

Hearing this, Bai Feiyu didn’t give it much thought. It was normal for a talented young girl to appear.

“Bai Feiyu, come out and face your death!”

Suddenly, a loud voice boomed outside. Bai Feiyu was startled—someone still dared challenge him in the sect? That was rather peculiar. His reputation was now known among all the inner disciples; ordinarily, no one would dare provoke him without good reason. Even the chief elder’s grandson now avoided him.

Bai Feiyu walked out into the courtyard and saw a refined-looking disciple standing there, holding a long spear. The disciple declared, “Bai Feiyu, today, I’ve come to challenge you.”

Bai Feiyu was baffled. Was this guy out of his mind?

“Hey, I don’t think I’ve offended you, have I?” Bai Feiyu looked at him in confusion. This fellow looked refined enough—why was he so aggressive? And indeed, Bai Feiyu had never crossed paths with him.

The man said coldly, “Let me introduce myself. I’m Yang Fan, ranked thirty-second on the Heaven List.”

“My cultivation? The Shackles Realm!”

“Lately, I’ve heard plenty of disciples talk about you in the inner sect. They all say that among Shackles Realm disciples on the Heaven List, I’m the lowest ranked, and you, though you keep to yourself, could easily dethrone me if you aimed for the rankings.”

“Well, let me tell you: I refuse to accept that. Today, I’m here to challenge you, to let everyone see which of us is truly stronger!”

Seeing this fellow’s almost reckless confidence, Bai Feiyu could only sweat in exasperation. Had his cultivation addled his mind?

Was he truly so incapable of enduring such a slight?

Bai Feiyu waved his hand. “I won’t compete with you. You’re strong, all right? Can you let me be?”

He truly had no interest in the Heaven List’s rankings—they were not what he sought. If this fellow wanted to believe he was stronger, so be it.

But Yang Fan was clearly unconvinced. He raised his spear and said, “You’re looking down on me?”

“Let me tell you: today, whether you accept or not, you must fight me. We must see who is superior!”

Bai Feiyu sighed inwardly. He could see now that unless he defeated this man outright, he would never be left in peace.

At last, Bai Feiyu let out a deep sigh, realizing he had no choice. The other man was brimming with energy, standing there blocking his way—clearly determined. If he kept retreating, Yang Fan would likely resort to force.

Besides, Bai Feiyu had kept a low profile in the sect for long enough, and there was no more point to it.

“Very well, since you insist on challenging me, I’ll give you a chance!” Bai Feiyu drew in a long breath and then pulled out his War God Spear.

“But a simple challenge is too dull. Why don’t we place a wager? If you lose, move here and become my follower. What do you say?”

“If I lose, then you may have things your way.”

Bai Feiyu looked at Yang Fan calmly.

Now that his cultivation had advanced so far, ordinary followers no longer sufficed. He needed someone truly strong to stand by his side—and Yang Fan seemed just right for the role.

...