CHAPTER 737: CHAPTER 742: THE NUMBER ONE DISCIPLE OF YANGXIN PAVILION

After securing the items handed by Yang Tao, Ling Chen looked up at Wang Hao on the stage, took a deep breath, and then walked towards the stage.

Today’s martial arts competition was the final match, and the winner would be the ultimate victor, receiving the Nine Elements Pill as a prize.

Therefore, this match was not arranged with a referee; the numerous onlooking audience members sufficed as watchers. Besides, as long as no lives were taken, there were hardly any strict rules and limitations.

Upon reaching the stage, Ling Chen stood at a corner and directly faced Wang Hao, cupping his hands in a greeting.

However, Wang Hao paid him no heed and said indifferently, "If I were you, I would surrender proactively. This match is meaningless, why waste everyone’s time?"

Hearing this, Ling Chen smiled and was not angered. He knew that Wang Hao was stating a fact, not mocking or despising him; after all, there was a vast disparity in strength between them. From Wang Hao’s perspective, he had little interest in this match.

"Wang, everyone says you’re the top disciple in Yangxin Pavilion. Regardless of winning or losing, I’d like to learn from you."

"If you want to learn from me, that’s fine, but I have a condition. As long as you can agree to it, even if you have other conditions, I can satisfy them."

"Oh?" Ling Chen looked at Wang Hao skeptically, could there really be such a good deal?

In a swift moment of thought, Ling Chen asked, "What is your condition?"

"Simple. After this match, I want you to introduce me to Elder Su, and also, I’d like to present the Nine Elements Pill to Elder Su as a token of meeting."

"Elder Su?" Ling Chen’s heart stirred, a trace of astonishment flashing in his eyes. Wang Hao was quite generous, easily willing to give away the Nine Elements Pill. Could it be that he’s seeking Elder Su’s help for something?

While he pondered, Wang Hao followed up saying, "My master died early, and all these years, I’ve cultivated alone with no guidance, which has slowed my progress."

Hearing this, Ling Chen understood Wang Hao’s intention—he wanted Su He to take him as a disciple.

"Wang, there are so many experts in Yangxin Pavilion; surely, someone can teach you?"

Wang Hao’s expression remained untouched as he said, "There are indeed many masters in Yangxin Pavilion, but not a single one qualifies to be my master."

These words caused an uproar in the crowd, everyone gaped at Wang Hao, shocked that he would dare to say such a thing and offend all the elders of Yangxin Pavilion.

From the nearby stands, Huang Zheng, staring at Wang Hao on the stage, snorted coldly, "This Wang Hao truly doesn’t know the immensity of heaven and earth, to speak such words."

Liang Tian, standing next to him, chimed in, "This kid is too arrogant. Confidence is good, but overconfidence turns into arrogance."

"What do you think, Elder Du?" someone asked.

Leaning back in his chair and holding a gourd of wine, Du Kang shook the liquid gently, squinted his eyes, and spoke with a smile that was not quite a smile, "Wang Hao’s words may be boastful, but he’s not wrong. How many of you here dare to take him as a disciple? Huang Zheng, your strength is ranked in the top three on the Earthly List; but Wang Hao’s strength is at least around sixth on the Earthly List, not much less than yours. He’s under thirty this year; you’re over eighty. If you take him as your disciple, it won’t be long before he surpasses you. So, I think he’s right, you really aren’t qualified to be his master, and neither are the rest of us."

An old man chuckled, "Elder Du, you are a master on the Heavenly List, do you also lack the qualification to be his master?"

"I truly am not qualified," Du Kang replied. "Have you thought about who Wang Hao’s former master was? In Yangxin Pavilion, only Old Man Wei was second to Su He, and even stronger than me. Wang Hao has already obtained the true transmission from Old Man Wei, and learned skills superior to mine; what qualifications do I have left to teach him? Now that Old Man Wei is gone, Wang Hao, seeking a master, would naturally seek those who are even stronger. I suppose only Elder Su from Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion qualifies."

During the conversation, Liang Tian intervened, "What do you guys think, how long can Ling Chen last against Wang Hao?"

"It’s hard to say. From the match with Yang Zhe on the other side, it’s apparent that Ling Chen’s abilities are average, but he is very cunning and good at employing strategies. Plus, he’s skilled in archery, which might stall for some time."

"Archery?" Huang Zheng snorted coldly, "How effective can his archery be, no matter how skilled? Is Wang Hao really that easy to handle? Just wait and see, Ling Chen’s archery will be effortlessly countered by Wang Hao. Once Wang Hao executes the Shattered Leaf Step, he can easily defeat Ling Chen and take first place."

Now, on the spacious arena, Ling Chen stood quietly, gazing straight ahead. Wang Hao’s recent words had truly startled him.

Wang Hao was indeed a man of bold talent and courage, daring to utter such words in front of so many elders from Yangxin Pavilion. Did he not fear offending those elders?

During his contemplation, Wang Hao opposite him spoke, "Ling Chen, I’ve made my request, what do you think?"

Ling Chen touched his nose and said, "Wang, after thinking it over, it seems I’m at a disadvantage."

"No!" Wang Hao shook his head and said, "Don’t you want to witness my skills? As long as you meet my demand, I can play with you for a bit and broaden your horizons."

"What if I refuse?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Hao raised a finger and proudly stated, "One move! I will defeat you in one move."

Heh!

Ling Chen couldn’t help but laugh. Wang Hao’s confidence was indeed swollen to the extreme, bordering on arrogance. It seemed as if having the opportunity to duel with him was a great honor.

Forget it!

Half a sentence more is wasted when there’s no interest in conversation. Ling Chen had no interest in further talk with Wang Hao.

"Wang, with so many onlookers below, let’s not waste time. Let’s decide it quickly. I’m curious to see how you plan to defeat me within one move."

"Alright." Wang Hao nodded, "Since you’re looking for trouble, don’t blame me for being unkind."

As his words fell, Wang Hao turned and walked back, stopping only when he reached the edge of the arena. Then he turned back around, locking his gaze firmly on Ling Chen.

"Begin!"

With Wang Hao’s voice, Ling Chen’s eyes instantly sharpened, like a hungry wolf, fixating disastrously on Wang Hao, watching his every move.

At that moment, the stationary Wang Hao suddenly leaned forward. Then, his footsteps spread out in an odd pattern, swiftly approaching Ling Chen.

Wang Hao’s footsteps were extremely bizarre, seemingly not even touching the ground, like a leaf lightly drifting over the surface, moving at a rapid pace, and in a blink, he was close in front of Ling Chen.