While waiting, Qin Yang summoned his character panel.
Host: Qin Yang
Cultivation: Qi Refining Realm - Full Circle
Cultivation Technique: Yin-Yang All-Embracing Art. 2/10
Martial Techniques: Tiger Dash Punch, Ox Charge Fist. 2/10
Qin Yang was highly satisfied. At this rate, he would soon enter the next stage of the Qi Refining Realm - the Qi Gathering Realm.
Most importantly, once he reached the Qi Gathering Realm, even a casual spar with any opponent at that level could push him to full mastery!
The Qi Gathering Realm allowed one to awaken spiritual sense and condense true qi. At that point, he could wield yellow-grade martial techniques and even control yellow-grade magical artifacts.
Stretching his limbs, Qin Yang realized he still only possessed the full circle of the Qi Refining Realm, lacking true qi within his body. Yet he could already sense the benefits of the Yin-Yang All-Embracing Art.
He felt his body as fierce as a tiger's, as robust as an ox's.
Before long, Li Niu returned. However, he wasn't alone - a fact Qin Yang had anticipated.
Li Niu, Zhou Shi, Li Xiaoqian, and several of Zhou Shi's lackeys. Except for Li Xiaoqian, all were top powerhouses of the Outer Sect!
Moreover, there was an old man present - none other than Zhou Shi's grandfather, an Outer Sect elder!
In the Pill Dispensary, the Outer Sect disciples gradually fell silent. After all, the authority of the Outer Sect elders and Zhou Shi's reputation had long since instilled proper discipline in them.
"Who dares to cause trouble in the Pill Dispensary?" Elder Zhou roared, his imposing aura silencing the crowd. "Have you grown tired of living?"
Yet Qin Yang remained unfazed.
Stepping forward, Qin Yang declared, "The Pill Dispensary was secretly withholding pills from Outer Sect disciples. When discovered, they violated sect rules by attacking in anger. I merely defended myself. Where's the fault in that?"
Elder Zhou's eyebrow twitched. "I heard someone was trying to steal pills and ended up injuring others instead. Is that correct?"
His tone shifted abruptly, murderous intent radiating from him. "By sect rules, I can execute you on the spot!"
The Outer Sect disciples trembled, their hearts sinking. How could they have forgotten? In the Outer Sect, the elders were law.
All previous courage vanished as they silently mourned for Qin Yang.
"Preposterous!" Qin Yang retorted, undaunted. "What sect rule allows execution without trial? Do you think Dark Shadow Peak's Disciplinary Hall exists for decoration?"
Elder Zhou fell silent, meeting Qin Yang's gaze. I didn't expect to fail intimidating this brat... If we were both Outer Sect disciples, killing him outright wouldn't have been a major offense. But as an Outer Sect elder, I absolutely can't take action against a junior...
Qin Yang felt a twinge of regret. Elder Zhou was a Qi Sea Realm cultivator, two full realms above him. His abilities couldn't be replicated...
"So it really is you!" Zhou Shi glared at Qin Yang, still unable to believe this person standing before him was the same Qin Yang he'd supposedly killed as a warning example.
"Surprised?" Qin Yang chuckled.
"Where's Sun Mu?" Zhou Shi demanded in a low voice.
Qin Yang shrugged. "Don't know. The rear mountains are dangerous. Maybe some beast ate him?"
While the sect forbade private duels, actions taken beyond its borders could remain undetected...
"I underestimated you," Zhou Shi snarled.
Watching Qin Yang and Zhou Shi face off, an Outer Sect disciple suddenly remembered something.
"I remember now! This is Qin Yang, the one Zhou Shi mentioned! Anyone who dares defy his will meets the same fate as Qin Yang. And Qin Yang certainly won't be the last..."
"That sounds terrifying. It's like he's saying he killed Qin Yang, and we're next on the list."
"So this Qin Yang is the same Qin Yang I heard about. I can't believe I couldn't connect the two!"
"Now it seems Zhou Shi's rumors were nothing but a joke..."
Zhou Shi's expression grew increasingly grim, while Elder Zhou beside him kept shooting meaningful glances his way.
Li Niu whispered urgently, "This kid's no waste at all. You picked the wrong target..."
"Shut up!" Zhou Shi roared. "Are you the one who's useless?"
Li Niu seethed with anger but dared not speak further.
"You dared kill my man? I'll make you suffer a slow, agonizing death! Though I don't know how you survived and appeared here..." Zhou Shi's lips curled into a sinister smile. "But this works perfectly for my plans. Wouldn't killing you now be even more effective?"
"Oh? You want to kill me? Do you dare to make a move?" Qin Yang laughed. Zhou Shi was the core figure behind the corruption of Foundation Establishment Pills. While he might have only cultivated one technique, he must have mastered numerous martial arts! It seemed this was his chance to strike it big!
How could Zhou Shi not be enraged by this provocation? He was practically omnipotent in the Outer Sect, walking with arrogance, yet now he was being publicly mocked.
"I challenge you to a life-or-death duel! Will you accept?" Zhou Shi declared loudly.
"What? A life-or-death duel? It seems Zhou Shi is determined to kill Qin Yang!"
"Qin Yang, you mustn't accept! If you do, you'll be certain to die!"
"The Outer Sect disciples cried out in unison.
Elder Zhou frowned deeply. He hadn't expected Qin Yang to gain such widespread support! This brat had to be eliminated!
From Zhou Shi's perspective, Qin Yang would undoubtedly refuse and flee, too afraid to accept. Zhou Shi merely wanted to regain some momentum through intimidation. Clearly, he had miscalculated - this was exactly what Qin Yang wanted!
"I accept," Qin Yang said calmly, though his heart was bursting with joy. He couldn't wait for Zhou Shi to grow stronger!
Everyone's eyes widened, even Zhou Shi himself, who thought he might have misheard.
"Time and place," Qin Yang asked urgently, fearing Zhou Shi might change his mind.
Zhou Shi burst out laughing. "You dare accept? Excellent! I'll torment you to the fullest in this life-or-death duel. I'll crush every bone in your body, I'll..."
"You talk too much," Qin Yang interrupted with disgust.
Zhou Shi took deep breaths to calm himself, then snapped, "Fine! The time is tomorrow..."
Before he could finish, Elder Zhou interjected, "The time is one month from now, during the Outer Sect Competition. The location is the arena at Thousand Bamboo Peak's main peak."
"Grandfather! I want to do it now..." Zhou Shi protested, clearly displeased.
Elder Zhou spoke with profound meaning, "By setting the time and place at that moment, you'll undoubtedly draw much attention. When you enter the Inner Sect later..."
Zhou Shi immediately understood, his spirits lifting. If he could gain the favor of an Inner Sect elder and be accepted as a direct disciple...
In truth, Elder Zhou harbored reservations. He knew Li Niu's cultivation level all too well. For Qin Yang to have defeated Li Niu so thoroughly while remaining unscathed himself—there had to be some trick at play!
This month would allow him to give his grandson Zhou Shi special training. He could ensure absolute success while letting his talent shine.
The time and place were set, but Qin Yang was deeply dissatisfied.
He wanted to fight immediately, more so than even Zhou Shi. Yet now they'd be forced to wait a full month!
With the duel arrangements finalized, Elder Zhou turned to leave with Zhou Shi and the others.
"Wait!" Qin Yang called out, stopping them. "What about the pill matter?"