Chapter 28: Ye Xingyun Is Shocked

At Ye Xingyun’s words, the once lively hall fell abruptly silent.

Many representatives of powerful factions turned to stare at him in bewilderment, as though looking at a fool.

“That’s the Star King Physique from the Ancient Ye Clan. What’s he trying to pull?”

“Indeed. This is the tenth-birthday banquet for the Jun Family’s Divine Child, and he dares to say something like that.”

“I’ve heard that Ye Xingyun seems quite taken with the Jiang Family’s beloved daughter…”

All around, guests murmured in subdued voices. They dared not speak too freely, for the Ye Clan was another renowned ancient family, with formidable heritage passed down through countless ages. It was best not to get entangled in this kind of conflict.

By Ye Xingyun’s side, an old servant’s expression changed drastically upon hearing his young master’s words.

“Young Master, please don’t make trouble…”

“That’s enough, Fu Bo. I’m not making trouble; I just got a bit excited upon seeing the Jun Family’s Divine Child.” Ye Xingyun cut the old servant off directly.

He could no longer bear watching the person he cared about the most show such an infatuated expression toward Jun Xiaoyao.

“Well then, Divine Child of the Jun Family, might I have the honor?”

Suppressing the jealousy and anger within, he spoke as calmly as possible. He wasn’t reckless—if he truly spoke rudely at a Jun Family banquet, that would be courting death. However, if it was only a matter of requesting a friendly spar, he believed the Jun Family wouldn’t hold it against him.

Sure enough, upon hearing Ye Xingyun’s words, Jun Zhantian and the others merely frowned but said nothing. It wasn’t solely because Ye Xingyun enjoyed the ancient Ye Clan’s backing; rather, Jun Zhantian and the others also wished to see how far Jun Xiaoyao’s abilities had progressed after a year in seclusion.

“And you are…?” Jun Xiaoyao’s face remained impassive.

“From the Ye Clan—Ye Xingyun.” He looked straight at Jun Xiaoyao.

“Oh, so you’re that Star King Physique,” Jun Xiaoyao said, as though recalling something. He did have some knowledge of the younger prodigies from various ancient clans. Within the Ancient Ye Clan, the most renowned “taboo genius” was said to be Ye Guchen, the reincarnation of a Sword Demon. Wielding an Emperor-Slaying Sword, he had swept aside the younger generation in the Immortal Domain, unrivaled in the way of the sword. Rumor had it that in duels with his contemporaries, he had never needed to draw a second time—no one could withstand his initial strike.

As for Ye Xingyun, blessed with the Star King Physique, he was still a far cry from Ye Guchen. If Ye Guchen had appeared here, Jun Xiaoyao might have been somewhat intrigued, but Ye Xingyun… Jun Xiaoyao felt no interest at all.

“No need. My strength is quite plain, so there’s no reason for us to spar.” Jun Xiaoyao shook his head. He was reluctant to even bother making a move against Ye Xingyun, casually offering a weak excuse.

In response, various prominent figures exchanged glances of surprise. Jun Xiaoyao’s arrival had indeed astounded them—his aura was profound and his manner transcendent, like an immortal stepping into the mortal realm. Yet now, faced with Ye Xingyun’s provocation, he declined to fight, even calling himself “plain.” Was that truly the case? Could the Jun Family’s Divine Child be nothing but a fancy facade?

Among those who heard him, Jun Zhangjian and others could only laugh wryly.

“Plain, my foot! If even our Cousin Xiaoyao is plain, I’d have to smash my own head in with a piece of tofu,” Jun Zhangjian thought in exasperation.

Ye Xingyun, however, had no idea how powerful Jun Xiaoyao really was. The phenomenon that had accompanied Jun Xiaoyao’s breakthrough had merely piqued his attention a little at best. Now, with Jun Xiaoyao unwilling to fight, Ye Xingyun grew anxious. If Jun Xiaoyao refused to compete, how was he supposed to show off in front of Jiang Luoli?

After thinking a moment, Ye Xingyun said, “Divine Child, there’s no need to be humble. If you find your cultivation realm insufficient, I’m willing to lower mine to the peak of the Divine Palace Stage for a fair contest.”

In his mind, no matter how extraordinary Jun Xiaoyao was, at ten he could only have reached the Divine Palace Realm. Meanwhile, at sixteen or seventeen, Ye Xingyun had already attained the fifth level of the True Spirit Stage.

As soon as he said that, everyone in the hall turned their attention to Jun Xiaoyao. If Jun Xiaoyao still refused, it would certainly draw criticism.

Jun Xiaoyao sighed inwardly. He was too lazy to show others up, yet here someone was, begging to be humiliated. Glancing at Jiang Luoli, he could guess the reason behind Ye Xingyun’s behavior. Indeed, a beauty could cause chaos.

“You’re so annoying. Why are you clinging to Brother Xiaoyao and refusing to let go?” The young Jiang Luoli was not pleased. She had hoped to chat with Jun Xiaoyao and spend time together, but Ye Xingyun was intruding rudely.

“Luoli, I just wanted…” Ye Xingyun’s face went pale; Jiang Luoli was actually calling him “Brother Xiaoyao.”

“Wanted what? If you end up injuring Brother Xiaoyao’s face, are you going to compensate him?” Jiang Luoli asked irritably.

“Damn it…” Ye Xingyun choked on his words, his face flushed, and he nearly let loose a curse. Since when did looking handsome mean you could do as you pleased? His jealousy grew even stronger.

Jun Xiaoyao found it rather nonsensical; Jiang Luoli might well be the head of the “looks above all else” club.

“All right, since you insist on sparring with this Divine Child, go ahead.” Jun Xiaoyao stood with a hand clasped behind his back, speaking calmly.

“Brother Xiaoyao, you…” Jiang Luoli hesitated, worried that Ye Xingyun might overpower him.

“Come now, Luoli, you’re already concerned about your future husband?” teased Jiang Shengyi nearby, flashing a bright smile.

“I-I am not…” Jiang Luoli’s cheeks blushed a lovely pink.

Ye Xingyun’s expression turned grim, and he wasted no time trying to prove himself. He suppressed his cultivation to the ninth level of the Divine Palace Stage. Jun Xiaoyao, however, said flatly, “You can strike first, and there’s no need to lower your realm.”

“That won’t be necessary.” Ye Xingyun refused bluntly. He knew too well that if he did that, Jun Xiaoyao might blame his defeat on their difference in cultivation, undermining the intended show of dominance. Without that dramatic effect, how would he make Jiang Luoli see him in a new light?

“Sigh…” With a soft sigh, Jun Xiaoyao said nothing more, directly activating the Godly Elephant Suppression Technique. During his year of seclusion, he had awakened another ten thousand Giant Elephant Particles. Altogether, he had awakened forty thousand of them, granting him the power of four hundred million pounds of force.

Four hundred million pounds of strength—what kind of concept was that? One palm could shatter a primordial mountain or strike at the very stars.

Boom!

Within Jun Xiaoyao’s body, golden sacred blood surged. An overwhelming golden aura rushed out, faintly forming the phantom of a primordial divine elephant that seemed capable of subduing the vault of heaven. With effortless ease, Jun Xiaoyao thrust out a single palm, as if an ancient god was forging new territory. The force shook the very fabric of space; the entire great hall trembled violently.

All who attended the banquet, whether youthful talents or veteran experts, jumped to their feet, momentarily at a loss for words. That terrifying surge of power struck dread even in many seasoned cultivators. As for Ye Xingyun, he looked as though he had been struck by lightning, his expression changing drastically in fear.