core disciples

The Qingyun Sect's outer sect was in complete turmoil.

From this day forward, news of Chu Feng's defeat spread like wildfire, sweeping through the entire sect.

Every disciple now knew one name—Xiao Chen.

The man once ridiculed as the greatest failure of the outer sect had now ascended to its pinnacle. He had proven himself strong enough to challenge even the core disciples.

Meanwhile, in the core disciple territory of Qingyun Sect, inside a grand hall, several disciples clad in golden-embroidered robes sat cross-legged in meditation. Their expressions were calm yet filled with arrogance, their bodies emanating an overwhelming aura of power. Each one of them had already reached the ninth layer of Qi Refining, standing just a step away from the Foundation Establishment Realm.

These were the core disciples of Qingyun Sect.

"Have you heard? Some freak from the outer sect actually defeated Chu Feng with a single punch," one of the men chuckled, his eyes filled with disdain.

"Chu Feng is nothing. It's not surprising that he lost. But losing in just one punch? Now, that's something interesting," another scoffed.

"A mere brute from the outer sect. True geniuses have already joined the ranks of the core disciples. No matter how strong someone from the outer sect may be, in our eyes, they are nothing but ants."

They exchanged casual remarks, not even bothering to take the matter seriously.

However, at that moment, the man seated at the highest position suddenly opened his eyes. His gaze was as deep as the abyss, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable weight.

"Do not underestimate Xiao Chen."

The room fell silent instantly.

All eyes turned to the white-robed man.

He was Su Changqing, the undisputed number one among the core disciples, having already reached the Foundation Establishment Realm—a level far beyond the reach of outer sect disciples.

Su Changqing's talent was extraordinary. He was the sect's most promising future powerhouse, with the potential to break into even greater realms and claim a seat among the elder ranks.

"If a so-called 'waste' can defeat Chu Feng in one punch, then he is no waste," Su Changqing stated indifferently. His tone was calm, but there was an undeniable authority in his words.

"Our job is not to dismiss him but to see where his limits lie."

The hall grew even quieter as his words sank in.

Su Changqing rarely paid attention to the affairs of the outer sect, yet today, he had personally acknowledged Xiao Chen's existence.

That meant one thing—Xiao Chen had caught the attention of the core disciples.

Meanwhile, back at his courtyard, Xiao Chen sat in quiet meditation. His expression remained calm.

He felt no need to celebrate his victory over Chu Feng. To him, this was merely the beginning.

His goal was not to be the strongest in the outer sect.

His goal was to become the strongest in Qingyun Sect!

At that moment, his Invincible Dao Physique continued to operate at full capacity, endlessly absorbing the world's spiritual energy, refining his body and spiritual power.

In just a short while, he could already sense the threshold of the ninth layer of Qi Refining.

"So soon?" Xiao Chen murmured in slight surprise.

At this pace, it would take him mere days to reach the ninth layer. And after that, he would step into Foundation Establishment Realm!

His cultivation speed was beyond monstrous.

But before he could continue meditating, a sharp voice cut through the air.

"Xiao Chen! Get out here!"

The voice was like rolling thunder, shaking the very air of the courtyard.

Xiao Chen frowned slightly before standing up and stepping outside.

There, standing in front of him, was a young man clad in a purple Daoist robe. His expression was ice-cold, and an immense spiritual pressure radiated from his body. He was a Qi Refining ninth-layer cultivator!

His name was Wang Hao, the strongest among the outer sect, second only to Chu Feng.

Now that Chu Feng had fallen, Wang Hao naturally refused to accept being overshadowed.

"So you're Xiao Chen?" Wang Hao's gaze was filled with disdain.

Xiao Chen glanced at him indifferently. "Something you need?"

Wang Hao sneered. "A mere outer sect disciple dares to act so arrogantly? Defeating Chu Feng means nothing. I challenge you to a duel. Let's see if you're truly as strong as the rumors say!"

As soon as the words left his mouth, a large crowd of disciples gathered around, their eyes alight with excitement.

"Wang Hao is challenging Xiao Chen?!"

"Wang Hao is even stronger than Chu Feng! This time, Xiao Chen is in real trouble!"

"This is going to be good. If Xiao Chen wins, he's truly a monster!"

Excitement buzzed through the crowd. It had been a long time since such an intense battle had taken place in the outer sect.

Xiao Chen smirked slightly. "You're sure about this?"

Wang Hao scoffed. "Enough nonsense. Do you dare accept?"

Xiao Chen nodded calmly. "As you wish."

A battle to the death!

Boom!

Wang Hao struck first, his spiritual energy erupting violently as he unleashed his strongest technique—Furious Dragon Palm!

A golden palm print, resembling a raging dragon, tore through the air with overwhelming power, crashing toward Xiao Chen!

The force was enough to shatter a boulder.

Many disciples gasped in horror.

"What terrifying power!"

"There's no way Xiao Chen can withstand that!"

But Xiao Chen's expression remained serene, not even flinching.

With a single step, he vanished.

Boom!

Wang Hao's attack smashed into the ground, creating a massive crater and sending debris flying in all directions.

"What?!" Wang Hao's face twisted in shock as he looked up—

Only to see Xiao Chen standing right behind him!

His speed was too fast, too elusive. Even Wang Hao's senses couldn't track him.

"Your attack… is too slow," Xiao Chen said coldly.

Boom!

A single punch.

The air trembled as a devastating force erupted from Xiao Chen's fist.

Before Wang Hao could react, the punch landed. His entire body was sent flying like a broken kite, slamming into a stone wall.

Blood spewed from his mouth. His face turned deathly pale.

One punch!

Just one punch—and Wang Hao had lost!

The entire outer sect fell into stunned silence.

"Wang Hao… lost?!"

"He was at the ninth layer of Qi Refining! And yet, he was defeated in a single strike?!"

Every disciple trembled in disbelief, their eyes filled with a mixture of terror and admiration.

Xiao Chen was no longer just the strongest in the outer sect.

He had surpassed the limits of the outer sect altogether!

Far away, inside the grand hall, Su Changqing's lips curled into a smirk. A glint of intrigue flashed through his eyes.

"It seems… it's time for the core disciples to step in."

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