Chapter Fifty-Two: Unmatched Aura

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The news of the Mighty Elephant Xu Ke challenging Wang Ran spread swiftly, sweeping through the Hall of Enforcement and even the entire inner sect. Everyone who heard it could not help but turn their heads in surprise.

There were even rumors that the Four Great Alliances were paying close attention to this matter.

It wasn’t because of Wang Ran. Though his reputation echoed through both the inner and outer sects, his influence in the Hall of Enforcement was considerably diminished. This was the gathering place of the sect’s elite disciples, all proud and ambitious, and no matter how sensational the rumors about Wang Ran were, since they hadn’t seen his feats firsthand, they remained dismissive.

Thus, the cause of the uproar was none other than the name Mighty Elephant Xu Ke.

Compared to Wang Ran, Xu Ke’s strength was much more deeply ingrained in the minds of the Hall of Enforcement disciples. With his cultivation reaching the heavens, a body forged at the foundation level, and being the foremost figure beneath the Four Great Alliances, any single achievement was enough to command solemn respect.

Moreover, some claimed his physical prowess was enough to shake a half-step Golden Core. All this further elevated Xu Ke’s prestige.

Some secretly speculated that if Xu Ke could truly contend with a half-step Golden Core, then in the entire sect, apart from Ye Cang and the two direct disciples, he would have no rivals. Even Meng Jiang of the Four Great Alliances might not be able to best him.

It was said Xu Ke’s power was only less than the Four Great Alliances because his management skills lacked finesse. If his wits were as sharp as his cultivation, then the Hall of Enforcement would not have four alliances, but five.

So, when the news broke that Xu Ke was challenging Wang Ran, the shock among the disciples was unimaginable.

Many factions, large and small, discussed it in secret.

“What do you think of Xu Ke’s challenge to Wang Ran?”

“On the surface, Xu Ke seems to be standing up for his subordinate, but in reality, he’s raising his own prestige, making an example out of Wang Ran.”

“Indeed, Wang Ran’s identity is special. Not only is he a newly promoted prodigy, popular among both inner and outer sect disciples, but he’s also the Grand Elder’s disciple. Targeting him would boost Xu Ke’s reputation, and as long as Wang Ran isn’t killed, the Grand Elder can’t say much afterward.”

“But I hear Wang Ran is no pushover. Rumor has it he once shattered a low-grade Spirit Martial Stone with a single palm during the martial trials…”

“Haha, all the better! The stronger Wang Ran is, the more likely Xu Ke might stumble!”

“This is a battle of dragons and tigers.”

“…”

Many disciples in the Hall of Enforcement analyzed the purpose behind Xu Ke’s challenge and the odds of both sides.

In the end, they realized that the prodigy Wang Ran, whom they had long ignored and looked down upon, might not be as weak as they imagined. Though they hadn’t witnessed his abilities firsthand, if the rumors were true, the outcome of this battle was far from certain.

Many had already made up their minds: they must witness this duel in person, both to gauge Xu Ke’s strength and to see the newly risen prodigy Wang Ran.

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Thus, amid the endless discussions, over the next three days, this event became the hottest topic in the inner sect.

Wang Ran himself was somewhat surprised.

He had expected Xu Ke to come in a rage, storming in to fight or using some underhanded scheme. He didn’t expect such an open and honorable challenge—Xu Ke’s approach was unexpectedly upright.

Wang Ran considered that Xu Ke might want to make an example, but Wang Ran himself also wished to establish his own prestige through Xu Ke.

Therefore, he welcomed the duel.

During these three days, Wang Ran occasionally visited the Hall of Enforcement, but spent most of his time on his Third Mountain, eyes closed in cultivation.

His last visit to the auction had been fruitful. Besides the Golden Fruit, the Spirit Core he obtained was enough to make others envious.

A Spirit Core was priceless and greatly beneficial for cultivation, but Wang Ran hadn’t used it yet.

He sensed he was already brushing against the bottleneck of the third layer of foundation, and a breakthrough was within reach—no need to waste the Spirit Core.

Time passed swiftly in cultivation, and three days flew by. While the inner sect disciples buzzed with excitement, Wang Ran opened his eyes.

His cultivation had broken through to the third layer of foundation at the very moment of the challenge.

His spiritual power was abundant, and with the Eternal Immortal Divine Art circulating within him, he radiated vitality, making him shine like the sun.

He took a step forward, and a small sword immediately flew from his sleeve, expanded beneath his feet, and carried him into the sky, vanishing in an instant.

Meanwhile, on the First Mountain of the southern shore—

The martial arena atop the mountain was already crowded.

Zhao Xiaobai and the junior sister were among them.

Everyone’s gaze was fixed on the burly man at the center of the arena.

Mighty Elephant Xu Ke!

This formidable enforcer sat cross-legged in the middle, calmly watching the horizon, awaiting his opponent.

Though he didn’t move, an invisible aura swept around him, and no one dared underestimate him.

“Hmm? Xu Ke’s cultivation is even deeper than when I saw him half a year ago.”

“Yes, rumor has it he can now battle a half-step Golden Core. I didn’t believe it at first, but seeing him today, it’s likely true!”

“The stronger Xu Ke gets, the worse it is for us!”

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“I wonder what Wang Ran’s cultivation is. Facing a monster like Xu Ke must be a headache.”

Nearby, many talented disciples of the Hall of Enforcement whispered among themselves.

Unlike the black-clad assassins who were the lowest level of enforcers, these were elite contenders, with hopes of becoming direct disciples.

Seeing Xu Ke’s overwhelming presence, their hearts were conflicted.

Even among the crowd, disciples from the Four Great Alliances observed quietly.

Junior Sister Yan Wanrou worried aloud, “This big guy looks so formidable. Can Senior Brother Wang Ran really beat him?”

“No need to worry, Junior Sister. With Brother Wang’s cultivation, this brute poses no threat,” Zhao Xiaobai assured her.

Though he had never seen Wang Ran fight, his trust was unwavering.

At that moment, other spectators strained their eyes toward the horizon.

“Why isn’t Wang Ran here yet? Is he scared?”

“Impossible. I heard Wang Ran is a ten-star foundation cultivator—that fortune alone is enough to stand out in the entire sect. How could he not show up?”

“Hmph, so what if he’s ten-star foundation? No one’s seen him in action. Who knows how capable he is in real combat?”

“That’s true. Xu Ke has faced life and death countless times, and his hands are stained with blood. Who wouldn’t fear him?”

All were prodigies, yet they found themselves waiting for Wang Ran, and some resentment crept in.

Just then, a brilliant streak flashed across the sky.

“Wang Ran has arrived!”

Everyone had the same thought. Zhao Xiaobai smiled slightly, and Xu Ke opened his eyes.

In the sky, the glowing point grew brighter with each breath, soon dazzling like the sun.

Looking closely, it was a sharp sword, and atop its back stood a young man, tall and straight, his gaze disdainful, exuding boundless dominance that thundered through the arena.

His aura instantly surpassed Xu Ke’s, and many inner and outer sect disciples watching felt an urge to kneel and submit.

Wang Ran’s arrival swept the field with overwhelming might.

Everyone was astonished!