Chapter 230

Chapter 230: Forcing a Spar

After a brief moment of surprise, the expressions of the group returned to calm.

Dual cultivation of techniques and martial arts is indeed an enviable talent.

However, as this competition involved significant stakes, the discrepancy in realm led the others to feel that he would likely hold them back.

Thus, the blue-clothed man, who had previously spoken, said, “Master, the potential of dual cultivation is enormous, and this disciple does not deny it. However, he is currently only at the mid-level of the Profound Immortal realm, which is a whole stage behind us. I believe that his dual cultivation cannot compensate for the gap in strength.”

Another woman added, “I agree with Senior Brother Fang. If he’s dealing with ordinary late-stage Profound Immortals from smaller forces, perhaps he could win. But this time, the disciples sent by all parties are extraordinary talents, top-tier in terms of personal strength and techniques. Dual cultivation definitely won’t make up for that difference, so I hope Master will select someone more capable.”

The rest of the group felt that this reasoning made sense.

They did not underestimate the potential of dual cultivation, but at present, his lack of realm meant he hadn’t really grown, making him of little use for this competition.

Immortal King Han sat silently on his throne without speaking, directing his gaze towards Chen Ansheng.

Chen Ansheng would not willingly sell himself short, so he followed the comments of the others, saying, “Your Majesty, these friends are quite right. My realm is low, and my technique is only half-baked, certainly not comparable to the exceptional disciples under those Immortal Kings. Furthermore, as a lone cultivator, I have no worthy weapons or armor to speak of, so I implore Your Majesty to find someone more capable.”

Upon hearing Chen Ansheng’s words, the others inwardly thought that he was indeed wise and knew his place.

Immortal King Han pondered for a moment before speaking, “This king has heard Miaoyan say that you can take on ten opponents, with the ability to crush late-stage Profound Immortal sea demons in one strike. Why the need for modesty? Or are you trying to feign poverty to get some immortal weapons or armor from me?”

With this statement, the calm hearts of those present stirred once more.

To face late-stage Profound Immortal sea demons with a one-to-ten ratio!

This should be achievable by those present.

However, to claim he could crush them with a single strike was a tall order; even the strongest blue-clothed man wouldn’t dare make such a claim.

“Is dual cultivation really that powerful?”

Everyone began to reassess Chen Ansheng’s strength.

“Hehe.” Chen Ansheng smiled, replying, “It must be the Great General exaggerating. Those ten sea demons were ultimately slain by the Great General; otherwise, I might not have been able to return unscathed.”

Hearing this, a woman stood up and said, “How could the Great General exaggerate? Why not this: you choose one of us to spar with, how about it?”

“I wouldn’t dare to spar with all of you; I admit defeat without a fight.”

Why did Chen Ansheng refuse?

The reason was simple: these Immortal King’s disciples were all proud individuals.

If he won, he would inevitably incur their resentment and invite trouble.

If he deliberately lost?

Chen Ansheng would feel quite displeased, and besides, with Immortal King Han present, he was sure to perceive any deliberate flaws, which could garner his displeasure.

“Do you look down on us then?” The woman’s expression darkened as she said unhappily.

“Do not be impudent.”

At this moment, Immortal King Han spoke, causing the woman to bow and quiet down.

He then turned to Chen Ansheng, saying blandly, “I just want you to answer: will you participate in this competition?”

Chen Ansheng hesitated for a moment before saying, “Your Majesty, as long as you command it, this disciple would not dare to disobey. However, I still do not understand what kind of competition this will be, so please clarify, Your Majesty.”

Immortal King Han slightly nodded and instructed the blue-clothed disciple, “Chixu, explain it to him.”

“Yes, Master.”

The blue-clothed man stood up and said, “This competition involves four major forces, with each force sending six century-old geniuses to fight. The winning side will gain the right to access the Storm Spirit Abyss for a hundred years!”

Chen Ansheng understood the general situation and asked, “May I ask, what is the Storm Spirit Abyss?”

The blue-clothed man explained, “You can think of it as a space with a spiritual energy concentration ten times that of an ordinary immortal island. Any questions?”

“No,” Chen Ansheng shook his head.

A competition over a space rich in spiritual energy for cultivation was that simple.

However, Chen Ansheng had some doubts about why Immortal King Han couldn’t gather six century-old geniuses and had to rely on him for help.

Of course, Chen Ansheng only thought this in his heart and didn’t dare to voice it, lest he offend the other party.

“Then do you want to participate or not? Give a straightforward answer,” the blue-clothed man said, somewhat displeased with Chen Ansheng’s hesitance.

“Since His Majesty commands, I would not dare to disobey. I will participate.”

Chen Ansheng accepted the task!

Competing against many century-old geniuses was just the right opportunity to test his own foundational strength. Moreover, he had already offended the Immortal King once by pretending to swear; if he did not comply this time, it could lead to dire consequences.

“Good.”

Immortal King Han directly approved Chen Ansheng.

“Young man, you must perform well for this king and go all out. If you can help my inept disciples win the Storm Spirit Abyss, I will definitely reward you and provide you with a place to cultivate. In addition, if you have any conditions, feel free to bring them up to me.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Ansheng secretly thought that Immortal King Han wasn’t bad. He did not take advantage of his position and treated him fairly.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. This disciple is willing to follow your command and does not dare to propose any conditions.”

Chen Ansheng understood that those in power have their own dignity. If the other party offers a favor, one cannot behave shamelessly or propose clever conditions; that is not a wise path.

“Hahaha, good.”

Seeing Chen Ansheng so sensible, Immortal King Han looked at him more favorably, laughing heartily a few times.

“Since that’s the case, this king grants you a privilege. On this Hunyuan Island, you will temporarily walk as this king’s registered disciple. You may all leave now.”

“Yes.”

Everyone responded and exited the great hall together.

Just as Chen Ansheng was about to leave the courtyard, one of the female disciples called out to him.

“Don’t you really want to spar?”

“I am aware of my limitations and would not dare to engage with you, fellow Daoists.”

The few of them stared at Chen Ansheng, and the blue-clothed man said, “Stop using such words to brush us off. I must see your dual cultivation strength today!”

“Yes!” another man added, “Why should we trust you to fight alongside us against other geniuses if you don’t show some capability?”

Chen Ansheng shrugged, “Why? I’m equally helpless, as you all witnessed, it was His Majesty who insisted I fight. What can I do? Will I dare to go against His Majesty?”

“Your words are valid, but figuring out your capabilities is something else. We don’t want to suffer defeat or even lose our lives because of you!” another woman said coldly.

Chen Ansheng found himself surrounded and felt he could not escape for the moment.

“Fellow Daoists, it seems today, if I don’t make a move, you will not rest easy, huh?”

Chen Ansheng lifted his eyelids and scanned the crowd.