Chapter 95: The Decisive Battle in the Arena

"Please!"

Without further ado, Lu Yunfei gestured, inviting Lu Sheng into the martial arena.

As martial artists, especially those vying for rankings on the Talents List, they were always prepared to face challenges at any moment.

Moreover, after refining his cultivation, Lu Yunfei was eager to find an opponent to spar with—

He had no intention of refusing Lu Sheng's challenge.

Thus, after Lu Sheng issued his challenge, Lu Yunfei hesitated only briefly before accepting and inviting him into the arena.

Since Lu Yunfei agreed, Lu Sheng, as the challenger, naturally would not refuse and followed him inside.

The martial arena, a significant part of the Martial Garden, was spacious. Besides the combat ground, it housed numerous rooms and seats for spectators.

As one of the largest arenas in Jade Capital City, it, along with several others, bore the responsibility of hosting the biennial Central Continent Martial Tournament.

During those tournaments, the arena would be bustling with activity.

Though this was not a tournament period and the duel was arranged on short notice without prior promotion, once news spread that Lu Yunfei had accepted Lu Sheng’s challenge, many young martial artists aspiring to the Talents List, as well as instructors ranked near or on the Earth List, quickly gathered to watch—

Some even brought their students directly from classes to the arena.

Before long, the once sparse arena was packed with over a thousand spectators.

"A duel between two Earth List masters—truly a rare sight!"

"If only it had been properly promoted, the gains would have been much greater!"

The arena’s organizer watched the influx with mixed feelings—joyful because this sudden event brought many viewers, yet regretful that this battle for the top ten on the Talents List had not been well advertised.

Not to mention, this duel subtly decided who would become the leading figure among the younger generation of the Great Jing Lu family.

Had the news spread further, many powerful figures from the Lu family would surely have come to watch—

Those who spent lavishly would have brought considerable profit to the arena.

Unfortunately, the organizer had no authority to change the decisions of the two duelists and instead had to do his utmost to prevent the crowd from causing chaos.

"Forget about profits—"

"Right now, I just hope this duel doesn’t go awry!"

Hearing the organizer’s words, Lu Hongjin, also from the Lu family and an Earth List ninth-ranked expert, responded.

He was among the strongest below the Martial Sect within the Great Jing Lu family and had been invited as a witness to the duel.

At that moment, he ordered his men to retrieve spirit stones and activate the large central platform of the arena—

Only this grand platform, constructed with mysterious formations, shielded by a protective aura, and capable of immediate activation, could ensure the absolute safety of both spectators and combatants.

"Let’s hope these two finish quickly—"

"Otherwise, the arena might start charging them."

The longer the duel lasted, the more spirit stones it consumed. If the audience was insufficient or ticket sales low, the expenses would fall to the combatants.

Given the high price of spirit stones, ordinary martial artists could hardly afford the cost of using the grand platform.

This was why most duels at the arena were heavily promoted in advance.

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"This duel features the contestants: Lu Sheng and Lu Yunfei."

"This is a victory-or-defeat match—no fatalities allowed. Both combatants must remember this!"

On the platform, Lu Hongjin announced loudly.

In this world, martial arts flourished and martial artists were numerous. Disputes were frequent, so duel regulations were thorough.

Setting aside ordinary vendettas, duels on the platform were divided into victory-or-defeat matches and death matches.

In victory-or-defeat matches, whether accidental or intentional killing of the opponent occurred, the offender would bear responsibility—

Severe cases could even result in immediate execution by the witness.

Though Lu Hongjin knew both Lu Sheng and Lu Yunfei were likely familiar with these rules, he still recited them once more.

He patiently explained to the two men enclosed within the aura how to concede and how to activate the protective shield in case they could no longer continue.

Only then did he finally declare:

"Now, the duel begins!"

As his voice fell, the protective auras surrounding Lu Sheng and Lu Yunfei expanded outward.

Eventually, the two auras merged, enveloping the entire grand platform, which measured roughly thirty feet square—

Only now could the two finally engage in combat!

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"Lu Yunfei, are you more skilled with fists and feet, or with weapons?"

Without attacking immediately, Lu Sheng asked.

Determined to become the top figure of the younger generation in the Great Jing Lu family, he resolved to defeat Lu Yunfei fairly and decisively.

Otherwise, if anyone was dissatisfied, trouble might follow.

Also remaining still, Lu Yunfei cupped his fists politely and replied with grace:

"Both are fine!"

"Whatever you’re skilled at, we’ll duel in that!"

At twenty-eight years old and ranked eighth on the Talents List, Lu Yunfei was proficient in both unarmed and armed combat.

Confident in his ability to handle whatever Lu Sheng used!

Nodding slightly, Lu Sheng approved:

"Since you’re so sensible, we won’t use weapons then!"

"Wouldn’t want to injure you—won’t be easy explaining to Lu Wanshan!"

Ignoring the slight sourness on Lu Yunfei’s face, Lu Sheng lightly tapped his foot downward.

Instantly, the platform emitted a muffled thud, like an elephant stamping the ground.

"This platform’s solid enough to withstand my strength!"

With that assurance, Lu Sheng no longer held back. His figure sprang forward sharply, shouting:

"Watch carefully—this is the Divine Elephant Fist!"

"If you can’t endure it, say so early!"

Like a bolt of lightning, he lunged toward Lu Yunfei.

The Divine Elephant Fist, a complement to the Divine Elephant Strength technique, was a fist style Lu Sheng had recently compiled after retrieving it from the spatial ring he took from Shi Ying—

Along with other techniques like Elephant Trunk Fist!

Noticing his lack of powerful fist techniques, Lu Sheng had been rehearsing this style in his mind after deciding to spar with Lu Yunfei.

Fortunately, the Divine Elephant Fist’s moves were simple, and Lu Sheng learned quickly.

Its core strength lay in sheer power. With Lu Sheng’s strength amplified by the Three Treasures Wish Technique to over seventy-two thousand pounds, very few below the Martial Sect could withstand it.

At this moment, Lu Yunfei, observing Lu Sheng’s style, keenly realized—

If he took this fist head-on, even if he survived, he could be seriously injured!

"Divine Elephant Fist... isn’t that the technique of the mighty Shi Ying?"

"Could it be that Lu Sheng learned this ultimate skill after defeating him?"

At this point, Lu Yunfei was still unaware that Lu Sheng had acquired this technique by killing Shi Ying.

Otherwise, he would only feel horror.

After all, defeating an Earth List member and killing one were entirely different matters.

No matter how Lu Sheng managed to kill Shi Ying, it meant—

His life was potentially under threat from Lu Sheng!