Starting With The Martial Arts Holy Fire Order

Chapter 008 – Ling Yihan Steps In for the Duel

“That’s nonsense! The Ming Cult stands for honor and integrity.

We’re not as despicable as you think, you brat!” Zhou Dian couldn’t hold back and cursed.

Yang Dingtian raised his hand to silence him.

“Years ago, I made a promise to your father that the time and place of this duel would be decided by his heir.

A true man keeps his word.”

Sitting beside him, Madam Yang looked worried.

“Dingtian, you don’t know how to swim…”

Yang Dingtian shook his head, signaling her not to say any more.

Han Qianye sneered and took out a dagger from his sleeve.

“This dagger belonged to my late father.

If Cult Master Yang fears death and surrenders, he can kneel and bow three times to this dagger.

Our grudge will be settled, once and for all!”

The crowd gasped.

Green-Winged Bat King Wei Yixiao responded coldly,

“Han, you’re going too far!”

“How arrogant!” the Beggar Monk Say Not muttered indignantly.

Even the usually silent Right Messenger Fan Yao couldn’t contain himself.

“He’s trying to humiliate the Ming Cult.

Cult Master, you cannot endure such disgrace!”

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Han Qianye laughed loudly.

“Well, well, a renowned sect like the Ming Cult wouldn’t break a promise, right?

Cult Master Yang, either meet me in the Cold Jade Pool for our duel or bow to the dagger. The choice is yours!”

It was clear. If Yang Dingtian surrendered and bowed before the dagger, Han Qianye would end his own life with it to avoid dying at the hands of the Ming Cult.

The Hall of Holy Fire fell deathly silent.

Although the Ming Cult had many formidable warriors, including the Light Left and Right Messengers, the Three Kings, and the Five Scatters, all capable and strategic, none had a solution for this predicament.

Everyone understood Han Qianye’s intentions—to force Yang Dingtian to die as revenge for his father’s humiliating defeat and kneeling. Then, he would take his own life.

Anxiously, Hu Qingyang whispered to Ling Yihan,

“What do we do? If this keeps up, Cult Master Yang’s reputation will be ruined!”

Ding! Side quest activated: Defeat Han Qianye.

Quest reward: The ultimate technique of the Flower Palace, ‘Flower Shifting and Jade Transference’.

The system’s voice suddenly echoed in Ling Yihan’s mind.

Perfect timing, Ling Yihan thought with a smirk.

He looked at Hu Qingyang with a playful smile.

“If I can solve this problem, will you reward me?”

Hu Qingyang let out a small, exasperated laugh.

“Brother Ling! Of all times, you’re joking now? If you can really help the Ming Cult get out of this mess, then… then I’ll let you do whatever you want.”

Her worry was so intense that she blurted it out without thinking, believing that even with so many Ming Cult experts stumped, Ling Yihan alone couldn’t possibly solve this.

“Alright, you said it. Don’t go back on your word.” Ling Yihan chuckled.

At that moment, he moved swiftly, stepping gracefully before Han Qianye and bowing respectfully to Yang Dingtian.

“Master, let me take your place and duel with Young Hero Han. Since his father produced such an admirable son, could you not have an equally worthy disciple? With us in the same generation, I am the most fitting opponent for him in this duel.”

The crowd was stunned. He called Cult Master Yang ‘Master’? But they soon realized that Young Master Ling must be pretending to be Yang Dingtian’s disciple to break the deadlock.

However, none of them had seen Ling Yihan demonstrate his martial skills, and given his young age, they doubted his abilities, especially for a duel in the freezing Cold Jade Pool.

Grateful but reluctant, Yang Dingtian tried to dissuade him.

“My dear disciple, I understand your intentions, but I cannot let you risk yourself for me.”

His words made it clear. This duel was a Ming Cult affair, and as an outsider, Ling Yihan need not endanger himself.

Ling Yihan smiled.

“Master, have you forgotten?

I grew up by the sea and am well-versed in swimming.

The Cold Jade Pool is nothing to worry about.”

Han Qianye sneered,

“If this young man wishes to take his master’s place, I have no objections.

But if he loses, Cult Master Yang will still have to kneel to this dagger…”

But as he raised the dagger to emphasize his words, he realized his hands were empty.

Ling Yihan held up the dagger with a faint smile.

“Young Hero Han, are you looking for this?”

The crowd was astonished, wondering when Ling Yihan had taken it.

“When… when did you take it from me?” Han Qianye demanded, staring at the dagger in Ling Yihan’s hand, stunned.

Ling Yihan examined the dagger with a smirk.

“This dull thing is your father’s treasured relic?

Its quality seems poor—barely sharp enough to cut anything!”

With a casual grip, he bent the blade out of shape.

“Here, take back this piece of junk.”

Ling Yihan tossed the twisted dagger back to Han Qianye.

The entire hall watched in shock. For someone so young, Ling Yihan possessed an astounding level of internal power.

Even the Light Messengers and the Three Kings, experts themselves, were awed.

Looking down at the bent blade, Han Qianye’s expression shifted.

“Young Master Ling’s internal power is indeed remarkable. Truly, a great teacher produces a worthy student. I am humbled.”

“Enough talk.

Tomorrow at noon, the Cold Jade Pool.” Ling Yihan’s eyes were cold as he addressed him.

Han Qianye nodded.

“Agreed.”

Without another word, he turned and left the Hall of Holy Fire.

After he left, Yang Dingtian looked at Ling Yihan sternly.

“Young Master Ling, that was reckless…”

Ling Yihan shook his head, smiling.

“Cult Master Yang, don’t worry.

Since I’ve accepted this duel, I won’t disappoint you or the Ming Cult.

Just wait for tomorrow’s show.”

“Very well.

But be careful.

The Cold Jade Pool is icy cold, and though your internal power is deep, don’t overdo it and risk your life.”

Yang Dingtian reminded him one last time.

Ling Yihan nodded.

“Understood.”

Hu Qingyang said nothing but looked at him with deep concern, while Dai Qisi, watching from a distance, found herself more and more intrigued by Ling Yihan.