Unrivaled Martial Emperor

Chapter 35 - Pressure

“Now you know why Zhong Li acts so arrogantly.” Qin Changkong, feeling somewhat helpless, explained to Chen Fan the reason behind Zhong Li's arrogant behavior.

Despite being an expert in the Yuanfu realm and capable of easily killing Zhong Li, Qin Changkong didn't dare to do so because Zhong Li was a member of Heaven's Alliance.

Being the alliance leader for the outer sect held significant authority within the Spring Autumn Sect, similar to that of a commander.

In the whole Spring Autumn Sect, no matter the outer or inner sect, from elders to disciples, showed utmost respect to Heaven's Alliance.

Even the Outer Sect Master had to give Zhong Li some face, not because of Zhong Li himself, but because of his connection to Duan Jingtian.

Becoming a member of Heaven's Alliance was a coveted status that all disciples aspired to achieve, and it came with a sense of pride. Of course, not just anyone could become one of their members.

Once someone attained the status of being a Heaven's Alliance member or became affiliated with them, they could essentially act freely within the sect, regardless of their cultivation level.

A bitter smile appeared on Chen Fan’s face as he realized his previous misconception.

When he had killed Liao Feng, the latter used the Heaven’s Alliance’s name to threaten Chen Fan. He hadn't taken it seriously then, assuming that the leader of the Heaven's Alliance would, at best, be a Qi Grandmaster.

While he wasn't entirely mistaken, as Zhong Li was indeed a Qi Grandmaster, he was merely the alliance leader for the outer sect.

The true leader of Heaven's Alliance, revered by countless disciples and feared like a god, was Duan Jingtian—a man who shone as brightly as the sun.

Even when Chen Fan was the weakest among the outer sect disciples and was the target of bullying, he had never heard of Zhong Li but frequently heard Duan Jingtian’s name.

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He, too, used to blindly idolize Duan Jingtian, unaware that he was the actual leader of Heaven's Alliance. Now, Chen Fan had unknowingly stirred up trouble with Zhong Li, the alliance leader for the outer sect, and had even taken the life of one of their members, Liao Fan.

Chen Fan felt like an insurmountable mountain loomed over him, filling him with despair. This mountainous presence belonged to none other than Duan Jingtian.

That name weighed heavily on his heart.

“Duan Jingtian, Duan Jingtian, Duan Jingtian...” Chen Fan whispered. Suddenly, he raised his head. “So what if it’s Duan Jingtian? He can make others look up to him, worship him, and establish the Heaven’s Alliance because of his strength. But if I surpass him, it will be him looking up to me, worshiping me, and fearing me!”

I don’t like causing trouble, but I am not afraid of it either. So what if he is Duan Jingtian? If he dares to provoke me, there will come a day when I will bring him down from his pedestal and trample him beneath my feet.

For three years, I’ve suffered countless humiliation and bullying. Even when I had no power, those people couldn’t break my spirit or make me bow down to them. Now that I’m practicing a heaven-defying cultivation technique, I am like an eagle soaring in the sky. I am a dragon swimming in the depths of the sea. I am destined to rise, and that makes it even more impossible for me to submit.

Martial artists should have a backbone, arrogance, and ambition. Without these three qualities, how can I call myself a martial artist? Martial arts embody courage and a relentless pursuit of improvement. Poverty and a lower status can’t shake their wills, and they mustn’t submit to the mighty.

Boom, boom, boom!

Chen Fan’s aura burst forth like a sharp sword piercing the heavens, making the winds shift and the clouds move.

“This...”

Qin Changkong’s expression changed watching this scene unfold.

Although he couldn’t hear Chen Fan’s thoughts, he keenly sensed an indescribable transformation taking place within him.

At the Martial Arts Pavilion:

The Pavilion Guard Elder was leaning against the steps, sleeping. Suddenly, he raised his head and looked somewhere. It was as if he could penetrate space and distance to watch Chen Fan's residence.

“Good! Good! Good! He’s indeed a good seedling. If he is nurtured properly, perhaps...”

The Pavilion Guard Elder’s eyes flickered brightly, seemingly having witnessed the birth of a potential genius. However, just as quickly as the excitement appeared, it dissipated.

“Forget it. It’s better to keep observing.”

......

Having figured out the crucial point and solidified his inner resolve, Chen Fan seemed somewhat different.

The imposing silhouette of Duan Jingtian that had loomed over his heart vanished without a trace.

It was the baptism of his mind, leaving Chen Fan feeling purified and fresh.

His thoughts were clear and focused, and the barrier separating him from the sixth level seemed to have shattered. All he needed was sufficient primeval qi to advance his cultivation level immediately.

“Xiaofan, you just...” Qin Changkong, astonished by the sudden change in Chen Fan, looked at him in disbelief, unsure of what had just happened.

Chen Fan smiled, “It’s nothing, Uncle Qin. I have simply gained clarity and resolved to reach the heights that Duan Jingtian currently occupies. In fact, I believe I can surpass him in the future.”

Qin Changkong was momentarily stunned; soon, a smile spread across his face as he patted Chen Fan's shoulder. “Good. It's commendable to have such ambitions. Uncle Qin will wait for this day to arrive.”

“But right now, you’ve offended Zhong Li. So, every outer sect member of the Heaven’s Alliance will target you at the Outer Sect Grand Competition. And there’s also Zhao Hu’s matter. I know Chen Changfeng is behind the three tigers of the outer sect.”

“Chen Changfeng’s background isn’t simple, either. Although he isn’t someone from Heaven’s Alliance, he’s the grandson of an inner sect elder and should not be taken lightly. I heard Chen Changfeng is in secluded cultivation, attempting to break through to the eighth level. You must be careful if you encounter him at the Outer Sect Grand Competition.”

“Mhm, I know.” Chen Fan nodded.

Indeed, he was feeling some pressure in his heart.

Although his cultivation couldn’t be considered weak among outer sect disciples, he wasn’t at the top either.

Take Zhong Li, for example. With his Qi Grandmaster cultivation, he could injure and kill Chen Fan using only his aura. If they ran into each other at the Outer Sect Grand Competition, Chen Fan wouldn’t be a match for him, even if he broke through to the sixth or the seventh level.

There was also Chen Changfeng, the grandson of an inner sect elder. His background wasn’t ordinary, either. He was most likely much stronger than others of the same cultivation level. If Chen Fan were to encounter him, it would be equally dangerous.

With these thoughts in mind, Chen Fan felt tremendous pressure weighing on him despite his determined mindset.

I’m still weak. I can’t relax at all. Keep cultivating. It’s like rowing a boat against the current. If I’m not advancing, then I’m falling back. I have to maintain a sense of urgency at all times.

But this pressure can also be a good thing. It fuels my motivation. I still have a few days. I’ll try to increase my cultivation as much as possible during this period. By then, I’ll at least have some confidence, even if I’m against Zhong Li or Chen Changfeng.

Chen Fan thought to himself.

“Alright, Xiaofan. I won’t say much else. If you come across Zhong Li or Chen Changfeng at the Outer Sect Grand Competition, admit defeat immediately. As long as the verdant mountain remains, there’ll always be wood to burn. You understand the meaning of this idiom, right?” Qin Changkong advised thoughtfully.

The young tend to be proud and hot-blooded, often acting impulsively and losing their lives easily. Therefore, he had to remind Chen Fan.

Chen Fan understood Qin Changkong’s good intentions. He smiled and said, “Don’t worry, Uncle Qin. I’m not that stupid. Refusing to admit defeat when I can’t win and waiting for them to kill me? That’s stupidity, not pride.”

“Good. It’s good that you understand.”

Qin Changkong smiled in relief. He stuffed the cloth pouch into Chen Fan’s bosom and said, “There are still a few more days. Cultivate well. I’ll get going first.”