"You just don’t understand, liking someone sometimes isn’t just about looks. I have deep experience with that," someone laughed from the side.
People turned their attention to the woman, discussing animatedly.
"Pingsheng, come down. Let’s go," the woman shouted.
"Xiaoxiao, how did you get here," Ren Pingsheng’s face slightly changed.
He hurriedly said, "You were supposed to be resting in your room. Why did you come out?
"If I didn’t come out now, how much longer would you all carry on," Shang Xiaoxiao replied.
"I don’t want to yield any longer," Ren Pingsheng fell silent for a moment, then turned his head to look at Ao Nan.
He said lightly, "I will battle you, but right now, it’s my fight with him."
He held the Sun Devouring Axe in his hand, stepping towards Wang Lang.
"Azure Dragon Crown Prince, save me, save me," Wang Lang stepped back, urgently yelling.
Now, he had no trace of the will to fight; he just wished to leave this place alive.
He also felt remorse for his own recklessness.
The Azure Dragon Crown Prince slightly frowned.
This fight to the death could not be stopped unless both sides stood down, especially with so many witnesses present. He could do nothing.
Of course, I hadn’t truly intended to stop it.
He was merely showing the crowd he had tried.
But some things were out of his hands.
Wang Lang continued to plead for help.
But Ren Pingsheng exuded an astonishing presence, the Sun Devouring Axe in his hand constantly releasing the Swallowing Power’s suppression.
"Let him go. We shall fight," the Azure Dragon Crown Prince said indifferently.
"You’re so keen on getting me to leave Shang Xiaoxiao alone.
Killing him would be useless. I am the root cause."
Hearing the Azure Dragon Crown Prince’s words, Ren Pingsheng slightly furrowed his brow.
The statement was indeed correct—killing Wang Lang was useless.
He was just a lackey; as long as the master lived, there would never be a shortage of lackeys.
"If you’re scared, I advise you to back out early," the Azure Dragon Crown Prince continued.
"The right match for Xiaoxiao is me, lest you end up utterly disgraced and defamed."
"Ao Nan, what are you saying? I’m not interested in you," Shang Xiaoxiao coldly looked at Ao Nan and said.
"Feelings can be fostered, and I have all the time in the world," Ao Nan said with a big laugh.
"I represent the Imperial Rule Immortal Sect of the Ancient Dragon Dynasty, with two emperors in one sect.
What status do you, Ren Pingsheng, think you have? Don’t you know yourself?
What makes you think you can compete with me, when you don’t even have the courage for a direct fight?"
Hearing the Azure Dragon Crown Prince’s words, among the audience watching below, some started to murmur, whether intentionally or not, just loud enough for Ren Pingsheng to hear.
"Hiding behind a woman, might as well withdraw."
"That’s right, relying on a woman for protection, what right does he have to compete with the Azure Dragon Crown Prince?"
"If the outcome is destined to be a failure, it’s better to give up sooner and not waste others’ time."
Enraged, Ren Pingsheng’s face turned deathly pale, and he brought the Sun Devouring Axe down heavily.
A roar erupted from his throat as he cleaved the opponent in two with a single strike.
He turned his head to look at the Azure Dragon Crown Prince.
He said coolly, "Get up here."
"Do you mean to fight me to the death?" the Azure Dragon Crown Prince was taken aback and asked.
"Yes," Ren Pingsheng replied flatly.
"Pingsheng, what are you doing? You’re no match for him," Shang Xiaoxiao yelled anxiously from below.
"Xiaoxiao, this is about my honor," Ren Pingsheng turned and said.
"I have to reclaim my dignity, even if it means sacrificing my life."
"Ren Pingsheng, you bastard," Shang Xiaoxiao yelled grievously.
"If you die, I definitely won’t live on alone."
Hearing the words of the two men, the Azure Dragon Crown Prince seemed a bit put out.
He threw the life and death contract in his hand over.
Saying, "If you dare, then sign it.
Otherwise, whenever you see me in the future, take a detour."
Just as Ren Pingsheng was about to sign, a light laugh suddenly came from a distance.
"Long time no see, Pingsheng."
Hearing the familiar voice, Ren Pingsheng was stunned.
His pupils suddenly constricted, he looked up with some disbelief.
The outline of that man reappeared in front of him.
"You," Ren Pingsheng stared blankly at Xu Zimei.
He had never imagined that the two of them would meet here and in such a manner.
"It has been a long time," Xu Zimei said with a nod and a smile.
"Master," Ren Pingsheng softly called out.
He had always addressed Xu Zimei that way.
Initially, he had resolved to follow Xu Zimei and thus gained the legacy of his ancestor, the Sun Devouring Emperor.
But as time went on, the opportunities for them to meet grew fewer and fewer.
Xu Zimei was growing too quickly, so much so that he could no longer fit into his world.
In the end, he had taken the ancestor’s legacy and left the Eastern Continent, only through continuous trials and challenges had he achieved today’s success.
"Come down and let’s talk," Xu Zimei beckoned.
Ren Pingsheng hesitated, giving the Azure Dragon Crown Prince a glance.
"Master, please allow me to finish this duel first, if I survive, I will surely follow you."
"Foolhardily engaging in a fight you know you can’t win is sheer stupidity," Xu Zimei said indifferently.
"It’s about my dignity," Ren Pingsheng quickly defended.
"What dignity does a weakling have, what right do they have to speak of dignity?"
Xu Zimei said, "Begging others, forcing a smile, staying thankful.
Living just for yourself?"
Hearing Xu Zimei’s words, Ren Pingsheng looked up at Shang Xiaoxiao.
At this moment, Shang Xiaoxiao stood there, tears rolling down uncontrollably from her eyes.
At this moment, his heart felt pierced by pain.
"Kid, you better not meddle in others’ business, this is between him and me," Ao Nan warned, looking at Xu Zimei.
"If you won’t sign, there should be an end to this, otherwise I will not let Xiaoxiao go."
"You wanted a life and death battle, right? I’ll sign with you," Xu Zimei laughed.
He reached out and took the life and death contract from Ren Pingsheng’s hands.
"Kid, I’m not interested in you," Ao Nan replied indifferently.
"Oh? Are you scared?" Xu Zimei laughed.
"You won’t even know how you’ll die," Ao Nan replied darkly.
Xu Zimei smiled and signed his name on the contract.
"Master," Ren Pingsheng looked at Xu Zimei with a mix of hesitation and gratitude.
"Anyway, you started out with me," Xu Zimei waved his hand dismissively.
"I don’t want to hear any more unnecessary words."
Watching Xu Zimei ascend the Combat Stage, the lady in the white dress who had left returned and watched with interest from the steps.
The crowd below also buzzed with discussion.
"Don’t you think he looks familiar? This guy seems to be one of the two who reached the tenth floor of the Tower of Heavenly Dao."
After observing for a while, someone said uncertainly.
"Yeah, he looks so much like that person, it’s probably him."
As more and more people recognized Xu Zimei, the crowd at the Ten Thousand Martial Stage grew larger.
After all, everyone at the Heavenly Dao Academy was very interested in the so-called two Talented Disciples of the year.