Before Ling Xiao’s turn, the most attention-grabbing event was Ling Zhan challenging Ling Yihang.
However, this time, Ling Zhan lost very decisively.
The ferocity of Ling Yihang’s saber was truly frightening, and some even believed he might be the only one capable of threatening Ling Yun and Ling Feifan.
Of course, the battle ended too quickly to be considered thrilling.
Until the tenth-ranked Ling Xiao’s turn came, there hadn’t been any matches that could ignite the audience’s passion.
Suddenly, when Ling Xiao stood up, ready to issue a challenge, the venue exploded with excitement, with almost all of the Ling Family disciples shouting Ling Yun’s name.
With Ling Xiao challenging Ling Yun, they naturally supported Ling Yun.
Even the fans of Ling Feifan temporarily supported Ling Yun at this moment.
"Would that Ling Xiao dare to challenge Brother Ling Yun?"
"I think it’s all talk. When it’s actually his turn, he might not have the courage to challenge."
"That’s true. Brother Ling Yun is the only one who could challenge Brother Feifan’s top spot. It’s already impressive that Ling Xiao managed to secure a top ten ranking."
"You all clearly don’t understand Ling Xiao well enough. If he said those words, he won’t go back on them!"
"Right, hasn’t Ling Xiao also not used his real skill?"
Surprisingly, it was a group of female fans who originally belonged to Ling Shuang who supported Ling Xiao.
But thinking about it, it made sense. Ling Shuang was badly defeated by Ling Yun, so her fans were definitely not happy. Even if they didn’t hold much expectation for Ling Xiao, they would surely support him.
What if a miracle occurred?
Nearly everyone present was waiting for the answer to this question.
Second Master Ling’s brows furrowed slightly.
He was unwilling for Ling Xiao to challenge Ling Yun because he didn’t have high hopes for Ling Xiao either; he felt that would be like Ling Xiao falling for someone else’s provocation.
Ling Xiao looked at Ling Yun and suddenly revealed a strange smile.
"What is this kid up to?"
Ling Yun suddenly felt that something wasn’t quite right.
"I want to challenge the top-ranked Ling Feifan!"
Ling Xiao’s eyes blazed with a confident light.
This was a decision he made on the fly.
What was the point of defeating Ling Yun? Defeating Ling Feifan directly would be a bigger blow to Ling Yun than beating Ling Yun himself.
After all, Ling Yun had always been defeated by Ling Feifan’s hand for the past three years, and not a single person had won against Ling Feifan during that time.
So Ling Yun felt only he was qualified to defeat Ling Feifan.
If Ling Feifan were to be defeated by Ling Xiao, just thinking about it was thrilling.
Of course, Ling Xiao didn’t fully expect to win against Ling Feifan, not even a sixty percent chance of winning.
The key was he didn’t understand this Ling Feifan.
But what of it? He still had four more challenge opportunities anyway. If he won, the issue would be resolved directly; losing was no big deal.
If he didn’t dare to challenge under these circumstances, that would truly be cowardly.
Ling Xiao was challenging not Ling Yun but Ling Feifan, who was stronger and more enigmatic than Ling Yun!
"Ling Xiao, you bastard! Why won’t you challenge me!" Ling Yun roared, standing up.
"Because you’re not qualified enough for me to challenge you," Ling Xiao said indifferently, "Although Ling Feifan isn’t really qualified either, he’s slightly stronger than you and just barely interesting enough for me to consider."
Has this guy gone mad?
The second-ranked genius of Genius Hall isn’t qualified enough for his challenge?
Even the top-ranked genius isn’t qualified?
Does he really think he’s better than the first and second at Genius Hall?
Ling Feifan had never paid much attention to Ling Xiao, but this time, he couldn’t ignore him.
Even if he had the patience of a saint, being looked down on was something he couldn’t stand.
However, Ling Xiao didn’t care what he thought; by occupying the top spot, he had to be ready to face challenges.
He looked towards the judges, then said loudly, "You said earlier that I’m not worthy of the same privileges as Ling Feifan, and now I’m going to show you whether I am qualified!"
A flicker of excitement appeared in Ling Xiaotian’s eyes.
How many years had it been? Too many disciples were too meek, never daring to challenge authority or the established rules.
So no matter how exceptional they were, they could only get by in Tianfeng City.
The emergence of Ling Xiao gave him a glimpse of hope.
"Let’s see if you’re all talk or if you truly have the skills!"
If someone capable is arrogant, that’s not called arrogance; that’s called confident dominance!
If someone incapable is arrogant, that’s not called arrogance; that’s called foolish ignorance!
Is Ling Xiao confidently dominant or foolishly ignorant?
Ling Xiaotian really wanted to know the answer.
"Ling Xiao, you are the most ignorant of all the disciples I have seen! Change your mind, and I’ll pretend you never said those words!"
The speaker was the chief judge.
He had a somewhat favorable impression of Ling Xiao, but Ling Xiao actually challenging Ling Feifan made him think the boy was being utterly unreasonable.
Is Ling Feifan someone you can challenge?
For a lower-ranked disciple, making it to the tenth rank in Genius Hall was already no small feat, yet he still fancied challenging the top-ranked Ling Feifan—what is that if not ignorance?
"Chief judge, I used to have a lot of respect for you, especially during the elimination round when you stopped Ling Shisan from breaking the rules of the competition! But now, I am increasingly disappointed in you. Why can’t I challenge Ling Feifan? Why am I not qualified?"
Ling Xiao shouted, "Chief judge, I have no desire to argue with you over this matter, but if I win against Ling Feifan, I hope you’ll apologize for your ignorance and foolishness!"
"Ling Xiao! You’ve gone too far! Someone, take this disrespectful brat away!"
Ling Jiu stood up and yelled.
"Yes, someone come quickly!"
Ling Shisan also chimed in, egging on.
"What a joke, I have no manners? Do unto others as you would have them do unto you! How can those who don’t respect others expect to be respected themselves?"
Ling Xiao sneered, "In the entire Ling Family, there are three people I admire the most: one is my grandfather, one is Second Master Ling, and another is Old Clan Leader Ling!"
By saying this, he was being somewhat shrewd; even if he offended some, it was important not to offend them all.
Moreover, Ling Xiaotian’s actions were relatively fair, and he truly respected the old man somewhat more.
"Hahaha, well said about doing unto others! Well said!"
Ling Xiaotian laughed heartily, "This challenge is allowed by the rules; no one can hinder you. And Chief Judge, as a judge and the head at that, do not violate the rules."
Nobody dislikes those who respect them.
Ling Xiaotian was no exception.
Plus, he was the one most eager to see Ling Xiao challenge Ling Feifan—how could he let this challenge end abruptly?
The chief judge had simply been too protective of Ling Feifan, which led to his outburst, but in reality, he was still relatively fair, having no grudges against Ling Xiao.
On the other hand, Ling Jiu and Ling Shisan were so angry that they trembled, but what could they do? In the face of Ling Xiaotian, they didn’t dare to make a peep.
"What’s your name again?"
Ling Feifan was still seated there, then squinted his eyes toward Ling Xiao and asked.
"Never mind, your name isn’t important."
Before Ling Xiao could answer, Ling Feifan interrupted him.
"Anyway, you’ll be off the stage soon enough, I really don’t know who gave you the courage to step up and challenge me. This joke, it’s not funny in the slightest."