Chapter 22: The Closing Net!

The two men spoke back and forth, their words seemingly aimed at reminding Xu Kun, yet laced with thinly veiled mockery. It was as if they were suggesting that if Xu Kun continued to champion Lin Chen, it would tarnish the reputation of the Lihuo Sect.

However, Xu Kun merely offered a faint smile in response. "What can I do? He has already killed two men, and I must bring back a genius to fulfill my mission. Otherwise, the sect will think this elder is incompetent."

He paid no mind to their remarks. Since when could a mere eunuch and a city lord from the Great Cang Kingdom threaten the Lihuo Sect? Even if their sovereign himself were here, he would hardly dare to utter such threats before the sect! As the most powerful sect in the land of the five kingdoms, the Lihuo Sect possessed both the confidence and the authority to say as much.

The two men’s expressions shifted instantly. Did this mean he would not back down under any circumstances?

"Elder Xu, there is no need to be so hasty. Our Great Cang Kingdom is home to many young talents. If you hand over Lin Chen, I shall find another prodigy for you to take back to the sect to fulfill your quota. Desperate times call for desperate measures—I urge you to reconsider!" The old eunuch grinned, fished a pouch of spirit jade from his robes, and stepped forward to offer it to Xu Kun.

Xu Kun took the pouch and weighed it, his eyes lighting up. "You are quite generous, Eunuch!"

"Naturally. That is how I conduct myself and my affairs," the old eunuch replied, winking.

Xu Kun tucked the spirit jade away, resuming a professional air. "Since you put it that way, very well. Go and find a talent. If he can defeat Lin Chen, I shall say nothing more and leave Lin Chen to your disposal."

Upon hearing this, the old eunuch’s face turned ghastly. After a long pause, he stammered, "Elder Xu, are you mocking me?" Find another talent to defeat Lin Chen? What a joke. Zhao Long and Su Cheng were already formidable prodigies. While there were certainly stronger talents, they had long since been recruited as inner disciples by other sects. Who would break their heads for a spot as an outer disciple?

"That is where you are wrong. I am, after all, a man of the Lihuo Sect; I cannot simply bring back trash. The sect would have something to say about that." Xu Kun spoke with a stern face, his effeminate voice nearly causing the old eunuch to cough up blood. He had taken the money, yet refused to do the job.

Lin Chen cupped his hands and declared loudly, "Many thanks for your righteous support, Elder!" His purpose in coming here was to showcase his talent; while seeking revenge, he also intended to be recruited by the Lihuo Sect. The sect would not let a genius slip through their fingers for nothing, and since it was only an outer disciple position, the cost to the sect was negligible. Why not?

"Why waste breath on him? He killed my son; there is no way I will let him leave here alive today!"

Zhao Wuji’s pupils burned with a crimson hue, his composure slipping. His rage was mounting by the inch, like a volcano on the verge of eruption.

"Roar!" With a thunderous bellow, Zhao Wuji’s phantom beast manifested in the air—a sixth-rank Tortoise-Backed Giant Crocodile. The creature let out a series of roars that shook the very heavens.

"Thud!" The crocodile splayed its four legs, causing the arena floor to cave in under its weight.

"Oh, look at that! Carrying a turtle shell wherever you go—are you that afraid of dying? Do you just tuck yourself inside when you can’t win, like a cowardly turtle?" Tun Tun mocked loudly. He seemed to know that Xu Kun would protect Lin Chen, so he acted without restraint.

"Roar!" The Tortoise-Backed Giant Crocodile understood the insult and trembled with fury. With another roar, a dense surge of spiritual energy erupted, tearing the void asunder, accompanied by a sickening, pungent stench.

"City Lord Zhao, I apologize for the death of your son, but this is the nature of the life-and-death arena. Besides, you set the rules yourself. If not for your instigation, your son would not have met such an early end," Lin Chen said calmly, enunciating every word.

"Argh! You little beast, I’ll slaughter you!" Zhao Wuji was so enraged he nearly lost his mind.

"Enough." Xu Kun’s voice was like thunder, shaking the entire arena. In an instant, the aura exuded by Zhao Wuji was forcibly suppressed by Xu Kun. Zhao Wuji’s pupils contracted violently, leaving him in a dilemma. If he attacked, he knew he was no match for Xu Kun. If he did not, he would lose face before so many witnesses.

"Lin Chen, I, on behalf of the Lihuo Sect, welcome you to our ranks!" Xu Kun ignored the two men, walked over to Lin Chen, and said coolly, "You shall join the Lihuo Sect as the champion of the Great Cang Kingdom’s arena battle, becoming an outer disciple. If you are willing, take this sigil." He held a flaming sigil in his hand.

A flicker of excitement crossed Lin Chen’s eyes. This was exactly what he wanted. "I am willing!" Lin Chen reached out and grasped the flaming sigil.

The next moment, a surge of heat flowed from the sigil, nourishing his entire body. This flaming sigil, meticulously crafted by a spiritual master, was the mark of a Lihuo Sect disciple. Once accepted, a faint mark would appear on the disciple's forehead, distinguishing their status. With this sigil alone, as long as one wasn't overly arrogant, no one in the five kingdoms would dare to provoke them. The Lihuo Sect was simply too powerful, and its status was absolute.

The old eunuch glanced toward the depths of the imperial city, his eyes growing impatient. *Why haven't they arrived yet?*

"Hum!" Soon, Lin Chen felt the flaming sigil melt into his body. A faint itch at the center of his forehead signaled the formation of a faint flame pattern. Thus, it was confirmed: Lin Chen had joined the Lihuo Sect as an outer disciple.

"Let’s go. I will take you back to the sect." Xu Kun glanced at Tun Tun, perched on Lin Chen’s shoulder. "Your phantom beast… is quite unique."

"Tsk, at least you have some taste!" Tun Tun narrowed his eyes, beaming. Whether it was a compliment or not, he took it as one.

"You killed a prince of our royal family, and you think you can just leave?" At that moment, a roar echoed from the depths of the imperial city. Moments later, several figures flashed like lightning, hovering in the void. The leader wore golden armor, clutched a battle blade, and rode a giant eagle, his gaze razor-sharp.

"Lu Zhan?" Lin Chen frowned; he recognized him. The commander of the Imperial Guard and guardian of the palace, Lu Zhan! He possessed the combat power of the ninth level of the Earth Spirit Realm, a level higher than Xu Kun. He represented the absolute power of the royal family.

Behind Lu Zhan were two deputy commanders, both at the eighth level of the Earth Spirit Realm. Added to the old eunuch and Zhao Wuji, there were now four fighters at the eighth level and one at the ninth level. The five of them encircled Lin Chen and Xu Kun, trapping them in a pincer movement.