Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
The annual Outer Disciple Martial Tournament of Canglan Martial Academy officially began.
The entire academy was bustling with noise and excitement. All disciples gathered on the main martial arena, waiting to witness the battles.
The tournament was not only a chance to show off one's strength but also the only way to be promoted to an Inner Disciple and obtain more cultivation resources.
For most disciples, this was a once‑in‑a‑year opportunity.
But for Lin Chen, it was just a stage for him to rise.
In the past three days, he had signed in at the academy every morning.
[Ding! Sign‑in at Canglan Martial Academy successful! Reward: Intermediate Body‑Refining Art!]
[Ding! Sign‑in at Canglan Martial Academy successful! Reward: 50 years of internal energy!]
[Ding! Sign‑in at Canglan Martial Academy successful! Reward: Low‑grade spirit weapon—Black Iron Sword!]
His strength had already far exceeded the realm of ordinary Ninth Layer of Body Tempering. Even some weak Inner Disciples were no match for him.
At this moment, Lin Chen stood quietly in the corner of the crowd, dressed in a simple gray robe. His aura was restrained, looking no different from an ordinary disciple.
However, wherever he passed, the surrounding disciples all stepped back in fear, their eyes filled with awe and dread.
The incident three days ago had already spread throughout the academy.
The useless trash who had been stuck at the Third Layer for three years had suddenly broken through to the Ninth Layer and severely injured Zhao Hu with one slap.
This news was like a thunderclap, shocking everyone.
"Look, that's Lin Chen!"
"I can't believe he's actually that strong now!"
"Zhao Hu was a top‑tier Outer Disciple, but he got beaten like that…"
Whispers spread everywhere.
At this moment, a cold gaze suddenly locked onto Lin Chen.
Lin Chen frowned slightly and looked up.
He saw a tall young man in a blue robe standing on the high platform of the arena, staring at him with killing intent in his eyes.
The man was about eighteen years old, with a fierce face. His cultivation had reached the peak of the Ninth Layer of Body Tempering, and he was only one step away from breaking through to the True Martial Realm.
He was Zhao Kun, Zhao Hu's cousin!
And also a direct subordinate of Elder Song, one of the three great elders of the academy!
Elder Song had always been at odds with the academy's headmaster. He had been secretly suppressing ordinary disciples who had no background, and Zhao Hu had always been his lackey.
Now that Lin Chen had severely injured Zhao Hu, he had undoubtedly become a thorn in Elder Song's side.
Zhao Kun slowly walked down from the high platform, his eyes fixed on Lin Chen, and he said coldly, "Lin Chen, you dare to hurt my cousin. Today, I will break your limbs and avenge him!"
His voice was loud, echoing throughout the entire arena.
In an instant, all eyes turned to Lin Chen.
The surrounding disciples were all shocked.
"Zhao Kun is going to attack Lin Chen!"
"Zhao Kun is much stronger than Zhao Hu! He's one of the top ten Outer Disciples!"
"Lin Chen is in trouble! Elder Song is behind Zhao Kun. The academy will definitely favor Zhao Kun!"
Sure enough, as soon as Zhao Kun finished speaking, an old man with a gloomy face sitting on the referee's bench suddenly spoke.
"The tournament rules: any disciple can challenge anyone. Zhao Kun, you may challenge Lin Chen now!"
The old man was none other than Elder Song!
He openly supported his subordinate, ignoring fairness.
A hint of coldness flashed in Lin Chen's eyes.
He had long known that after he became strong, those who had bullied him would not let him go.
Especially Elder Song, who had been secretly targeting him because he had no background.
Now, they were using the tournament to openly target him!
Zhao Kun grinned grimly and stepped onto the arena.
"Lin Chen! Get up here! I'll let you know what happens when you offend Elder Song!"
The entire arena fell silent.
Everyone looked at Lin Chen, waiting for his response.
Some felt sympathy, some watched the fun, and some gloated.
Even Su Muxue, who was standing in the distance, frowned slightly. She did not like Lin Chen, but she also disliked Elder Song's blatant favoritism.
However, she did not speak.
Under everyone's gaze, Lin Chen slowly lifted his feet.
His face was calm, without the slightest fear.
He walked step by step toward the arena.
Every step he took seemed to step on everyone's heart.
When he stepped onto the arena, Lin Chen looked at Zhao Kun and said calmly,
"You want to avenge Zhao Hu?"
"Then come."
"I'll let you and your master, Elder Song, know—"
"From today on, no one can target me!"