Night Watcher Headquarters.
13th Floor.
The duel arena here was constructed from special materials, capable of withstanding the destructive force of high-level combat.
Under Sikong Xi's lead, Bai Jue and Qian Chen arrived at the arena.
Di Yao and Meng Qiwei followed behind, clearly planning to spectate.
"You may begin,"
Sikong Xi said as she stepped aside, a hint of interest in her eyes.
"Hmph."
Qian Chen's hands suddenly turned crimson as flames erupted from his palms. His gaze was filled with disdain.
"Kid, prepare yourself for defeat."
The moment his voice fell—
Boom!
Qian Chen stomped forward. Fire exploded beneath his feet, propelling him forward at terrifying speed. His body became a streak of red, like a blazing phantom rushing toward Bai Jue, heat rolling off him in waves.
Minor Heat.
One of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms.
Its power manifested as flames—but unlike Major Heat, the fire could only cling to the user's body, making it best suited for close combat. Minor Heat users couldn't project flames freely; everything depended on physical engagement.
"Flame Dragon!"
Qian Chen roared.
As he closed the distance, he threw a punch. Fire surged violently, wrapping around his fist and forming the head of a blazing dragon. The heat was terrifying, roaring as it smashed forward—clearly intending to end the fight in a single blow.
Contempt burned openly in Qian Chen's eyes.
A mere High-Tier Apprentice dares challenge me?
What does he think he's using to win?
In Qian Chen's mind, he could already see it—
Bai Jue crushed to the ground, defeated in one punch, writhing in pain.
And himself, collecting a thousand points, exchanging them for a superior cultivation technique, growing stronger, and one day stepping into one of the Twelve Main Cities.
But—
Faced with this attack, Bai Jue's expression remained utterly calm.
No panic.
No tension.
At the very last moment, he raised his right hand and spread his fingers.
Black mist surged.
Behind him, Ghost Gate Pass manifested.
Towering city walls rose. The massive gate stood wide open.
From within came the howls and roars of countless ghosts.
Atop the city wall sat a single figure.
The Ghost Bride.
Dressed in red, seated gracefully like a noble lady.
Bai Jue spoke calmly.
"Ghost Bride—act."
Yesterday, he still couldn't summon her.
But now, he could.
Though with his current prayer power, he could only sustain her for one minute.
Still—
One minute was more than enough.
At his command, the Ghost Bride slowly raised her head.
Though her face was hidden beneath a red veil, everyone present could feel it—
A gaze.
One that pierced through the black mist and locked onto them.
The next instant—
She stood and took a single step forward.
Her form blurred.
And then she was already standing before Bai Jue.
As Qian Chen's blazing punch arrived, the Ghost Bride merely lifted her hand and waved gently.
Her red sleeves fluttered.
"—Ugh!"
Qian Chen froze mid-attack.
An overwhelming force of psychic pressure slammed down on him, instantly locking his body in place. His movements stopped completely as if invisible hands had seized him, lifting him straight into the air.
It was as though something was strangling his throat.
His face flushed deep red. Breathing became impossible.
He thrashed violently, struggling in panic.
The Ghost Bride turned her head slightly, looking toward Bai Jue.
As long as he nodded, she would crush Qian Chen's neck without hesitation.
"Throw him away,"
Bai Jue said calmly.
She nodded.
With another flick of her hand, Qian Chen was sent flying like a ragdoll, smashing violently into the distant wall.
Bang!
He slammed hard against it, blood spraying from his mouth as he collapsed to the ground, his face deathly pale.
Disbelief filled his eyes.
"A—a third-rank Ghost King?!"
"How is that possible?!"
"How could you possibly have a Ghost King?!"
He stared at Bai Jue, his voice trembling in terror.
"Why wouldn't it be possible?"
Bai Jue waved his hand casually.
"You lost. Just like how you thought losing was impossible."
The black mist dispersed as the Ghost Bride retreated back into the Underworld Palace.
Bai Jue turned to Sikong Xi.
"Looks like my reward should be ready."
"Of course,"
Sikong Xi replied with a smile.
"I'll have it delivered shortly."
Qian Chen had a reward for winning—
Naturally, Bai Jue did as well.
For others, it might not be particularly valuable.
But for Bai Jue, it was priceless.
A personal record left behind by a previous Zhongyuan Festival awakener—
detailing how they increased Zhongyuan's recognition and cultivated their power.
As for Qian Chen?
Bai Jue didn't spare him another glance.
Neither did Sikong Xi.
Someone who couldn't recognize reality wasn't worth her attention—Festival Envoy or not.
Just then—
Meng Qiwei's expression turned strange.
He stepped beside Sikong Xi and whispered a few words.
Her face changed instantly. She pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration.
"These old foxes… they move fast."
"What's wrong?"
Bai Jue asked.
"Someone's here—no, a whole group,"
Sikong Xi said helplessly.
"And they're here for you."
"For me?"
Bai Jue blinked in confusion.
At that moment—
The arena doors swung open.
A middle-aged man in military uniform strode in, smiling broadly. His eyes immediately locked onto Sikong Xi.
"Little Xi, long time no see! You're looking more beautiful than ever!"
"Heh… Uncle Li,"
Sikong Xi replied with a forced smile.
"It has been a while. Might I ask what brings you to Tiankui City?"
"Hahaha!"
The man laughed heartily.
"I heard your city produced a genius, so I came to take a look."
He turned to Bai Jue and immediately launched into praise.
"So you're Bai Jue, right? Zhongyuan Festival awakener? Excellent, truly excellent! A fine figure, handsome features, outstanding talent, boundless learning, rare genius among geniuses—"
"General… that's enough,"
a young man behind him whispered urgently.
The middle-aged man froze, then coughed awkwardly when he saw Bai Jue's twitching expression.
He stopped immediately and laughed again.
"Right, right. Let me introduce myself."
"My name is Li Aiguo, from the Tiangang City Night Watcher Forces."
Then, without wasting time, he looked straight at Bai Jue and spoke boldly:
"Bai Jue, how about it?"
"Interested in leaving Tiankui City and coming to Tiangang City with me?"
"Don't worry—whatever you want, as long as Tiangang City has it…"
"I'll steal it for you if I have to."
"Well?"
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