Hearing the news about Kuang Zhongtang, Chen Chang'an was somewhat surprised. But since they had crossed paths, it would be impolite not to meet. After all, they had known each other before, and back then, Kuang Zhongtang had left without a word.
This time, Kuang Zhongtang was challenging the strongest cultivator in the region spanning millions of miles—Zhou Wanpeng. The two had agreed to settle their duel at Withered Mountain, though no one knew how the news had leaked.
Now, Withered Mountain was crowded with spectators eager to witness the battle. Some had arrived as early as seven days before the fight to secure a good vantage point. By the time Chen Chang'an arrived, the place was already packed. However, the area closest to the battlefield remained sparsely occupied—after all, those without sufficient strength would meet a gruesome end if they ventured too close.
Under the astonished gazes of the crowd, Chen Chang'an strode forward and settled into a comfortable spot near the front.
"Damn, is this guy suicidal? That spot is way too close!"
"Looks like an idiot. Just ignore him."
"Does he think we're staying back because the view is bad? Hahaha!"
"If he wants to die, who can stop him?"
To the crowd, Chen Chang'an's actions were nothing short of a death wish. But after a few mocking remarks, they quickly lost interest in him.
Time passed slowly until, suddenly, two figures streaked across the sky from opposite directions. In the blink of an eye, they appeared above Withered Mountain, hovering in midair, paying no attention to the spectators below.
"Kuang Zhongtang, I’ve heard of you. But to challenge me? I must say, you’ve got guts," Zhou Wanpeng said, his eyes laced with mockery.
In response, Kuang Zhongtang burst into laughter.
"Hahaha!"
"I, Kuang Zhongtang, fear nothing—except not having a good fight!"
"If you want to grow stronger, battle is the best cultivation!"
"Though I am curious—how did so many people find out about our duel?"
Zhou Wanpeng didn’t bother hiding the truth. "I spread the word myself."
"What, afraid of losing face if you lose?"
"I just wanted everyone to know that Zhou Wanpeng isn’t someone to be trifled with."
Kuang Zhongtang didn’t care. His only goal was the fight itself—victory or defeat meant little to him, let alone others’ opinions.
"Enough talk. Let’s fight!"
Without further delay, Kuang Zhongtang lunged forward, launching his attack.
The two clashed in the sky, their battle fierce and relentless. The spectators below watched in awe, their excitement palpable.
"Incredible!"
"Is this the power of Immortal Death Realm experts?"
"Damn, I can’t even see their movements! But their aura is so oppressive—I can barely breathe!"
"If you’re too weak, you shouldn’t be here. Battles of this level aren’t for just anyone to witness!"
"I’ll do as I please. Who are you to stop me?"
The fight raged on, unaffected by the chatter below, growing even more intense. The shockwaves of their attacks forced the crowd to retreat further back.
Yet, Chen Chang'an remained seated, completely unfazed.
"Damn, this guy’s playing dumb! How is he unaffected by that pressure?"
"I’m at the Divine Transformation Realm and had to retreat this far. He can’t possibly be at the Divine Ability Realm—he must be hiding his strength!"
"Even those at the Cave Void or Supreme Realm can’t get too close. These two aren’t ordinary Immortal Death Realm experts!"
"Could he also be at the Immortal Death Realm?"
"Most likely."
Chen Chang'an calmly observed the battle. It was clear that, bit by bit, Kuang Zhongtang was gaining the upper hand.
"Truly a battle maniac. Kuang Zhongtang’s combat experience is unmatched."
"Zhou Wanpeng’s cultivation is higher, but his fighting instincts are lacking. In actual combat, he’s no match for Kuang Zhongtang."
"He’ll lose soon."
"Young Master, what realm are these two at?" Gu Xian'er asked.
Thanks to Chen Chang'an and Da Huang, she remained unharmed, but her strength wasn’t enough to clearly follow the battle.
"Kuang Zhongtang is at the seventh level of the Immortal Death Realm. Zhou Wanpeng is at the eighth."
Gu Xian'er nodded. No wonder they were so terrifying—both were extraordinary.
The Immortal Death Realm was already an insurmountable barrier for most, and breaking through each level within it was as difficult as ascending to the heavens.
BOOM!
A deafening explosion echoed across the sky, followed by Kuang Zhongtang’s roaring laughter.
"Ha ha ha ha!"
"Zhou Wanpeng, you’ve lost!"
"I thought you were stronger, but it seems you’re nothing special!"
"Are there no real powerhouses in this place?"
Kuang Zhongtang’s words sent a shock through everyone’s hearts. Lost?
Had Zhou Wanpeng truly been defeated by Kuang Zhongtang?
Zhou Wanpeng’s expression was grim, but there was no denying the fact—Kuang Zhongtang’s strength had surpassed his own.
This time, Zhou Wanpeng had truly tried to steal a chicken only to lose his rice—he’d lifted a rock only to drop it on his own foot. Had he kept this matter secret, perhaps his humiliation wouldn’t have spread.
But now, with so many witnesses at Wanku Mountain, there was no way to hide it.
"Zhou Wanpeng lost? Zhou Wanpeng actually lost to Kuang Zhongtang?"
"Unbelievable! I never imagined Zhou Wanpeng would be defeated!"
"Kuang Zhongtang’s strength is actually this terrifying?"
"It’s over… the undefeated legend of Qingzhou has finally fallen."
Zhou Wanpeng had long been hailed as the undefeated myth of Qingzhou, but now, with Kuang Zhongtang’s arrival, that reputation was gone forever.
"Kuang Zhongtang, don’t get too cocky! This time, I was unprepared. If there’s a next time, you won’t win so easily," Zhou Wanpeng growled in fury.
"A next time? Sorry, but I have no interest in challenging someone who’s already lost to me a second time."
"The only one I’d challenge over and over again is a single person. Unfortunately…"
Kuang Zhongtang sighed helplessly. Over the years, he had continuously honed his cultivation and strength through countless battles.
But there was only one person Kuang Zhongtang could never forget.
"Who would’ve thought Kuang Zhongtang still holds you in such high regard? This must be love."
"Shut up."
Hearing Da Huang’s teasing, Chen Chang’an’s veins bulged in irritation. If you don’t know how to speak properly, why don’t you go eat shit?
That single word—"shut up"—sent a jolt through Kuang Zhongtang’s entire body.
Earlier, his focus had been entirely on Zhou Wanpeng during their battle.
But now, that voice—both unfamiliar and familiar—echoed in his ears, leaving him momentarily dazed.
Was he hallucinating?
"Chen Chang’an!"
"It really is you!"
When Kuang Zhongtang finally saw Chen Chang’an’s face clearly, his expression shifted.
His eyes were filled with a complex mix of emotions—excitement, joy, anger, and even a trace of resentment.
That complicated gaze made Da Huang burst into laughter again. "Look at those eyes—what else could it be but love?"
"I bet he’s never looked at a woman with such intensity."
Chen Chang’an shot Da Huang a glare. "Do you want me to give you a taste of love?"
"A noble qilin, mating with a stray dog—wouldn’t that make for a legendary tale?"
Chen Chang’an’s words instantly wiped the smirk off Da Huang’s face. It knew Chen Chang’an well enough—he absolutely would do something like that.
Da Huang couldn’t even imagine the shame of such an event. How could it continue living after that?
Seeing Da Huang finally shut its mouth, Chen Chang’an turned his gaze back to Kuang Zhongtang.
"It’s been years, Brother Kuang. I hope you’ve been well," Chen Chang’an said with a faint smile.
"Enough talk."
"Take this strike!"