Chen Jiuyang's earlier move, "Shun Mang," had been so astonishing that it struck terror into the hearts of countless demonic cultivators. While his might was evident, it also ignited a stronger killing intent in many towards him.
A peak Xuan realm cultivator capable of killing a Di realm expert with a single move was undoubtedly invincible among his peers. If this young man were to reach the peak of the Di realm, he could very well sweep through the entire martial arts world.
If Chen Jiuyang belonged to the demonic path, they would have rejoiced. However, he hailed from the Chen family of Mount Shu, a righteous sect that was inherently opposed to the demonic path. Could the demonic path expect to prosper if Chen Jiuyang were allowed to grow?
It was impossible! Many had come to this realization.
Elder Han, having weathered countless storms in her life, understood that as long as Chen Jiuyang stepped into the Di realm, he would survive the Dao Companion selection competition tomorrow and might even win the position of the Saintess's Dao Companion.
Previously, she had dismissed her granddaughter's pursuits as mere child's play and paid little attention to Chen Jiuyang, not caring if he lived or died. But the situation had changed! Once Chen Jiuyang entered the Di realm, he would truly have arrived!
Elder Han instructed, "Granny Hui, replace everyone in Chen Jiuyang's courtyard with the best. "
"Yes, Elder," Granny Hui replied.
Elder Han remained somewhat uneasy. "Let Chen Jiuyang use Yi Han's spirit sword for a while. You should communicate with Yi Han about the spirit sword."
"No, I must do this myself."
"Granny Hui, you stay here and keep a close eye on Chen Jiuyang. After I've finished my business, I intend to have a good talk with him."
"Yes, Elder," Granny Hui agreed.
With that, Elder Han flickered and ascended into the air, departing swiftly.
Below the arena, Chen Jiuyang was resting when Duan Shengde found him, a wry smile on his face. "Brother Chen, you are too ferocious."
Chen Jiuyang replied calmly, "It was nothing."
Duan Shengde no longer dared to be flippant in front of Chen Jiuyang. "Brother Chen, you were determined to kill Lu Jiareng?"
Chen Jiuyang, of course, did not reveal his true reasons. He simply replied, "I found him displeasing, so I killed him. What of it?"
"Impressive!" Duan Shengde cupped his fists in salute, flattering him. "With Brother Chen's move just now, I doubt anyone will dare to challenge you. You can comfortably secure the first position in the Thirty-Six Heavenly Stars."
"Oh?" Duan Shengde continued, "Today's competition is a challenge-based event, with free challenges. Your odds of twenty to one angered some important figures, which is why they specifically named you to compete in the first match against Lu Jiareng."
A warning to others?
Chen Jiuyang chuckled, "It matters not."
Duan Shengde sighed, "Alas, Brother Chen, you probably won't be able to make money betting from now on. I just took a look, and your odds have risen to a hundred to one."
Chen Jiuyang's expression faltered. "A hundred to one?"
Duan Shengde explained, "Yes. Brother Chen, you are so powerful. With your divine intent technique, you not only killed your opponent but also caused the deaths and injuries of over a dozen others. Such terrifying strength means no one dares to challenge you."
"Oh," Chen Jiuyang responded blandly.
If not for encountering Lu Jiareng, Chen Jiuyang would not have wanted to reveal his strength. However, Lu Jiareng's bloodlust was too great, and Chen Jiuyang would never have let him go.
"If I can't make money, then so be it," Chen Jiuyang felt no regret.
Seven billion yuan had gone down the drain. He was now penniless again, but he felt it was worth it to kill a demonic seed like Lu Jiareng, who was steeped in murder.
The Thirty-Six Heavenly Stars had thirty-two arenas set up. Chen Jiuyang had claimed an arena and was resting, but no one dared to step onto the arena he had just fought in.
Anyone who stepped onto that arena would be challenging Chen Jiuyang.
Of the thirty-two arenas, thirty-one had combatants, but Chen Jiuyang's arena remained empty.
Some demonic cultivators were now extremely wary of Chen Jiuyang, finding his actions unpredictable.
He had bet seven billion on himself to win with a single move, yet he had used one move to kill Lu Jiareng and injured over a dozen others. Damn it, who was the real demonic cultivator here?
Even though they were from the demonic path, they upheld their word in one-on-one duels. They wouldn't act as erratically as Chen Jiuyang.
"Chen Jiuyang's disposition is vicious, and his actions are bizarre. It seems he will surely secure the first position in the Heavenly Stars and participate in tomorrow's inner competition for the Dao Companion selection."
"Should we try to recruit Chen Jiuyang, or should we join forces against him?"
"Join forces against Chen Jiuyang? Are you seeking death? He's a peerless genius who has grasped the nascent form of a divine intent technique. If you want to go and die, I won't join you."
"Then let's ally with Chen Jiuyang? Chen Jiuyang comes from the prestigious Mount Shu sect. If we can win him over, we can huddle together for warmth. Even if we don't achieve a good ranking in the Dao Companion selection, we can still obtain plenty of resources and treasures in the Han family's secret realm."
"Ally with Chen Jiuyang? Heh, the blood of Lu Jiareng on the arena hasn't even dried yet, and you've already forgotten? Chen Jiuyang is the type to turn on you in an instant. If we try to play the mantis stalking the cicada, we'll become the oriole's prey, and both of us will end up as his spectral victims!"
"That's true. Chen Jiuyang's actions are indeed very strange. Forget it, it's better to stay away from him to avoid dying inexplicably."
Many people below the arena were discussing Chen Jiuyang. As the rumors spread, Chen Jiuyang became known in the public eye as a ruthless and bizarre martial artist, even more so than those of the demonic path, and everyone avoided him.
Chen Jiuyang, who was recuperating, was unaware of these developments.
At this moment, Granny Hui appeared before Chen Jiuyang with a smile. "Congratulations, Young Master Chen, on securing first place in the outer competition of the Heavenly Stars. You may now return to rest and cultivate in preparation for tomorrow's inner competition."
"I can go back to rest?" Chen Jiuyang's eyes showed confusion.
"Young Master Chen displayed immense power. Which Xuan realm cultivator of the same level would dare to challenge you and court death?"
"Uh..." Chen Jiuyang was somewhat speechless. Then why had he wasted his elixirs? He had thought these demonic cultivators would hate him to the bone and that he would face many arduous battles today.
With that, Chen Jiuyang rose and followed Granny Hui towards the Han family's ancestral grounds.
As they reached the entrance of the courtyard, a fragrant breeze wafted towards them, and a group of women from the Joyful Union Sect approached Chen Jiuyang.
He saw Le Musi following behind a young woman of twenty-seven or twenty-eight years, whose beauty was unparalleled.
This young woman had mastered the art of charm. Chen Jiuyang could barely resist her with just a glance. It was akin to Qiu Yihan's Heavenly Charm Physique, capable of ensnaring men.
Chen Jiuyang bit his tongue, and his senses immediately cleared.
Upon seeing this young woman, Granny Hui's expression changed drastically.
This was the first time Chen Jiuyang had seen Granny Hui display such a grave expression.
Granny Hui cupped her fists in salute towards the young woman who had mastered charm. "Greetings, Sect Leader Huan. May I ask why you are here?"
"Heh heh," Sect Leader Huan looked at Chen Jiuyang, her alluring eyes curving into crescent moons. She smiled charmingly, her voice as gentle as a spring breeze. "Of course, I'm here to 'deal with' this incredibly mighty Young Master Chen~"