Yuan's Ascension - Chapter 354: Unburdened By Reputation (2)

“The Dragon Star Immortal Realm’s arena?” Wu Yuan flashed a cordial smile. “Even before entering the sect, I’ve already heard tales of Senior Sister Bei Hua’s talent for sword cultivation. The Frost Peak Sword Codex you practice is a top-tier teaching that one can cultivate to the Archimmortal phase, truly impressive.”

A glimmer of pride danced in the eyes of the young woman in white.

Cultivating such powerful teachings was no easy feat. Many immortal cultivators of lesser aptitude would struggle to even grasp the basics.

“Haha, I hear that Junior Brother Li Xia is also a sword cultivator. I believe you must cultivate an extraordinary sword codex yourself. How about a spar to test your skills?” Gong Ling, the black-robed youth, urged.

“Sparring is unnecessary,” Wu Yuan declined with a shake of his head. “I am naturally a far cry from the likes of Senior Sister Bei Hua.”

“Why, is Junior Brother Li Xia shying away from a challenge? The True Dragon Arena is a voidrealm battlefield, there will be no risk to your life,” the woman in white frowned, her gaze piercing. “Are you afraid of defeat, Junior Brother?”

“I don’t fear defeat. The opportunity to witness Senior Sister’s prowess is indeed a rare opportunity, but there is little need for a battle guaranteed to end in defeat,” Wu Yuan chuckled. “It won’t be too late to compare our strengths at the Dragon Star Tournament, Senior Sister.”

His words left them all dumbfounded. Neither Gong Ling nor Hei Lei expected Wu Yuan to admit defeat without exchanging a single move with them.

True geniuses almost always exuded unwavering confidence!

Ordinarily, those who reached the hereditary disciple rank upon entering the immortal sect were individuals brimming with pride. Even in the face of certain defeat, they would fight tooth and nail to the end.

“Junior Brother, as a sword cultivator, one must always forge ahead with courage,” Gong Ling’s gaze bore into Wu Yuan. “With such a character, retreating at the sight of a strong adversary without even drawing your sword – how can you aspire to become a sword immortal?”

Her words reverberated through the air, eliciting a shift in the atmosphere as the expressions of everyone present changed.

The previous invitation to spar could still be considered a friendly exchange of pointers between fellow sect disciples. Regardless of who won or lost, it would not disrupt the harmony between them. At least on the surface, it was socially acceptable.

But with these words, her intention was now completely different.

She was essentially questioning Wu Yuan’s Dao Heart, attacking his values and beliefs!

Contrary to what Hei Lei and others expected, Wu Yuan did not lash out at her. He remained composed, maintaining a smile as he replied. “Senior Sister, your sword heart strays from the right path.”

“A sword immortal must forge ahead, cutting down the injustices that weigh upon the heart with every strike, yet it is not a path paved with recklessness,” he continued with a chuckle.

The onlookers exchanged glances, the underlying tension palpable.

How could they not discern the nature of this exchange? It was a clash of sword hearts between two cultivators – a battle of ideologies.

“Are you asserting that my sword heart is incorrect?” A frigid gleam emanated from Gong Ling’s eyes as she fixed her gaze directly on Wu Yuan.

Her personality resembled a divine blade, sharp and intimidating.

Yet Wu Yuan remained unperturbed and calmly responded, “If Senior Sister’s challenge today obstructs my immortal path, or crosses the bottom line of my Dao Heart, then even if I faced certain defeat or death, I would draw my sword and fight without hesitation!”

“However, a mere sparring match has no meaning. If I were to face you now, I would lose without a fighting chance. Defeat and losing face do not concern me, but it would serve no purpose, and I will gain nothing from it. It’s just a waste of time.” Wu Yuan shook his head. “Why should I partake in such a duel?”

“I am not interested.” Wu Yuan chuckled, “Senior Sister, I bid you farewell.”

A profound silence ensued.

They had not anticipated that Wu Yuan’s refusal would be so unequivocal and resolute, leaving Bei Hua with no room for argument.

“Very well! I trust that Junior Brother Li Xia will not simply concede the match during the Dragon Star Tournament,” the white-robed woman stated coldly. “After all, you will not be demoted to inner disciple status even if you lose.”

“Haha, Senior Sister, rest assured.” Wu Yuan laughed, “When the Dragon Star Tournament arrives, I will strive to take down your Frost Peak Sword Codex.”

The white-robed woman’s expression shifted slightly.

“Then, I shall eagerly await your pointers, Junior Brother.” The white-robed woman snorted icily before transforming into a streak of light and departing.

Hei Lei and Gong Ling exchanged glances.

“Junior Brother, we shall take our leave.”

“Farewell.” The two cupped their hands and swiftly departed.

Wu Yuan and Kuang Long were the only two left at the mansion’s entrance.

“Senior Brother, by doing this, you have certainly offended Senior Sister Bei Hua.” Kuang Long could not help but remark, “It’s just a sparring match. A defeat or two is common for newcomers, it’s completely understandable.”

“She is unafraid of offending me, so why should I worry about offending her?” Wu Yuan chuckled.

Kuang Long could only give a bitter smile.

“Senior Brother, once you enter the Dragon Star Immortal Realm, you will surely receive challenges. Do you intend to reject them all?” Kuang Long asked.

“No,” Wu Yuan shook his head. “In the short term, I will not visit Greendragon City even if I enter the Dragon Star Immortal Realm.”

Kuang Long regarded Wu Yuan with astonishment. He couldn’t shake the feeling that this Senior Brother Li Xia did not seem to play by the usual rules!

“But if news of today’s events spreads, it may tarnish your reputation, Senior Brother.” Kuang Long felt compelled to mention.

“A tarnished reputation?” Wu Yuan offered a faint smile. “Can reputation be eaten? Can reputation make me stronger?”

“Don’t be burdened by reputation, Junior Brother!”

…

After sending Kuang Long off, Wu Yuan called Lu Zhu over.

“Lu Zhu, I believe you saw what happened just now,” Wu Yuan said with a sly smile.

“Mm,” Lu Zhu nodded. “I must confess, I am perplexed by your refusal to accept their challenge. Nevertheless, rest assured, Gong Ling, Bei Hua, and the other hereditary disciples will not speak of this incident unless they wish to completely offend you.”

“No!” Wu Yuan interjected, shaking his head. “I need you to spread the word of today’s events throughout the sect.”

“Spread it?” Lu Zhu faltered, taken aback by the unexpected request.

“Mm, spread it far and wide, so that every disciple in the sect hears of it,” Wu Yuan ordered with an air of nonchalance.

Lu Zhu furrowed his brow in confusion.

“No need to inquire further,” Wu Yuan dismissed. “Just do as I ask.”

“Very well,” Lu Zhu acquiesced. He prided himself on being knowledgeable, but still couldn’t figure out what Wu Yuan was playing at.

Even if he didn’t want to be burdened by reputation, he wouldn’t deliberately belittle himself, would he?

…

Alone in his meditation chamber, Wu Yuan contemplated the day’s events.

They say the disciples of the Dragon Star Immortal Sect are hungry for battle, but I didn’t expect the other hereditary disciples to challenge me so soon after my arrival. Wu Yuan shook his head faintly. That Bei Hua is truly temperamental.

Yet, if I were to engage her in combat, even in the voidrealm, the odds of victory would be slim, perhaps lower than ten percent.

Wu Yuan didn’t reject the challenge because he was a coward, but because he had other plans in mind.

He had studied his opponents and recognized their strength. If he faced them now in the real world, he didn’t have the slightest chance of winning.

Challenges are only meaningful when one has strong rivals. In Wu Yuan’s heart, there was not a single trace of fear, only a blazing fighting spirit.

His opponents were strong? Then he would defeat them all one by one!

To carve an unforgettable impression, one must first manipulate expectations. Only by causing a stir now can I truly astound them all when I reveal my strength.