## AST 2433 - Formidable Ling Chen, Leader of the Troop

“You know me.” Ling Chen wasn’t surprised and had instead responded calmly.

As though it wasn’t strange for Qing Shui to know him, he said. Still, that wasn’t untrue. Ling Chen was well-known. He was the cream of the crop among the younger generation.

“I don’t actually, but I saw a Berserk Dragon which was killed instantaneously on my way here, and they all claimed it’s you. That’s how I guessed it.” Qing Shui smiled casually.

Ling Chen observed Qing Shui before continuing, “I don’t like beating around the bush. I owe someone a favor and they wanted me to kill you all as repayment.”

“That Fatty?” Qing Shui laughed.

“I can’t tell you. You’re free to make your own assumptions. To be honest, I don’t like killing others for no reason, but I have to repay what I owe. I don’t have a choice.” Ling Chen explained begrudgingly.

“As the saying goes, don’t try to keep a good reputation if you have bad intentions. Isn’t that right?” Qing Shui couldn’t stand the pretentiousness of the elegant man, or perhaps it was because he was too outstanding that Qing Shui felt this way. Beautiful women couldn’t stand the sight of each other, and the same went for capable men.

Ling Chen was startled but wasn’t angered. In fact, he laughed. “You’re right. No one has ever described me in that say. Honestly, I’m not pretentious, but at least you speak the truth.”

“Haha. No wonder they say that the lowly are all pretentious. I see it’s true. Alright, since you don’t have a choice, let us begin start. Life or death is up to destiny now,” Qing Shui chuckled.

“Alright. Are you fighting solo or in a group? You decide.” Ling Chen asked confidently.

“Why don’t we have a fight between just the two of us? I want to see the strength of a young leader like yourself.” Qing Shui replied after some thought.

Qing Shui was caught in a dilemma. It was a given that Ling Chen was strong. In addition, his identity was also another concern. He was a part of Nine Continents Mighty Spear Sect and was likely the next person to lead the sect. If he used any unique abilities to kill him, it would likely incur endless troubles for them.

This was one way a person’s background could affect the battle. One couldn’t just see the person as they appeared but also the powers backing them up. This was why nobody dared to kill the profligate sons. The latter wouldn’t be able to win against women but still, nobody would touch them and could only be bullied.

These people had even stronger people and existences backing them up. Those who were bullied only had their kins, parents, children, siblings, and such. For them, those people were the pawns they used to threaten the common folks.

It wasn’t that Qing Shui didn’t dare to kill Ling Chen, but he would only do it if he was left without any other choice. The timing wasn’t quite there yet. In Upper Three Regions, his abilities didn’t have any advantages. There were innumerable others who would be able to destroy him.

“Alright. Then, please!” Ling Chen agreed easily then leaped into mid-air.

Qing Shui didn’t panic or rush. He shifted his abilities to the highest before following suit.

Ling Chen was a warrior with Level Four Nurture God Realm, an outstanding existence. Compared to Qing Shui’s current abilities, the man was much stronger even if Qing Shui couldn’t be sure of their true potential.

“Please.” Qing Shui indicated.

“Why don’t you go first!” Ling Chen didn’t say much but his entire aura erupted alive. Even towards an opponent like Qing Shui who was clearly not his match, he still wouldn’t let himself be careless.

Qing Shui didn’t stand on ceremony either, attacking with Emperor’s Qi straight away.

He used Heavenly Vision Technique as well.

The weakening abilities of Emperor’s Qi caused Ling Chen to frown. He was weakened by 20% of all abilities. That was a significant amount but still acceptable, although a little painful.

Qing Shui didn’t use his Golden Battle Halberd, leaving his hands empty.

This move had signified that Qing Shui made the first move. With a shift of his hands, the silhouette of a long spear shot towards Qing Shui.

Mighty Spear Palm!

The spear was about ten meters long, bringing about a snow-white aura. It was like a giant dragon as it pushed towards Qing Shui, engulfing him.

How strong!

Qing Shui could feel the incomparably might and murderous intent from the spear. Reaching out his hand, he landed a fist on the spear’s silhouette. With Heavenly Vision Technique, the strike was tactful and made use of Taichi, landing a hit on the weakest point.

Even through this, Qing Shui retreated three steps with surprise painting his features. Even a casual strike from his opponent could be this strong.

Ling Chen was shocked too. He had thought that the strike was enough to injury Qing Shui, maybe even heavily so. Little did he expect his opponent to merely retreat three steps, looking as though they were hardly even hurt.

At that moment, Qing Shui used Buddha Wisdom Seal.

It was a normal attack but it could lower its target’s attack powers without their realization.

World Annihilation Swipe!

Ling Chen moved again as the silhouette of a spear formed with it. It was more substantial than the previous and swept across. The speed of it didn’t allow rest for the spectator’s eyes and in just a moment, Qing Shui was engulfed in the silhouette.

Qing Shui felt a tremble, then another followed by unceasing shaking. Its strength was enough to combat ten warriors. With the difference in their realms, any casual attack was dangerous.

Windwhisk Willow.

Qing Shui’s Heavenly Vision Technique deciphered the silhouette of the spear. It was sweeping. Hence, once he spotted the location of the spear, he struck with Taichi Repulsion.

Leveraging on the strength, they retreated by hundreds of meters in an instant.

Qing Shui didn’t wish to fight force with force. His opponent was too strong and too quick.

A smile tugged at the corner of Ling Chen’s lips. He observed Qing Shui. While his opponent managed to dodge two of his attacks, his own abilities far surpassed them. There was no way they could fight against him.

Qing Shui didn’t know his opponent’s might, but Level Four Nurture God Realm was much higher than his own Level One. Every level would increase a person’s abilities significantly. Even with substantial weakening and Divine Weapon Flying Sword, their remaining powers still exceeded his own by a lot.

This was a difficult fight. His opponent was a member of Nine Continents Mighty Spear Sect. Once they used a weapon, their might would increase by another level.

Art of Pursuing!

With the use of Art of Pursuing, Qing Shui relaxed a little. After all, his rival’s speed wouldn’t be as quick anymore.

“Your cultivation is interesting. If you cooperate with me, I can kill off quite a few of those who surpassed my abilities.” Ling Chen looked at Qing Shui. He did have that thought in mind of keeping this person by his side.

Qing Shui thought, “If you knew all my abilities, your eyes might just pop!”

“Fight with your full potential. You won’t be able to kill me otherwise.” Qing Shui took out his Golden Battle Halberd.

Golden Battle Halberd’s abilities were still decent. After he broke through Nurture God Realm, the Divine Artifact had restored its powers and increased the damage significantly. It had perhaps more than its initial damage powers now. The exact number was a blur, but it didn’t exceed twice the initial. It was a great surprise.

Other weapons had its own increment, or at least the powers when in his hands increased by much. Qing Shui hadn’t used a weapon before and didn’t wish to change, much less throw away Golden Battle Halberd. This was a weapon from Golden Battle God Inheritance after all.

Weapons in the Nine Continents wouldn’t increase in might, generally. However, some techniques required the aid of weapons to reach its full potential, just like how sword techniques couldn’t be done without swords. Using hands as a substitute for such would dull its effects by a lot.