Chapter 38: Protecting the Flower

Generally speaking, during each sect-wide competition, it was rare for disciples to take the initiative to challenge a female disciple. What’s more, with Nuolan’s beauty, she could easily captivate many male disciples. In fact, many of them wished for nothing more than to be her gallant protector—who would ever challenge her? Yet Liu Feng was an exception.

Last time, while chasing after Little Dot, he had been gravely injured by Yin Tianfang, all because of Nuolan. To be humiliated in front of so many in the Profound Dao Sect—how could he stomach such a disgrace? In his mind, there was absolutely something between Yin Tianfang and Nuolan. Yet today, as he scanned the arena, he saw no sign of Yin Tianfang.

A cold sneer curled on his lips as he fixed his gaze on Nuolan. As long as she accepted his challenge, he was certain he could overwhelm her completely and force Yin Tianfang to make an appearance.

“Liu Feng, you shameless cur, challenging a defenseless woman! I’ll fight you instead!” From the crowd, a young man leaped onto the stage, glaring furiously at Liu Feng and shouting.

“Hmph, you think you’re fit to play the hero?” Liu Feng’s eyes narrowed with mockery. “Have you even looked at yourself? Do you really think she’d be interested in you?”

“You—” The young man’s anger flared. He charged at Liu Feng, throwing a punch full of rage.

“You truly overestimate yourself.” Liu Feng snorted coldly, reached out, and clenched the air. A surge of spiritual power erupted forth, forming an invisible giant hand that seized the charging youth. At the same time, a fireball floated before him.

“Go!” With a flick of his finger, the fireball shot toward the young man, striking him with a dull thud and sending him flying, blood spurting from his mouth.

“I’ll go!” Another youth vaulted onto the stage and rushed at Liu Feng without so much as a word. Liu Feng’s face remained impassive; his foot stamped the ground, and he lunged forward in a blur. His fist, shrouded in spiritual energy, crashed into the oncoming youth.

With a muffled boom, the youth was hurled back even faster than he had attacked, barely managing to throw a punch.

“Anyone else? Come all at once! Today I’ll teach you all—if you lack the strength, just focus on your cultivation. If you want to play the gallant protector, wait until you have the power to back it up!” His sharp gaze swept the arena; wherever his eyes passed, the outer sect disciples averted their gazes, none daring to meet his stare. Liu Feng’s strength was undeniable—at this moment, no one in the outer sect could match him.

On the high platform, the elders of the Profound Sect and the heads of the great families all exchanged glances of surprise as they watched Liu Feng. Half a month ago, he had been strong, but nowhere near this formidable. Clearly, his power had leaped forward in the past two weeks, enabling him to crush so many outer sect disciples so effortlessly today.

Now, it seemed, only the inner sect disciples could hope to contend with Liu Feng.

“Master Liu, your son’s talent is truly astonishing,” several people commented. Master Liu smiled modestly, waving his hand, “Not at all, my son is merely diligent, that’s all.” Though he spoke with humility, he relished their praise. To see his son stand out among so many, to make the other disciples lower their heads—he felt proud indeed.

“Sister Nuolan, how long do you plan to keep hiding?” With no one else stepping forward, Liu Feng once again targeted Nuolan. Her cheeks flushed crimson, and her delicate fists clenched—his bullying was simply intolerable.

Just as Nuolan prepared to ascend the arena, a figure emerged from the crowd and walked calmly toward the stage.

“It’s Lin Tian—he’s actually stepping up!” The crowd broke into hushed whispers as they watched Lin Tian approach with a faint smile. They sensed a fine spectacle was about to unfold.

The Lin and Liu families were equally matched in strength, and Lin Tian and Liu Feng had no particular enmity. However, everyone knew Lin Tian harbored deep affection for Nuolan, sparing no effort to win her heart—though, to this day, he had yet to succeed.

“I wonder who’s stronger, Lin Tian or Liu Feng?”

“Who can say? I think Senior Brother Liu Feng is probably a bit stronger,” someone murmured, eyeing the composed Liu Feng on the stage.

“But Senior Brother Liu Feng has already fought so many battles—this might be dangerous for him.”

“If Senior Brother Lin Tian wins, maybe Nuolan will finally accept him. This is a golden opportunity; he certainly won’t let it slip by. I bet this will be a true clash of titans.”

Amidst the murmurs, Lin Tian strode toward the arena. As he passed Nuolan, he paused, smiled, and said, “Don’t worry. With me here, I won’t let anyone harm you.”

Nuolan opened her mouth, but before she could speak, Lin Tian continued, “No need to worry, I’ll be fine.” Not waiting for her reply, he vaulted onto the stage.

“Sister, that guy is so full of himself,” Qing Luo wrinkled her nose in distaste as she watched Lin Tian. Nuolan could only shake her head helplessly at his retreating figure.

Several female disciples cast sidelong glances at Nuolan, their eyes tinged with jealousy. After all, what girl didn’t have her own dreams of love? In the Profound Dao Sect, countless outer disciples admired Lin Tian. Yet unrequited feelings abounded; Lin Tian’s heart was set solely on Nuolan.

“Hmph, that little enchantress—so what if she’s pretty? She’s nothing but a pretty face,” some of the girls grumbled enviously under their breath. Though their voices were low, their words still reached Qing Luo and Nuolan. Nuolan remained serene, but Qing Luo grew restless.

“Sister, did you hear what they said?”

“Let them say what they like—their mouths are their own,” Nuolan replied with a resigned smile, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Her gaze settled on Liu Feng in the arena, and her brow furrowed.

“Lin Tian, you’re no match for me. Save yourself the embarrassment,” Liu Feng sneered at Lin Tian.

“Hmph, strength isn’t measured by words. If you want to know whether I’m your match, we’ll have to fight and see,” Lin Tian retorted, undaunted. With Nuolan watching below, he knew he couldn’t afford to lose—how could he ever face her again if he did?

On the high platform, Master Liu glanced at Lin Tian, then turned to Master Lin with a smile. “Your son’s cultivation is impressive, but I fear he’s still a bit behind mine.”

“Hmph, is that so? My Tian’er is younger than your son, after all,” Master Lin replied, not hiding his displeasure.

“Indeed, that’s true,” Master Liu chuckled, letting the matter drop as his gaze returned to Liu Feng, his expression growing ever more smug.

On the arena, as Lin Tian’s words faded, he stamped his foot and shot toward Liu Feng.