Chapter 204: A Challenge

At first glance, the settlement didn't seem significant but I was wrong. The settlement was actually bigger than I had expected and there are a lot of powerful cultivators therein. And if that's not enough, the amount of 'troops' they have, if I could call it that, is more than enough to build another settlement. They weren't lying when they said that they were preparing to fend off the Black Spirit Sect. However, just like what Luxor mentioned, they're still far from ready. Based on the influence of the Black Spirit Sect, I can approximate that it would take at least a decade before they could have a fighting chance against them. And that's not accounting the fact that the Black Spirit is growing more formidable by the day.

After our dinner of potatoes and chicken, Luxor toured us in the settlement. For some reason, he greatly reminded me of Shen Rong when I first met him... except he's insanely stronger than him. Throughout the remainder of the tour, Natalia stuck close to me like glue, averting everyone's glances while hugging my arm on her valley. I don't know what got over her but she was more timid than normal. It was probably because there were a lot of cultivators who were stronger than her in this settlement, and the fact that they could attack her at any time troubled her mind. Seriously, she shouldn't overthink that much. But then again, I don't exactly dislike the clingy types... it's what turned me into an infected in the first place.

To summarize the entire tour, the settlement is called the Gaudron Settlement, named after the mythical beast that existed in the Middle Plane which looked like a dinosaur with the power of flame and earth. Some believed that the Gaudron is what causes the occasional earthquakes that could be felt in the entire Middle Plane. There were actually three mythical beasts in the Middle Plane but since there was only one settlement, they could only name it after one of them. The settlement has four separate equal sections. One section is for the 'troops' or the army being prepared for the next attack to the Black Spirit Sect. The second section is the residential area where every person is situated to live. The third section is the agricultural area where all the crops are grown and taken care of. And last but not least is the fourth section which is the cattle area. This is where animals reside. Some of which were used for agriculture, transportation, and for food. For some odd reason, there were no Spirit Beasts or the sort inside the settlement but Luxor reasoned that the Spirit Beasts in the Middle Plane are quite unpredictable and they have the power to wreak havoc and lay waste to this settlement. Even if they would save more time recruiting Spirit Beasts, or better yet, killing Spirit Beasts and getting their Spirit Beast Core to have a summonable spirit beast, they won't do it. It all seems a bit counterproductive for me...

And that's when Luxor told me that all the Spirit Beasts that reside in the Middle Plane are actually Beyond Titanium Rank. Luxor then told me the ranks of the Spirit Beasts in the Middle Plane but more on that later. The only thing that caught my attention during the entire conversation was not the Spirit Beasts nor how strong they were. The thing that caught my attention was the existence of the mythical beasts in the Middle Plane. If they were on par with my Astral Lion, then it would be worth it if I pay them a visit. And if I could sign a contract with them, then all the more better! That would put us at a higher pedestal when we fight against the Black Spirit Sect.

Now I know what my next move will be.

But right now, there's still an obstacle in front of me. That's right, the Black Spirit Sect.

Once the tour was over, Luxor led us back to his quarters, and there, a couple of cultivators awaited us. They were fighting against each othe— nope, more like they're warming up. I don't know why they're here but they're probably going to have an exhibition match to welcome me and Natalia to the settlement. How thoughtful of them. I change my mind, they're not that unwelcoming at all. I mean, look at this? This is the epitome of hospitality. Indeed, as a Sect Master, I could learn a thing or two from them.

"Are they going to have an exhibition match? Wow, this is nice. I can't wait to see how everyone performs!" I clasped my hands in excitement as I expectantly glanced at White and Luxor.

To my surprise, they didn't agree nor disagree with my statement. Instead, they just smiled at me as if I was misunderstanding something. They're up to something... I'm sure of it. As to what, I could only wonder.

"What are you talking about, Yongrui? They're all awaiting you!" Luxor smiled a deceitful smile as he patted me on the back. "White, didn't you tell me that he can take on anyone in our settlement?"

"Yes," White's eyes sparkled as he stared at me.

"It's settled then. Yongrui, I know that this might come as a surprise for you but they're not here to perform an exhibition match in front of you. Nothing of the sort." There was a hint of mischief in Luxor's voice but I ignored it. He totally got me there.

"You mean to tell me... that you called all these guys to have a one-on-one match with me? So much for a warm welcome." I said but I wasn't panicky at all. Even though their cultivation levels were a realm or two higher than mine, I know that I stand a chance at winning against them. "Well, I more or less expected this, Luxor. Allow me to show off my skills. I just hope that it would be to your expectations."

In total, there were a dozen cultivators in front of me, and all of them were in the Peak Heavenly Plain Realm, almost at the Heavenly Path Realm. Although not the strongest cultivators in the Graudon Settlement, they're two to three Realms higher than me. That's more than overkill but Luxor thought that it's just normal for me to bea them. Even White, who never changed his expression when he watches me fight, suddenly lit up, cheering me on as I stepped forward.

"Get them, Yongrui!" He repeatedly shouted.

"Sect Master, please take care of yourself." As for Natalia, she reacted the opposite. She was genuinely worried that I may be overstepping my bounds.

Now that the commotion reached the ears of the outskirts of the settlements, most of the residents stopped by to watch. As per Luxor's orders, they cleared a huge space in the middle and told me to move forward. The first opponent I have is a sumo wrestler? I have no idea but he looks ridiculously fat.

"Settlement Leader, don't you think this is unfair? Do you want me to fight a dozen of these guys consecutively?" I asked.

"If you can do it, then go ahead. But if you can't, you can always give up halfway. This is just to see your combat prowess since I'm rather curious as to how someone in the Lower Plane fights." Luxor told us. "You may begin."

"Hui-ying, you know what to do, right? I'll leave it to you."

"Be careful, Yongrui, this guy is no joke. He may look weak and chubby but he's almost at the Heavenly Path Realm. Don't let down your guard."

"Thanks,"

The man charged at me with his arms flailing around. He didn't shout any of his special moves, he just straight up charged at me like a madman. I don't know what type of tactics he was applying but it looked really stupid. Still, I know that I can't underestimate him.

And he's fast!

<You have activated your Skill: Blink>

Fortunately I managed to pay attention to his movements. If I didn't out my guard up, he would've sent me flying with that tackle. That's was scary. And he's monstrously big too.

Well, now that I took a good look at them, I noticed that they aren't really a threat at all. It only took me a few seconds to realize that. Of course, I'm a Sect Master, something like this is extremely easy to notice. Without further ado, I calmly let my guard down and locked my eyes on the man who was currently fighting me. Luxor and White intently stared at me as well, trying to figure out my next move. The fat man, seeing that I dropped my guard, decided to attack me with full force.

"Yongrui I got it. That man has some sort of strength enhancing element. I don't know what it is but he relies on physical strength. As long as you don't get hit by one of his attacks, you'll be fine. He also has the Wind Element but he's not that proficient at it." Hui-ying suddenly spoke in my mind.

Ever since the System levelled up, Hui-ying gained the ability to inspect anyone's element and cultivation level. And before we got to the Middle Plane, he had already mastered the skill.

"Thanks, that's more than enough, Hui-ying."

After letting out a scream, the fat man relentlessly charged at me, but I just stood there, waiting for an opportune moment to strike him down in one fell swoop.

Now!