Chapter 724: The Duel
Upon the suspended platform, Chen Qing stood beside the Kunpeng, hands clasped behind his back, his expression composed.
More and more Heavenly Pivot Dao disciples gathered around, and even a number of overseers had come rushing over upon hearing the news. That fifth-layer Primordial Spirit expert who had appeared at the low bamboo peak earlier also stood at the edge of the crowd, his expression grave as he stared at Chen Qing.
Ji Yu's evasion light landed at the center of the platform. He wore his Heavenly Pivot Dao robes today, his whole bearing warm and refined.
"Martial Brother Chen, congratulations on breaking through to the third layer."
Ji Yu spoke first, his tone carrying a note of genuine admiration, a smile on his face, "That kind of aptitude, this one admires deeply."
Chen Qing dismounted the Kunpeng and cupped his fists in return, a similarly composed smile on his face as well, "Senior Martial Brother Ji is too kind. It was simply a natural progression, nothing worth mentioning."
The two stood face to face, no more than a few zhang apart. One gentle and refined, the other calm and composed, both wearing smiles, their words leaving no room for fault. Yet the Heavenly Pivot Dao disciples around them could all sense that beneath this seemingly amiable exchange lay an edge drawn taut, ready to strike.
Ji Yu smiled, his gaze sweeping carefully over Chen Qing once more. The aura of the third layer was indeed solid, showing not the slightest sign of hollowness, clearly not a hasty breakthrough. He remained inwardly wary, though the smile on his face did not falter.
"Martial Brother Chen has come here truly intending to challenge me?"