War God Long Ao

Long Ao didn't immediately enter the National Protection Hall, but first listened to Ouyang Fei tell him about it.

The National Protection Hall had a total of twenty-three members. The Hall Master and two Vice Hall Masters were Fusion Martial Artists, while the remaining twenty members were all Evolutionary Martial Artists.

In other words, once he joined the National Protection Hall, he would be its weakest member. How could the others possibly accept that? They would be more likely to treat him with contempt and disdain.

After taking a long look at the National Protection Hall before him, Long Ao squared his shoulders and walked inside.

The National Protection Hall was the Nebula Royal Family's most important location and its highest institution of power. Even the Emperor had to rely on it.

The moment he stepped into the National Protection Hall.

"Who are you? The National Protection Hall is a restricted area. You may not enter without authorization."

Unwilling to waste his breath on the guards, Long Ao directly presented his token. When they saw the three words "National Protection Master" engraved on it, the two guards immediately became deferential. They knew exactly what it meant to be a National Protection Master of the National Protection Hall.

"Well, well, if it isn't the National Protection Hall's youngest National Protection Master."

"Hmph. Youngest? More like a reckless fool who doesn't know his place. I can't believe it. A mere One-Line Heaven Martial Artist is actually qualified to enter the National Protection Hall? It's fucking disgusting."

The two National Protection Hall members, Yu Wei and Mao Feng, looked on with expressions of pure contempt.

Every member of the Nebula Royal Family's National Protection Hall was an Evolutionary Martial Artist. In the eyes of an Evolutionary Martial Artist, what was a One-Line Heaven Martial Artist even worth?

Furthermore, throughout the Hall's history, one could only officially join after their Cultivation broke through to the Evolution Realm *and* they received the joint approval of the three leaders. But this guy?

He was just a One-Line Heaven Martial Artist and hadn't even received the approval of the three leaders, yet he had been admitted. The matter had caused a huge uproar within the National Protection Hall, and not a single member agreed with the decision.

"Hold on."

"What is it?"

"Didn't you hear what we were saying?" Yu Wei and Mao Feng were clearly displeased. If not for the National Protection Hall's explicit rule forbidding infighting among its members, the two of them would have attacked long ago.

"Long Ao, what the hell do you think you are? What makes you worthy of joining the National Protection Hall?"

"I'll give you one chance. Piss off. Now."

"Get out of the way." Long Ao couldn't be bothered with them. He wondered to himself, 'Why do I run into people like this everywhere I go?'

"What did you just say? Who were you telling to get out of the way?"

"A good dog doesn't block the road. Whichever dog is in the way should be the one to move."

"You're courting death!" Mao Feng grabbed Yu Wei and shook his head. "This waste is only acting so bold because he knows we're in the National Protection Hall and can't kill him. Do you think he'd dare act like this outside?"

"Hmph. Long Ao, I hereby formally challenge you. If you're a man, you'll accept. Do you dare?"

'Here comes trouble.'

Long Ao was a bit frustrated. 'I just walked into the National Protection Hall and trouble's already knocking. If I don't accept this challenge, how am I supposed to survive here in the future? Besides, if I refuse a direct challenge, won't that just tell everyone I'm afraid?'

"Fine. I accept."

'He accepted?' Hearing his response, Yu Wei and Mao Feng were overjoyed. Yu Wei crooked a finger at him and said with a sneer, "Long Ao, I guess you have some balls after all. Let's take this outside. Don't worry, I won't kill you. At most, I'll just beat you until you're on your knees begging for mercy! HAHAHA!"

Yu Wei's face was a mask of arrogance and confidence. Long Ao, for his part, showed no hesitation. Since he had accepted the challenge, he would face the battle to come.

「Outside the National Protection Hall」

In the blink of an eye, news of the battle between Yu Wei and Long Ao had spread throughout the National Protection Hall and the entire Royal Family. National Protection Hall Master Tang Lin, the two Vice Hall Masters Yang Yi and Luo Cheng, and all the other members arrived to watch.

Not only them, but even Emperor Ouyang Feng and Crown Prince Ouyang Fei came. Everyone took their seats on the sidelines. No one intervened; after all, it was a formal challenge between Martial Artists. As long as both parties consented, no one had the right to question it.

"Brother Tang, who do you think will come out on top in this fight between Yu Wei and Long Ao?"

"Your Majesty, I'm already aware of the situation regarding Long Ao. The boy is indeed a rare talent with high aptitude and immense potential. If he is nurtured properly, he could become a pillar of the Kingdom one day."

Although Tang Lin hadn't said it outright, Ouyang Feng knew full well that the National Protection Hall Master beside him believed Long Ao was no match for Yu Wei.

But upon reflection, it made sense. 'Long Ao is just starting to make a name for himself, whereas Yu Wei is a veteran member of the National Protection Hall whose Cultivation has reached the Evolution Realm. It wouldn't be a big deal if Long Ao lost. His youth and talent are undeniable.'

If the two of them knew that Long Ao had nearly killed Long Ming—who was also at the Evolution Realm—one has to wonder what they would be thinking right now.

"HAHAHA! Long Ao, I really have to hand it to you. You actually dared to accept. I'm dying to know, what exactly gave you this confidence?"

Yu Wei's face was filled with contemptuous disregard. In his eyes, this kid wasn't even worth a fart. Moreover, with so many people watching, he had to win. Victory was the only option.

"Idiot."

"You're courting death!"

How could Yu Wei endure being insulted in front of everyone? With a roar, he shot forward. Neither of them drew a weapon, making it seem like a spar on the surface. In truth, however, they both knew that no one would be blamed for any injuries sustained in this fight. After all, no one could predict the outcome of a duel between Martial Artists.

Netherworld Nine-Link Strike! Long Ao's Fist Force layered upon itself, nine distinct waves stacking in an instant before colliding violently with Yu Wei's fist. Spiritual Power erupted outward.

Yu Wei was sent flying by Long Ao's single punch. THUD! With a loud crash, his body made intimate contact with the ground.

"Impossible... This is impossible!" Pushing himself off the ground, Yu Wei looked completely incensed. 'To think that I, a dignified National Protection Master, was sent flying by some snot-nosed brat! How can I show my face after this? How am I supposed to survive in the National Protection Hall now?'

Filled with utter disbelief, Yu Wei lunged forward again, striking out viciously with both fists.

Seeing Yu Wei sent flying by a single punch from Long Ao, everyone was stunned. This was especially true for the National Protection Hall Master, Tang Lin. He had just declared that Long Ao was no match for Yu Wei, but now? Yu Wei couldn't even withstand a single punch. If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he would never have believed it.

"Your Majesty, this boy's talent and potential are the greatest I have ever witnessed. No matter what, we must keep a firm hold on him. He might just become the Nebula Kingdom's lucky star."

Ouyang Feng was somewhat surprised. In all his years, he had never once heard Tang Lin praise anyone so highly.