Chapter 358: Letter of Challenge
Long Chen, the number one talent of the Third Level Long Family's younger generation, a Realm King Martial Artist.
More importantly, Long Chen was the only person from the Third Level Long Family to have made it onto the Dragon Ranking, albeit only at the one-hundredth spot.
The Dragon Ranking was the most prestigious list within the Long Clan. Anyone who could make it onto the ranking was, without exception, a supreme expert of the Long Family—a prodigy of immense talent.
Just think: the entire Third Level Long Family had only one person on the list. This alone showed just how formidable the Dragon Ranking truly was.
Waving his hand, Long Mowen said thoughtfully, "Go. I know what to do."
Before Long Yan could even summon him, Long Chen had already walked in. He looked to be about thirty-one or thirty-two, with sharp brows and bright eyes. He had a burly build, and his arms were noticeably thicker than an average person's. In addition to his extraordinary talent and strength, Long Chen was born with Divine Power and possessed boundless physical might.
"Long Chen."
"Uncle, say no more. I already know about the feud between the clan and Long Ao. Leave this to me. I will bring back Long Ao's head."
"Good. I'll be waiting."
Long Chen turned and left. Within the Third Level Long Family, he was not only powerful but also a Dragon Martial Artist. Yet even with such formidable strength, he was only ranked one-hundredth on the Dragon Ranking.
「Three days passed in the blink of an eye.」
With the help of Long Ao and Long Fu, the Cultivation of Long Ying and the others improved by leaps and bounds. It still wasn't enough, however, so they all immediately chose to enter secluded Cultivation. Long Haoshi had no objections to this.
To say he wasn't happy would be a lie.
Seeing the strength of his grandsons surge one by one, Long Haoshi was likely the happiest of all.
"Sect Leader, someone has sent a letter of challenge."
'A letter of challenge?'
Long Ao was very curious, wondering who would send him a challenge. He took the letter and opened it. After just a single glance, his expression grew grave.
'The Third Level Long Family again.'
"Ao'Er, what happened?"
Handing the letter to his grandfather, Long Ao said in a grave voice, "It seems the Third Level Long Family has gotten desperate. I wonder who this Long Chen is."
Just as he received the challenge, Long Ao got another message, this one from Ghost King Ao Tian. Its contents were simple, detailing Long Chen's identity and background.
Long Chen. One-hundredth on the Dragon Ranking. A Realm King Martial Artist.
After reading about Long Chen's identity, Long Ao and the others were completely stunned. They never would have imagined that the Third Level Long Family would dispatch such a formidable figure.
Long Ao was almost certain that Long Chen was not only ranked one-hundredth on the Dragon Ranking but was also a Dragon Martial Artist.
Of course, Long Ao knew what being ranked one-hundredth on the Dragon Ranking implied. That was precisely why he couldn't fathom why the Third Level Long Family would send Long Chen after him.
"Ao'Er, how do you plan to handle this?"
How could Long Ao not be aware of his grandfather's worries? He just smiled and said, "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. I'm actually looking forward to seeing just how powerful a Dragon Martial Artist ranked one-hundredth on the Dragon Ranking really is."
Long Ao understood better than anyone just how formidable the Dragon Ranking was.
Long Chen was a genuine Realm King Martial Artist, yet he was only ranked one-hundredth on the Dragon Ranking. One could only imagine how powerful the martial artists ranked higher must be. And from that, one could begin to grasp the terrifying strength of the Long Clan as a whole.
Regardless, Long Chen's strength was a fact, and Long Ao did not let his guard down in the slightest.
Long Ao was keenly aware that even by relying on the Heaven and Earth Array and the Fusion of Thunder Tribulation Power, his chances of killing Long Chen would not exceed fifty percent—unless he could double the array's power.
'Long Chen.'
Long Ao committed the name to memory.
This time, Long Chen came alone, bringing no subordinates. This was a show of confidence. In Long Chen's eyes, a mere disciple from the Red Fire Town Long Family was beneath notice. The boy had just gotten ridiculously lucky, using an array to kill Su Chen and the others.
The content of the letter was simple: a challenge for Long Ao to a battle on Tianshan Peak.
Tianshan Mountain was the most famous peak in the Celestial State. Viewed from below, the entire mountain seemed to connect with the heavens. It was even rumored that no one had ever managed to reach Tianshan Peak.
But just because others couldn't, didn't mean Long Ao and Long Chen were incapable.
As powerful Martial Artists, both Long Ao and Long Chen had the ability to ascend Tianshan Peak. The only issue was Long Ao's hesitation. 'Should I accept Long Chen's challenge or not?' Considering his current strength, he was simply no match for a Realm King Martial Artist.
"Ao'Er, as the saying goes, discretion is the better part of valor. Long Chen is challenging you because he clearly wants to deal with you. Since you know you're no match for him, why would you still go?"
"Grandfather, a Martial Artist must live by a code. As a Martial Artist, if I don't accept Long Chen's challenge, then tell me, would I still be a true Martial Artist?"
Hearing his grandson's words, Long Haoshi's heart sank. He said urgently, "Ao'Er, you absolutely cannot be reckless about this! Listen to your grandfather. For a gentleman, ten years is not too long to wait for revenge."
"Grandfather, it's like I said. A Martial Artist's honor cannot be trampled on."
Long Ao had made his decision. No matter what, he would accept the challenge.
Letting out a deep sigh, Long Haoshi knew his grandson's temperament all too well. Once he made up his mind, he would almost never change it. Because of this, Long Haoshi didn't try to persuade him further. He simply nodded and said, "Ao'Er, since you insist on going, promise me one thing. No matter what happens, you must come back alive. Do you understand?"
Of course, Long Ao knew how worried his grandfather was. He nodded. "Grandfather, rest assured. I will definitely come back alive."
For some reason, seeing his grandson's confidence, Long Haoshi found himself truly believing that he could defeat Long Chen and return alive. After all, everything that had happened around his grandson lately spoke for itself.
Long Ao didn't know much about Long Chen, but he was certain of one thing: the man was no mediocrity. His status as a Realm King and his rank of one-hundredth on the Dragon Ranking were proof enough of his formidable strength.
This battle was unavoidable.
Even though Long Ao knew he was no match for Long Chen, he ultimately chose to accept the fight. As soon as the news spread, it caused a massive sensation throughout Kyushu. Everyone wanted to see the battle between the legendary Long Chen and the recently-risen Long Ao to find out who would win and who would lose.
Their battle was considered the greatest event in Kyushu. Countless people swarmed in from every direction, including members of all the major powers in Bazhou. Long before Long Ao and Long Chen even reached Tianshan Mountain, the surrounding area was already packed with people, all of them waiting in a state of high excitement.
This battle would decide the fates of Long Ao and Long Chen. The victor's name would shake Kyushu, perhaps even the entire Kyushu Spirit Realm. The loser, however, would be completely Fallen. Everyone was incredibly eager to witness this ultimate clash between two peerless geniuses. And so, the long-hidden Long Family, led by Long Haoshi, finally appeared. Even the Third Level Long Family descended from the Kyushu Spirit Realm for the occasion.