Chapter 58: Conceding Defeat

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Only Chen Fei stood below the arena, watching Zhang Linsheng’s terrifying footwork technique. It allowed him to cling to Lin Yaohai like a shadow, always evading direct attacks and striking at the opponent’s weak spots with relentless harassment and counterattacks.

“What an exquisite movement technique!”

“This is countless times stronger than my Phantom Steps.”

“No wonder he is hailed as the most mysterious and powerful spiritual master in Huangwu City.”

Chen Fei couldn’t help but marvel. Facing such an elusive technique was a headache—unable to shake off the opponent and unable to land a solid hit, one could only suffer under the constant harassment until defeat was inevitable.

On the arena, Lin Yaohai felt the mounting pressure of Zhang Linsheng’s mysterious technique more than anyone else.

As the battle continued, Lin Yaohai couldn’t even touch the hem of Zhang Linsheng’s clothes. No matter how he tried to create distance and shake him off, it was futile.

His opponent moved like a shadow—wherever he appeared, Zhang Linsheng was there to counter him precisely.

“I concede!”

Panting heavily, Lin Yaohai stopped. He knew that he couldn’t break through Zhang Linsheng’s eerie movement technique. Even though his Xuan Armor Qi was strong, it would eventually be exhausted.

With Lin Yaohai’s surrender, the first match came to an end. Chen Fei’s Shangyun Team secured a victory, leveling the score against the Lin family.

At this moment, Ye Bufan and members of the Eight Great Families furrowed their brows, having witnessed Zhang Linsheng’s strength firsthand.

“I declare that in the first martial trial, the Shangyun Team under Chen Yang’s faction has won.” The chief judge, Hong, reluctantly announced the results.

Lin Yaohai stepped down from the arena, looking dejected. He never expected that despite both being Ninth-Rank Great Spiritual Masters, his opponent could completely dominate him.

Ye Bufan and the Eight Great Families immediately gathered around.

“Patriarch Lin, who will be fighting for the Lin family next against Chen Yang?”

“Patriarch Lin, we have sacrificed the lucrative offer from Chen Yang just to support you.”

“Patriarch Lin, if Chen Yang takes control of the black copper ore industry, your Lin family will end up like the fallen Qin family.”

A chorus of voices surrounded Lin Yaohai. They were all tied to the same fate—prosper together or perish together.

Lin Yaohai’s face darkened as he shot a cold glare at Chen Yang and muttered, “Don’t worry, my Lin family is not the Qin family.”

“This time, our ancestor will personally take action.”

“The Lin family’s ancestor will fight?”

Ye Bufan and the others were immediately thrilled.

“With the Lin family’s ancestor stepping in, the victory is assured!”

Everyone let out a breath of relief.

As soon as the news broke, the hall erupted into murmurs.

“What?”

“The Lin family’s ancestor is personally intervening?”

Even Zhang Linsheng was taken aback.

A family patriarch usually wouldn’t fight unless absolutely necessary.

After all, once a patriarch stepped in, there was no room for negotiation—the battle would be a decisive clash.

The Qin family fell overnight, reduced to an insignificant family in Huangwu City, because their ancestor lost to Chen Yang and was captured as a hostage.

“Young Master Chen Yang, the Lin family’s ancestor is a Half-Step True Spirit Master. You must be careful in this battle.” Zhang Linsheng’s expression was filled with concern.

“Why do you say that, Mr. Zhang?” Chen Fei asked, puzzled.

“With the Lin family’s ancestor stepping in, they will stop at nothing to secure victory. This means they won’t follow the arena’s rules,” Zhang Linsheng explained.

“They intend to break the rules of the duel?” Chen Fei frowned.

“With the Lin family’s future at stake, there’s no room for retreat. They won’t hesitate to use underhanded tactics,” Zhang Linsheng said.

Chen Fei nodded. For him, it was the same.

Shangyun Team had staked everything on this. If they failed, their future endeavors in Dustless Cloud Crystals and Miaochuan Lin Wine would also be doomed, leading to their complete collapse.

Soon, under the crowd’s watchful eyes, the Lin family’s ancestor emerged.

“Ancestor!”

Lin Yaohai and the Lin family members stepped forward in greeting.

“Losing to a retired member of the Royal Shadow Army is nothing to be ashamed of,” the Lin family’s ancestor reassured his son, not wanting him to dwell on the loss.

“The Royal Shadow Army?”

Lin Yaohai glanced at Zhang Linsheng in surprise and finally realized—his opponent was actually a renowned member of the Great Qing Kingdom’s Shadow Army!

With the Lin family’s entourage surrounding him, the ancestor approached Chen Fei.

“Young Master Chen Yang, the black copper ore industry is the Lin family’s main enterprise. Would you be willing to show mercy? We can discuss terms privately,” the Lin family’s ancestor said with a smile.

Chen Fei studied the elderly but vigorous man before cupping his fists and replying, “Senior Lin, as one of the three great families of Huangwu City, your Lin family has a vast and prosperous business empire. Even without the black copper ore, you could explore other industries.”

“In contrast, my Shangyun Team has no alternative path. This is our only chance to expand. I, too, would like to ask Senior Lin to show mercy and discuss terms privately.”

Chen Fei would not give up the rights to the black copper ore just because of a few words.

The Lin family’s ancestor chuckled coldly and said, “Young man, you’re too arrogant. Let’s settle this on the arena.”

“I welcome Senior Lin’s guidance!” Chen Fei remained unfazed.

As long as the Lin family’s ancestor had not stepped into the True Spirit Master realm, even as a Half-Step True Spirit Master, Chen Fei was confident in his chances.

Without further delay, the two ascended the arena for the final battle over the black copper ore rights.

The Lin family’s ancestor surged with spiritual energy. Just like Lin Yaohai, he also activated Xuan Armor Qi, but his armor radiated a much more oppressive aura.

With a flick of his long sword, a dazzling streak of light shot toward Chen Fei.

Chen Fei’s Void Heaven Cauldron trembled within him. He met the attack head-on with his own sword.

Clang!

Spiritual energy clashed, and the Lin family’s ancestor was forced back.

“Hm?”

The Lin family’s ancestor looked at Chen Fei in disbelief.

“As expected of a specially recruited student from Silvermoon Academy. At such a young age, you already possess strength rivaling a Half-Step True Spirit Master.”

His heart trembled. If such a young talent became an enemy of the Lin family, it could mean their eventual destruction.

Yet, if he didn’t use every means necessary, he might not be able to defeat this young powerhouse.

As he hesitated, Chen Fei closed in once again, his sword light shining like countless stars.

“Silver light like waves, bright as the moon…”

“The Silvermoon Sword Technique!”

The Lin family’s ancestor’s expression changed dramatically. He quickly retreated while unleashing a dense golden sword light to counter.

For a moment, the arena was filled with flashing silver and gold lights as their blades clashed.

The Lin family members held their breath in shock—never in their wildest dreams did they expect that even with their ancestor personally fighting, they couldn’t suppress Chen Fei.

Ye Bufan’s eyes widened in disbelief.

A mere youth was actually able to stand toe-to-toe with the Lin family’s ancestor without falling behind?