Chapter 1318: Chapter 1317: Duel
Qin Hao stood there using the power of faith in his mind, feeling the power of faith in those ten statues.
Although this power of faith was vast, it could not be absorbed by Qin Hao because it did not belong to him.
After a few days, Qin Hao could clearly feel the power of faith in his mind growing more abundant, presumably due to more statues being erected or more people believing in him.
Once the system update is complete, he thought to himself, he must understand the power of faith thoroughly.
"Qin Hao, are you going to burn incense and pray?" Lan Manshuang asked him.
Qin Hao shook his head: "No need, a bit of reverence in the heart is enough. If you want to burn incense and pray, go ahead; I’ll wait here for you."
Zhou Danqing, Lan Manshuang, Nangong Yuya, and the others all went to burn incense and pray, except Qin Hao, Su Xuanji, and Ning Ziyuan, who remained still.
"Are these the sages of humanity? The ten ancient gods who swept across the entire continent back then?" Ning Ziyuan looked at those ten ancient god statues, her gaze sparkling.
Today, humans dominate the Hidden Dragon Continent, and the Ten Thousand Demon Sacred Mountain is strong but still cannot compare with humans as a whole. However, humans in the Hidden Dragon Continent are not very united, each fighting for themselves with varying strengths.
Soon, Zhou Danqing and the others returned and headed out of the palace. They had just walked a few steps out of the palace when a voice suddenly rang out: "Is this Zhou Danqing, Mr. Zhou?"
Qin Hao and the others looked up, seeing a middle-aged man smilingly gazing at Zhou Danqing, accompanied by some talented young men and women.
Zhou Danqing’s face didn’t look good, her eyes coldly fixed on that middle-aged man: "Do you need something?"
"Ah, it really is Mr. Zhou, a thousand years have passed, yet you haven’t changed, still so beautiful and charming." The man said, scrutinizing Zhou Danqing repeatedly.
The students behind the middle-aged man were also looking over at Zhou Danqing. Seeing her explosive figure, they were all astonished—who would have thought they’d see a woman with such an explosive body for the first time.
And when they looked further at the enchanting Su Xuanji, the people were stunned again—what level of beauty is this?!?
Zhou Danqing: "If there’s nothing else, I’m leaving."
Chen Liang smiled faintly: "Mr. Zhou, your Southern Continent Academy indeed has talents emerging one after another. A thousand years ago, you were such a stunning beauty, and now another appears. Unfortunately, your Southern Continent Academy is too weak; back then, you barely managed to rank in the top ten thousand."
This remark was nothing less than exposing Zhou Danqing’s scar, making her face gloomy and embarrassed.
The students from North Continent Academy showed disdain and ridicule in their eyes; among the five academies, Southern Continent Academy was the weakest, always ranking the lowest in each year’s competition.
"Chen Liang, don’t be arrogant; let’s wait and see this year." Zhou Danqing coldly replied.
Chen Liang laughed heartily: "Mr. Zhou, I remember you said the same to me back then. And what happened? You barely made it into the top ten thousand. What a sight to behold."
Zhou Danqing didn’t want to pay attention to him, knowing he was merely exposing her scars to embarrass her in front of everyone.
The people from the Heaven and Earth Academy were also glaring furiously at Chen Liang and others.
"Chen Liang, back then, you pursued me relentlessly but were rejected, grew a grudge, and didn’t expect you’d still be like this after a thousand years. Do you know why I despised you? With your kind of character, I’d rather marry a pig than you."
...
Chen Liang’s smile froze, and his face turned iron blue: "Ridiculous, many women wish for my favor; what do you think you are, acting high and mighty? Who knows how many have been with you."
Zhou Danqing’s face changed drastically, never expecting Chen Liang would say such things.
Many had gathered around at this time, and upon hearing Chen Liang from North Continent Academy speak, their eyes all turned to Zhou Danqing.
Zhou Danqing’s face was uncertain, and at this moment, Qin Hao spoke up: "Doesn’t your remark against a woman lack grace? Does North Continent Academy allow someone like you to be a mentor? It says much about the academy’s founder."
"Punk, what are you worth to speak to me? Get lost." Chen Liang snapped coldly, not regarding Qin Hao and the others.
In his view, Qin Hao and the others were juniors, unworthy of speaking to him like this.
Qin Hao’s face remained calm: "I heard you’re a mentor at North Continent Academy. Would you dare go to the arena with me, till death?"
Upon hearing his words, people around were shocked. Did I hear wrong? Is this guy really challenging a mentor from North Continent Academy? Isn’t that seeking death?
Lan Manshuang, Nangong Yuya, and others gazed at him in surprise, not expecting Qin Hao would be so assertive, directly challenging Chen Liang to a life-and-death duel.
Chen Liang and numerous students from North Continent Academy were stunned, then bursts of laughter erupted.
"Did I hear wrong? A student from Southern Continent Academy is saying he wants a life-and-death duel with our mentor—what a frog in a well."
"Is everyone in Southern Continent Academy this ignorant and arrogant??"
"Last year’s talented showdown had Mr. Chen ranked in the top five thousand, albeit over a thousand years ago. Mr. Chen’s power has grown immensely since then; how can he compete with Mr. Chen?"
"I think he knows Mr. Chen won’t accept the challenge as it would undermine his status, hence he’s shouting for attention."
Chen Liang roared with laughter: "Even your Mr. Zhou wasn’t my match back then; do you, a junior, want a duel with me? Engaging with you is a waste of my effort."
Qin Hao: "If afraid, you can kneel and apologize to our Mr. Zhou to let this matter pass."
"Foolish brat." Hearing his words, Chen Liang’s face sank immediately.
Just then, a student from North Continent Academy stepped out: "Mentor, let me fight for you; having a mentor act against this kind of person is an insult."
"Alright, make it swift and educate them about the power of North Continent Academy." Chen Liang nodded slightly.
"Rest assured, within a hundred rounds, I’ll sever his head." The student vowed confidently.
Qin Hao looked at Chen Liang and said faintly: "No matter, I’ll deal with your academy first, then you!"
With that, he flew out of the Ancient God Temple toward the small square outside, where a dueling platform awaited for the two to battle.
At this moment, many people were gathered inside and outside the Ancient God Temple, eager to witness the duel, some excitedly heading to the platform to see the prowess of current young talents, perhaps gaining insights for themselves.
It was also a chance to observe the power held by young talents from both academies.
The members from both sides quickly arrived at the square outside the Ancient God Temple, where the dueling platform ascended. Qin Hao leaped gracefully upon it while his opponent stepped up, facing Qin Hao.