"Haha, what a 'pardon my inability to comply'! Since you're aware of the situation, I suppose you're also prepared to bear the consequences."

Ling Tong was clearly not going to give up the slot easily. His sharp eyes fixed on Ling Chen, the meaning behind them unmistakable.

"Brother Ling Tong, please."

Establishing authority was not solely Ling Tong's intention. As a newcomer, Ling Chen understood the importance of this point equally well, and right now, it seemed like a good opportunity.

Swoosh...

When Ling Chen's words echoed on the platform, it undoubtedly caused a murmur among those present, with many Ling family disciples showing expressions of astonishment. Ling Chen's straightforwardness was beyond all their expectations.

"This fellow does have some nerve." Some of the Ling family direct descendants were also surprised as they watched the scene, their eyes soon showing a trace of admiration. Today, it was clear that Ling Tong couldn't swallow his pride, and the only way to resolve this was quite simple—fight it out.

Strength is a universal passport anywhere, and the Ling family was no exception.

Even though Ling Tong understood that attacking Ling Chen today might not change the latter's opportunity to secure a place in the Sword Pool, he just wanted the family's higher-ups to see that this so-called Supreme bloodline genius was nothing special!

The arrogance that came with his Supreme Sword Saint Bloodline had to be curbed honestly within the Ling Family Ancestral Residence. Ling Chen's attitude was too arrogant, and Ling Tong wanted him to know a thing or two.

However, what caught Ling Tong by surprise was that Ling Chen actually turned the tables, issuing the challenge before he could finish speaking.

This left two possibilities: either the opponent was truly foolish and arrogant to the extreme, speaking without thinking, or this branch family kid genuinely believed he had the strength to contend with him.

In the sky, far away from the platform, two figures hovered, their gazes directed toward the Sword Pool platform. One of them was the Ling Family Head, Ling Tingfeng, and beside him was an elder in a purple robe. This elder looked young but appeared somewhat decrepit. However, from the occasional flash of sharp light in his eyes, it was clear he was no ordinary individual.

This elder in the purple robe was the current head of the Ling Family's third branch, the Third Elder, Ling Lie.

"This young one matched up with someone so quickly."

Ling Tingfeng looked at the already tense atmosphere on the platform and couldn't help but smile faintly.

"It seems you hold this branch family kid in high regard." The elder in the purple robe smiled softly.

"His bloodline talent, potential, and mentality are all excellent—a very promising talent. If nurtured properly, he could become the most outstanding among the younger generation of the Ling family."

Ling Tingfeng softly stroked his goatee and paused for a moment, saying, "He might even hold his own against that kid Ling Yuxuan."

"Oh, does this young one deserve such a high evaluation from you?"

Ling Lie was a bit surprised. The Ling family had spent countless resources to cultivate someone like Ling Yuxuan, a true Son of Heaven, yet Ling Chen clearly appeared to be far inferior to him.

"Whether he deserves it, let's wait and see."

Ling Tingfeng's gaze stretched far, and after a moment, he nodded, saying, "Moreover, in this young one's actions, I seem to see the shadow of another person."

"Who?"

The Third Elder Ling Lie's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Ling Tianyu."

Ling Tingfeng said lightly.

"That family's disgrace is not worth mentioning," Ling Lie snorted coldly upon hearing the name Ling Tianyu, clearly holding a grudge.

"He abandoned the family for his selfish desires and did things that made the world laugh at us. Such a person should never be mentioned again. By the way, I heard last time that his traces were found in the Desolate Land. Why is there no news after that?"

"Ling Tianyu was once the greatest genius of the Ling family. His bloodline aptitude even now surpasses Ling Yuxuan's. His current strength is such that neither you nor I may be able to handle him. The Black Dragon Sword Guards sent out, with the highest strength of only the Half-Saint Realm, cannot easily capture him."

Ling Tingfeng shook his head, deeply regretting Ling Tianyu. If Ling Tianyu hadn't left the Ling family and focused on Cultivation, he might already have reached the Saint Realm and joined the ranks of Saints.

"Alright, let's put an end to Ling Tianyu's matters. Regarding Ling Yu, who appeared out of nowhere, we need to thoroughly investigate his identity now."

"Don't worry," Ling Tingfeng said. "The people I sent to Xunyang City returned messages yesterday. There's nothing suspicious about Ling Yu's identity. More information needs further investigation, but the branch family at Xunyang City has declined, and only scattered clues remain, making it difficult to investigate thoroughly."

A glint of wisdom sparkled in Ling Tingfeng's eyes, "Though Ling Yu is a branch family disciple, strength has always reigned supreme in our Ling family. As long as he doesn't harm the family, he remains Ling family, an object of key nurturing."

"Then we'll wait for the final result."

Ling Lie smiled and asked Ling Tingfeng, "Who do you think has a better chance between Ling Yu and Ling Tong in their sparring match?"

"If Ling Tong gives it his all, he might have some chance." 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Ling Tingfeng said nonchalantly.

"Oh?"

Ling Lie raised his eyebrows, implying that Ling Tong had a few chances to win only if he didn't underestimate Ling Chen. He then looked at the platform with interest and said softly, "I want to see just how outstanding this young person you hold in high regard can be."

"Haha, it seems I've been underestimated."

On the platform, staring intently at the skinny young figure in front of him, Ling Tong's eyes narrowed slightly, with a hint of anger flickering within. It seemed to be his first time treated so arrogantly by a new disciple. Without hesitation, he took a step forward, releasing an astonishing Sword Momentum, causing the surrounding air to tear with hissing sounds.

"Ling Yu, since you're so confident, do you have the courage to bet with me? If you lose this battle, you must immediately give up your spot in the Sword Pool, how about it?"

Ling Tong's mind turned. Although he couldn't take the slot from Ling Chen, he could compel Ling Chen to voluntarily give up the Sword Pool slot. If Ling Chen accepted the wager and gave up, the slot would naturally be vacant, giving Ling Tong a chance to enter the Sword Pool.

If Ling Chen dared not agree, it would prove to everyone that he was a coward, and the supposedly dazzling genius was only worth so much.