"Waaa. How is that possible?" A chorus of astonished exclamations echoed throughout the hall, with many disciples expressing their disbelief.
The entire atmosphere became lively and filled with commotion.
"Silence!" Elder Lin Chuxuan's authoritative voice resonated throughout the hall, instantly silencing the commotion.
"I, along with the other Elders, have thoroughly examined the cores that have been submitted by each of you disciples."
"After careful evaluation, it is evident that Lian Chen's core surpasses all others in terms of quality and strength." Elder Lin Chuxuan explained, providing the rationale behind Lian Chen's victory in this year's Outer Court Disciple Competition.
"Impossible!" Suddenly, a shout resonated from a corner of the hall.
All eyes turned towards Huo Tianlu as he made his way to the front, his face contorted with anger.
"I can understand if it was Duan Wu Kun that took 1st place, and I took 2nd. But you are telling me this trash at the Qi Cultivation High Stage is the winner? I refuse to accept it!" Huo Tianlu shouted at the elders at the platform.
"Then may I know why you can't accept that Lian Chen is the winner then?" Questioned elder Lin Chuxuan as her brows frowned.
Lin Chuxuan was taken aback by the audacity of Huo Tianlu questioning the decision made by the elders. She couldn't believe that someone would dare to challenge their authority.
"Is it because he is at the Qi Cultivation High Stage? Let me make something clear to all of you today," Lin Chuxuan declared.
"The beast core that Lian Chen has brought back is from an Advanced Beast, nearly at the High Stage. On the other hand, Duan Wu Kun's beast core is from an Intermediate Beast at the High Stage."
"Huo Tianlu, the beast core that you brought back was an Intermediate Beast at the Middle Stage."
"Considering these facts, are you now satisfied?" Lin Chuxuan questioned, the irritation in her tone was quite evident.
"He must have cheated. There is no way for someone on the Qi Cultivation High Stage to get an Advanced Beast Core. It's impossible!" Huo Tianlu angrily retorted Lin Chuxuan's explanation.
"I, Huo Tianlu, challenge Lian Chen to a Life and Death duel in the Death Blood Arena!" Huo Tianlu's voice echoed throughout the hall as he directed his gaze towards the platform where the elders were seated.
"Huo Tianlu, you are at the Foundation Establishment Low Stage, and yet you are challenging Lian Chen at the Qi Cultivation High Stage? Have you no sense of shame?" Questioned Lin Chuxuan as she felt that this request was a bit too much.
As Huo Tianlu was preparing to respond to Lin Chuxuan, a voice interjected, saying, "I accept this duel. However, I request that the duel be postponed and held 3 days from now."
When everyone's attention turned towards that voice, everyone was in disbelief as the owner of that voice was Lian Chen.
"Lian Chen, are you sure you really want to have this duel with Huo Tianlu? Think carefully before making your decision." Lin Chuxuan cautioned, concerned for his well-being.
"Yes!" Lian Chen replied, with determination shining through his eyes.
"I also propose that the loser forfeits his Azure Essence Grass to the victor!" Huo Tianlu made his request to the elders.
"But you only possess one Azure Essence Grass, whereas Lian Chen has three. Do you consider that fair, Huo Tianlu?" Lin Chuxuan questioned.
"I have no objections, Elder Lin," Lian Chen respectfully responded, bowing his head to Elder Lin.
"Alright, since you are ok with it, the duel will be held 3 days from now at the Death Blood Arena. But before that, I would like all of you to come forward and receive your well-deserved rewards!"Lin Chuxuan's shout resonated throughout the hall, stirring up the atmosphere of excitement and anticipation among the disciples.