After receiving his rewards, Lian Chen swiftly returned home to inspect them. He gently placed Xiao Huan on his bed, allowing the little Scarlet Fire Crow to curiously explore its new surroundings.
Upon opening the package, he discovered a book and three stalks of Azure Essence Grass. Among the contents, he found an Advanced Grade Martial Skill known as "Ethereal Palm."
As he perused its intricate details, Lian Chen realized that mastering this martial skill would be a complex endeavor.
However, the rewards were promising, as it promised the ability to unleash devastating force while retaining a tranquil and otherworldly essence.
Lian Chen swiftly rose from his bed, driven by the urgency to train the Ethereal Palm in preparation for his upcoming duel with Huo Tianlu.
Over the following three days, Lian Chen immersed himself in intensive cultivation and devoted hours to perfecting the Ethereal Palm, aiming to reach the esteemed Foundational Stage before the duel. Amidst his training, he dutifully tended to Xiao Huan's needs, ensuring she received nourishing milk as she was still in her early stages and unable to consume solid food.
While Lian Chen devoted himself to intense preparations for the impending duel, an elegant figure ventured into the vast expanse of the Dragonspine Mountain Range, driven by an elusive purpose.
Upon closer look, one can tell that it was actually Elder Lin Chuxuan near the borders of the Dragonspine Mountain Range.
"Hmm, so this is where Lian Chen discovered the Advanced Beast core," Lin Chuxuan remarked as she surveyed the surroundings, her gaze falling upon the lifeless body of a Thunder Vermillion Roc.
Not far away, she noticed a grave that housed the remains of the Scarlet Fire Crow.
"It seems that Lian Chen's success in obtaining the Advanced Beast core was aided by his alliance with this Scarlet Fire Crow," Lin Chuxuan deduced after thoroughly examining the area.
"Well.. No one will be able to help him for the upcoming duel, hopefully he will train hard and cultivate diligently to go up against Huo Tianlu." Lin Chuxuan mused to herself, recognizing Lian Chen's exceptional talent and considering it a waste if he were to perish.
Death Blood Arena - Loomed with towering stone pillars, encircled by a colossal iron fence.
Huo Tianlu sat on the stage, his legs crossed and eyes shut in deep concentration. The spectators in the seating area were in a frenzy, with some even urging others to place bets on the outcome of the duel.
"Hey, do you think Lian Chen will show up?"
"Him? Nah, I bet he's a scaredy cat and will definitely not show up" Chuckled a disciple.
Amidst the chaotic atmosphere surrounding Lian Chen's arrival, a mysterious figure emerged, accompanied by a perched crow on their shoulder.
"It's.. It's.. It's Lian Chen!" Many disciples were surprised that Lian Chen would actually show up to this duel.
"Wait... Is that a Scarlet Fire Crow perched on his shoulder?"
"Wow... It's so tiny and adorable. It must be a baby. If Lian Chen wasn't about to duel, I would love to play with it," some female disciples remarked, captivated by the cuteness of Xiao Huan.
"Hmm... I thought you'd be too cowardly to show up, Lian Chen!" Huo Tianlu taunted.
Lian Chen ignored Huo Tianlu's remark and approached Elder Lin Chuxuan, who was seated among the spectators.
"Would you mind taking care of Xiao Huan for a while?" Lian Chen requested.
"Sure!" Xiao Huan hopped onto Lin Chuxuan's shoulder and gave Lian Chen a worrying look, as it knew that its owner is about to have a duel.
Lian Chen immediately jumped on to the Arena, and the Arena Master was an Elder in the inner court.
"If both parties consent to an agreement that regardless of the outcome and any consequences resulting from this duel, neither the family nor the individuals involved will seek revenge, please step forward and imprint your thumbprint on this book as a sign of agreement."
Lian Chen and Huo Tianlu both went forward and imprinted their thumbprints into the book.
Once it was done, both of them went to their respective side awaiting the instructions from the Elder.
"Let the duel begin!"