Sun Ran felt a sharp pain in his fist as he was forced to take several steps back.
A stinging sensation spread through his hand as he stared at Lin San, disbelief written all over his face.
The force behind Lin San's punch seemed to be on par with his own!
Lin San, too, had been pushed back a few steps, his back hitting the wall behind him. The pain in his fist caused him to frown slightly.
Without gripping his sword, his strength was still comparable to that of an ordinary third-tier warrior.
"Hmm, it seems that without the [All Attribute Amplification] effect, Lin San's strength is still average."
"He definitely needs to get stronger," Ye Fan remarked, feeling like he was watching a deity-like perspective on his swordmaster's growth.
However, Lin San's progress was a good thing; it would allow him to hunt stronger beasts and defeat more powerful warriors, which in turn would grant Ye Fan more evolution points. This would benefit his own evolution journey.
"Lin San, you're courting death!"
Sun Ran roared, his anger flaring up.
Lin San had actually dared to fight back against him!
In an instant, Sun Ran's right fist began to glow brightly, as he prepared to unleash a martial skill to attack Lin San!
Seeing this, Lin San's expression changed as he quickly gripped the hilt of his sword.
Immediately, the [All Attribute Amplification] effect activated, and his strength began to visibly surge!
With this boost, Lin San's power now rivaled that of a fourth-tier warrior. Combined with the sharpness of the Demon Slaying Sword, even most fourth-tier warriors wouldn't stand a chance against him!
"Stop!"
At that moment, a stern voice echoed through the room.
The voice carried a strong wave of energy that forced both Lin San and Sun Ran to take two steps back.
"Master Zhang."
Everyone turned to see the speaker—a white-bearded elder standing by the stairs. He was the master of the Martial Skill Pavilion, known simply as Master Zhang or Elder Zhang. His strength was formidable.
"Do you intend to fight in the Martial Skill Pavilion?"
Master Zhang's voice was cold as he glared at the two.
"Now, all of you, get out!"
With his command, Sun Ran and his group shot Lin San a resentful glare before descending the stairs. Lin San also made his way down.
"Mr. Zhang, I'd like this one."
Reaching the first floor, Lin San handed the martial skill manual to Zhang Chao, speaking calmly.
"[Nine Swords Stance]?"
"That's a difficult skill to learn."
"Are you sure this is the one you want?"
Zhang Chao asked, eyeing Lin San.
A third-tier warrior could only borrow one manual per month. If Lin San chose this one, he'd have to wait until the next month to select another.
"I'm sure," Lin San confirmed with a nod.
"Alright then."
Zhang Chao nodded, making a note before handing the manual to Lin San.
As Lin San exited, he noticed that Sun Ran and his group hadn't left the premises. They still seemed furious, as their plans to obtain martial skills had been disrupted by the earlier confrontation.
"Lin San!"
"Do you dare face me in a duel on the Life and Death Platform?"
Sun Ran challenged, his voice laced with malice.
The sect had a rule: disciples were forbidden from private duels. However, if there was deep enmity between them, they could settle it on the Life and Death Platform, where one's life or death was their own responsibility.
"The Life and Death Platform, huh?"
Lin San narrowed his eyes.
"What? Afraid?"
Sun Ran taunted, his eyes locked on Lin San.
"Then let's make it a death match."
Lin San replied without a trace of fear, his tone filled with unwavering confidence.
His fearless response caught Sun Ran off guard.
He actually agreed!?
"Brother Sun, it seems he's afraid of embarrassing himself in tomorrow's sect competition and is looking for a way out," one of Sun Ran's companions sneered. To them, the idea of Lin San facing Sun Ran in a death match was laughable.
"Are you sure!?"
Sun Ran's eyes darkened as he glared at Lin San.
Lin San's easy acceptance and complete lack of fear—his eyes even showing a glimmer of eagerness—infuriated Sun Ran. Lin San was clearly not taking him seriously!
"You sure talk a lot."
"Or are you the one who's afraid?"
Lin San shot back, glancing at him dismissively.
It was time to set an example. Over the past four years, it seemed people had come to believe he was truly worthless.
"Demon Slaying Sword, what do you think?"
Lin San thought to himself, his eyes fixed on the sword in his hand.
"A death match—this will surely boost my evolution points."
Ye Fan could tell that Sun Ran's strength was actually on par with Lin San's—at least without the use of weapons. Once weapons were involved, however, the [All Attribute Amplification] effect would give Lin San a significant edge. Defeating Sun Ran would be a sure thing.
"Then we'll settle this on the Life and Death Platform!"
Sun Ran growled.
Lin San was asking for his own death!
...
The Life and Death Platform was located at the highest point in the Sky Peak Sect.
The platform was surrounded by mist, with thick iron chains encircling it.
Once you stepped onto the Life and Death Platform, no one would be held accountable for your life or death.
"The Life and Death Platform!"
"Someone's going up there!"
"…"
A large number of Sky Peak Sect disciples noticed the two figures standing on the platform. Soon, a crowd began to gather.
"I recognize him—that's Sun Ran!"
"They say he's already a third-tier warrior!"
The crowd began murmuring as they identified Sun Ran.
"And the other person… that's…"
"Lin San!"
"That's the failure Lin San!"
The crowd was stunned.
They hadn't expected Lin San to be facing Sun Ran in a death match!
"Is this a joke? Lin San's been stuck at the second tier for four years, and Sun Ran's a third-tier warrior!"
"Sun Ran might even be at the peak of the third tier by now!"
"Lin San is practically asking to die!"
"Is he so scared of tomorrow's sect competition that he's seeking death today?"
"…"
As the murmurs spread through the crowd, Lin San stood calmly on the platform.
"Settling life and death on this platform—how interesting."
Ye Fan mused, watching the scene unfold.
With his help, Lin San's victory over Sun Ran was a foregone conclusion.