"Did I hear that right?"
"A Body Tempering Second Stage 'waste' like him dares to talk back to Lin Yang? Where did he get the courage?"
"People who show off when they have the skills are impressive. People who show off without any skills? They're just fools. He's a perfect example of one."
"Exactly!"
Lin Yang's face contorted with anger, but his eyes glittered with amusement.
"Very well!" he sneered.
"If you've got the guts, let's settle this in the ring!"
Lingyun Martial Academy prohibited private fights, or Lin Yang would have already pummeled Jiang Chen into the ground. But the ring was a different story—there, anything could happen.
Jiang Chen smirked inwardly.
He hadn't planned on engaging with Lin Yang, but since Lin Yang had practically delivered himself for a beating, Jiang Chen wouldn't refuse the opportunity.
"You want to fight? No problem."
A sly grin appeared on Jiang Chen's lips.
"But if we're going to compete, we should place a bet."
Lin Yang's eyes lit up.
He hadn't expected Jiang Chen to agree to a bet. This was perfect! Jiang Chen was walking right into his trap.
"This is a Body Tempering Pill."
Lin Yang pulled a jade bottle from his robes, holding it up for everyone to see.
"If you win, it's yours. If you lose, you owe me one. How about it?"
"A Body Tempering Pill? Must be nice to have a powerful brother."
"Lin Yang's really putting up a Body Tempering Pill as a bet?"
"Of course! He's at the Fourth Stage of Body Tempering, fighting someone at the Second Stage. It's a guaranteed win."
"He's clearly setting Jiang Chen up. And that fool is walking right into it!"
Despite the jeers and laughter from the crowd, Jiang Chen remained calm, a glimmer of calculation in his eyes.
"Alright, I accept your bet."
A Body Tempering Pill was a valuable first-grade medicinal pill that significantly boosted a martial artist's strength in the Body Tempering Realm. Even the most common quality one was worth tens of thousands of gold coins.
With the added bonus of his hundredfold cultivation system, Jiang Chen knew this pill could take his strength to the next level.
Lin Yang had brought the treasure to him on a silver platter. There was no way Jiang Chen would refuse.
"I can't believe he agreed! Is he out of his mind?"
"A Second Stage martial artist challenging someone at the Fourth Stage? That's asking for a beating!"
"And to top it off, he's betting a Body Tempering Pill? How foolish can he be?"
Lin Yang's smirk widened.
"Since you've agreed, let's head to the ring."
Jiang Chen shook his head slightly, a small smile playing at his lips.
"No need for that. Let's do it right here."
Lin Yang's expression darkened.
"Jiang Chen, are you trying to get us expelled? Lingyun Martial Academy strictly forbids private fights."
He sneered. "If you're scared, just admit it."
"I never said I wouldn't compete with you. Don't get so excited."
Jiang Chen raised a finger, his eyes cold and confident.
"We won't fight. We'll test our foot techniques instead."
He stared directly at Lin Yang.
"I won't even attack. If you can touch me within ten moves, you win."