"Is he serious? He actually dared to provoke Meng Dongxing!"
"He's insane. There's no way he'll walk away from this without serious injuries."
The crowd buzzed with murmurs as Meng Dongxing lunged at Jiang Chen.
Most onlookers could already envision Jiang Chen's impending defeat.
However, the expected disaster didn't happen.
Meng Dongxing's speed was impressive, but Jiang Chen was faster.
With a flash of his Flowing Light Phantom Step, Jiang Chen effortlessly sidestepped the attack.
---
He dodged it?
Eyes widened in disbelief as they watched Jiang Chen reappear a few meters away, completely unharmed.
Meng Dongxing's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing.
"I underestimated you. You actually have some skill."
Jiang Chen's gaze was cold.
"Meng Dongxing, Lingyun Martial Academy prohibits private fights. Aren't you afraid of being expelled?"
Meng Dongxing smirked.
"You think the academy's rules will protect you? That's naïve."
"Rules are made for the weak. Do you really believe they'd expel me, the top Gold Class student, for dealing with someone like you?"
His tone dripped with arrogance.
Meng Dongxing knew his status in the academy shielded him from severe consequences.
---
Jiang Chen's eyes gleamed with disdain.
"Beat me? You're not even worth mentioning."
His voice echoed across the square, cold and cutting.
"I've no quarrel with you, but you've chosen to be someone else's lackey and challenge me. Fine."
He stepped forward, his tone resolute.
"Let's settle this in the ring. I want your title as the number one Gold Class student!"
---
The crowd fell silent, stunned.
Did he just challenge Meng Dongxing?
"Meng Dongxing, the top Gold Class student, is at the peak of the Body Tempering Ninth Stage! He's even fought Qi Protection Realm students and held his own."
"This guy just became a Gold Class student. Is he out of his mind?"
---
Meng Dongxing's eyes blazed with fury.
"Good. Very good."
His voice was low, menacing.
"If you're so eager to die, follow me."
He turned, striding toward the Martial Arena.
Jiang Chen followed without hesitation.
---
The crowd surged after them, excitement rippling through the academy.
"Someone's challenging Meng Dongxing? This, I have to see!"
"Let's go watch the show!"
More students gathered as word spread.
In minutes, the outer square was filled with hundreds of onlookers, all eager to witness the spectacle.
---
On the martial platform, Jiang Chen and Meng Dongxing faced off.
The tension was palpable.
"Who is this guy? He's challenging Meng Dongxing?"
"Half a year ago, Li Shengjie, the second-ranked Gold Class student, tried to challenge Meng Dongxing. He got utterly crushed."
"This kid's biting off more than he can chew."
The crowd watched, waiting to see how this bold challenge would unfold.