The dust in the arena was finally settling. The lifeless bodies of the Blood Coffin Sect invaders and the remains of that horrific Blood Puppet stood as grim witnesses to the carnage that had just unfolded. City Lord Wang Long and Yan Kai Long stood facing each other, their breathing still heavy, but their eyes held the satisfaction of victors. Thousands in the stands breathed sighs of relief, yet their eyes remained fixed on Ye Fang, who stood alone in a corner, muttering to himself.
Ye Fang's gaze was locked onto Yan Kai Long's broad, sturdy back—the same back that had single-handedly scattered dozens of attackers. He had just witnessed how Yan Kai Long, at only 50% power, had shifted the tide of the entire war. Ye Fang clenched his fists, a strange restlessness stirring within him.
He called out to Little System in his mind, "Little System, tell me one thing... was Yan Kai Long actually serious when he fought me? I mean, even at 50% power, it felt like he was just testing me. How can he be this powerful?"
In the corner of his mind, Little System's mischievous yet logical voice rang out: [Ding! Host, you are absolutely right!]
Floating invisibly, Little System whispered into his ear, "The truth is, Yan Kai Long wasn't fighting you seriously at all. During your duel, he was merely gauging your potential because your cultivation level is still quite low. You are in the early stages of 'Qi Refining,' while he is a literal monster standing at the 'Golden Core Peak.'"
She elaborated further, "Host, you have no idea what kind of fire you were playing with. If his White Dragon Martial Soul had fully awakened, he would have become so dangerous it would be impossible to contain him. That Martial Soul can still become uncontrollable because Yan Kai Long hasn't mastered full control over it yet. Even his Blue Dragon Body is only 80% developed."
Ye Fang paused, stunned. "What? You mean he's still not at his full capacity?"
"Not even close!" Little System chirped. "He was fighting you with only 50% of his power. If he had actually been serious, Host, you would have been defeated long ago! Your talismans and the initial strength of your 'God-Demon Physique' wouldn't even have touched him. Remember, I warned you at the start that he is many times more powerful than you. He is one of the few geniuses on this continent carrying an ancient legacy."
Ye Fang took a deep breath. He felt the weight of his own weakness, but he also felt hope looking at the new Rewards in his inventory. He thought of the Primordial Chaos God–Demon Body Refining Manual and those special pills. He knew he had to grow this 'Hidden' power, or he would remain nothing more than a 'madman' in this world of cultivation.
The Elder's Recognition
As this mental dialogue took place, the atmosphere in the arena shifted once again. The metallic scent of blood vanished, replaced by a heavy, ancient Pressure that made the reinforced walls groan. This pressure was so immense that even City Lord Wang Long's knees trembled for a moment. Yan Kai Long gripped his sword hilt, his instincts screaming of danger.
From the main gate, a shadow emerged. An elderly man with long white hair and a beard flowing in the wind walked in. He wore simple cotton robes, yet with every step, cracks spiderwebbed across the stone floor. He was surrounded by a halo of gold and blue light—a clear sign of a master of a higher 'Realm.'
"Father?!" Wang Long's voice was a mix of shock and reverence.
This was the former protector of Sanmiao City and Wang Long's father, Elder Wang Shen. He had been in deep meditation for years, but today's upheaval had forced him out.
Elder Wang Shen walked into the center. His eyes didn't linger on the corpses or his son. Instead, his sharp, piercing gaze scanned the arena as if searching for something specific. Suddenly, his eyes locked onto the corner where Ye Fang stood.
Silence fell. Elder Wang Shen took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He felt a subtle energy in the air that was beyond the comprehension of any ordinary cultivator. This energy was ancient, terrifying, and yet sacred.
His face grew solemn, and a bead of sweat formed on his brow. He slowly opened his eyes and whispered, his voice echoing like thunder:
"This power... this wave of energy... I felt it somewhere a long time ago. It's impossible, but this feeling is exactly the same."
Wang Long stepped forward, "Father, what are you talking about? There's nothing here but the filth of invaders and the Qi of these warriors."
Elder Wang Shen ignored him. His eyes remained fixed on Ye Fang, who was trying his best to look normal. The old Elder repeated in a low but firm voice:
"No, Wang Long, you wouldn't understand. This is not the ordinary power you know. This strength... I felt it... many years ago..."
Every cultivator in the arena held their breath. Ye Fang was breaking into a cold sweat. He thought to himself, 'Has he sensed my God-Demon energy? Is this my end, or the start of a bigger mystery?'