Chapter 227: Chapter 196: The Golden Core Dao; A Challenge at the Door (5.2K Big Chapter)

Translator: 549690339

If there was one event that unequivocally dominated the world of martial arts, it was the return of the long-absent Slayer Taoist, and his challenge to the two Masters of Justice Hall.

Nobody could have guessed that after two years in seclusion, the Slayer Taoist would re-emerge with such momentum, as though intending to reclaim the top spot in the world of martial arts.

Because scant few knew of Pei Xuanjing’s slaying of the Lord of Shenxiao Gate, many did not fully comprehend the extent of Pei Xuanjing’s prowess.

As for the matter of slaying the Yama King, while many people were aware of it, only a select few understood that the power of this Yama King was on par with the most formidable martial artists in the world – the majority dismissed him as a slightly more formidable first-grade martial artist.

For various reasons, only a select few truly grasinded the full extent of Pei Xuanjing’s strength.

Hence, there were generally two major opinions regarding the Slayer Taoist’s actions.

One group believed that the Slayer Taoist Pei Xuanjing was merely vying for attention – after defeating a few ordinary first-grade martial artists, he dared to challenge the Masters of the century-old Justice Hall. They saw him as being overconfident and predicted that he would inevitably be defeated and ended in obscurity.

Others, however, thought that heroes emerged in every generation. Although Pei Xuanjing was relatively young, his abilities were on par with those who had been renowned for years.

Moreover, considering that the Slayer Taoist had never suffered a defeat since his advent, he must have had some level of confidence when challenging the masters of Justice Hall. Therefore, the outcome of this challenge was unpredictable – who would win was anyone’s guess.

For a while, countless people debated the possible outcomes.

Pei Xuanjing issued a challenge and, faced with an adversary renowned for his martial prowess, even the successive generations of heroes dared not underestimate him.

Therefore, the Masters of Justice Hall, who had made numerous alliances, invited many powerful martial artists to visit Justice Hall and enhance its prestige.

As the agreed date drew closer and closer, numerous people in the martial arts world began to head towards Justice Hall’s location, not wanting to miss this rare spectacle.

Such a duel between top experts was rare, especially when the event was publicized in advance, giving everyone prior knowledge.

“Why would he choose to challenge the Master of Justice Hall now?” Zhao Baiyang, the Maitreya Sect Leader, frowned slightly, puzzled.

Ever since the news started spreading in the martial arts world a month ago, he had heard of it. However, when he first heard about it, he dismissed it as nonsense.

Zhao Baiyang, who had personally crossed swords with Pei Xuanjing, knew very well how powerful Pei Xuanjing was. Even for himself, it would not necessarily be an easy victory without using his trump card.

But what is Justice Hall’s Master in comparison? Even though he had some reputation in martial arts circles, to Zhao Baiyang, he was just a dried bone in a grave.

In his view, Pei Xuanjing was evenly matched and it was difficult to predict a winner. How could, how could he challenge such a character?

However, as the news spread more widely, countless people gathered at Justice Hall, and especially according to the message from his subordinates, Pei Xuanjing had indeed descended from Shenxiao Mountain and headed towards Justice Hall.

This forced Zhao Baiyang to believe that this matter was real, prompting him to question why Pei Xuanjing would act this way. “What could it be?”

Zhao Baiyang was puzzled.

He knew that Pei Xuanjing’s actions had inadvertently helped him, attracting everyone’s attention and making the implementation of his own plan smoother.

Despite his curiosity about Pei Xuanjing’s actions, for Zhao Baiyang, the most important current matter was his plan for entering Tiandu and slaying the dragon.

As long as this plan wasn’t affected, all other matters could be set aside temporarily.

After a moment of thought, he ordered Yu Yiyao, “Have our people keep an eye on Justice Hall. If anything unexpected happens, they should immediately inform us. Other than that, they needn’t worry.”

“Yes, master.” Yu Yiyao nodded her head.

Zhao Baiyang then asked, “Has there been any response from the Netherworld? Are they participating in this plan?”

Yu Yiyao solemnly replied, “The message from the Netherworld is that the Ghost Emperor of Fengdu will personally participate.”

“What?” Upon hearing this, Zhao Baiyang looked up abruptly, a surprised expression crossing his face. He asked in confusion, “Why would that old ghost show up in person? Could the previous rumor be true?”

Zhao Baiyang had crossed paths with the Ghost Emperor of Fengdu several times. When he and Tie Qianshan first made their names, the old ghost was already the master of the Netherworld.

Back then, the people of Netherworld were instructed to target him and his cohorts, leading to significant strife between Zhao Baiyang and the Netherworld. If not absolutely necessary, Zhao Baiyang would never want to cooperate with anyone from the Netherworld.

But at his level, despite his deep aversion towards the Netherworld, he could only grit his teeth and accept them.

After all, Tiandu was too dangerous. He needed to rally any and all proficient Martial Artist who could potentially assist him in his endeavor..