Chapter 368: Fated Duel

Lin Xueyan seemed not to have expected Ye Qingran to say that; she thought for a moment and replied, "Five years, even if not at the Summit of the Hunt, should have brought some progress, right."

This sentence is thought‑provoking.

"Just then, I have long admired the Summit of the Hunt; might Miss Lin be generous enough to give me instruction?"

Those words hide a sharp edge.

Xia Zhimeng let out a startled "Whoa" in her mind.

Is Ye Qingran about to make the first move?

Han Xing Leng Yue, after a brief shock, regained composure.

When the young lady of her family finally stops being timid, it means Lin Xueyan's good days are over!

Lin Xueyan looked at Ye Qingran in surprise, not knowing what game she was playing.

For a moment, she hesitated.

Ye Qingran suddenly flashed a fiery smile, "What, Miss Lin, are you afraid?"

The word "afraid" sent a strong smell of gunpowder to everyone present.

They had all heard rumors of discord between Ye Qingran and Lin Xueyan.

It seems the rumors are not false.

Could it be that today the conflict between the two will erupt here?

Lin Xueyan's fingers, tinged with the green of cardamom, pinched her own flesh.

To be honest, she felt a bit insecure. Especially after hearing that Ye Qingran had once defeated Ling Qingwu, the prodigy disciple of the Xuan Yuan Sword Sect, she couldn't gauge Ye Qingran's strength.

"Ye Qingran, today is the state banquet to welcome the three National Lords; it would be inappropriate to start a fight here, wouldn't it?"

Lin Xueyan squinted, her gaze at Ye Qingran tinged with displeasure.

"Is that so?" Ye Qingran lifted an eyebrow, her eyes shifting to rest on the three National Lords.

"Three National Lords, what do they think?"

Her gaze carried a hidden pressure, causing the three National Lords to involuntarily startle and instinctively shake their heads, "No problem. In fact, we also wish to see the strength of Donglin Country's younger generation!"

Lin Xueyan knit her brows.

"All three National Lords have agreed, Lin Xueyan, what are you still worrying about? Could it be that you're scared of this small person who has no Spiritual Root and has never set foot on the Summit of the Hunt?"

Afraid?

Lin Xueyan is from the Summit of the Hunt; would she fear Ye Qingran?!

In her eyes, blazing flames roared.

She suddenly recalled that the Emperor Sovereign had instructed her not to embarrass the Summit of the Hunt.

So, if today she refuses Ye Qingran, she will be mocked, and the Summit of the Hunt's reputation will suffer.

Therefore, Lin Xueyan stood up, smiled confidently, "Since the three National Lords agree, what fear do I have?"

She thought it through; perhaps this is just Ye Qingran's trick, intended to make her back down. If she truly avoids the fight, she'd fall for Ye Qingran's scheme! After all, although Ye Qingran defeated Ling Qingwu, the fact remains she has no Spiritual Root.

How strong can a cultivator without even a Spiritual Root become?

"However, I have a condition," Lin Xueyan began, "To avoid unfairness, we must conceal our strongest side."

This remark sounds quite sophisticated.

Many of those present could sense some deeper meaning.

Xia Zhimeng and Gu Dongliu beside her exchanged a glance and rolled their White Eyes to the heavens.

Lin Xueyan, fearing Ye Qingran's Sword Path, said it outright; phrasing it so grandly was merely to prevent Ye Qingran from using her Sword Path.

As for her, what could be her strong side? Nothing but alchemy!

Who has ever practiced alchemy during a duel?

Ye Qingran knew exactly.

She smiled faintly.

Lin Xueyan probably wouldn't assume that without the Sword Path she is helpless, would she?

Sorry, the Sword Path is just a side practice during her cultivation, like taking an elective course at another college while in university.

If Ling Qingwu hadn't been a sword cultivator before, she probably wouldn't know when to draw a sword!

Sigh, we can't blame Lin Xueyan for being foolish; if anything, blame her for being too low‑key!

Lin Xueyan watched Ye Qingran nervously, awaiting her answer.

If Ye Qingran agrees, she is confident Ye Qingran won't be her opponent.

"Lin Xueyan, are you afraid of my Sword Path?"

With Ye Qingran making this clear, the looks at Lin Xueyan became somewhat strange.

It is a fact that Ye Qingran's Sword Path is strong; after all, she defeated Ling Qingwu, the Sword‑Path prodigy of the Xuan Yuan Sword Sect.

Could it truly be, as Ye Qingran says, that Lin Xueyan fears her Sword Path?

Lin Xueyan's complexion changed, she gritted her teeth, "Ye Qingran, I'm only doing this for fairness. If you refuse, then fine!" If it really doesn't work, she'll secretly poison Ye Qingran. After all, Ye Qingran doesn't understand medicinal toxins, and I can act without heaven or earth noticing.

"Why are you so agitated? I'll agree to you."

Ye Qingran being so easygoing made Lin Xueyan feel a faint unease.

Upon reconsideration, Ye Qingran has no Spiritual Root and cannot wield the Sword Path; she could never be my opponent!

A dozen masters set up a Barrier in Jin Luan Hall to shield the guests.

In the center, two figures stood far apart, opposing each other.

Ye Qingran gazed at the opposite Lin Xueyan, a dark glint flashing in her eyes.

She had waited for this day for far too long.

All grudges shall be settled today!

Lin Xueyan stared at Ye Qingran across from her, dark currents surging in her eyes.

Five years ago, she did not personally see Ye Qingran die; this is the greatest mistake she has made in her life.

Today, she will not show mercy!