Crossal stared at Chen Chuan and said, "I said he has already lost."
Chen Chuan shifted his gaze toward the representatives from the International Martial Artists Council and asked, "I would like to consult the council representatives on this: when martial artists are engaged in a formal scheduled duel, what is the proper procedure if a third party obstructs or interferes?"
Although there were Federation citizens among the representatives from the International Martial Artists Council this time, they showed no inclination to show favoritism at this moment.
One of them stood up, his face set in a stern, solemn expression. "According to the treaties and agreements signed by all nations and by the martial artists themselves, if either participant in a mutually recognized and officially sanctioned fair duel is subjected to interference or obstruction, the aggrieved party possesses the right to expel or strike back against the interferer, to demand compensation, to issue a challenge, or to petition the council to intervene and arbitrate."
He looked at Chen Chuan. "Then may I ask, Mr. Chen, do you wish to petition the Martial Artists Council to intervene?"
Upon hearing these words, the spectators began whispering to one another via their cochlear worms and boundary credentials. The atmosphere in the venue grew noticeably delicate. Many people subconsciously cast their eyes between Chen Chuan and Crossal, waiting for both sides' next move.
The facts were plain to see: Crossal had indeed interfered in the duel. According to customary protocol, if the matter were submitted to the Martial Artists Council for arbitration, a ruling would only be reached after the entire formal process had run its course.
Yet most people present understood in their hearts that, given Crossal's status, even if arbitration were pursued to its completion, it would not have any substantive impact on him.
Not only was his personal strength undeniable, but this was also Federation soil, where they could exert immense influence over the Martial Artists Council.
Of course, Great Shun was no soft touch either. Great Shun had always maintained an exceptionally tough stance in foreign affairs. With negotiations currently underway between the two powers, this incident might very well create ripples.
Some of the sharper minds could not help but wonder: could this be precisely the outcome Crossal desired?
Furthermore, even if the final arbitration ruling proved unfavorable to Crossal, this Throne-level martial artist could simply choose to return to the Ring of the World. By then, holding him accountable would become an impossibility.
After all, combating the world on the opposite side held top priority; all disputes had to yield before that mission. In the end, he might not even offer a verbal apology.
Chen Chuan said, "I do not intend to file an application for arbitration."
Just as everyone thought the matter would end there, and the two Tawatinian martial artists were secretly preparing to sneer, he shifted his gaze toward Crossal.
"Because Mr. Crossal interfered in my battle, under the witness of the council, I intend to challenge him to a duel."
What?
The high-ranking dignitaries and martial artists present were taken aback, followed immediately by an uproar.
What had they just heard?
He actually wanted to challenge a Throne martial artist?!
Had he gone mad?
All the martial artists in attendance wore looks of shock and disbelief.
If their memories served them right, this man was merely a Secret Palace martial artist. Did he think defeating Rossard meant he was qualified to challenge a Throne martial artist? Those were entirely different realms!
If Secret Palace martial artists were still within their realm of understanding, the feats of Throne martial artists could practically be viewed as those of gods.
Although some knew that Chen Chuan had helped deal with the escaped prisoners from the Containment Hall that night, they were not privy to the specific details. Chen Chuan would never boast about it, and Center City would certainly not publicize it, so most people even assumed Crossal had settled the affair upon his return.
Admittedly, Chen Chuan's recent display had shocked them, yet he and Rossard were at a comparable level—it was not beyond comprehension. But challenging Crossal—there was no comparison whatsoever. No matter how one looked at it, it seemed like suicide.
Crossal was also somewhat surprised. He looked intently at Chen Chuan and gave his response: "Since you have issued a challenge, as a martial artist of the Federation, I cannot refuse. I accept."
The surrounding spectators could not help but gasp. Once he accepted, it meant the duel was officially established. The representatives from the International Martial Artists Council quickly recorded this, waiting for further discussion and responses from the two parties.
Crossal added, "When do you want to hold it?"
Chen Chuan walked two paces back to where the Xuejun Saber rested, rested his hand upon the hilt, and said, "I think right now will do. The fight just now was only a warm-up. If Mr. Crossal also needs to warm up, I can give you a little time."
Hearing those words, many present were struck dumb, finding it utterly preposterous. Was this man not being far too arrogant?
Yet the Great Shun delegation did not share that view. What they saw was Chen Chuan standing fearless before a Cave Mystery View martial artist, not only confronting him directly but taking the initiative to challenge him. A surge of fierce excitement and heated blood coursed through them.
Gui Zihan stood off to the side. He appeared calm on the surface, but his hand tightened around the hilt of his sword, a spark of exhilaration flickering deep within his eyes.
Delegation Leader Xie immediately told the aide beside him, "Send a telegram. Report the situation here truthfully to the First Delegation."
At that moment, not only him, but the inspecting officials from the East Coast also immediately ordered their assistants to send a telegram to inform the Federation Executive Government without delay. If a real clash broke out or casualties occurred between the two sides, it might disrupt the upcoming negotiations.
Crossal then said, "Very well. I will grant you some time to rest." He turned to the venue executives and instructed, "Provide him with the best recovery medicine."
The venue executive hurriedly bowed in deference and answered respectfully, "Mr. Crossal, we shall comply with your instructions."
Crossal looked back at Chen Chuan. "I give you one hour." Having said that, he sat back down.
At this, the buzz of conversation in the surrounding audience grew even louder, their faces flush with excitement and agitation.
They had truly never imagined they would have the privilege of witnessing a Throne martial artist in action today.
Even if they might not fully comprehend what they were seeing, to witness such a spectacle in person was already an immense stroke of fortune.
Chen Chuan drew the Xuejun Saber from the ground and walked over to Rossard. The man was still lying there, unable to get up, seemingly forgotten at this moment—not even the Tawatinian martial artists had come forward to check on him.
The arena's medical personnel, however, rushed over swiftly. Still, so long as one was not slain on the spot, with the physique of a Longevity View martial artist, he would be able to recover on his own before long. When the medical staff lifted Rossard onto the stretcher, he signaled for them to pause, looking up at Chen Chuan.
"Mr. Chen, I lost."
Chen Chuan said, "Mr. Rossard, take care and recover well."
Rossard said to him then, "Mr. Chen, that relic... it was given to me by Mr. Crossal."
Chen Chuan nodded upon hearing this. Crossal seemed to have quite a few underhanded moves and presumably had some scheme, but it did not matter. Once they clashed, any scheme would be rendered superfluous.
Meanwhile, Deputy Delegation Leaders He and Lu from the delegation stepped up beside Delegation Leader Xie. Deputy Delegation Leader He said with concern, "Delegation Leader Xie, this... the other party is a Throne martial artist, which means he is at the Cave Mystery View, right? Shouldn't we persuade Section Chief Chen not to be so reckless?"
Deputy Delegation Leader Lu chimed in, "Indeed. If Section Chief Chen suffers any harm..."
Even though they were not martial artists, as senior officials from the capital, they well understood the weight carried by a Cave Mystery View martial artist.
That was a tier of martial prowess qualified to enter the Supreme Security Advisory Group; in their conception, it represented virtually the pinnacle of power in the world.
Delegation Leader Xie was far calmer. He had read Chen Chuan's reports; Chen Chuan had already clashed with a Cave Mystery View martial artist at the Throat of the Star Spirit. Thus, this was not some impulsive, reckless gamble, but a challenge issued with full awareness of his own capabilities.
He said, "Since Section Chief Chen made this decision, he must have his reasons. As a martial artist, he understands opponents far better than we do. Therefore, in this matter, there is no need for us to do anything superfluous."
Chen Chuan did not linger in the arena. He returned to the lounge prepared for him by the venue, set the Xuejun Saber aside, and quietly regulated his breathing. During this process, his body slowly floated upward under the influence of his force field, a radiant platinum glow naturally diffusing around him.
Ever since his clash with that Cave Mystery View martial artist that day, he had been seeking more opportunities to exchange blows with such adversaries.
The more exchanges he had, the deeper his comprehension of this realm became.
Based on his experience battling that kind of opponent last time, the divided limbs of these Cave Mystery View martial artists did not manifest tremendous power at first; rather, their strength escalated continuously in response to the foe and the state of combat.
By his reckoning, under normal circumstances, such limbs were tied to only a fraction of mental power to prevent draining the main body's strength. Yet as the intensity deepened, whether through the main body's direct focus or the limb's feedback, the infusion of mental power would steadily increase.
In this way, the potential within the limb would gradually awaken, continuously adapting and adjusting until it completely overwhelmed and crushed the opponent.
Knowing this, if his goal were merely to achieve victory, he could never allow the fight to drag on, nor could he afford to give the other party a chance to ramp up; he would have to finish them off while they were still in their weakened state.
Yet that kind of triumph was merely tactical, offering no real insight into the opponent's true might, which ran counter to his original purpose. Compared to back then, he was vastly stronger now. He would not settle for mere victory; he intended to use these battles to elevate and validate himself.
In that case, he would use this man to test the fruits of his cultivation during this stage.
Just as the thought crossed his mind, he suddenly felt a stir. He noticed that the slumbering Xuejun Saber had awakened, and at the same time, he sensed something unusual. Reaching out, the saber leaped into his hand. After sensing it for a moment, he fell into deep contemplation.
Chapter 1164