Chapter Sixty-Three: Zhang Yinshan

Faced with such a powerful attack, Chu Han dared not be careless. His body had already been locked by the opponent’s aura, leaving him unable to move, so he could only take the blow head-on. The corners of his mouth curved upward slightly—since the other side sought to harm him, he would ensure their victory would not come easily.

“Thunderbolt Palm.”

He had obtained the method to practice Thunderbolt Palm from the Revered Five Thunders long ago, and had already mastered it, though he’d never had a chance to display it. Now was the perfect opportunity to test its true strength.

He raised his right hand, gathering the lightning into a single point, forming a small black electric orb. His palm collided with the Second Elder’s attack, and the two positions instantly erupted in a massive explosion, even affecting the spectators below.

The overwhelming shockwave caused those with weaker cultivation to lose their footing, stumbling to the ground, staring in astonishment at the spectacle. The sheer force left them dumbstruck.

As the smoke dissipated, the Second Elder staggered back several steps, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, gazing in disbelief in Chu Han’s direction.

Chu Han himself was forced back several steps, coughing up a mouthful of blood, his gaze now tinged with crimson. The Third Elder’s strength was at least that of a Dao Palace Seventh Chamber—truly formidable.

Everyone was stunned. No one had expected Chu Han to withstand the Second Elder’s full-force palm, and to do so head-on. Though he spat blood and the Second Elder merely bled a little, the true experts could see that their attacks were evenly matched.

Although Chu Han was more seriously injured, the Second Elder, being the initiator of the attack, had a slight advantage. The two were practically equal in strength.

After defeating Song Yi, many thought Chu Han had reached his limit, but now he could even exchange blows with someone at the Seventh Chamber of the Dao Palace. Such power was beyond their imagination, especially considering Chu Han was not yet thirty years old.

“Young man, I underestimated you. Your strength is impressive, but today you must die.”

The murderous intent in the Second Elder’s eyes could no longer be restrained. Previously, he had only wanted to teach Chu Han a lesson for tarnishing the reputation of Reincarnation Valley with his victory over Song Yi. Now, he genuinely wanted to kill him.

To be able to stand toe-to-toe with a Dao Palace Seventh Chamber expert before turning thirty was terrifying. If allowed to grow, Chu Han’s future strength would be even more monstrous—something the Second Elder could not allow. He raised his hand again.

“Heh, if you want to kill me, we’ll see if you have the capability.”

Chu Han snorted coldly, lightning coiling around him once more, though now his bravado belied a certain weakness.

That palm from the Second Elder had indeed wounded him, and the internal energy within him had been thrown into disarray. He could barely muster any decent attack now.

Yet, as a Celestial Lord, his dignity would not allow him to retreat. Even if he fell in battle today, he would not take a single step back. He was a Celestial Lord, one who stood above all, his power enough to look down upon everyone present.

Just as the two prepared to clash again, a dignified voice rang out, “Enough!”

The words had barely faded when an elder surged onto the arena, placing himself between the two, fixing a cold gaze on the Second Elder.

“It’s Elder Zhang! I didn’t expect even he would be alarmed. But of course—the tournament represents Eastern Wilderness’s reputation. If the Second Elder ruins it, Eastern Wilderness’s honor will be lost as well.”

The sudden appearance of Elder Zhang sparked discussion among the spectators. Whenever his name was mentioned, their faces showed only respect.

At that moment, Leng Ye had just intended to rush forward, but seeing Elder Zhang step in, he breathed a sigh of relief. With Elder Zhang present, Chu Han’s life was assured.

“Elder Zhang, what brings you here?” The Second Elder was startled to see him, his heart skipping a beat, quickly forcing a smile.

Chu Han narrowed his eyes at the elder, and upon hearing his name, couldn't help but smile.

Before entering the tournament, Chu Han had asked Li Fu to investigate the major sects and clans of Eastern Wilderness, and he was familiar with the details. Elder Zhang’s full name was Zhang Yinshan, the previous head of the Profound Nether Sect, and now its Supreme Elder. He was the most senior figure in all of Eastern Wilderness, respected by everyone.

Though the Profound Nether Sect was no longer the most powerful force in Eastern Wilderness, no one dared to provoke it—because of the Supreme Elder’s presence.

His strength was unfathomable; many speculated he had reached the peak of the Dao Palace Tenth Chamber, only one step away from comprehending Yin and Yang, breaking through the Dao Palace and becoming an unparalleled supreme powerhouse.

“You dare show your face, causing trouble for contestants during the tournament? After all these years, have you learned nothing? To lay hands on the younger generation—your actions have disgraced Reincarnation Valley. Go and apologize to young friend Chu Han, or I won’t be so merciful.”

Zhang Yinshan’s voice was grave as he addressed the Second Elder. The tournament was hosted by the Profound Nether Sect, so he had to intervene. If Chu Han truly died at the Second Elder’s hands, no one would ever again participate in Eastern Wilderness’s youth tournament, and the region’s reputation would be utterly ruined.

When the Second Elder heard he was to apologize to Chu Han, his face turned ashen, as though he had swallowed a fly. He wanted to protest, but seeing Zhang Yinshan already gathering his internal energy, prepared to act at any moment, he could only comply to save his life.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have attacked you.”

He walked over and stood before Chu Han, speaking softly. His dignity was entirely lost; for an elder to apologize to a junior was humiliating, but for the sake of survival, there was no other choice.

“No matter. Reincarnation Valley has always acted high-handedly, but those who sow injustice will reap calamity. I hope you won’t bring upon your sect an enemy you cannot afford.”

With Zhang Yinshan mediating, Chu Han naturally gave him an opportunity to resolve the situation. Yet he noticed the murderous intent in the Second Elder’s eyes had not lessened, but grown deeper. He knew this old man would not let him off so easily.

But it mattered little. The Second Elder was strong, but Chu Han was not afraid. He’d only been caught off guard by the sudden attack. If they fought openly, Chu Han might well win; after all, his strength was about to break the threshold of one hundred thirty thousand jin.

Faced with Chu Han's taunt, the Second Elder could only blush, quickly withdrawing to join the Reincarnation Valley team. This time, Reincarnation Valley suffered a complete defeat.

“All right, let’s consider what we just saw as a performance. The tournament will continue!”

Zhang Yinshan laughed heartily, and the crowd was pleased—seeing such a powerful young man as Chu Han had surpassed their expectations. They continued watching the remainder of the competition.

The final round would be held the next day, so Chu Han planned to return and heal his wounds. Though not severe, if left untreated, they could cause problems.

“Young friend Chu Han, please wait a moment. Would you come with me?”

Seeing Chu Han about to leave, Zhang Yinshan called out to him. Chu Han paused, then nodded.

After all, Zhang Yinshan had just helped him. Refusing now would be ungracious, and he was not afraid of any harm from Zhang Yinshan—otherwise, the elder would not have intervened against the Second Elder.