"Commander Li Xuan actually defeated Commander Gong Junying!"
"It's rumored that Commander Gong's strength was already at the fifth extreme of the Transformation Realm two years ago, yet today he was defeated by Commander Li Xuan, who only recently broke through to the peak of the Boundless Realm!"
"Could it be that Commander Li Xuan has already reached the sixth or even seventh extreme after these few months of secluded cultivation?"
"..."
As Li Xuan emerged, the various teams observing the battle exchanged shocked glances. The crowd immediately erupted into discussion.
Li Xuan's team members, upon seeing him win, became even more invigorated. Conversely, Gong Junying's team, despite possessing slightly superior overall strength, found themselves struggling to fend off the fierce and fearless attacks.
Especially after discovering their commander's defeat, their movements became somewhat panicked.
"Cough... cough... stand down, we lost," a minute later, a staggering figure emerged from the dust. Upon seeing Li Xuan and Qiu Jiuqian, Gong Junying sighed with a complex expression and shouted towards the battling masses.
As Gong Junying's voice faded, the fighting parties ceased their engagement. Wen Qing and his companions were overjoyed, while Gong Junying's team members dejectedly retreated behind him.
According to previous challenges, the duel between the commanders always took the longest to conclude. This was primarily due to the smaller disparity in strength, making it difficult to determine a winner quickly. Furthermore, the commanders of stronger teams would typically challenge opponents who were not within their own tier.
Li Xuan, as a newly emerging commander, had defeated Gong Junying so swiftly that he could now join the fray and secure battle achievements.
"Commander Gong, I accept your concession!" Li Xuan said, cupping his fist in a salute to Gong Junying.
Gong Junying let out a wry smile, saying with a hint of emotion, "Commander Li's strength suggests he will ascend to a higher level in the next disciple trial. I am truly convinced of my defeat at your hands today."
"Commander Gong flatters me. I believe your future achievements will be considerable. If you do not mind, I would be honored to spar with you anytime," Li Xuan replied with a smile.
"Very well. Commander Li, I bid you farewell," Gong Junying said with a hearty laugh, saluting Li Xuan before turning to lead his team away.
"Commander Gong has a commendable character. I hadn't expected Commander Li to finish the battle so quickly, conserving your strength for us," Qiu Jiuqian remarked as Gong Junying and his group departed.
"Commander Gong has already reached the limit of the seventh extreme. He might very well become a prominent figure in the Wood Pavilion in the future."
Li Xuan nodded slightly. Under Qiu Jiuqian's astonished gaze, he then addressed his team, "Everyone, rest here and remain ready for any challenges."
"Yes!" Wen Qing and the others responded loudly, then immediately sat down cross-legged to recuperate.
Many of the surrounding observing teams were taken aback by how quickly Li Xuan's team concluded their battle. Furthermore, the various commanders present naturally recognized Li Xuan's power.
Although Li Xuan's team's overall strength was relatively weaker, with Li Xuan as their commander, it would be difficult for any opposing team to achieve a swift victory. After a brief comparison, no team dared to issue a challenge to Li Xuan's group.
Time gradually passed, and seven days went by in the blink of an eye. Only two days remained until the end of the disciple trial.
"Commander Li, it's surprising that no team has challenged us. It seems that if we hold out for two more days, we'll secure this lower-tier allocation," Gong Hanfeng said, glancing at the other teams still engaged in fierce battles before shifting his gaze to Li Xuan.
Li Xuan nodded slightly. His swift victory over Gong Junying had been part of a meticulously laid plan.
This strategy, he believed, would at least make some teams approach them with greater caution.
Even though Li Xuan's team members were individually weaker, with Li Xuan present, they were unlikely to be defeated. Once a challenging commander was defeated by Li Xuan, his participation in other battles would rapidly turn the tide.
This was precisely why he emphasized teamwork.
After all, even Li Xuan alone could not face a full complement of twenty opponents surrounding him. At the peak of the Boundless Realm, he had not yet reached a level where he could single-handedly lead the charge against all.
This particular day passed in tranquility.
As the end of the disciple trial drew nearer, the challenges between the various teams became unprecedentedly intense.
Li Xuan personally witnessed no less than ten disciples perish. These were disciples who would undoubtedly have become the most valuable pillars of the Wood Pavilion in the future.
The final day of the disciple trial.
As dawn broke, sunlight slanted down. Upon the scarred and battered earth, it cast a semblance of warmth.
Li Xuan opened his eyes and looked around, sighing softly.
However, in the next instant, everyone, including Qiu Jiuqian and Gong Hanfeng, stood up. A figure suddenly appeared before Li Xuan.
"Your strength is formidable. I doubt you've come to challenge us. May I ask the purpose of your visit?"
Li Xuan's expression remained calm as he looked at the newcomer and asked with a hint of surprise.
Sensing the individual's aura, Li Xuan realized that their strength was at least at the early stage of the Divine Transformation Realm, and possibly even at the middle stage of the Divine Mansion Realm. Such a person would certainly not be here to challenge Li Xuan's team. Therefore, they must have another reason for their presence.
The newcomer smiled faintly, glanced at the tense Gong Hanfeng and his companions, and then returned his gaze to Li Xuan's face. "The renowned Commander Li indeed has discerning eyes. You've correctly guessed that my intention is not to challenge you. However, in a way, it is still a challenge."
As the newcomer spoke, even Qiu Jiuqian looked at Li Xuan with a grave expression.
"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Zhang Xu. Like Commander Li, I am also a commander of the Wood Pavilion. However, my team is currently in the lower combat zone. According to the rules of the disciple trial, I cannot, in good conscience, challenge Commander Li's team."
"Of course, my purpose is not to have Commander Li's team challenge mine. I have only one objective. Will Commander Li agree to a duel between us after the disciple trial concludes?" Zhang Xu said, glancing at Qiu Jiuqian before looking at Li Xuan.
"Challenging me with your Divine Transformation Realm strength seems rather improper, don't you think?" Li Xuan replied with surprise.
"Commander Li, rest assured, I am merely curious about you. This voluntary challenge is simply to engage in a friendly duel. After this battle, we might even become friends. Of course, I will suppress my own strength to match yours for a fair fight."
"Should I be defeated by Commander Li, I am willing to offer thirty Taiyuan Fruits. What does Commander Li think?" Zhang Xu asked with a smile.
Li Xuan pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded. "Agreed."