Chapter 16: Trouble Can't Resist Finding Me!

As the announcer's voice boomed across the arena, the crowd erupted in excitement.

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"What? A newcomer dares to challenge Lin Jie? Is he crazy?" one disciple blurted out, his voice dripping with disbelief.

"Nine wins in a row! Lin Jie can't be beaten!"

"Yang Lie? A newcomer with no experience? He doesn't stand a chance!" another added, shaking his head.

"If Yang Lie pulls off a miracle, it'll be the upset of the century!" a more optimistic voice chimed in, though it was quickly drowned by laughter.

"Unbelievable! Lin Jie may not be in the top hundred Outer Sect disciples, but he's still ranked within the top five hundred. That kid's asking for a beating," someone else muttered.

"Have you seen the betting odds? Lin Jie's odds are 10 to 1 against Yang Lie's! If Yang Lie somehow wins, the payout will be tenfold, but if Lin Jie wins, you double your points," another disciple remarked, eyeing the betting board.

"So what if it's tenfold? Yang Lie has no chance. Lin Jie is a Mid-Stage Qi Solidification Realm cultivator, and Yang Lie's only at the Peak of Qi Refining Realm. There's no way he's winning this. I'm betting on Lin Jie for sure," the first disciple declared confidently.

"Same here."

"Yeah, me too. No sense in throwing Points away," another voice agreed, as the crowd began to favor Lin Jie overwhelmingly.

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Reon listened to their conversation from behind, a slight smile playing on his lips as he already knew the outcome of this duel.

Although Yang Lie had only reached the Peak Stage of the Qi Refining Realm, his strength rivaled that of a High Stage Qi Solidification Realm cultivator.

This was due to his mastery of a Low Tier Rare-Grade Sword Technique, which he had acquired from his system after securing third place in the Sect Disciple Selection Ceremony and successfully advancing it to the Intermediate Stage.

Those who considered themselves clever by betting on Lin Jie would soon find themselves at a loss, watching their Sect points vanish into thin air. Reon turned to Xu Yang, his expression earnest. "Xu Yang, do you believe me?"

"Yes, Big Brother Xue," Xu Yang replied, though he was unsure why Xue Taiyang was asking this question so suddenly. Nevertheless, he met Reon's gaze with seriousness, trusting him implicitly, much like he would trust an older sibling.

"Then how many Sect Points do you have?" Reon inquired, his tone curious.

Xu Yang glanced away, a hint of embarrassment crossing his face as he replied in a low voice, "It's only about 1,000, Brother Xue."

"Alright, bet everything on Yang Lie. Once he wins, give me half of the points," Reon instructed.

Reon also took a moment to check Xue Taiyang's points, only to discover a mere 500 points.

"This bastard! Despite being an Inner Sect disciple, he has fewer points than an Outer Sect disciple," Reon cursed inwardly, frustration boiling within him. He resolved to place his own bet on Yang Lie.

Xu Yang was puzzled by Xue Taiyang's sudden confidence but decided to remain silent. Trusting Xue Taiyang's judgment, he wagered all his points on Yang Lie, convinced that his words were not just idle talk.

Reon settled into his seat in the audience, a thrill of excitement coursing through him at the prospect of raking in Sect Points without lifting a finger.

He eagerly focused on the arena, eager to witness the protagonist in action for the first time, intent on analyzing his movements and strategies.

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"Yang Lie, I've heard plenty about your so-called talent, but let's be real—you're still just a Peak Stage Qi Refining Realm cultivator. Do yourself a favor and forfeit now; it'll save you the trouble of getting beaten to a pulp," Lin Jie taunted, a smug grin etched on his face.

Yang Lie stood tall, a confident smile tugging at his lips. "I appreciate the concern, but I'm certain of my victory."

Inwardly, Yang Lie couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Why is this bastard rambling on so much? Let's get this over with so I can finish my System's Weekly Quest by defeating you!"

"You've brought this on yourself, Yang Lie!" Lin Jie roared, charging forward to launch his attack.

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Two Minutes later...

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The entire arena fell into a hushed silence as the spectators grappled with the astonishing display before them.

The announcer's eyes widened in disbelief, rendered speechless by what he had just witnessed.

Even Reon was taken aback by how effortlessly Yang Lie had dispatched Lin Jie in just two swift moves.

Yet, given that he was the protagonist destined to become the Supreme Sword Immortal, it was a feat that, while impressive, was ultimately to be expected.

"Announcer, aren't you going to declare my victory?" Yang Lie asked, directing an expectant gaze toward the announcer.

"Ah! Yes, the victory goes to Yang Lie!" the announcer declared, finally breaking the stunned silence.

[Ding! The Host has completed the Weekly Quest, reward has been stored in Inventory.]

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"This..."

"Impossible! Did he really just defeat Lin Jie in only two moves?"

"Forget about winning, you fool! I just lost all my Sect Points!" 

"Me too!"

"Count me in as well!" 

As the crowd wallowed in despair over their lost Sect Points, Reon barely had a moment to relish his winnings from the bet before he noticed a group of Outer Sect disciples making their way toward him.

"Ah, it seems trouble can't resist finding me," he thought inwardly, feeling a twinge of frustration.