50- Zhong Li's state

After respectfully greeting Elder Duanmu, Duan Xue and Zheng Junjie proceeded toward the designated seat for the Zheng imperial clan's contestants.

After Zheng Junjie left, Duan Xue's anger, which had been boiling over, seemed to instantly dissipate, as if someone had poured a bucket of cold water over her head.

Zhong Peng was amazed by how much of an impact Zheng Junjie had on Duan Xue's emotions. "How can someone so young possess such a depth of anger?" Zhong muttered to himself in surprise.

"Duan Xue, do not let your anger cloud your judgment. It will only weaken you," Elder Duanmu advised, looking toward Duan Xue.

"I apologize, Elder Duanmu. I allowed my anger to guide my actions," Duan Xue said, her voice devoid of emotion.

It was evident to Zhong Peng that their relationship was strained.

"With your membership in a big sect, I am certain that you can defeat him without a doubt," Elder Duanmu encouraged. "However, you must get a hold of yourself. Remember that you are not just a contestant representing the Duan clan, but you are also responsible for leading the rest of our clan's competitors. If you allow your anger to continue to control your actions, it will ultimately lead our clan to failure," he warned Duan Xue.

"It will not happen again," Duan Xue assured Elder Duanmu, her voice conveying a hint of anger and authority, which Zhong Peng detected.

"It is better that it does not happen again. If it does, I will have no choice but to select another person to lead the Duan clan's contestants," Elder Duanmu warned sternly.

"There will be no need for you to do that. As I stated before, it will not happen again," Duan Xue replied with anger in her voice, assuring Elder Duanmu that she was capable of controlling her anger and leading the Duan clan's contestants to victory.

"Take heed, for your master is also present to witness this contest. Should you falter, not only will you disappoint the esteemed clan, but you will also humiliate your master. I am certain that such an outcome is not what you desire. Therefore, compose yourself and give it your all," Elder Duanmu intoned gravely.

"I am well aware of the consequences that come with defeat," Duan Xue retorted with a hint of fury in her tone. "I refuse to let it happen. My determination to emerge victorious burns even brighter now I am sure I will win," she added, her anger palpable in her words.

"I sincerely hope you have a very good understanding of the situation," Elder Duanmu stated. Following his remark, he fell silent, as did Duan Xue and the other contestants from the Duan clan.

As Zhong Peng listened to the discussion between the two, he deduced from Duan Xue's tone that there was a complete lack of respect toward Elder Duanmu.

It was abundantly clear to him that they did not have a good relationship with each other. Zhong Peng was well aware that inner conflicts were a common occurrence within every clan. Lost in thought, his mind wandered to his father, and he muttered silently to himself, "I hope he is doing okay."

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Zhong clan premises 

Amid a dark dungeon, where darkness engulfed every inch of the surroundings, the only source of light came from a flickering flame torch.

It cast an eerie orange glow that illuminated the room's contents, revealing a chained figure that appeared to be dead than alive.

If one were to bear witness to this sight, one would scarcely believe that the figure was Zhong Li, who was once the esteemed leader of the Zhong clan.

A sound of footsteps echoed through the hallway, and Zhong Li lifted his head from his usual lifeless position.

His hollow eyes stared in the direction of the footsteps, and his appearance gave off an undead aura with his injuries and dried blood staining his clothes.

It was as if he had already passed into the realm of the dead.

As the footsteps drew nearer to the place where Zhong Li was imprisoned, the sound grew louder and more distinct.

Finally, the person arrived, and it was none other than Zhong Yuan. His face was adorned with a cocky smile, which seemed to bloom like a flower in springtime.

Upon catching sight of Zhong Yuan, fierce anger coursed through Zhong Li's body, seemingly reinvigorating his lifeless form.

With a sudden burst of energy, he leaped towards Zhong Yuan, only to be cruelly jerked back by the chain that was slicing into his flesh and drawing fresh blood from the wound.

Drops of crimson fell from his hand, forming a small pool on the ground. Despite his relentless efforts to break free and reach Zhong Yuan, the unrelenting chain exacted a heavy toll on Zhong Li, leaving him exhausted and drained.

Realizing that his desperate struggles were in vain, Zhong Li's body collapsed with a resounding thud.

He fell to his knees, his eyes blazing with a fit of fiery anger that seemed to rival the intensity of an inferno. "Zhong Yuan, you old dog... Your death is fast approaching!" he seethed with a fierce killing intent that was palpable in his words.

Despite having his cultivation crippled, the flames of his rage burned brightly in his eyes, leaving no doubt that his resolve to exact revenge was unwavering.