Chapter 258 – A Prophecy Fulfilled, All Enter the Hall

“If you wish to fight, then come! What have I to fear? Even if others criticize, what does it matter whether I’m human or ghost? Even if I perish, this humble one dares to leave behind loyalty as steadfast as the Kunlun mountains.”

“Let all who refuse to submit step forward and fight!”

Fight… fight… FIGHT!!!

Ye Kuang’s dragon-like roars rose and fell in waves, echoing powerfully across the mountain peaks.

In that moment, he seemed to transform into the Thunder God of heaven and earth, radiating magnificent righteousness and integrity. He embodied both the heroic spirit of taking full responsibility for one’s actions and the majestic courage to face life and death.

For a time, everyone who heard him couldn’t help but change expressions, appearing as pale as those recently recovered from serious illness.

While their momentum gradually withered, it instead highlighted Ye Kuang’s soaring spirit that could move heaven and earth.

What gave him the courage to publicly resist the prevailing trend?

Even if his body were crushed to dust, he would fear nothing, daring to spare no sacrifice!

No one understood.

And what enabled him to dare attempt the impossible when he knew it couldn’t be done?

It could be said, people understood this even less!

Only the scene of complete silence remained.

When that inexplicable feeling struck, it was like being plunged into a deathly still world, with no sound to be heard in any direction.

Perhaps it could be described this way: “Although everyone still held endless ‘hatred’ toward Ye Kuang, they couldn’t help but admire his righteous ‘courage’!”

And just as Ye Kuang had said earlier, they naturally wouldn’t insult Senior Brother Shang Bai’s character, nor would they tarnish Senior Brother Shang Bai’s dignity!

Instead, Ye Kuang seemed still unsatisfied, his tiger-like eyes glaring furiously as he stood facing them.

Even though his iron fists dripped with fresh red blood from excessive force, he still chose to glare fiercely, maintaining his standoff with the crowd!

His indignant appearance seemed as if he had gained invincible power through it, possessing the capital to resist the prevailing trend.

If this scene could be described with one word, it would be ‘silence’!

Yet it was overwhelmingly oppressive!

Even Senior Brother Xiao, who stood as Ye Kuang’s opponent, had to admit that the person before him was truly a respectable adversary.

If previously he hadn’t understood what kind of person Ye Kuang was, merely considering him arrogant and overbearing, then now, Senior Brother Xiao had reason to take action.

In these brief moments, Senior Brother Xiao’s perception had greatly changed – this youth appeared arrogant and overbearing, but actually possessed a discerning heart.

And the meaning behind taking action now was clearly quite different from before.

Regardless of whether Ye Kuang still had fighting strength left, merely their identities as martial artists made this one of their ways of mutual appreciation.

Little did they know, those who could understand this were actually numerous.

As a loud shout suddenly exploded overhead, everyone couldn’t help but turn to look.

Ahead, four elderly figures had quietly approached!

“Zhi Qianxun!”

“Mo Daoba!”

“Bi Jianshen!”

“Yan Zangbei!”

“Ah… it’s the Four Sages of Qian Academy! Why would they appear here?”

It must be said, no one had expected that even the Four Great Sages of Qian Academy, who typically only taught and educated, would be provoked into appearing by Ye Kuang’s heartfelt words.

When Ye Kuang saw the newcomers, he instead grew sharply alert.

Because, just from the aura they occasionally emitted, he already deeply understood how terrifying they were!

Looking directly at them, all four were middle-aged elders!The Sage of Paper, to call him the youngest would be a slight exaggeration. His delicate eyes, sharp as needles and awns, could inflict a stinging sensation with just a single glance.

The Sage of Ink was the most aged and composed, his aura deeply restrained. He appeared like an old man in his twilight years, but to assume that was all there was to him would be a grave mistake. Ye Kuang paid the most attention to this man.

The Sage of Brush had sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, exuding a vigorous and fierce energy. He gave off the distinct impression that he was ready to draw his sword at any moment, creating the illusion that his swordplay was divine! As the saying goes, he never acted lightly, but when he did, it would decide life and death.

The Sage of Inkstone carried an object on his back resembling a mountain stele, which made him seem somewhat hunched. Yet, it was undeniable that this old man might be unbelievably powerful!

At that moment, even Senior Brother Xiao couldn’t help but show reverence, saying, “Four Sages, how did you arrive before us? Has Eldest Senior Brother come as well?”

But no one expected that as soon as he finished speaking, he was met with four sharp reprimands.

“Look at the mess you’ve made!”

“You can explain yourself to that kid Qing Ge later.”

“We thought you could handle this, but it seems we were mistaken!”

“The higher our expectations, the greater our disappointment.”

In an instant, the atmosphere grew even colder and more silent than the previous deathly stillness.

Witnessing this, Ye Kuang couldn’t help but tremble inwardly.

The reason for this was that with the arrival of the Four Sages, everyone present acted like mice seeing a cat, as if they were born with an innate sense of awe. This also highlighted just how high their prestige and intimidating power were.

“Young man, you’re quite impressive, truly impressive. But you should never have turned this Banquet Hall into such a chaotic mess,” Mo Daoba said.

As he spoke, his words seemed to linger in the air, piercing deep into the soul.

Upon hearing this, Ye Kuang quickly snapped out of his thoughts.

Though he knew well that he stood no chance against them all, how could his proud spirit bow down?

With this in mind, he remained defiant and roared furiously, “If you want to fight, then fight! Stop wasting words.”

“Good! You have spirit, though it’s a bit reckless. However, because of your earlier heartfelt words, we naturally won’t bully the young or gang up on you,” Zhi Qianxun said.

Ye Kuang: “What do you mean?”

Bi Jianshen: “Nothing much. Old Daoist Paper means it simply: if you wish to fight, we’ll oblige. But sometimes, resolving conflicts doesn’t necessarily require violence.”

At this, the Four Sages exchanged glances and nodded subtly among themselves.

Ye Kuang: “Then what do you propose?”

As soon as he finished speaking, the Four Sages burst into hearty laughter.

“Hahaha…”

Their laughter soared into the sky, the only sound breaking the silence.

Yan Zangbei: “In recognition of your determination, we’d like to make a bet with you…”

Then, shifting his tone with full confidence, he added, “Let me be clear: even if each of us four faces you one-on-one, you may not be a match. Therefore, we invite you to join the game!”

What?

Unexpectedly, an uproar immediately erupted among the crowd.

“Heavens, it can’t be that!”

“Four Sages, please reconsider!!”

“This isn’t about dealing with this kid; it’s clearly…”

At that moment, even Senior Brother Xiao, upon hearing this, couldn’t help but let his gaze drift uncertainly.Clearly, he hadn’t expected that the Four Sages would show Ye Kuang such special favor, creating such a scene.

With this thought, Senior Brother Xiao suddenly shouted, “All of you, shut up!!”

It must be said that Senior Brother Xiao’s voice was so loud that it practically drowned out the countless clamors filling the air.

Seeing everyone turn their gazes toward him one after another, Senior Brother Xiao then explained, “The Four Sages have their reasons for acting this way. All you need to do is watch quietly and refrain from unnecessary comments.”