Chapter 34: I Have Come to Kill You

Nangong Lei challenged Jun Wushuang to a death match, set for three days later. This explosive news sent shockwaves throughout the city.

Although Jun Wushuang had previously fought a life-and-death duel with Jun Yanming, this time was entirely different. The previous duel had been held within the Jun Family's martial arena, where outsiders could only listen for news from beyond the walls, unable to witness it firsthand. This time, however, the duel would be fought before the masses.

Moreover, Nangong Lei was incomparable to Jun Yanming—a true dragon compared to an ant, entirely on another level. He was a visitor from the Imperial Capital, a genius of the Nangong Clan, and a Xuan-level student of the Royal Martial Academy. Each of these titles resonated powerfully; any one alone was enough to leave the city of Jiangning breathless. Not to mention, Nangong Lei possessed the Thundercloud King Body and was a formidable expert at the ninth level of the Myriad Phenomena Realm. He had already defeated Jun Zhantian in front of the Jun Family’s gates, his strength leaving the entire city aghast.

In comparison, though Jun Wushuang was hailed as the true dragon of the Jun Family, he still paled in comparison. His most glorious achievement had been slaying Jun Yanming, a ninth-level Body-forging cultivator. As for the death of Xu Huanhu, without evidence, no one believed Jun Wushuang was the culprit. Moreover, his cultivation was only at the first level of the Myriad Phenomena Realm. Even within the same realm, the difference between the first and ninth levels was as vast as heaven and earth. Thus, no one favored Jun Wushuang in this duel; all believed his defeat inevitable.

“Alas, has Jun Wushuang lost his mind? He actually agreed to such an unfair battle to the death. If he loses, it means certain death!”

“Who knows? Maybe he believes that having summoned a celestial phenomenon and reclaimed his title, he can now look down on the world. But this time, his opponent is a Xuan-level student from the Royal Martial Academy—he’s in real trouble.”

“I just can't understand it. Jun Wushuang finally turned his fate around, so why is he being so reckless now? Isn’t this courting death?”

Everyone shook their heads; not a soul believed in Jun Wushuang's victory.

The gates of the Jun Family remained tightly shut. Apart from Master Wu, Jun Zhantian refused all visitors. Meanwhile, Ji Yuntian led Nangong Lei back to the Ji Family.

Days passed swiftly. In the blink of an eye, the day of the death match arrived.

At the central plaza of Jiangning City, where the previous arena duel had been held, the life-and-death struggle between Jun Wushuang and Nangong Lei would also take place.

Crowds thronged the plaza, a sea of people. The entire population of Jiangning seemed to have gathered. With the Ye Family annihilated and the city lord dead, the Jun and Ji Families now stood as the two most powerful clans in the city. The duel between Jun Wushuang and Nangong Lei wagered not only their lives but also the fates of their families. Whoever won would become the sole overlord of Jiangning City!

“The Ji Family has arrived!”

The crowd parted, forming an open path. Ji Yuntian and Nangong Lei strode forward, exuding pride and dominance.

“So that’s Nangong Lei? Truly a remarkable figure! No wonder he’s known as the Nangong Clan’s genius. Compared to him, Jun Wushuang and Ji Qingchen are both far inferior!”

Nangong Lei’s arrival instantly drew every eye. Many were seeing him for the first time, but the fame of the Nangong Clan was known throughout the Grand Qian Empire. The past three days of rumors had only elevated Nangong Lei’s prestige to new heights.

Nangong Lei relished being the center of attention, his chin lifted arrogantly.

“Wait, the Ji Family head’s aura seems stronger,” someone soon noticed.

“That’s right, not only is his presence more formidable, but it seems almost on par with the Jun Family head's!”

“Did the Ji Family master also break through to the Divine Sea Realm?”

The crowd stared in astonishment at Ji Yuntian. He remained composed, but a hint of delight flashed in his eyes. With Nangong Lei’s help, he had successfully opened his Sea of Consciousness and advanced to the first level of the Divine Sea Realm.

Now, Ji Yuntian stood as an equal to Jun Zhantian—both were Divine Sea Realm experts. During the last arena duel, Jun Zhantian had relied on his higher cultivation to defeat and seriously injure Ji Yuntian, foiling his plans. Now, having made his own breakthrough, Ji Yuntian no longer feared Jun Zhantian.

“Uncle, rest assured. Today I will kill Jun Wushuang in front of everyone, then destroy Jun Zhantian and annihilate the entire Jun Family!” Nangong Lei declared proudly, brimming with confidence. He did not consider Jun Wushuang a worthy opponent; someone at the mere first level of the Myriad Phenomena Realm was not even fit to be his servant.

After all, he was the pride of the Nangong Clan and a Xuan-level student at the Royal Martial Academy. Fighting across realms was routine for him. While there might be others capable of challenging him, none would be found in this small city of Jiangning.

“With you by my side, I have nothing to fear,” Ji Yuntian replied. “But as for Jun Zhantian, let me deal with him myself. Last time, he injured me in front of everyone. This time, I’ll take my revenge and tear him to pieces.”

Ji Yuntian gritted his teeth, unable to forget the humiliation of his defeat.

“If you want revenge, by all means, Uncle. At the right moment, you can personally slaughter everyone in the Jun Family,” Nangong Lei replied with a soft laugh, already envisioning how Ji Yuntian would unleash his pent-up fury. The Jun Family, in his eyes, was utterly insignificant.

With Ji Yuntian and Nangong Lei now present, all that remained was for Jun Wushuang and Jun Zhantian to arrive so the duel could commence.

Yet as the sun climbed high, Jun Wushuang still had not appeared. The crowd grew restless.

“The Ji Family is here—why hasn’t anyone from the Jun Family shown up? Have they realized they’re doomed and fled before the battle?”

“That’s impossible! I haven’t seen anyone from the Jun Family leave Jiangning, and besides, Jun Wushuang agreed to this duel himself. If he doesn’t dare show up, he’ll only disgrace himself.”

“Young Master Nangong is a true son of heaven. As for Jun Wushuang, the so-called true dragon of the Jun Family, that title is self-proclaimed. Facing Nangong Lei is tantamount to seeking death. Mark my words, Jun Wushuang won’t dare to come!”

The crowd’s debate grew ever more lopsided. No one placed their hopes on Jun Wushuang. His prolonged absence only fueled their impatience.

Nangong Lei remained composed, unconcerned by the possibility of Jun Wushuang fleeing. If Jun Wushuang ran, not even the Southern King’s decree could protect him, and it would only grant Nangong Lei the moral high ground.

Time ticked away. The crowd became increasingly impatient, their grumbling and curses rising in waves.

As the sun began to set, a cry rose up: “The Jun Family has finally arrived!”

All eyes turned to see Jun Wushuang striding forward, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, like a god-king descending to earth, exuding brilliance beyond compare.

“Jun Wushuang, I thought you wouldn’t dare show your face!” Nangong Lei sneered, his gaze sharp as a blade.

Jun Wushuang raised his head, eyes flashing with chilling light.

“I’ve come to kill you.”