Hearing Ling Daoyi's firm answer, Zhang Yan couldn't help taking a deep breath. He said slowly, "Ling Daoyi truly lives up to his name. To be hailed as the greatest prodigy of the past five hundred years—he certainly isn't praised without cause!"
After a pause, he added, "Since you've already taken that step, I concede this battle! But I'm also just a hair's breadth away from taking that step myself. Once I break through, I'll come back to test your abilities!"
Ling Daoyi smiled. "Very well. I welcome you to challenge me anytime!"
Zhang Yan nodded and promptly dropped back into the crowd.
At that moment, the people listening to their exchange were somewhat bewildered.
"What's going on? What did Great Grandmaster Zhang mean by 'taking that step'? Why did he concede so readily?"
"Exactly! What did Great Grandmaster Zhang and Senior Ling mean? And Senior Ling just waved his hand and broke the technique Great Grandmaster Zhang had unleashed. That's just absurd!"
Many people were baffled.
But some quick-witted people immediately said, "Do you even have to ask? Have you forgotten what Bei Chen Zhenren said during his battle with Great Grandmaster Ning, and what everyone speculated at the time?"
"Now it's clear that everyone's speculation has been confirmed. There really is a higher realm beyond the Golden Core. And Senior Ling has undoubtedly reached that realm!"
Those who hadn't caught on erupted in an uproar. They widened their eyes and stared at Ling Daoyi in disbelief.
"There really is a higher realm beyond the Golden Core? And Senior Ling has already reached it? That's incredible!"
"If that's the case, then unless someone else has also entered that realm, Senior Ling is the true Number One Person in the world today!"
"Exactly. Bei Chen Zhenren and Great Grandmaster Ning