"Don't worry too much. What if my disciple is the one who loses?"
Seeing the heavy atmosphere in the hall, the Heavenly Blade Sage spoke again.
Yet instead of comforting them, his words made their hearts sink even further.
Would he have come to their door to issue a challenge if he did not have absolute confidence?
Besides, among the Eastern Region Top Hundred, there were so many mediocre fellows, yet he had specifically chosen their Tusu. Did that not show he had come with victory already in mind?
"Enough. This matter is settled. As for the date of the battle, let it be one month from now."
"The battle will take place on Meteor Island."
"I am not using my power to pressure anyone. This is merely a fair fight between two juniors, and I will favor neither side."
"Everything will depend on their own strength."
"A swordsman should press forward without hesitation, unyielding despite a hundred setbacks. Acting like this means you look down on your own junior. Do not let your own junior be shamed because of you."
After one final glance at them, the Heavenly Blade Sage rose and departed.
Only the bitter-faced crowd remained seated in the hall, at a complete loss as to what to do.
"Big Brother, what should we do?"
"What else can we do? We'll handle it this way. Tell Tusu to prepare himself. One month from now, he will accept the challenge."
"Tell him not to put too much pressure on himself. If he loses, then he loses. It would be even better if he wins."
"Yes."
Upon the vast snow-capped mountains sat a young man.
The young man sat cross-legged atop the snowy peak, allowing the heavy snow to batter his body without pause, yet he remained as immovable