Accept the challenge?
Xu Qi glanced at the two corpses in the courtyard...
Not only had he failed to carry out Senior Brother Chen's instructions and subdue Li Xian, the foremost disciple of the Outer Sect, but Li Xian had come killing his way to their door and cost them two elites of the Immortal Light Society!
This was a slap in the face in full view of everyone!
If he failed to handle this properly, not only would his prestige suffer, but the Immortal Light Society would lose all face as well!
Thus, even though he could see that Li Xian was strong-stronger than any prodigy their Immortal Light Society had suppressed before-with things having come this far, he had no choice but to fight!
"I betrayed Senior Brother's trust and botched the job. Then I'll be the one to settle this once and for all."
Xu Qi steeled his resolve and accepted the challenge.
"Li Xian, I began practicing martial arts at thirteen, joined the sect at twenty-two, and entered the Inner Sect after more than seven years. Sixteen years have passed since then, and I've twice earned a place on the Entering-the-Dao Candidates Ranking!"
He slowly swept his robe aside and drew two short blades, one in each hand. "Today, if you defeat me, you'll surely have a place on the Entering-the-Dao Candidates Ranking. If you lose..."
"That won't happen."
Li Xian said, "I won't lose."
"Heh, how confident!"
"It isn't confidence. I'm simply stating a fact! Even in the instant before my consciousness fades completely, I still won't believe I'll lose!"
"..."
Xu Qi understood what Li Xian meant and fell silent.
At this moment, he even felt a trace of regret.
Was it worth pitting the Immortal Light Society against a prodigy like this for