The next morning, the entire staff of Medicine King Villa, over a hundred people, gathered at the training ground in front of the main hall.
This was where the life-and-death challenge would take place.
At this moment, Chu Luo was fully prepared. He stood in the center of the arena, arms crossed, eyes closed, resting.
It was unclear if he was sensing the first rays of the morning sun or simply trying to look cool.
Although Medicine King Villa had over a hundred people, nearly half of them were actually domestic servants and estate workers, responsible only for menial tasks.
Of the remaining half, some were spell cultivators and martial artists, responsible for guarding Medicine King Valley.
There were also some herb farmers and alchemists.
While the numbers seemed substantial, only a core group of about a dozen people were truly aligned with Chu Qingbai and his son.
The rest were more like spectators, watching a show. Whoever won or lost would merely mean a change in the Valley Master, which wouldn't significantly impact them.
Zhu Xiao'e and her father, Zhu Xuanqing, stood together. The so-called three-day confinement was just a joke and not to be taken seriously.
Zhu Xiao'e didn't truly blame Chu Luo. At this moment, she bit her lip, her palms sweating.
"Father, why did Uncle Chu let Chu Luo go? He's just a child. How can he possibly be a match for Second Uncle?"
Zhu Xuanqing said calmly, "The Valley Master must have his reasons for doing so. We just need to watch quietly. Xiao'e, if there's danger later, you must prioritize your own safety. As long as you're alive, there's always hope."
"I understand, Father."
Zhu Xiao'e nodded with a serious expression.
On the other side, Chen Xiao stood with Chu Qingbai.
Chen Xiao asked, "Uncle Chu, you haven't told Chu Luo about it yet, have you?"
Chu Qingbai nodded. "I was afraid it would distract him. After he wins, I'll hold the Valley Master succession ceremony. At that time, I will tell him all the secrets of Medicine King Villa."
Although he said this, Chu Qingbai's slightly trembling voice betrayed him.
Sensing Chu Qingbai's nervousness, Chen Xiao didn't say anything.
After all, he had already made up his mind. Regardless of whether Chu Luo won or lost today, he wouldn't let this father and son die.
"Something's wrong, Valley Master! Something terrible has happened! Second Master has broken in!"
Just then, a panicked servant ran in.
He stumbled towards Chu Qingbai, his face bruised and swollen, clearly having been beaten.
Chu Qingbai frowned slightly. "Don't you know there's a life-and-death challenge today? Second Master is one of the challengers, so of course he'd come. Why would you say he broke in?"
"No, Valley Master, Second Master broke in with outsiders!"
The servant said frantically.
Before he could finish speaking, a group of servants flew into the training ground. After they fell to the ground, two men leisurely walked in.
One of them looked almost identical to Chu Qingbai, but his face was filled with ferocity. It was undoubtedly Chu Qingsong.
Beside Chu Qingsong was a young man wearing a dark daoist robe.
The man's appearance was only ordinary, but his aura was extraordinary and refined, giving a sense of unstained purity.
He carried a long sword box on his back, ancient and heavy.
As the two entered, the Four Golden Cores of Medicine King Valley blocked their path.
"Chu Qingsong, for someone from Medicine King Valley, don't you know the rules?"
"The rules of Medicine King Valley forbid bringing outsiders in!"
"Chu Qingsong, you can enter, but he cannot!"
"Please leave, or we won't be polite!"
The Four Golden Cores spoke one after another, exuding powerful auras.
Chu Qingsong didn't even glance at them, nor did he show any intention of speaking.
The man with the sword box, however, said with a detached expression, "Good dogs don't block the way. Get out of my path!"
"You scoundrel, daring to cause trouble in our Medicine King Villa, you're asking for death!"
Zhu Xuanqing, with his quick temper, was instantly enraged and was about to attack the sword box man.
However, before he could even make a move, the sword box man casually waved his hand, and all Four Golden Cores were sent flying backward.
They crashed heavily onto the ground, blood gushing from their mouths, clearly suffering severe internal injuries.
"Father..."
Zhu Xiao'e rushed over and helped Zhu Xuanqing up. "Father, are you alright?"
Zhu Xuanqing waved his hand, and as he spoke, more blood spurted out.
After coughing up blood several times, he looked at the sword box man and asked, "Who exactly are you?"
"Xuan Sword Sect, Jian Xiao!"
The sword box man said coldly.
As soon as he spoke, the entire venue fell silent.
Xuan Sword Sect, a reclusive sect!
No wonder the Four Golden Cores of Medicine King Valley couldn't even get a chance to fight back against him.
It seemed Second Master Chu Qingsong had truly joined a reclusive sect, otherwise, how could he invite a disciple from such a sect to help?
Chu Qingbai's heart sank. He had originally thought his second brother was merely a handyman in the Immortal Hidden Realm.
But being able to invite a sect disciple to assist clearly indicated he was more than just a handyman.
Chu Qingsong and Jian Xiao walked forward, arriving at the center of the competition area.
Chu Qingsong looked at Chu Luo with curiosity. "You are... Xiao Luo?"
Chu Luo nodded, wanting to curse at the man in front of him.
But for some reason, he couldn't utter a single word.
Was it simply because he looked exactly like his father?
Chu Luo gave a wry smile and finally spoke, calling out, "Second Uncle."
"You really are Xiao Luo! You've grown so much!"
Chu Qingsong's face showed a look of relief that only elders possessed.
But the next moment, the smile vanished, and he asked sternly, "Why are you here?"
"Second Uncle, I am the one challenging you to a life-and-death duel today."
Chu Luo replied truthfully.
"What?"
Chu Qingsong was stunned. Then, with a sinister grin, he looked up at Chu Qingbai.
"Brother, they say even a tiger doesn't eat its cubs. You are truly heartless. You can't beat me yourself, so you're sending your son out to die?"
Chu Qingbai grunted and retorted, "If I lose, will you spare Xiao Luo?"
Chu Qingsong thought for a moment and honestly replied, "No, I won't. We must cut the roots to eliminate the weeds. If I kill you, I naturally won't spare your son."
"Then you still have the nerve to accuse me?"
Chu Qingbai shot back.
Chu Qingsong was left speechless.
And his words had completely ignited the anger within Chu Luo.
"Second Uncle, words are useless. Bring it on. I will not lose to you!"
Chu Qingsong looked at Chu Luo in disbelief, shaking his head and sighing. "Foolish child, what nonsense are you spouting? If even your father can't beat me, how do you think you can?"
Chu Luo burst into laughter. "Hahahaha, Second Uncle, I wonder who is speaking foolishly. Have you forgotten the result of our last life-and-death challenge?"
His laughter abruptly stopped, and Chu Luo pointed at Chu Qingsong.
"My father could defeat you back then, and now, I can too!"