Doubt

Song Que had been defeated once in a challenge, and then failed again when challenging Long Lingyu.

He had since awakened outside the Sky Pride Pavilion.

His face was grim, filled with a murderous aura, as he departed with a cold expression.

He was no fool.

Before understanding his opponent’s true capabilities, he would not rashly challenge them again.

It was pointless, especially since the Sky Pride Pavilion only allowed one challenge per week.

“Song Que lost again? How is that possible? Who exactly is this Long Lingyu, to so easily defeat Song Que? He could probably even make it into the top ten!” someone exclaimed, unable to suppress their surprise as they watched Song Que leave.

Meanwhile, Bai Lan was also preparing to return.

“Oh? Bai Lan, I’m currently on the third floor, so it’s inconvenient for me to come down to the first. Given your current state, you should reach Foundation Establishment soon. We can have a proper exchange then, on the third floor,” Lan Yuqi remarked to Bai Lan.

Bai Lan merely nodded, offering no further words.

Indeed, she was on the verge of reaching Foundation Establishment.

With that, Bai Lan and the others returned to their residences.

However, shortly after Bai Lan arrived, a knock suddenly echoed from outside her door.

Only those ranked on the Sky Pride Ranking were permitted to visit others within the Sky Pride Pavilion.

Feeling a touch of bewilderment, Bai Lan wondered who could be knocking.

She approached the door and opened it to reveal a smiling face.

“Hello, Miss Bai.”

It was Long Lingyu, who, having just finished his challenge, had immediately come to seek out Bai Lan.

It was unclear why he held such an intense interest in her.

“It’s you. You did this on purpose, didn’t you? With your ability, let alone thirty-third, even the top ten wouldn’t be a problem. You deliberately challenged the thirty-third rank just to make it easier to visit, didn’t you?” Bai Lan questioned, her brows furrowed.

Upon hearing Bai Lan’s inquiry, Long Lingyu readily admitted it without hesitation.

“Yes, I did. As I said before, I am determined to become friends with Miss Bai. Unless you agree to be my friend, I won’t give up.”

Long Lingyu declared stubbornly.

Bai Lan’s mouth twitched at his words.

She didn’t believe for a second that he was joking.

She considered his words, realizing that she happened to possess a treasure map that required assistance.

Given his considerable strength, enlisting his help should prove advantageous.

“Alright, fine. You want to be friends with me, right? That’s acceptable, but only if you help me with something first,” Bai Lan mused.

Since she was entangled, she might as well utilize the resources at hand.

“Help? What kind of help? You’re not trying to find a way to shake me off, are you?” Long Lingyu asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

For some reason, Bai Lan felt an increasing sense of familiarity with the man before her.

He always wore a smile, as if nothing could ever displease him.

Bai Lan searched her memories, trying to recall who else she knew that evoked such a feeling.

Then, a name immediately came to mind: Xue Linglong.

Yes, it was Xue Linglong.

The man before her gave her a distinct Xue Linglong-like impression.

That was why she had felt such a strange sensation upon meeting him.

Bai Lan fell into contemplation, observing the man before her while pondering this question.

Could Xue Linglong have also entered this realm, and was deliberately approaching her with a completely different appearance?

A bold idea suddenly struck Bai Lan.

Without warning, Bai Lan suddenly reached out and grabbed Long Lingyu’s collar, intending to seize the opportunity to subdue him and ascertain his identity.

Yet, as Bai Lan extended her hand, the man swiftly retreated a step, his reaction remarkably quick.

“What’s wrong, Miss Bai? Why would you suddenly attack me? Could it be that you’re annoyed because I guessed your thoughts?” Long Lingyu chuckled.

Bai Lan’s gaze, however, turned icy.

“Who exactly are you? I don’t believe you’re deliberately clinging to me just because you want to be friends.”

Bai Lan demanded directly.

“Who am I? Miss Bai, that’s a truly strange question. I am Long Lingyu, didn’t I introduce myself already?”

Long Lingyu remained perfectly calm.

Bai Lan felt a headache coming on.

This man was truly impenetrable; not a single flaw could be discerned from his facial expressions.

At the same time, she pondered whether Xue Linglong would truly be so mischievous.

Crucially, the Xue Linglong she remembered was undeniably a girl.

Yet, aside from his delicate features, the man before her showed no hint of being a woman.

However, she was also aware of Xue Linglong’s abilities.

If Xue Linglong intentionally disguised herself, even Bai Lan would find it difficult to see through.

“Fine, I’ve said what I needed to say. If you truly wish to be friends with me, then you must help me. I’ve acquired a treasure map and require assistance. You’re quite capable, so consider yourself one of the team,” Bai Lan stated.

“A treasure map? Interesting. That sounds promising! In that case, I wouldn’t dare refuse,” Long Lingyu mused for a moment before readily agreeing.

“Very well. I still need to find a few more people. Perhaps we could search together within Yellow Sand City?” Bai Lan suggested.

Bai Lan had actually invited him to go into the city together.

She definitely had an ulterior motive.

Long Lingyu was more than happy to oblige, so he did not refuse.

A short while later, the two departed the Sky Pride Pavilion and emerged outside.

They were quite the celebrities now, having both successfully challenged the Heaven Tier within days.

“Hey, isn’t that Bai Lan, who defeated Xue Feng, and Long Lingyu, who defeated Song Que? Are they acquainted? Why are they together?” Trial-takers who had witnessed Bai Lan’s and Long Lingyu’s battles stopped to discuss amongst themselves.

Powerful individuals command attention everywhere.

Yellow Sand City boasted various establishments: taverns, inns, and even casinos.

They were headed to the city’s most bustling district, a place that thrived from dawn till dusk, and also a gathering point for combative individuals.

“Let’s go. We’ll check out the Martial Arena. It’s crowded there; we might find suitable people,” Bai Lan said to Long Lingyu, ignoring the stares of those around them.

“No problem. By the way, aren’t the two of us enough? Do we really need to find others?” Long Lingyu asked, curious whether Bai Lan’s treasure map led to a great or minor treasure.

“This is a map to a large secret realm. The two of us alone cannot guarantee safety,” Bai Lan explained.

Indeed, she had obtained a complete treasure map to a secret realm.

The dangers within were immense, harboring monsters in the mid-to-late, or even peak, Foundation Establishment realm.

It was far from simple.

“I see. Then your luck is truly remarkable. Oh, you still haven’t told me, is this your first time in the Void Heaven Realm, or have you visited many times? Judging by your familiarity with Yellow Sand City, it shouldn’t be your first, right?” Long Lingyu inquired.

“Hmph! I suppose I’ve been here once before; this is my second time. Enough questions, we’ve arrived,” Bai Lan retorted, not wanting to speak with him further.

The man talked too much, never stopping once he started.

They had reached a place resembling an ancient Roman gladiatorial arena—a vast, circular martial stadium.

Trial-takers streamed in and out incessantly.

This place, though called a Martial Arena, was more accurately a venue for earning rewards.

Unlike the Sky Pride Pavilion, anyone could participate here, even engaging in deathmatches.

For instance, if two individuals harbored a grudge and wished to fight to the death, they could apply to do so at the Martial Arena.