Chapter 26: I concede!
You see, many talented and capable prodigies didn't even qualify for the position of steward disciple.
So, naturally, when an outsider who had just entered Sky Sanctuary achieved this status, it was enough to make everyone furious.
After some investigation and discussion, there were even unreliable rumors that Timothy had once been a disciple of the Demonic Sect. This really set the other disciples off.
Although they weren't directly governed by the goddess, everyone who had the privilege to train at Sky Sanctuary was a top-notch candidate. How could they tolerate a former Demonic Sect disciple stepping over them!
A group of quite capable disciples, about a dozen, approached Timothy, planning to challenge him to a one-on-one duel like true men.
Word spread, and soon, there were over a hundred disciples gathered.
In no time, all eyes were on Timothy.
Many didn't engage directly but were itching to see this guy, who surely must have used connections to get in, taken down a notch.
It was unthinkable that someone would pull strings for a Demonic Sect disciple—it was a slap in the face to Goddess Sylvia's honor!
Once they dealt with Timothy, they were determined to drag out the corrupt elder who facilitated this and hand him over to Goddess Sylvia for punishment!
Although they didn't yet know which elder was responsible, suppressing Timothy's arrogance would surely make him spill the beans!
However, when the one-on-one battles began, they realized they had hugely underestimated him.
Timothy, who appeared to be only at the initial stage of Energy Foundation, fought like a war god!
He was annihilating peers in the same realm and thrashing those above his level, facing ten in a row without showing any signs of weakness. Instead, he seemed to get more excited with each fight, as if he wasn't tiring at all.
"Who's next!" Timothy shouted from the arena, his arrogance reaching new heights.
But seeing their fellow disciples beaten black and blue, no one else dared to step up.
He was too strong! They were no match for him!
[System: You have impacted the psyche of several Sky Sanctuary disciples, earning one bottle of bubble liquid.]
Timothy: "Huh?"
The reward from the system was quite unusual this time.
But it seemed to have some use.
Watching Timothy's arrogant figure standing in the arena, many were itching with rage but dared not confront him.
"Are we really going to let this Demonic Sect scoundrel continue to strut around?"
"Damn it, I can't stand it, but we can't beat him!"
Just as many disciples were grinding their teeth in frustration and feeling helpless, a figure appeared in the distance.
The moment this figure showed up, it caused a stir.
The crowd instinctively parted, making way for him.
"Felix is here!"
The newcomer was one of the most prestigious inner disciples.
"I can't believe Felix is stepping in for us!"
Many disciples looked relieved and finally felt a sense of vindication.
Felix was known to be at the later stages of Energy Foundation.
Although Felix rarely fought and was known for his scholarly demeanor, everyone had great trust in him.
If Felix was taking action, maybe he could really put this guy in his place!
"Felix, this guy on the stage became an outer steward disciple on his first day. He probably got there through some shady deal with an elder. You have to step in and show him his place, to curb this twisted practice."
"They say he was a Demonic Sect disciple before. We can't let him off the hook!"
Listening to the reverent and pleading voices around him, Felix nodded slightly, his voice magnetic and inherently trustworthy, "Don't worry, leave it to me."
"That's our Felix!"
"Felix is our rock!"
A wave of enthusiastic cheers erupted.
With the crowd parting like the sea behind him, Felix made his way to the edge of the arena.
But just as he reached the edge.
With a loud "boom."
Felix watched, wide-eyed, as a burly disciple was sent flying by Timothy's punch, crashing miserably to the ground, unable to get up from the pain.
"What the heck!"
The burly disciple, who also had the cultivation at the later stages of Energy Foundation and was known for his formidable physical strength and combat skills, was an inner disciple!
Felix's steps faltered slightly, and his eyebrows twitched awkwardly.
"Felix, what's wrong?"
"Could it be that even Felix is scared?"
"Nonsense, Felix is a true gentleman who fears nothing, not even death. He would never submit. He's just observing Timothy's weaknesses, waiting to strike him down with one blow once he gets on the stage."
The concerned voices continued, and Felix's smile grew more strained.
Finally, under the expectant gaze of the crowd, he slowly stepped onto the stage.
However, few noticed that Felix's steps were slightly shaky and disordered.
On the arena, Timothy was fighting with exhilarating vigor.
Each battle not only barely reduced his stamina but seemed to invigorate him even more, improving his control over the first meridian of the Ancient Saintly Body.
"Shall we start? Hurry up, my wife's calling me home for dinner."
Timothy positioned himself, radiating intense heat and high spirits.
"Hold on!" Felix suddenly raised his hand.
Timothy frowned, "What's the matter?"
Felix smirked, "Before we fight, let me ask you, what's your level of strength?"
"Early stage of Energy Foundation, why?"
"Hmm, to easily overpower a later stage inner disciple with just the early stage of Energy Foundation, your talent is indeed exceptional."
"But don't get too cocky."
"The World of Elant has countless beings beyond your imagination, and compared to them, you're just a tiny ant, easily crushed."
"Don't let a momentary victory make you lose yourself and think you're invincible!"
"Felix has such courage!" At these words, a wave of enthusiastic cheers erupted from below.
Timothy suddenly felt like the guy in front of him was a bit off, and coldly said, "Let's start then."
"Wait!" Felix interrupted again, "Rude! We're not barbarians, always talking about fighting and killing. Let me ask you, do you know who I am?"
"Who are you? I don't know."
"Hmph." Felix seemed even more pompous, "Then let me tell you."
"I am the neighbor's best friend of the side son of a distant relative of the chief disciple under the master of the Flameblade Sect!"
Timothy felt his brain twist into knots: "Never heard of it."
Hearing this, Felix immediately perked up, "Exactly! That's the point!"
"In this vast world, there are countless masters and prodigies, what's the big deal if you bully me, a mere inner disciple with no real skills?"
"I'm not fighting this battle, I concede!"
"..."
At that moment, not just Timothy, but all the disciples below were stunned into silence.