Chapter Fifty-One: The Ferocity of the Dominant Elephant

Ma Rulong’s disheveled return sent a shock through the hearts of many disciples from the Disciplinary Hall who watched in secret. Especially when they saw blood streaming from his body and tears lingering at the corners of his eyes, the scene seemed utterly unbelievable.

Ma Rulong was, after all, an elite disciple of the Disciplinary Hall—profound in skill and ranked among the top of the sect. He had survived numerous life-and-death battles, his willpower far beyond that of ordinary men. Yet, how could it be that a mere visit to Wang Ran’s residence had left him in such a state, emerging in tears?

Was Wang Ran some sort of ancient beast, terrifying enough to make even an elite disciple cry?

Though confusion reigned in many hearts, Ma Rulong’s experience had served as a warning. The disciples who once looked down on Wang Ran now regarded him with caution. This newly-promoted prodigy seemed rather formidable.

The sharp-minded among them watched closely, already speculating how Xue Ke, known as the Overbearing Elephant, would respond after Ma Rulong’s defeat. Ma Rulong was always Xue Ke’s subordinate; after suffering such a loss, Xue Ke’s notorious temper would surely demand retribution.

Nevertheless, Ma Rulong’s debacle had curbed the ambitions of many who had been eyeing Wang Ran, and for the moment, none dared provoke him.

In the courtyard, Zhao Xiaobai fanned himself with a smile. "It seems a few days apart have brought Wang Brother’s cultivation to new heights. To injure someone with a leaf—far beyond my abilities."

Wang Ran rolled his eyes at Zhao Xiaobai’s shabby appearance, then, as if remembering something, asked, "By the way, do you know anything about Xue Ke, the Overbearing Elephant?"

Having just entered the Disciplinary Hall, Wang Ran was still unfamiliar with its power dynamics. Aside from the Four Great Alliances, he had only heard Xue Ke’s name in passing, and knew nothing of his true strength.

Zhao Xiaobai, famed as the sect’s little know-it-all, loved collecting information. Wang Ran believed he might get the answer he sought.

Indeed, Zhao Xiaobai chuckled, a hint of pride in his voice. "Naturally, I’ve heard of Xue Ke, the Overbearing Elephant."

"This man’s talent is unusual. He’s one of the rare masters who built his foundation through sheer physical strength—a grandmaster of body cultivation. It is said he can withstand attacks from even the most advanced Foundation Establishment cultivators, and even those who have half-stepped into the Golden Core realm! His reputation in the Disciplinary Hall is second only to the Four Great Alliances."

Wang Ran was slightly startled by Zhao Xiaobai’s words, inwardly marveling at the Disciplinary Hall’s abundance of hidden talents. A physical cultivator capable of enduring attacks from advanced Foundation Establishment cultivators was a rare treasure. After all, to withstand such an attack and to unleash one of comparable power are two very different things.

Take Zhao Xiaobai, for example. Though he could strike with force rivaling the advanced Foundation Establishment cultivators, his own body could never withstand such an assault.

Yet Xue Ke could take these blows head-on, treating them as nothing. Such strength was indeed awe-inspiring.

Wang Ran stroked his chin, then suddenly asked, "Zhao Xiaobai, if you were to face Xue Ke in battle, how confident are you of victory?"

Zhao Xiaobai weighed the question carefully before replying, "Sixty percent."

Even someone as strong as Zhao Xiaobai could only claim sixty percent confidence; Xue Ke’s strength was evident. No wonder he thrived in the treacherous Disciplinary Hall.

Of course, Zhao Xiaobai’s current realm was a factor—he was only at the second layer of Foundation Establishment, while Xue Ke was rumored to have reached the eighth.

If Zhao Xiaobai had a few more months to cultivate, he would surely surpass Xue Ke. After all, the Reincarnated God of Slaughter was not renowned for nothing.

Yet Wang Ran felt no fear whatsoever. His own cultivation, the Diamond Glass Body, was an eight-star Dao technique—the finest body-tempering method in existence. He doubted Xue Ke’s technique could be stronger.

Thus, Xue Ke was not a concern; throughout the entire sect, only Ye Cang was a worthy rival.

Zhao Xiaobai analyzed, "Ma Rulong came back defeated, and you extorted three thousand spirit jade from him. He won’t take that lying down. Xue Ke is famous for his loyalty; he’ll definitely come to avenge his brother."

"No matter," Wang Ran replied, hands behind his back, gazing into the distance with a faint smile. "Let him try whatever schemes he likes; all can be cut down with a single sword."

The little junior sister gazed admiringly at Wang Ran’s calm demeanor, once again falling for him—her infatuation unmistakable.

Zhao Xiaobai said, "I’ve told you before: the Disciplinary Hall is a den of dragons, tigers, snakes, and elephants. We newcomers have trouble finding footing. Many eyes are watching us, hoping to seize the quota for true disciples. You must build your own power, like Ye Cang."

Suddenly, Zhao Xiaobai paused, his eyes gleaming. He lowered his voice, "I think Xue Ke’s appearance might just be an opportunity."

Wang Ran’s eyes narrowed—he was no fool. Though Zhao Xiaobai had said little, he understood the implication and began to ponder.

Only the little junior sister blinked innocently, puzzled.

"Opportunity? What opportunity?" she asked.

Seeing her pure expression, Zhao Xiaobai and Wang Ran exchanged glances, then burst into laughter.

...

Meanwhile,

On the vast Fifth Mountain, not far east of Wang Ran’s residence, a massive alliance was drilling its disciples.

At the center of the training ground stood a burly giant, nine feet tall, practicing horse stance under the blazing sun. His gaze was hawk-like, his form tigerish—simply standing there radiated an unspoken aura of authority.

With each breath, two white streams shot from his nostrils, a testament to his deep, oceanic cultivation.

Around him stood four or five inner disciples wielding steel blades, stabbing at him fiercely.

Yet the giant did not dodge—he let their sharp attacks strike him. Strangely, when their swords, sharp enough to cut iron, pierced his flesh, not even a scratch appeared—only a fleeting white mark.

Nearby, Ma Rulong sat atop a massive stone, his shoulder wrapped in bandages, breathing heavily and reporting to the giant.

After a while, the giant finished his training, took a towel from a disciple, wiped himself down, and spoke in a deep, resonant voice, "Did Wang Ran truly injure you with nothing more than a leaf?"

Ma Rulong bowed, shame clouding his face. "Big brother, I am simply not as skilled. I’ve brought you disgrace."

This giant was none other than Xue Ke, famed as the Overbearing Elephant—a force to be reckoned with in the Disciplinary Hall.

He rolled his neck and said grimly, "No matter what, Wang Ran has hurt you. Whoever wounds my brother must pay the price."

"Rest well. I’ll go... teach him a lesson!" Xue Ke patted Ma Rulong’s shoulder and strode off.

Ma Rulong was deeply moved; he felt that following this big brother was the best decision of his life.

...

That afternoon, a shocking rumor swept through the Disciplinary Hall, leaving all who heard it stunned.

The Overbearing Elephant, Xue Ke, had challenged the newly-promoted prodigy Wang Ran to a duel atop the First Mountain of the southern shore, three days hence!

The inner sect was in an uproar.