I established the Eternal Immortal Clan by taming beasts.

Upon hearing Manager Li's words, Lin Che's brows furrowed slightly, almost imperceptibly.

Sure enough, my premonition came true, and trouble came knocking.

Fortunately, the previous "investment" was not in vain.

Wang Miaoxue showed no mercy to her superior. Her pretty face was frosty, and her tone was cold and hard: "Manager Li, I remember very clearly that issuing specific territory expansion orders for cultivators is not within your jurisdiction, is it? Since when did you need to overstep your bounds?"

Manager Li's wrinkled forehead tightened instantly. He had never expected Wang Miaoxue to be so ruthless, directly contradicting him in front of outsiders.

No matter what, he was her direct superior! But thinking of the powerful backers behind her, he forcibly swallowed the reprimand that was about to come out of his mouth, and still forced that warm smile on his face, though it looked a little stiff:

"Haha, Miaoxue, I know you're dedicated to your duties. But as the head of the Spirit Vein Management Office, seeing my subordinates so busy, I naturally have to share the burden. How can that be considered overstepping my authority? It's all for official business."

This sophistry even made the female cultivator watching from the sidelines secretly curl her lip, thinking to herself, "This old guy, you never see him usually, but when it comes to stealing credit and grabbing benefits, he's faster than anyone else. He's truly shameless!"

Wang Miaoxue was clearly amused by the old fox's shamelessness, but she didn't laugh out loud. Instead, her eyes grew colder and her tone was firm and uncompromising: "I appreciate Manager Li's kindness."

However, I have completed the development of the Shattered Star Lake area in strict accordance with the rules and procedures. All records have been entered into the core record jade slip of Chuyang City, and the array imprint has been completed.

This matter is a done deal! No one can change this outcome!

This statement completely blocked any possibility of the other party finding loopholes in the program.

Manager Li's expression darkened slightly, realizing that Wang Miaoxue was determined to oppose him.

A fierce glint flashed in his cloudy old eyes, and he then gave Zhao Wenyuan, who was anxious beside him, a look that said, "Take it easy."

Zhao Wenyuan was burning with anxiety. Shattered Star Lake was related to the future plans of his family. If he messed this up, he would have no way to explain it when he returned.

He opened his mouth, wanting to argue, but was stopped by Manager Li's eyes.

Manager Li then seemed to suddenly remember something and slowly said, "By the way, Miaoxue, I recall that since the development of the Shattered Star Lake area, there has never been a situation where two companies were vying for it at the same time, has there?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Miaoxue's pupils contracted slightly, and she immediately understood what the old man was planning. Her eyes instantly turned so gloomy they could drip water.

Sure enough, Manager Li continued unhurriedly, "Back when the Chuyang City area was first established, several forces coveted the same prime piece of land, leading to endless disputes and even physical fights, creating chaos and severely impacting the development process."

In order to quell the dispute, an unwritten rule was added above.

If multiple entities submit applications to develop the same undeveloped territory within the same timeframe, then the simplest and most direct solution will be to resolve it through a contest!

Each faction sends out a cultivator of equal cultivation level; the winner receives the grant of permission to develop this area!

The pioneering work will also be protected by Chuyang City, and no cultivator may interfere or sabotage it during the one-year pioneering period.

He turned his gaze to Zhao Wenyuan, his tone guiding, "The Zhao family follows this rule and sends a cultivator to participate in the duel, is that alright?"

Reminded by this, Zhao Wenyuan also remembered this long-forgotten unspoken rule, and his brows furrowed.

He never imagined that after years of planning, he would end up having to fight for the territory expansion order in this way.

But right now, this seems to be the only chance to turn things around procedurally.

He took a deep breath and said in a solemn voice, "The Zhao family has no objections and is willing to fight according to the rules!"

Supervisor Li nodded in satisfaction, then looked at Lin Che with a smile, but that smile carried an undeniable pressure: "Fellow Daoist Lin, what do you think? Of course, if you're afraid of the fight, it's not too late to give up the development rights now."

Lin Che snorted inwardly, somewhat dissatisfied.

Although he understood that the world wouldn't revolve around him, the matter still made him somewhat unhappy.

That being the case!

"Very well." Lin Che's voice was calm yet carried an undeniable firmness: "I am Lin Che, and I will personally take to the stage for this duel."

So, let's take this opportunity to establish our authority!

In the dog-eat-dog world of cultivation, justice is often based on strength.

Since we have decided to settle here, keeping a low profile and remaining inactive will only attract more attention and trouble.

It's time to let all the forces in Chuyang City see clearly that the newly arrived "Lin family" is not a pushover that can be easily manipulated.

This move kills two birds with one stone:

Firstly, it serves as a deterrent to petty criminals.

Defeating the Zhao family representative with swift and decisive action is enough to make those unscrupulous families and independent cultivators think twice about the consequences of provoking a cultivator with formidable strength.

Secondly, to make a name for oneself.

A family's reputation needs to be cultivated, and its reputation is an intangible asset.

Just as the Zhao family established themselves here by relying on the art of formations, people naturally associate them with formations whenever they think of them.

He, Lin Che, will also ensure that the name "Lin Family" will be deeply imprinted in the hearts of all cultivators here, accompanying this battle!

Wang Miaoxue, standing to the side, looked apologetic, but hesitated to speak.

She had made a firm promise, but now things have turned out this way.

Upon seeing this, Lin Che returned her a reassuring, calm smile.

Lin Che wasn't going to be stingy enough to take back the gift he'd given; he could only hope that this person would bring him some benefits in the future.

……

The news spread like wildfire.

In the north of Chuyang City, the arena that had been dormant for many years was about to be reopened, immediately attracting the attention of all forces in the city.

This kind of open duel that directly determines the ownership of territory expansion is a spectacle (or rather, a spectacle) that has not been seen for many years. Shop owners and many independent cultivators flocked to the arena, and for a time, the place was bustling with noise.

Zhou Wanhai, the owner of the Zhou Family Spirit Beast Shop, with his round belly, huddled together with Li Yunqing, the manager of the Li Family Talisman Shop, both wearing smiles of anticipation for a good show.

"Brother Li, have you ever heard of this 'Lin family'? Haha, I never thought the Zhao family would suffer a setback. It's truly gratifying!" Zhou Wanhai rubbed his hands together, his round face full of schadenfreude.

Li Yunqing stroked his goatee and shook his head slightly: "Never heard of it before, it seems to have appeared out of nowhere. However, since it dares to snatch food from the tiger's mouth, it must have some kind of backing."

"Hehe, you're right. The Zhao family has been plotting against Shattered Star Lake for so long, and now that their prize is about to slip away, they must be furious. It would be best if these two families could really fight it out and both sides were severely injured!" Zhou Wanhai's eyes gleamed.

When the family was first established, they were often ruthlessly slaughtered by the Zhao family, who were skilled in formations, so they were naturally happy to see this happen now.

Moreover, the weakening of the Zhao family's power is a disguised form of strengthening for the Zhou and Li families.

On the arena, both sides of the cultivators were already in position.

On the left was Lin Che, dressed in a blue robe, with a calm expression, standing with his hands behind his back, exuding a composed demeanor.

On the right is Zhao Wenyuan, the representative sent by the Zhao family this time.

He was nearly forty years old when he reached the Foundation Establishment stage, and was considered one of the best among the "Wen" generation of the Zhao family. He was in charge of managing the array shops in Chuyang City, and his strength and status were enough to represent the family in battle.

Manager Li from the Spirit Vein Management Office acted as the referee and loudly announced the rules:

"Both sides may use talismans, elixirs, formations, spirit beasts, and all other means, but one thing is certain: they must not intentionally kill anyone! The fight must end when the point is reached; if one side concedes defeat, the other must immediately cease fighting! Violators will be severely punished!"

His gaze swept over Lin Che and Zhao Wenyuan: "Do you two have any further questions?"

Seeing that both had no objections, he quickly stepped off the stage and announced loudly, "In that case, I declare the duel officially open!"

"Clang!"

Almost the instant the referee finished speaking, Zhao Wenyuan swiftly threw out a golden array plate.

The array plate grew taller in the wind, instantly transforming into a solid golden light shield that completely protected his body. This was the Golden Light Protective Array!

This formation is a one-time use formation with excellent defensive capabilities. Even a cultivator in the early stages of Foundation Establishment might not be able to break through it after exhausting their true essence.

Without pausing, he moved his hands swiftly like butterflies flitting among flowers, accurately shooting array flags at various points on the arena, and began to race against time to set up an attack formation.

When dueling with a formation master, common sense dictates that the battle should be quick and decisive, forcibly breaking through their defenses before their formation is fully formed. Otherwise, once their formations are linked together, it will be almost impossible for a cultivator of the same level to withstand them.

However, to the astonishment of all the onlookers, Lin Che on the other side remained completely still!

He simply watched Zhao Wenyuan work quietly, without making any attempt to interrupt.

"What is this guy doing? Is he stupid?"

"It's over, it's over! Zhao Wenyuan has set up the formation, what's the point of fighting now? We might as well just admit defeat!"

"Exactly! Both are at the early Foundation Establishment stage, but Zhao Wenyuan, with the support of the formation, is practically invincible! Is the person the Lin family sent an idiot?"

A cacophony of discussion and snickers erupted from the audience.

Zhou Wanhai and Li Yunqing exchanged a puzzled look.

"What's this Fellow Daoist Lin up to? Why is he so arrogant?" Zhou Wanhai stroked his double chin, his fleshy face full of confusion.

Li Yunqing narrowed her eyes, staring intently at Lin Che's calm and composed face, her tone tinged with surprise and doubt: "Judging from his composure, it doesn't seem like he's faking it. He seems genuinely confident that he can defeat Zhao Wenyuan even if he uses all his methods?"

He suddenly realized a possibility, and his voice rose several decibels, "Could it be that he intends to use the Zhao family as a stepping stone, to make an example of them and establish his authority?!"

"Is this... really true? Can this person really be that strong?"

Just as the two were filled with doubt and uncertainty, Zhao Wenyuan on the arena had already completed his killing move setup—a second-tier low-grade magic array: the Small Thousand Leaf Sword Array!

Eight banners, thin as cicada wings and shimmering with a cold silver light, stood in eight directions. With their spiritual power connected, they instantly condensed into hundreds of sharp sword lights, like golden willow leaves, behind Zhao Wenyuan. The sword energy was chilling and ready to be unleashed!

This formation can be said to have an attack comparable to that of a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator.

However, despite the formation being completed, Zhao Wenyuan showed no joy on his face; instead, his expression grew increasingly solemn.

The other person's unusual calmness put him under tremendous psychological pressure.

This composure is more unsettling than a fierce, relentless attack.

"I can't worry about that now! Sword formation, activate!" Zhao Wenyuan steeled his resolve and activated his divine sense!

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh—!"

In an instant, hundreds of golden willow-leaf blades, like a startled swarm of bees, transformed into a golden torrent of death, tearing through the air with sharp whistling sounds, and shooting towards Lin Che, who stood proudly opposite them, in an overwhelming rush!

The attack was fierce, as if it wanted to tear him to shreds in an instant!

The audience held their breath, and some even closed their eyes in embarrassment.

However, what happened the next second left everyone speechless!

Faced with this terrifying sword formation that could severely injure or even kill an ordinary early Foundation Establishment cultivator, Lin Che remained standing in place, without even moving an inch.

He simply raised his hand casually, and with a deafening roar, a huge tiger engulfed in crimson flames appeared out of thin air, fiercely blocking his way!

Hundreds of golden blades, sharp enough to cut through gold and jade, rained down on the Crimson Flame Tiger's majestic body, producing a series of crisp, dense sounds like a downpour!

Not a single strand of energy could penetrate its seemingly invisible yet incredibly condensed crimson protective aura!

All attacks were shattered and annihilated the moment they touched the Qi!

"roar--!!!"

The Crimson Flame Tiger raised its head and let out a deafening roar filled with disdain and majesty. The terrifying sound wave, mixed with the undisguised and overwhelming pressure of a late-stage Foundation Establishment spirit beast, swept across the entire arena like a tangible shockwave and spread wildly in all directions!

At that moment, the entire venue fell silent!

All the laughter and chatter ceased abruptly.

Below the stage, countless cultivators stared wide-eyed and gaped, their faces filled with utter shock and disbelief.

Someone, with a trembling, cracking voice, cried out the horror that gripped everyone's hearts:

"Protective...protective aura?! How...how is this possible?!"

"Late Foundation Establishment stage! This is definitely a late Foundation Establishment stage spirit beast!!"

"My God! The Lin family... this member of the Lin family actually possesses a spirit beast at the late Foundation Establishment stage?!"