Chapter 146: Black Earth

Chapter 146: Black Earth

“That new Earl from the Masters’ Council is probably going to be beaten into a mess; no one wants to confront the cultivation maniac Black Earth,” someone whispered.

“Going up against Black Earth is just asking for death. That new Earl better be careful and not act so recklessly.”

“Heh, seriously? Confront Black Earth? Even if he’s an Earl from the Masters’ Council, he can’t be that bold and reckless, right?”

“It’s clear that Director Zhou Hong respects that Earl a lot. As long as the Earl denies it, this matter will surely be canceled.”

“Hmm, anyone with a brain wouldn’t confront Black Earth. I’ve heard stories of people who challenged him and ended up with broken limbs, unable to cultivate ever again.”

...

“Agreed!” Shen An declared.

As the word left Shen An’s lips, the tension in Zhou Hong’s heart finally eased. He smiled faintly and announced to everyone, “Next, Black Earth will face off against Earl Shen An from the Masters’ Council. This will be an extraordinary battle—everyone, look forward to it.”

“He actually agreed? That Earl from the Masters’ Council must have a really stubborn head—I like that kind of stubbornness, haha…”

“He’ll soon pay a heavy price for that stubbornness. That’s Black Earth we’re talking about, not someone easily defeated.”

“Fighting Black Earth is pure suicide. Just wait for him to regret it.”

Before long, a dark-skinned, burly man stepped onto the arena. His imposing presence was intimidating and difficult to deal with.

Black Earth pounded his battle-hardened chest with a fierce expression, exuding authority. He shouted at Shen An, “So you’re the one challenging me? I heard you’re an Earl of the Masters’ Council. Today, I want to see if this new Earl can withstand a few of my punches. You’re still young, so I doubt you’re that strong.”

“Wow, Black Earth really came out swinging. This is a blatant provocation of the Earl. I wonder how the Earl will respond. At this point, it’s probably too late for him to back out.”

“Actually, that Earl does have some strength, but compared to Black Earth, he’s still far behind.”

“Exactly, I think Black Earth has the upper hand.”

“Let’s just hope the fight lasts a little longer. The new Earl better not disappoint.”

...

Black Earth’s face radiated immense confidence as his gaze slowly settled on Zhou Hong. He asked, “Director, can I go all out in this fight?”

“Black Earth, don’t hold back. Go all out. That Earl isn’t as weak as you think. Even at full power, you may not be able to put much pressure on him,” Director Zhou Hong replied.

Black Earth had somewhat underestimated Shen An before, but hearing the director’s high praise made him reconsider.

Perhaps this young Earl truly possessed formidable strength.

“Director’s assessment of you is surprisingly high. In that case, my fighting spirit burns even stronger,” Black Earth said.

“Black Earth, this is your responsibility. Fight with heart, and don’t disgrace the reputation of Limit Martial Hall,” Zhou Hong said calmly.

“Don’t worry, Director. I’ve got this. An Earl is just an Earl—I, Black Earth, can take him down,” Black Earth said confidently.

Soon, only Black Earth and Shen An remained in the arena.

Shen An’s gaze was icy as he looked at Black Earth not far away and made a provocative gesture. “Come at me!”

“Hmph, forcing me to attack first? That’s your own doing. My attacks are fierce; I doubt you can withstand them.”

“How can I know I can’t resist if I don’t try? Let me test your strength,” Shen An said, a smile playing on his lips, calm as ever.

Black Earth paid little mind to Shen An’s words.

His gaze turned fierce. Once in battle mode, he was like a stubborn bull—nothing could stop his power.

At that moment, Black Earth threw a punch—a raging bull strike, a technique for a third-rank awakener, which Black Earth had perfected to the extreme.

Such an attack was not something an ordinary person could resist.

Seeing the punch coming, Shen An raised his palm to block. The force behind the blow was indeed tremendous; even while blocking, Shen An could feel the overwhelming, crushing power.

It was incredibly strong. If it were a third-rank awakener at the early stage, resisting this move would be extremely difficult, with a high chance of being knocked to the ground.

Shen An glanced at Black Earth. This man’s strength was truly impressive—far superior to those so-called prodigies he had faced before.

“As expected of someone the director favors. It seems…I really can’t underestimate you,” Shen An said.

“Didn’t expect you to block my punch so easily. Just as the director said, you’re no ordinary person. You’re strong, and even I, Black Earth, admire that,” Black Earth said, his respect for a strong opponent genuine.

Shen An smiled faintly. There was no longer any trace of contempt in his eyes. He even drew his black iron sword.

“To deal with you, I’ll have to use a weapon,” Shen An said.

“Looks like you’re serious now. In that case, I can’t let you surpass me so easily,” Black Earth growled, his body erupting with terrifying primal energy—an aura so intense it was unprecedented.

Below the arena, Zhou Hong and several other directors watched in astonishment.

“Didn’t expect him…he’s really getting serious. To be able to push Black Earth this far, that Earl is indeed extraordinary.”

“Indeed! Such power.”

“That Earl never fails to surprise.”

Zhou Hong smiled slightly, fully understanding Shen An’s strength. “After all, with a talent score of 100,000, Black Earth this time has truly met his match.”

“Black Earth is going to receive a harsh lesson,” one director chuckled.

Countless gazes shifted toward the arena.

“Amazing! That Earl is holding his own against Black Earth. How strong must he be?”

“So this is the new Earl from the Masters’ Council. His strength really broadens our horizons.”