Chapter 10: I Want You to Suffer a Fate Worse Than Death

"Jun Yanming has arrived!"

As the Grand Elder brought Jun Yanming into the martial arena, every gaze turned toward him, sharp and focused.

Jun Yanming.

He was the most dazzling favored son of heaven in all of Jiangning City in recent days. The entire city was shaken by his name, and everyone believed him to be the true dragon of the Jun family.

"Greetings, Young Master!"

The members of the Jun family, already won over by the Grand Elder, now bowed to Jun Yanming, addressing him with the title of heir apparent. It was clear they believed he would win today, without question.

"The Myriad Phenomena Realm—he’s the third prodigy in Jiangning City to reach that level!"

City Lord Xu Huanhu’s gaze was alight as he fixed his eyes on Jun Yanming, discerning his cultivation at a glance.

The first to reach the Myriad Phenomena Realm had been Jun Wushuang, of course.

The second was Ji Qingchen, who had seized the Battle Dragon King Physique.

But now, Jun Wushuang had been crippled, Ji Qingchen had departed for the Royal Martial Academy, and so Jun Yanming had become the strongest among the young generation of Jiangning City.

Moreover, the celestial phenomenon he had triggered made his accomplishments at least as great as Jun Wushuang’s had once been, if not greater.

“Our master is in trouble…” Master Wu narrowed his eyes with worry. Just ten days prior, Jun Wushuang had only been at the third level of the Body-Tempering Realm. In such a short time, how much could he possibly have improved?

Each step of cultivation was like crossing a chasm. The Body-Tempering Realm and the Myriad Phenomena Realm were worlds apart.

Even if Jun Yanming wasn’t the one who triggered the celestial signs, his power at the Myriad Phenomena Realm could not be faked.

"No matter what, I must protect my master!"

The Southern King’s command was not one Master Wu dared disobey. If Jun Wushuang were killed before his very eyes, the Southern King would surely make life a living hell for him.

So Master Wu resolved that, even if he had to break the rules, he would save Jun Wushuang.

"The Jun family must be eradicated!"

Ye Tiande’s smile remained, but murderous intent surged within him. With Jun Yanming, the Jun family’s future was bound to soar, while the Ye family, with no successor, was fated to be suppressed.

Thinking thus, Ye Tiande glanced meaningfully at Ji Yuntian. Their eyes met, and everything was understood without words.

At that moment, Jun Yanming gazed at the fervent crowd, a trace of satisfaction curling his lips.

First Level of the Myriad Phenomena Realm, the Flame Python Spirit Body, and the celestial phenomenon—all enough to make him proud.

After today, he would surely soar to the heavens and claim a place among the most renowned prodigies of the Eastern Domain.

With this thought, Jun Yanming’s smile widened.

"Jun Wushuang, you’ll be my stepping stone. I’ll climb to the summit, treading on your head!"

With his hands clasped behind his back, Jun Yanming strode into the arena. Heroic and striking in his crimson-gold spirit armor, he seemed, under the sunlight, a golden-armored war god—commanding awe.

The crowd’s eyes burned with fanaticism as they watched him. Such a prodigy was the only true choice for the position of heir!

"That good-for-nothing Jun Wushuang finally showed up!"

When Jun Wushuang arrived, the atmosphere shifted instantly. Every gaze was filled with contempt and disdain.

Jun Yanming was the pride of the Jun family.

Jun Wushuang was their disgrace.

In comparison, it was only natural for everyone to side with Jun Yanming.

Jun Wushuang ignored the looks cast his way. He walked calmly onto the martial field, his expression untroubled, showing not a trace of fear.

Jun Zhantian, with Lin Mengyao supporting him, made his way to the area reserved for the family head.

A fit of violent coughing wracked Jun Zhantian, his face ashen and his back hunched. Only with Lin Mengyao’s help did he manage to seat himself.

"Family Head Jun, you should rest more, given your ill health," Ji Yuntian offered, his words seeming concerned, though his gaze was cold.

By now, the Scorpion-Serpent Heart Devouring Pill ought to be taking effect. Soon, when Jun Wushuang was killed, Jun Zhantian’s grief would flare, and the poison would finish him—seamlessly. The Jun family was but a juicy morsel waiting to be devoured.

"Thank you for your concern, Family Head Ji. I can still hold on a while longer," Jun Zhantian replied weakly, though his declining state was obvious to all.

Ye Tiande understood perfectly and said nothing.

Xu Huanhu frowned slightly but didn’t speak.

Only Master Wu’s eyes showed a hint of doubt.

As a Spirit Sea Realm expert with extraordinary spiritual perception, he could sense that Jun Zhantian’s health was not as dire as it seemed.

He was feigning weakness on purpose. Someone was doomed to misfortune.

Still, since Jun Zhantian was Jun Wushuang’s father, Master Wu kept silent.

"Jun Zhantian, this day next year will be the anniversary of your death!"

The Grand Elder’s attention had never wavered. Seeing Jun Zhantian’s state, murderous intent surged within him.

After today, both Jun Wushuang and Jun Zhantian must die. The positions of family head and heir would change hands.

With this thought, the Grand Elder decided not to waste any more time.

With Jun Zhantian unwell, the Grand Elder himself would preside over today’s duel of life and death.

"Thank you all for coming to witness the battle that will give birth to our Jun family’s new heir."

"The duel today is between Jun Yanming and Jun Wushuang. It is a fight to the death, with no draws—only life or death. The victor lives and becomes the Jun family’s new heir."

"Heaven and earth bear witness, the sun and moon attest, and all present are witnesses to this oath!"

The Grand Elder never doubted Jun Yanming’s victory.

He made a grand spectacle of the event, cutting off all avenues of retreat. If Jun Zhantian broke the rules to intervene, the Grand Elder would claim the moral high ground. Even if he then slew Jun Zhantian himself, no one could object.

A shrewd scheme.

A cunning mind.

But all of it depended on Jun Yanming winning.

"Heir, do your best! We’re all behind you!"

"Only the young master can lead us to a new era of glory! After today, the Jun family will bask in sunlight once more!"

"Crush Jun Wushuang! Let him know there’s no place for trash in our family!"

The crowd’s shouts and cheers resounded, all backing Jun Yanming, calling him heir with piercing fervor.

Their support only deepened Jun Yanming’s pride as he looked at Jun Wushuang, feeling that the resentment of more than a decade could finally be unleashed at once.

He lowered his voice, so that only he and Jun Wushuang could hear.

"Jun Wushuang, let me give you some clarity before you die."

"Back then, your meeting with Ji Qingchen was orchestrated by my grandfather. Your secret rendezvous, your marriage into the Ji family—all of it was his doing, so the Ji family could seize your Battle Dragon King Physique!"

"This time, when the family head saw you refused to die, he gifted me a Spirit-Breaking Pill so I could break through to the Myriad Phenomena Realm and send you straight to hell."

"Don’t worry—you won’t be alone on the road to the underworld. Your father will die too, joining you below."

"Oh, and Lin Mengyao—she’s growing more beautiful by the day. When I’m done with her, I’ll send her down to keep you company."

"How does that make you feel? Are you angry?"

Jun Wushuang’s face darkened.

He hadn’t expected that his betrayal had been aided by an internal traitor—the Grand Elder himself.

"I originally only meant to kill you," Jun Wushuang replied, his voice cold as ice, his black pupils flickering with a chilling murderous intent.

"But now, I’ll see you suffer a fate worse than death."