Spencer wasn't the jealous type, but seeing Chen Feng possess such power at such a young age couldn't help but stir envy within him.

This person, it seemed, had truly crossed a line this time; if he wasn't eliminated now, he would undoubtedly become a massive threat in the future! However, in front of everyone, he first needed to give "Madman" an accounting, or how could he, as the Vice Commander, maintain control?

With that thought, Spencer conceived a plan and spoke up, "Since we all wish to inhabit this valley, why don't we settle this with a contest of strength? Whoever wins gets to reside here. What do you say? The loser must not only vacate the valley but also offer up a stake! How about that?"

"A contest of strength? Not interested!"

Chen Feng was not one for gambling, especially not when he was stronger than his opponent. To engage in a contest of victory and defeat with someone he clearly surpassed—was he an idiot? It was like asking a martial arts master wielding a Dragon-Slaying Saber to haggle over something with a child too weak to truss a chicken, agreeing to determine ownership based on strength. What a joke!

However, if the Dragon-Slaying Saber master were to compete against a child armed with an AK47, agreeing to a contest of strength might be somewhat understandable.

"I haven't seen the stake yet, yet you reply so swiftly, friend!" Spencer said with a smile, though his grin was terribly stiff and looked quite awkward.

As he spoke, Spencer withdrew a jade box from his robes! Opening it, a perfectly round object lay nestled inside, faintly emitting a silver luminescence.

"A Fifth-Grade Fighting Core?" Austin gasped upon seeing the item!

Several bonfires had been lit around the campsite during the tent setup and were still burning brightly. Under the firelight, the surroundings were exceptionally clear, and the Fifth-Grade Fighting Core reflected a crystalline sheen.

Austin and the others swallowed hard, their eyes showing unadulterated greed.

A Fifth-Grade Fighting Core? For those below the Dou Shi (Battle Master) level, it was a treasure of heaven and earth! Provided the attributes aligned, a Fifth-Grade Fighting Core could instantly replenish all the Dou Qi (Battle Qi) expended by a Dou Shi (Battle Warrior). Although it could only be utilized once a month, it was absolutely a life-saving artifact!

One had to realize that in combat, even a slight difference in cultivation level could lead to death. Possessing such a treasure was tantamount to instantly doubling one's internal Dou Qi reserves. How could anyone not be excited?

"A Fifth-Grade Fighting Core? Is it very precious?" Chen Feng muttered to himself, unaware of these details.

Spencer saw the reactions of the crowd were exactly as he had anticipated. The corners of his mouth curved into a crescent moon: "If you win, we will not only leave the valley but also give you this Fighting Core. What do you say? Have you changed your mind?"

Seeing Chen Feng deep in thought, Austin interjected, "And if we lose?"

"Lose?" Spencer still wore a smile, but his tone was chillingly cold: "The friend carrying the shovel can be dealt with by my brothers! As long as the others leave the valley, I won't kill you!"

Chen Feng looked up, his eyes blazing with sharp light: "You want to kill me!"

Spencer let out a cold laugh: "Heh, friend, you jest. You injured my brother; if I don't seek justice for him, how can I command respect from my subordinates?"

Chen Feng said no more: "Fine! I accept."

Through these few exchanges, Chen Feng understood that the opponent was someone who valued strength above all else. If he didn't assert his dominance through victory here, he would never command true respect among his own men later. His proposal for a duel was purely a means to display his actual power to his subordinates, thereby securing their faith.

Moreover, this fellow possessed absolute confidence in himself! He seemed entirely unconcerned about losing!

Alas, Chen Feng sighed internally, this fellow was about to reap what he sowed!

Spencer clapped his hands. The Pterodactyl beneath him let out a low roar, and simultaneously, several sharp cries echoed from the sky. Immediately, more than a dozen Pterodactyls spiraled down from the air.

The terrain in the valley was smooth and vast; twenty massive Pterodactyls crouching in place didn't look crowded at all.

The remaining Dragon Riders dismounted and walked over to Spencer's side. At this moment, Madman was being supported by his comrades; Chen Feng's single punch had shattered seven of his ribs, leaving him without the strength to even speak, much less stand!

Spencer had his own Pterodactyls moved to one side, then stepped forward and announced, "The method for the contest is simple. We each send out one person to fight. After one is defeated, the next steps up. We alternate until one side concedes!"

Chen Feng understood the opponent's intent: this was an attempt to kill his group under the guise of a fair contest!

Defeated? That was a joke. Defeat here clearly meant death.

It seemed this group placed great importance on outward propriety. They knew that with a single command, Chen Feng's group would be wiped out, yet they insisted on holding a 'duel' for appearances' sake!

How ridiculous!

Chen Feng shook his head, just about to instruct Xiaohu to lead the wolf pack directly into the valley to eliminate the grounded Pterodactyls, when a thought stayed him. He hadn't yet established a clear benchmark for his own strength; perhaps this opponent would serve as a worthy test!

Still, he instructed Xiaohu, "Gather the wolves and station them outside the valley entrance. Charge in the moment I give the order!"

Xiaohu acknowledged the command.

Spencer then inquired, "Which one from your side will step up first for the match?"

When Madman had asked who the leader was earlier, although Austin had responded, in Spencer's eyes, it was this young man carrying the shovel who carried the most weight. Thus, when speaking, he looked directly at Chen Feng, hoping for a definitive answer!

Chen Feng showed no fear, suddenly extending his right hand, raising a single index finger, and waving it dismissively with supreme contempt. His arrogant voice rang out: "No need for such fuss! Dealing with all of you, I alone am enough. Line up and come one by one!"

"What did you say? You reckless brat!"

"Damn it, say that again, I'll cleave you right now..."

"Is this kid an idiot or what..."

The Pterodactyl Knights behind Spencer erupted as if a pot had boiled over—cursing, mocking, pitying—a cacophony of noise.

Spencer was furious. Where the Dragon Knight Corps traveled, weren't they always imposing? When had they ever suffered such blatant disrespect!

Suppressing his anger, Spencer continued where Chen Feng left off: "Fine! I will step up from our side, and I won't use a Pterodactyl!"

No Pterodactyl? The Dragon Knights were even more shocked. A Dragon Knight fighting without his mount meant losing at least half his strength! Was their Vice Commander insane, choosing to discard strength for weakness?

"Vice Commander..." Several Dragon Knights couldn't help but cry out!

Spencer waved his hand, and the men knew his mind was set; they forcibly held their tongues.

Everyone assumed Spencer had either gone mad or was blinded by Chen Feng's arrogance. However, Chen Feng's assessment was the exact opposite.

This fellow was not simple. He might have discerned something when Chen Feng used Dragon Might to suppress the Pterodactyls earlier. For him to refuse his mount wasn't about being magnanimous; it was about being able to utilize his true strength optimally!

Fighting alongside a Pterodactyl that could fall from the sky at any moment would naturally impact one's performance.

Realizing this, Chen Feng's view of the man shifted slightly.

Truly a calm and composed individual.

The contest was about to begin. Austin and his group, along with the Dragon Knights, retreated to a corner of the valley, clearing a large open space for the two combatants.

Dragon Knights were most proficient with long lances, but those mounted on their dragons were over three meters long and difficult to wield; thus, Spencer also stood empty-handed. Chen Feng's peculiar appearance, with a shovel strapped to his back, remained baffling to most.

ps: Ugh... Haven't dared to read the book reviews for a long time, afraid it would spoil my mood. I checked today, and they were all worried I would drop the book again... Old Ya is quite speechless! Although the book's performance isn't top-tier, it's not bad; it ranked fifth on the new book chart without main site recommendations (of course, this achievement is thanks to everyone's support)... If Old Ya were to drop it again now, how could I continue?

However, I understand everyone's feelings. I hate dropped books too! Old Ya has followed many series that never finished... It's painful... So, Old Ya has decided to be a responsible person. My brothers and sisters, rise up... Smash those recommendation tickets fiercely!

Hmm, I saw a comment from a fellow reader that was excellent: Be like Sima Qian—though crippled in body, his book remains whole...