15 Season 1 Episode 15: Right Here!
That night, in a certain garden in the Outer Section.
"Congratulations Colton! You trained the high rank skill Sky Smashing Sword Technique to the highest level. Out of the outer disciples, it is probably only you who can achieve such a feat," May Stafford said smiling.
As the effects of the drug wore off, Colton Grey had returned to his normal behaviour a few weeks ago, and has been training relentlessly ever since to make up for his foolish actions. But as he could only train for a few weeks, he wasn't able to make any significant progress and was still stuck at eighth rank of the Earth realm.
Nevertheless, he was still the highest ranking and the most powerful outer disciple.
"The first place of the inner disciple exam will definitely be yours. And don't worry, Claude Rayforth, that bug, will be crushed under your feet!" May Stafford said coldly.
As soon as she spoke the sword in Colton's hand suddenly fired ten different blows, with a strength that would even shock cultivation masters.
"May, your eyesight is limited. Do not think about the bugs that are merely an annoyance." Colton Grey shook his head, "My true opponents are inner disciples! I'm destined to become the best amongst the Inner disciples. An insect like Claude Rayforth is not even worth my time!"
Countless outer section disciples were rubbing their palms together for tomorrow's fight. Everyone was waiting for the chance to change their destiny.
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The morning of the next day.
As the sky turned bright, a lot of people came into view as they gathered at the Martial Arts Field, for the Annual Inner Disciple Exams.
The top ten outer disciples, including the top three; Colton Grey, Mather Llewellyn and Misty Durward had also arrived.
The disciples that arrived increased, with almost all of them being outer disciples. There were not many inner disciples that showed up.
As time passed, around twenty academy elders came into view. These elders had looks of interest as they looked towards the outer disciples, and a few of them had middle or high positions in the academy.
"There are a few, quite strong, outer disciples. I wonder how many of them will be eliminated."
"Personally, I think Colton Grey has the best chance at winning the title!" The Academy Elders discussed.
"I don't know about that. Misty Durward, who is ranked third amongst the outer disciples, has made significant progress in the past few months!" One of the elders said as they pointed at the arena. Misty was one of the main focuses of the outer disciples, having a clear face and a quiet attitude.
As Claude inspected the girl with his eyes, his lips curled, revealing a cruel smile. "Just advanced to the eight rank… not enough of a threat!" He murmured to himself.
About half an hour later, a voice sounded throughout the field, "The Inner disciple preliminaries starts now!"
The voice sounded the official start of the contest, and the crowd went into dead silence.
Under the academy's guidance, the preliminaries had begun. The rules were simple. The outer disciple participants were split into eight different groups through a process of random selection, and only two top ranking disciples from each group would proceed to the next round, eliminating the rest. The one's ranked behind would challenge the one's ranked higher. If they won they would replace the opponent's rank. But if they lose then they'll be knocked out of the tournament. No second chances!
Claude was picked to be part of the fourth group, where both Colton and Misty were present.
Colton raised his eyebrows, surprise evident in his eyes. He had imagined that Claude would use his connections with the second elder to keep him away from Colton as far as he could, so that he could advance to the later stages smoothly. But to think that they were in the same group!
'Guess you are still too much of a law abider, Claude..' Colton Grey thought to himself as he looked at Claude. 'Unfortunately for you, your journey ends here…'
Claude noticed Colton staring at him, but he chose to ignore it.
'You really think I wouldn't use my connections with the second elder to rig the group selection, Colton?' Claude's eyes were dark like the abyss.
Colton thought that Claude didn't use his connections, but in reality it was the opposite. He did use his connections to rig the selection. But Claude had used it to group him with Colton. He wanted to end this in the group stage, not in the finals.
As soon as the tournament started…
"Claude Rayforth challenges Colton Grey!" Claude raised his hand and yelled out the moment the judges finished explaining the rules, and everyone turned to look at him.
What!? Challenging Colton Grey right at the start? Was this kid crazy?
"This brat's way too arrogant! Does he think he can beat Colton Grey with his measly sixth rank cultivation?"
"Hmph! Maybe he's just delusional! Once he fights Senior Colton, maybe he'll realize that they belong to different worlds!" The disciples sniggered.
May Stafford, who was in group six, looked at that familiar figure and sighed. She had a complex feeling towards him, some sympathy, some coldness. She thought about what Colton Grey told her, and she came to an understanding that she should no longer think about Claude, who belonged to a different world than them. He was but a mere fool who desperately wished to enter the realm of gods…
"Hmph! You think that just because you have the protection of the second elder, you can do anything and I won't be able to hurt you?" Colton Grey, who was ranked first, looked mockingly towards Claude. "I thought I was giving you face by not humiliating you back then, but it seems that your arrogant self needs to be taught a lesson. So don't blame me for being too hard on you.."
Facing Colton Grey's disdain, Claude's expression was like steel; there was not a single change as he looked at him. As they say; actions speak louder than words! He'll prove what he wants to prove on the battle ground.
