Chapter 12: Provocation from the Dust Brushing Sect (Part 1)

After more than half a month of recuperation, Shi Xiaole's injuries had basically healed. Moreover, he had mastered the Draw Sword Skill, not wasting time.

Hearing the bell to assemble the disciples, he changed into a green robe, took his sword, and hurried to the martial arts field.

At this moment, the martial arts field was already crowded with people, no less than six to seven hundred.

The summary of the sect held every March aimed to gather all apprentices together. The most powerful direct disciples would answer questions for everyone, promoting communication to avoid estrangement among disciples. On the other hand, it also served as mutual encouragement, forming healthy competition.

Therefore, no disciple could be absent, regardless of practicing or being occupied.

"Have you heard that the second elder returned half a month ago?"

"Nonsense, I'm not deaf. I also know that the sect's application to become orthodox failed once again."

"We all expected this issue, no need to mention. Let's talk about the good news. I heard that the four seniors who went to Qingxue State this time made significant progress."

"It's not surprising for the three direct disciples, but brother Qin Zhao is also vigorous, which is really admirable. He should have…"

The discussion suddenly lowered because many people saw Shi Xiaole coming over.

From the eyes of some people, Shi Xiaole saw contempt, disdain, and even faint jealousy. Of course, he didn't say anything, just nodded and passed by.

"Huh! Big deal! If it weren't for his aunt and the Sect Master relationship, it wouldn't be his turn to become a direct disciple."

"His destiny is good, his connections are firm, what can you do about it?"

The crowd hummed, venting their dissatisfaction.

Soon, the noise fell silent as the three grand elders appeared together on the high stage at the north of the martial arts field.

Behind them followed three young people with extraordinary temperament.

In the crowd, Shi Xiaole was slightly moved.

The mature-looking man in the front with a moderate build must be Yuan Qiuwei, the No.1 young master of Huajian Sect, and one of the Luyan Four Heroes.

Following him, the seemingly cynical blue-robed man must be Xiao Yuanbo, the second direct disciple whose talent is not inferior to Yuan Qiuwei.

As for the third person, she is a beautiful young girl, three or four years younger than Yuan Qiuwei and Xiao Yuanbo. She is Mao Wenjing, the Gentle Rain Sword, known as the top genius of the Huajian Sect in recent decades.

According to the norms, the four direct disciples should stand behind the three elders at the summary meeting. Seeing one person missing, many people began to search.

"Senior Brother Shi, why aren't you on the stage yet?"

Someone beside him reminded him in an odd voice, drawing everyone's attention. When they saw Shi Xiaole 'hiding' in the crowd, laughter immediately broke out.

After all, only a few people witnessed the battle between Shi Xiaole and Zhao Buping. For most people, Shi Xiaole is still the timid, upward-moving transfer student who relies on relationships.

The second elder frowned and hummed, "Xiaole, why haven't you come up yet?" His tone was somewhat disappointed.

The Grand Elder said, "Xiaole, you've only been in the sect for one year. Everyone knows your situation. They won't embarrass you."

Although these words seem to be comforting Shi Xiaole, they actually imply that he is not skilled enough. On a deeper level, it suggests to everyone that this boy is not worthy of being a direct disciple.

Sure enough, even more people showed clear contempt.

Not far away, the handsome-looking Qin Zhao seemed calm, but he was always watching Shi Xiaole.

In the past three conventions, despite this boy having gone up every time, his timid and submissive manner made people laugh. It seems that this time will not be an exception.

Seeing the different gazes from all around and the high stage, Shi Xiaole unexpectedly was not timid. Instead, he smiled and said: "Since Grand Elder invited me, it would be rude not to accept."

Having said that, he walked up to the high stage and stood grandly next to Mao Wenjing.

The Grand Elder was stunned and then became secretly angry in his heart. What he said sounded as if he was unwelcoming him. Insolent boy, for now, I will tolerate your arrogance, but wait…

Thinking of his plan, the Grand Elder sneered in his heart and cleared his throat: "The tri-monthly summary meeting has come again. If any of you have any questions, you can ask them, and several Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters will answer them."

It was all old rules, the disciples certainly would not be courteous, so the scene immediately became lively. Many people posed their cultivation questions to eldest senior brother Yuan Qiuwei, and second senior brother Xiao Yuanbo.

Of course, the most popular one was Mao Wenjing.

As the person with the top talent in Huajian Sect, Mao Wenjing was beautiful and talented, recognized as a goddess-level figure in Mountain Luyan.

Seeing one disciple finally seizing the opportunity, but his face flushed red, even his speech was trembling, Shi Xiaole couldn't help but laugh.

Everyone was listening to goddess Mao. The untimely laughter was naturally extremely abrupt.

"Senior Brother Shi, what are you laughing at? Don't tell me you have some insights?"

Someone immediately picked a quarrel, clearly meaning no good.

Shi Xiaole waved his hand, indicating them to continue.

Everyone hummed and ignored this annoying connected person anymore.

"Senior Brother Shi, I have a question I want to ask, can you answer it?"

At a time of utter boredom, suddenly a defiant-looking youngster walked up, with eyes gleaming with a flash of eagerness.

"If you have questions, go ask the three senior brothers and sisters, I don't know anything."

Shi Xiaole casually brushed him off, just happy to be left to himself.

The boy smiled then, suddenly raised his voice, and shouted vehemently, "Since you know your limitations, why do you not step down from the stage and leave your position to someone who deserves it?"

The defiant scream echoed far and wide, compelling everyone's attention.

Provoking on purpose?

Shi Xiaole easily caught a glimpse of Qin Zhao not too far away, grinning widely at him. "Whether I'm qualified or not, ask the Sect Master. Besides, listen carefully, I don't like being shouted at."

The boy laughed louder, his voice echoing more firmly, "In the martial world, only the strong deserve respect. Shi Xiaole, if you don't have the ability, don't hog that position. I, Qian Tong, have had enough of you! Today, surrender your seat of the privileged disciple to me!"

The Grand Elder feigned anger and yelled, "Scoundrel, step back!"

Qian Tong spoke in a deep voice: "Grand Elder, even if I get expelled from the Huajian Sect today, I must say, we disciples who go through strenuous martial arts training, enduring countless hardships. If we are subject to someone utterly incompetent with only connections, why should we sacrifice so much?"

His words touched a nerve with many, immediately inciting considerable commotion. Like a premeditated conspiracy, many cried out against the injustice.

Looking at the situation, it seemed that unless Shi Xiaole voluntarily stepped down, willingly giving up his privileged discipleship, they would not let it go.

Upon noticing Qin Zhao enjoying the spectacle from the sidelines, with the smug-looking Grand Elder pretending to be angry, Shi Xiaole instantly saw through their scheme.

This cunning uncle and nephew pair wanted to drive him away before the upcoming sect competition in just over two months.

The previously silent Second Elder observing the chaos scolded, "Everyone shut up! Shi Xiaole's status was personally decided by the Sect Master. Do you all wish to revolt?"

Qian Tong, feeling supported, replied fearlessly, "If this injustice continues, we'd rather leave the Huajian Sect!"

"Indeed, let's leave the Huajian Sect!"

A crowd of people followed Qian Tong's provocation, shouting and causing a ruckus. This made Second Elder angry, but he had a feeling that if he did not give an explanation, it would be tough to conclude today's situation.

The Grand elder, pretending to pacify everyone, was actually adding fuel to the fire. The Third Elder, sporting a smug expression, watched in amusement from the sidelines. The privileged disciples cast complicated looks at Shi Xiaole.

Suddenly, Shi Xiaole was seen as the cause of all troubles, the villain who is wrecking the unity of the Huajian Sect.

"You say I'm incompetent?"

Shi Xiaole looked at Qian Tong indifferently, his tone calm.

Considering the current situation, the Grand Elder has clearly taken control of many forces within the Huajian Sect.

This made Shi Xiaole mentally curse, really questioning how the Sect Master managed his position. If this went on, by the time he emerges, his power would likely be just an empty shell.

Truthfully, Shi Xiaole didn't care about the mere status of a privileged disciple in the Huajian Sect.

With the Grand Wuxia System by his side, even if he were a simple rogue cultivator, he could still rise to the top and soar through the sky.

However, what Shi Xiaole couldn't accept was being forced out by others. Yes, he could give up the status of a privileged disciple, but only if he chose to do so willingly. No one could force him to do so.

"Do you think you're capable?"

Qian Tong scrutinized Shi Xiaole with a contemptuous gaze, looking utterly dismissive.

Qian Tong was aware of Shi Xiaole defeating Zhao Buping. However, in Qian Tong's eyes, that victory was merely due to Zhao Buping's negligence and unnecessary lowering of his own cultivation level.

Moreover, Qian Tong's skill was superior to Zhao Buping's. Whether it was internal energy, comprehension of moves, or adaptability in battle, he could flatten Shi Xiaole in minutes.

Qian Tong sneered, "Shi Xiaole, don't be resentful. We are of the same age, yet my Hidden Qi is at the Fifth Tier, and I've even cultivated the Dot Plum Sword Skill to Spirit Integration Minor Success. What can you compare with me?"

A few people gasped with surprise.

Dot Plum Sword Skill was one of the few mid-tier sword techniques of the Huajian Sect, even more intricate than the Painted Plum Sword Technique. At just fifteen years of age, having cultivated this skill to minor success was a testament to Qian Tong's talent. His potential could place him in the top twenty of the sect.

Shi Xiaole nodded, thought for a moment, and said, "Ten moves. I'll use basic sword technique to fight you. I only need ten moves to beat you!"

Whoosh!

Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned, questioning if they had heard right. Was this still the same timid Shi Xiaole? How could he utter such an arrogant statement?

Qian Tong smirked with a trace of anger in his eyes, "You are just full of yourself, let's see how you plan to defeat me!"

Without waiting for the decision of the three elders, he immediately drew his sword and stabbed towards Shi Xiaole. This was because he had secretly received a hint from the Grand Elder not to give the Second Elder any chance to stop him.

As the sword advanced, the tip trembled slightly, like a slowly blooming plum blossom, aiming at thirteen acupuncture points on Shi Xiaole's body.

"Good sword skill."

Someone muttered.

However, in the next moment, the gasps came to an abrupt halt.

Because Shi Xiaole had drawn his sword. It was indeed a basic sword skill. But this otherwise mundane move managed to effortlessly break Qian Tong's first movement.