Jian Chao

Yan Jian was merged within the crowd, seeing his sister talk to Jiang Ting.

Cultivators in the academy were allowed to join at the age of fourteen, and for some people with stronger bodies, that limit was relaxed by a year or two, since their bodies were considered sufficiently strong for cultivation. As such, all newbies in the tournament were at most 16 years of age, with but one exception, that is Yan Ping.

Yan Ping came to the village two years ago with her brother, and they enrolled at the academy. Yan Ping was already 16 at the time, and at the initial stage of the first level of body forging realm. Basically, beginner at sixteen. Additionally, her brother looked tough, but never mentioned his cultivation. However, rumor had it that he didn't have either of his arms. This basically made the two siblings deadweight at the academy. Yan Jian was directly ignored, as he stayed at home to cultivate, whereas Yan Ping was only pursued by some infatuated youth. Nobody believed in their future, thinking that they were better off leaving the martial wing. Some youth offered to court Yan Ping, letting the siblings live a happy life.

Looking back to the prestigious childhood they had, Yan Jian couldn't help but sigh at their current status. It was only after Yan Ping showed her immense talent, cultivating at breakneck speed to reach the middle stage of second level of body forging realm that people valued her talent, and respected her as more than just a pretty face.

Unfortunately, he hadn't grown back his arms yet, else he would let these village folk look at what true talent looks like, even greater than that of this supposed genius, but fate had other plans. He must wait patiently; his path was long and arduous.

* * *

The core elders were all in a very jovial mood on the stage.

"Bravo! What a battle! It seems you've really picked up a gem this time, Headmaster." The village chief was all smiles.

"Hahaha, of course, my disciple would have to be a rare talent." Wang Chun was on cloud nine.

The other elders stared at him weirdly. 'Your disciple has to be a rare talent? He is at a level where your talent can only be called garbage in comparison.'

"Senior brother, this is truly a happy occasion. Maybe he might represent Fudi in the level 1 fight this time." Chen Mei piped in.

"With an entire year ahead of us, naturally, Jiang Ting is one of the best candidates." Wang Chun continued boasting.

Elder Huang Jun on the other hand, though smiling, was slightly disturbed. After all, his son had been the only inheritor of Red Tiger Battle Art. Since Zhao Song was not compatible with the technique and had chosen Overlord Body instead, Huang Jun always assumed his son would take over as the next Headmaster in the future, dominating his generation. Yet now there seemed to be an overwhelmingly talented genius competing with him.

After the incident 50 years ago, the disciples of that generation had grown to be united to the extreme. As they eventually became elders of the village, there had never been any conflicts between them as such. Yet now, Huang Jun, for his son's future, couldn't help harboring some thoughts. His emotions were complex, ashamed of even thinking of betraying his brethren, but for his son's future, some forbidden possibilities must be considered.

* * *

Xuan Li was standing on the stage, staring at her opponent with fear.

Jiang Ting couldn't help but frown when he saw her expression.

"Terrified before the match even begins. Not ideal. Who is her opponent?" He asked Lin Fan.

"Jian Chao, initial stage of second level. Known to be very ruthless when fighting. He developed very deep bloodthirsty tendencies helping his father hunt fierce beasts as a child."

"As a child?" Jiang Ting's frown deepened. He turned to stare at the youth opposite Xuan Li. He was standing there with a solemn expression on his face. His weapon was a halberd.

Jiang Ting turned to look at Lin Fan with an inquisitive gaze. "Since childhood? Then his cultivation?"

"Began at the age of 12, trained by his father. He spent most of his time hunting fierce beasts with his father, though, so I can't really say anything about his cultivation speed, though. Since he's still only 14, the academy let him participate in the newbies category, especially since there are a couple of disciples in this category who started at 15 and still made it to the second level anyways."

"What about Xuan Li?"

"I don't know. We just met, remember?"

The referee shouted at this time, "Begin!"

Jian Chao struck out with his halberd, his speed too fast for Xuan Li to keep up with, directly piercing her forearms as she hastily put up a guard.

"The match is over. Winner is Jian Chao. Medics!" The elder caught.

Lin Fan accompanied the medics, his face filled with worry.

The spectators at this arena were a little stunned at the brutal strike.

At this point, Jian Chao walked over. Lin Fan, unable to hold back his anger, stepped up.

Jiang Ting grabbed Lin Fan's shoulder, stopping him in place.

"Did you need anything, senior brother?" He asked Jian Chao with a hint of curiosity.

"I just wanted to apologize to your friend. My combat style relies on decisive strikes, and I wasn't willing to take chances since I was unaware of her strength."

Jiang Ting smiled. "Injuries are inevitable in martial arts contests. Senior brother needn't apologize for your strength."

Jian Chao was stunned for a moment. "Oh. I see." He nodded to Jiang Ting and Lin Fan before walking off.

A sense of Déjà vu hit Jiang Ting. 'Awkward, powerful brute. Who does this remind me of?'

Lin Fan was also surprised. "Guess he didn't go that far just to hurt her, huh. The medics took Xuan Li to the hospital due to her serious injury. Should we go keep her company?"

Another referee announced Lin Fan's name right then.