Battle of Martial Arts

Hearing the suggestion to become a guest lecturer at Avaloria National Academy, Magnus Astor was taken aback, recalling the concept of guest professors from his previous life's university experience. These professors were often distinguished figures in various fields, earning more for a few lectures than many full-time instructors did in a year.

"Could this world have a similar concept?" Magnus mused.

Gideon Astor, upon hearing William Wong's proposal, fell silent, considering the implications. Seizing the opportunity, Wong pressed on, "Your Majesty, as a guest lecturer, Lord Astor wouldn't face stringent requirements regarding qualifications or schedule. He can teach whenever he's in Silverwood City. What do you think?"

Gideon Astor, after a moment of reflection and a glance at his son's surprised expression, finally nodded in agreement.

"What? Just like that?" Magnus was startled, having expected his father to outright refuse. As he was about to protest, Wong's elated response cut him off.

"Excellent! Lord Astor, you are now a guest lecturer at our prestigious academy. Upon our return to Silverwood City, I'll ensure your records are prepared, and a lecture space is ready. Whenever you're available, you can teach."

"But I..." Magnus felt a sense of resignation wash over him. He couldn't help but feel slightly betrayed by his father's easy consent.

In his mind, Magnus humorously lamented, "Surely, I must be adopted. How else could my father so readily agree to this?"

Changing the subject, Magnus remembered the rewards promised for winning the poetry contest. "Father, since I've won the contest, shouldn't I receive the promised gold and the Cloud Artifact?"

Caught between the excited Avaloria National Academy's principal and his impassive father, Magnus could only accept his new role, albeit with a sense of ironic defeat.

Ignoring Magnus Astor's disgruntled expression, Gideon Astor simply gestured to his attendants. Soon, several strong servants brought in three chests of gold and placed them on the floor of the chamber.

Magnus couldn't contain his excitement upon seeing the chests full of gold. Despite being relatively well-off now, his past experiences made him particularly appreciative of the wealth. He lunged at a chest, eagerly opening it to reveal the glittering treasure inside.

"I can't believe it's really a thousand taels of gold!" Magnus exclaimed.

Overwhelmed by the sight, Magnus hugged the chest, almost as if he wanted to dive into it. His brother, Orion Astor, couldn't help but cough awkwardly to remind him of his surroundings. Noticing the others' stunned reactions, Magnus awkwardly disengaged himself from the chest.

In stark contrast to his excitement, his brother Caspian Astor looked on disdainfully, as if contemplating whether to kick him or not. Unperturbed by their reactions, Magnus securely placed the chest under his seat and wrapped his legs around it protectively.

"Seraphina, keep an eye on this gold for me. We can't let it get stolen," he instructed his maid, who blushed at his behavior.

Acknowledging his father's generosity, Magnus expressed his gratitude, all the while noticing his siblings' envious glances. He carefully wore his newly acquired Cloud Artifact, the Black Shine Ring, on his left middle finger, and then tucked his hand back into his robe sleeve, taking care not to attract too much attention.

The banquet continued amidst high spirits, fueled by the excitement of witnessing two sensational poetry compositions. The guests engaged in lively conversations, sharing laughs and toasts, seemingly more invigorated by the evening's extraordinary events.

During the lively discussions among the guests, the topic drifted to last year's martial contest between Orion Astor and Emeric Astor at Gideon Astor's birthday celebration. Both young talents had just entered the Yellow Cloud realm and were renowned martial artists in Avaloria Country.

Their battle was intense and evenly matched, with Orion Astor finally clinching a narrow victory over Emeric Astor. Though Orion was a year older, the consensus was that Emeric's skills were not inferior.

As the conversation turned to this exciting bout, Marshal Bane Wong, a witness to the previous contest, became enthusiastic, especially after a few drinks. "King Astor, we just had a fantastic poetry competition for the literati. However, as a straightforward warrior, I don't appreciate poetry as much. How about we organize a martial contest too?" he suggested excitedly.

"Martial contest?"

Hearing Marshal Bane Wong's suggestion, everyone's interest was piqued, except for William Wong, the scholar who preferred literary pursuits, and Magnus Astor, still preoccupied with his gold and artifact. On the Seven Star Continent, where martial prowess was revered, such contests were of great importance.

In this world, scholarly knowledge alone couldn't protect one from those who refused to reason. Power and the pursuit of martial arts were held in high esteem, embodying the ethos of the continent's residents.

As Marshal Bane Wong proposed a martial contest, the guests, particularly Orion Astor and Caspian Astor, seemed thrilled. Their eyes sparkled with the anticipation of combat, reflecting their longing for battle, a sentiment deeply ingrained in their martial spirits.

Gideon Astor, sensing the overwhelming enthusiasm in the room, especially from the younger generation, nodded in agreement. "Since Marshal Bane Wong suggests it, let's have another contest. I'll put forth another Cloud Artifact as a reward!"

"King Astor, you're again generously parting with treasures!" Marshal Bane Wong laughed heartily, his comment a lighthearted jest. For a figure like Gideon Astor, awarding a Cloud Artifact was a trifling matter.

This decision instantly electrified the atmosphere of the banquet, with the younger generation, especially Orion and Caspian, brimming with battle fervor. Their readiness to engage in martial combat showcased their zeal and passion for the martial path.

Marshal Bane Wong then added a practical suggestion, "King Astor, let's keep the martial contest limited to avoid turning the celebration into a full-fledged tournament. Let's just have the younger generation here at the Spring Pavilion have a friendly spar. If we open it up to everyone, the contest might drag on till morning!"

"Agreed, let's do it that way!" Gideon Astor nodded in approval, setting the terms for the contest.