by Mars Gravity
After seven moves, Li Mo’s clothes were already torn and tattered. Falling over seven times also made him suffer many injuries.
“Seven moves have passed, you can stop now.” Instructor Qi voiced, and then spoke quietly to Li Mo, “You flinch a little when you attack, but your profound energy control is still quite okay, you’ve passed, but barely. Tomorrow morning, you can report to the Outer Palace.”
“Ah!” Li Mo exclaimed in a low voice, as his face revealed an expression of extreme joy. In his happiness, he completely forgot about the injuries on his body. Unable to contain his joy, he bowed repeatedly to Instructor Qi, “Thank you, instructor, for allowing me to accomplish my dream. Thank you for allowing me to accomplish my dream….”
After a round of endless thanks, Li Mo left in joyous happiness with the other practitioners staring at him in envy.
“Next: Chen Lu!”
The second examinee did not get much better treatment than Li Mo. The moment he went up, his head was smashed by Feng Yue, and within seven moves, he was left bruised and swollen……
As the examination proceeded, the examinees at the back got increasingly nervous, because the outcome of those who went up against Feng Yue could be said to be worse with each person. Within them, there were many who had witnessed the examination a few days ago. Those teachers and disciples who were opponents never retaliated. Rather, they allowed the examinee to exhibit their profound strength as they wished. Occasionally, they would hit back, but it would only be to shake off their opponent. But this Feng Yue was merciless with each move. Seven moves to exchange pointers; the examinee would use seven moves, and he would retaliate seven moves without any mercy, and almost every move he used injured his opponent.
He didn’t seem like he was there to help the examination, but rather to enjoy the process of bullying and oppressing others.
This sort of situation persisted until Ao Yan went up, then some sort of change occurred.
After Ao Yan went up, immediately, he displayed his profound energy substantially. In an imposing manner like the gathering of large winds and dark clouds, his first move actually forced Feng Yue back by a small step, inciting large applause and surprised exclamations from the audience. Within seven moves, Ao Yan responded calmly; forget about getting injured, he wasn’t even beaten back by Feng Yue even once.
“Oh, pretty impressive.” After seven moves were over, Feng Yue nodded smilingly, saying to the elder, “Instructor Qi, this is a rare genius. Not only does he have uncommon profound strength, even both his presentation and control of profound energy are superb. To reach such a state at this age, he can be said to be one among millions.”
“Senior brother’s praise is too absurd,” Ao Yan said with a frightened expression, but his eyes were filled with complacency.
“Indeed, he’s an uncommon talent. Ao Yan, you’ve also passed, report at the Outer Palace tomorrow.” Instructor Qi said, nodding.
Yun Che shook his forehead, giving a cold laugh silently: The exchange of looks between Ao Yan and Feng Yue really gave some food for thought.
“I thank Instructor Qi.” Ao Yan bowed composedly. When he walked down the stage and past Feng Yue’s side, he spoke quickly and extremely quietly, “Cousin, help me teach Yun Xiaofan and Yun Che a lesson, let them look as bad as possible… Tonight, the eighteen flower pavilions in the imperial city, choose as you wish.” (TL: Flower pavilions = brothels)
Feng Yue’s eyes instantly lit up. He licked his lips slowly as a sinister smile revealed at the corner of his mouth.
“Next, Yun Xiaofan.”
“Phew, it’s finally me.” Extremely nervous, Yun Xiaofan let out a low sounding exhale.
“Be more careful. This Feng Yue isn’t anything good.” Yun Che reminded in a low voice.
“Mn, I’ll be careful.” Yun Xiaofan nodded. With a rise of profound energy, he jumped onto the tall stage in front of Feng Yue, “ Senior Brother Feng Yue, please give me your guidance.”
“Oh? Yun Xiaofan?” Seeing the youth before his eyes who still possessed a childish innocence, the look in Feng Yue’s eyes began to grow dangerous and sardonic. He smiled blandly and said, “Looking at you, you should be only fifteen, it’s really such a pity… Show me your moves and let me see what you’re worth.”
“It’s really such a pity”; these few words from Feng Yue made Yun Xiaofan confused, but he didn’t dare to say anything else. Crossing his arms in front of his body, profound energy from his entire body surged. Atop both palms, two lumps of purple light slowly gathered and sizzled.
“Oh, you actually have lightning attribute profound arts, not bad.” Feng Yue stretched out his right hand slowly and said laughingly.
“Rolling Thunder Palm!”
Both of Yun Xiaofan’s palms clapped into one as a traditional family lightning attribute profound art combined with a lightning attribute profound skill and crashed straight for Feng Yue.
Yun Xiaofan’s profound energy was only at the second level of Nascent Profound Realm, falling short of Feng Yue by eleven whole levels. To practitioners at the same level as him, this attack was definitely uncommon, but to Feng Yue, it didn’t even pose the slightest bit of a threat. Just before Yun Xiaofan approached Feng Yue, Feng Yue’s figure suddenly shook and neared in front of Yun Xiaofan out of his own accord. With his elbow, he knocked aside Yun Xiaofan’s protective profound energy and heavily knocked on his chest…. In the split second of impact, the corner of his mouth revealed a trace of evident malicious smile.
Crack!
A clear sound of breaking bone rang out beside everyone’s ears. The condensed bright lightning in Yun Xiaofan’s hands immediately vanished as his body flew out like a thrown sandbag. Blood spurted from his mouth in midair and he fell heavily outside the stage.
Immediately, a large commotion broke out in the surroundings, everyone was shocked by this unforeseen situation. Yun Che’s expression fell solemn and he rushed hurriedly to Yun Xiaofan’s side. Yun Xiaofan laid on the ground with an ashen face and lips full of fresh blood. Three of his ribs were broken on the left side of his chest and it was completely impossible for him to stand up.
The fury in Yun Che’s heart came out with a “whoosh”. He turned towards Feng Yue and said in a deep voice, “Feng Yue! Even though this is only an examination, you actually dealt such a heavy blow!!”
Feng Yue spread both hands and showed an innocent expression, “How would I know that his profound energy would actually be so low? I saw that he had lightning attribute profound arts and thought that he would be quite resilient. But it turned out that…. Tsk tsk, it’s really such a disappointment.”
Ao Yan, who was on the other side, grinned and laughed coldly: Yun Xiaofan, this is the price you have to pay for speaking rudely to me….. As the one up next, is Yun Che. To actually dare steal my limelight….. I want you to never be able to dream about entering Blue Wind Profound Palace for the rest of your life.
“Feng Yue, you’ve done it too harshly!” Instructor Qi also furrowed his eyebrows and said severely.
“Indeed, your disciple did not have a good grasp of the situation.” Feng Yue said as he turned towards Instructor Qi, “However, your disciple does not regret it. Within this Profound Palace, one of the fastest methods of raising profound strength is to fight hand to hand with a strong opponent, so getting injured is a very common thing. Although I might have somewhat made a miscalculation, it is just as well that I can let them understand and integrate earlier. As compared to the injuries we Middle Palace disciples have suffered while exchange pointers, this small bit of injury doesn’t amount to much. If he can’t even withstand this small bit of pain, then he doesn’t have the right to enter our Blue Wind Profound Palace anyway.
Instructor Qi furrowed his eyebrows, but did not say anymore.
“Hehe, you actually have the nerve to say something so pompous.” Glancing at the cold smile on Ao Yan’s face, and thinking back to the previous unusual looks exchanged between them, Yun Che
was still somewhat confused. This was obviously Ao Yan’s act of petty revenge on Yun Xiaofan by using Feng Yue’s power…. but only because Yun Xiaofan had lectured him a little previously.
Since he had revenge on Yun Xiaofan, then it would certainly fall on him too.
He was about to speak when suddenly, a trembling hand fell on his. Yun Xiaofan clenched his teeth, exerted his body to sit up, and said in a pained voice, “Brother Yun… I….. I’m fine…. The examination hasn’t ended, I’m fine…. Fine…..”
In his struggle, Yun Xiaofan’s upper body actually managed to rigidly sit up. His internal organs were hurt and three ribs were broken. To finish this action must have taken gargantuan willpower and extreme pain. The moment his upper body sat up, Yun Che clearly saw two streams of tears flowing from his eyes…. Because he understood, in the situation he was in now, he was completely unable to continue the examination. Being unable to participate in the examination meant he was unable to enter Blue Moon Profound Palace. His dreams, and all of his family’s hopes were all ruined in that moment. How could he not shed tears in heartbreak?
“Xiaofan, this incident was not caused by you, so there is no reason for you to be stripped of your right to enter Blue Wind Profound Palace. Don’t move about now, else your body would truly be damaged. By then, it would really be impossible for you to enter the Palace!” Yun Che pushed YunXiaofan back down from his upright position and placed a medium grade Heaven Returning Pill in his mouth. Then, he took a step and leapt in front of Feng Yue.
“My name is Yun Che. This time, I’ll accept your ‘assessment’.” Yun Che’s voice was flat. His gaze was as tranquil as water and there was not even a hint of emotion or color to be found within.
“Oh? So you are Yun Che, number one in this group’s Profound Strength Assessment?” Feng Yue gave Yun Che a lookover and narrowed both eyes. In regards to the fact that he had just severely hurt Yun Xiaofan, it seemed like he completely didn’t take it to heart.
“That’s right.” Yun Che indifferently replied, “Before we start, I have something I want to clarify with you. You just said that in Blue Moon Profound Palace, suffering heavy injuries after an exchange of pointers is the common norm, isn’t that so? Then if I accidentally hurt you, do I have to take any responsibility?”
The moment Yun Che said these words, everyone present was stunned. Even Feng Yue, who starting laughing manically a bit after, “You…. hurt me? HAHA… HAHAHAHAH! This must be the funniest thing I’ve heard this year. Good, very good, a person who’s confident to this extent is also a rare sight. Then please, try to hurt me as much as you like. Not mentioning hurting me, even if you kill me, it would be of your own capabilities. Abso~ lutely~ no one will fault you for it…. HAHAHAHA,” After saying this, even he himself, found it too hilarious and couldn’t help but mockingly laugh again.
“Then I’m relieved.” Yun Che smiled faintly, and the look in his eyes gradually sharpened.
“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s start.” Feng Yue hugged his chest with both arms and stared at Yun Che like he would at an idiot. Loftily and disdainfully, he continued, “Since you vainly wish to hurt me that much, I’ll give you a chance. I’ll stand here without moving and let you attack me with three moves. If I move or get hurt, I’ll walk upside down in future when I see you. If you can’t injure or make me move within three moves, hehe, then obediently get out of this Blue Moon Profound Palace. And before you get out, I might just give you a ‘big gift’.”
The tip of Yun Che’s brow, which was originally furrowed in concentration, instantly smoothed out. He tapped the tip of his nose and said with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile, “Are you sure?”
Chapter 129: Sikong Du
Seeing that Yun Che’s expression suddenly relaxed, and that it appeared to have a bit of a secret delighted feeling, Feng Yue almost laughed out loud, “Sure! Of course I’m sure. However, as for you, do you have the guts to agree to it? I’ve heard that your profound strength is at the tenth level of Nascent Profound Realm. Tsk tsk, it’s really not that bad. If a mere Nascent Profound Realm tenth ranker doesn’t even dare to accept this challenge, then you should just get out obediently and not be a disgrace here.”
Far away, in a simple, small pavilion, Qin Wuyou sat calmly on a stone bench, clad in purple robes while drinking tea leisurely. His attention was always on Yun Che. Even though the distance between them was large, he could still see anything and hear anything that happened to Yun Che. Hearing the excessively arrogant “Pact of Three Moves” that Feng Yue had proposed to Yun Che, Qin Wuyou’s expression suddenly changed. Standing, he said, “Sikong, go stop Yun Che immediately. Absolutely do not let him agree to Feng Yue’s words. You should be clear on what Feng Yue’s an expert in.”
“Yes, Instructor Qin.” A young boy beside Qin Wuyou who looked to be below twenty nodded and answered before quickly walking quickly towards the direction Yun Che was in.
Yun Xiaofan’s grievous injuries had attracted much attention there. Young practitioners who were waiting to be assessed were all stunned…. Yun Che’s profound strength was of the tenth level of the Nascent Profound Realm, while Feng Yue’s profound strength was of the third level of the True Profound Realm. Although it was only higher than Yun Che’s by three levels, there was also the difference of an entire realm in between. But forcibly taking three hits from the other party without moving was also pushing it a bit too much. Let alone tenth level of Nascent Profound Realm, even if it was three full out strikes from a seventh ranker at the Nascent Profound Realm, granted that it wouldn’t go as far as to harm him, how could he possibly not be made to move?
And those Profound Palace disciples who had come to join the commotion revealed gleeful expressions of schadenfreude. Seeing that Yun Che was clearly about to agree, their hearts started to feel pity.
If it was another profound practitioner of the third level of the True Profound Realm, it would be true that they were fundamentally incapable of not moving after three full out hits by a tenth level in the Nascent Profound Realm. But Feng Yue was a special case; he could most definitely do it with all the ease in the world.
Just when Yun Che was about to open his move to speak, a solemn, ear-splitting voice suddenly came from behind, “Feng Yue, I’ve long heard that you were sinister and contemptible, and they have not been wrong about you! To actually use such a despicable ploy to trap a disciple who is about to enter the palace, you have completely disgraced our Blue Wind Profound Palace.”
These words caused Feng Yue’s expression to change. He was about to burst into agitated fury until he saw the young man who walked through the crowd of people. His expression changed again abruptly and obediently swallowed back the words he was about to say. His face was completely red, but he didn’t dare to voice his anger at all.
The moment this man appeared, the surroundings fell silent for a short period of time. Thereafter, loud exclamations and discussions rang out as all of their gazes grew passionate.
“Look at his armband, that is… that is the sign of an inner palace disciple! My heavens, AN INNER PALACE DISCIPLE!” A disciple who had just passed the examination said with complete respect and yearning.
“It’s the thirty ninth senior brother on the Heavenly Profound List, Sikong Du! Crap, it’s really him! These Senior brothers and sisters from the inner palace usually stay in the inner palace, and are rarely seen, but he actually came here.”
“I’ve heard that Sikong Du’s profound strength is already at the tenth level of True Profound Realm! Within a year, he’ll be able to break into the Spirit Profound Realm. If I could reach his current stage by the time I’m thirty, I’d be laughing even in my dreams.”
“But why would Senior Brother Sikong come here? And to even scold Feng Yue harshly, unless he’s got some sort of animosity towards Feng Yue? I’ve never heard of it before. Also, even though Feng Yue often bullies the Outer Palace disciples, he still wouldn’t have the guts to piss off any Inner Palace disciples.
”
Out of the fifty thousand plus disciples within Blue Wind Profound Palace, only a hundred of the disciples were in the Inner Palace. It was obvious what kind of geniuses this group of hundred were. To call them unrivalled demons wouldn’t be an exaggeration. And competition was the most intense within these hundred people of the Inner Palace. They have already reached the highest tier within Blue Wind Profound Palace; therefore, their ambitions and goals were now concentrated on the Heavenly Profound List. They trained as if their lives depended upon it to raise their standing on the Heavenly Profound List. As for the Outer Palace and Middle Palace, they didn’t even deign to visit them, so usually, Outer and Middle Palace disciples wouldn’t even get to see disciples from the Inner Palace.
In regards to the discussion and the watchful eyes of the audience, Sikong Du was the picture of calm. It was evident that he had long ago gotten accustomed to it. At close range, he gave Yun Che a once over with a good-natured gaze, “You’re called Yun Che right? Don’t agree to that three move whatever pact he put forth! This Feng Yue comes from Western Great Desert’s Solid Earth Villa, Solid Earth Villa family’s profound art specializes in defense! While his profound strength may only be at the third level of the True Profound Realm, if he were to put his all into defending, let alone you, even practitioners of the same level as him wouldn’t be able to push him back at all in three moves! If you are to agree, it would definitely be falling into the trap he has set for you.”
The moment Sikong Du said this, those around them came to a sudden realization. Then, fury blossomed in their hearts and they looked towards Feng Yue with disdain and disgust. Relying on what he was good at to make this sort of “Pact of Three Moves” with a disciple who was going through an assessment to enter the palace was so thoroughly despicable and dark to an extreme.
Yun Che nodded and smiled gratefully to Sikong Du, saying, “So it’s like that. I thank Brother Sikong for the reminder… Dare I ask, is Brother Sikong’s father elder Sikong Han from New Moon Profound Palace?”