Combat Training Field.

On the field, aside from a delicate cultivator squatting on the ground, trembling, there were no intact objects left; the building area was crushed into a ruin, the forest area was ablaze, and the biological area was filled with severed limbs and remains.

For some unknown reason, during this practice match, Qiao Muyi discarded her usual reserved demeanor and displayed her terrifying combat power wantonly, shocking all the teachers, students, and Tactical Cultivators present.

This time, it was tragic for Yu Kuangtu. With the Fourth-Stage Cultivator, Dong Chengling present, he couldn't be the top cultivator; and now with Qiao Muyi's combat power hailed as the best among third-stage cultivators, he couldn't claim that title either.

However, with Qin Lian's gentle consolations and the promise to strive together as motivation, he didn't feel much regret but instead was full of fighting spirit and depth in his gaze. Unfortunately, his socks and shoes were burned to rags and his pants scorched into post-modern art, his bare feet and bare calves instantly altering his image from 'an ambitious cultivator' to 'a social idler ready to stir up trouble'.

Bai Ji's expression grew increasingly somber as he watched, and by the end, even the female teachers and students surrounding him dared not speak, secretly wondering if Teacher Bai had some conflict with Deputy Director Qiao, as he transitioned from a warm handsome man to a cold aloof one.

But still so handsome!

Dong Chengling didn't show any peculiar reactions, but while she addressed the students' questions on one hand, she began to contemplate on the other whether it was possible to embed Spirit Energy Coordinates into living bodies for complete binding.

She wasn't worried about someone getting lost, but it's always good to have a backup plan…

"Is it our teacher's turn to compete next?"

"I think our teacher is strong enough to win a slot on the leader board, at least Teacher Bai and Teacher Dong certainly can!"

"Teacher Dong is a fourth transformation, she won't be on the third-turn list."

"And Teacher Liao, Teacher Liao's Iron-series Magic is also very strong!"

"But the field has been flattened, there aren't many large iron tools left, it might be risky for Teacher Liao to compete."

"What about Teacher Zhao?"

"Teacher Zhao is also very strong. His combat power during the second turn was seemingly comparable to the recent third-turn cultivators. Fighting him felt like dealing with a Military Commander from an Unparalleled game. He also seems like he could make the list."

"Wait, if Teacher Zhao can make it onto the list, then Doctor Ren who effortlessly bested Teacher Zhao should definitely be on the list too!"

Hearing the student's conversation, Zhao Huo's face darkened and he harrumphed. The students immediately scattered with sheepish smiles, finding other places to continue their discussion.

The teachers temporarily gathered together as it was their turn to spar with the cultivators from the Tactical Headquarters and needed to discuss who would fight.

Actually, there wasn't much to discuss. Aside from Dong Chengling, the other three third-turn cultivators, Bai Ji, Liao Yonghai, and Zhao Huo, all requested to participate in the fight. Vice Principal Yuan Chu asked, "What about Ren Suo? His strength is also good, and he has also advanced to the third turn, doesn't he plan to try for the list?"

"He just said he didn't want to make it onto the list," Zhao Huo said. "And it seems he also dislikes fighting."

Indeed, everyone nodded in agreement with this statement.

Ren Suo, although he had a fiery real fight with Zhao Huo during the second turn, hadn't shown much of his battle record otherwise. He came to the combat training field only to serve as the on-duty Healing Cultivator and never practiced on the field.

Moreover, being a Healing Cultivator, Ren Suo didn't need to fight; just performing his healing duties well also contributed to society— being able to fight was a bonus for a Healer, but not a necessity.

Besides, compared to Zhao Huo and Bai Ji, Ren Suo appeared less often in front of the teachers and students; even when he did show up, he always had a friendly smile and rarely chatted with the students, quietly performing healings. He didn't seem like an aggressive fighter eager for fame and battle; naturally, everyone assumed Ren Suo focused on refining his Healing Magic after advancing to the third turn and had little interest in honing Combat Spell.

"Suo doesn't like fighting, no need to sign him up," Dong Chengling said.

"Let's have the three of us, I'll go first," Bai Ji said. "Teacher Liao, you go second and Teacher Zhao, you'll be last, alright?"

Liao Yonghai and Zhao Huo had no objections. Although it wasn't a competition, the first cultivator Heavenly Lotus Academy sent to the field needed to make a strong impression to ensure the teachers' prowess was evident, otherwise teaching would be challenging later on.

Bai Ji, whose magic's destructive power and flair for dramatic effects surpassed all others, naturally was the best candidate.

Bai Ji turned his head slightly, his gaze passing over everyone, focusing on Qiao Muyi who was surrounded by Tactical Cultivators in the distance, his fists hidden in his sleeves clenched tight.

Cultivation.

Combat power.

Both indispensable.

He didn't care about making it onto the leaderboard, but what he did care about... was having lower cultivation than Dong Chengling and less combat power than Qiao Muyi!

He could lose to anyone, but he just couldn't lose to these two women!

Bai Ji looked towards his upcoming opponent, Gu Yuexuan, but his gaze caught Gu Yuexuan staring blankly at the entrance.

Suddenly, walking into the combat training field with a presence as massive as Mount Tai, was Gu Wenyi with a stern face, followed by Ren Suo sporting a bitter smile, and Gu Yueyan hiding behind Ren Suo as they entered.

When did the three of them go out?

Everyone, except Lin Xianyu, had this question pop into their minds.

"The next match, Gu Yuexuan versus Heavenly Lotus' Ren Suo," announced Gu Wenyi in a voice not loud but enough to echo through the training field, clearly heard by everyone.

"So, it's Ren Suo going up…"

"Has it already been decided that it's Ren Suo?"

"Oh… huh?"

"Hmm!?"

"Ren Suo!?"

Yu Kuangtu's eyes suddenly lit up, and he turned his head to look at Li Dan, "Our camera didn't break, did it?"

As the video editing and broadcasting rights of these sessions naturally belonged to the Tactical Bureau, it was indeed their responsibility to handle the recording. However, given the earth-shattering fight that had just occurred, Yu Kuangtu wasn't sure if the camera had survived.

Li Dan glanced at Ren Suo and then at the excited Yu Kuangtu, hesitated a bit, and said, "It's not broken, but even you cannot intervene in the distribution of the footage."

"It doesn't matter, it will come out sooner or later as long as it was captured, that's good enough," Yu Kuangtu said cheerfully. His readiness to enjoy the show about Ren Suo made Qin Lian wonder if she should encourage him in another way—like saying he could openly bully Ren Suo once he became stronger.

Qiao Muyi, who was looking for an opportunity to talk to Ren Suo, frowned slightly upon hearing this news.

She thought for a moment, suddenly pulled Yao Fei aside, and whispered, "Do you know which hotel those people are staying at? I need the floor and room number."

Yao Fei looked at Qiao Muyi with a puzzled face, "Why are you asking this?"

"I might go there tonight and hit them with a club."

"...Let's pretend I never asked that question." Although Yao Fei wasn't sure if her deputy director would really do something like that, she knew Qiao Muyi's personality well enough to know it would just be a prank, and she'd make sure nobody found out.

In the past, Qiao Muyi always used to joke about intimate girl stuff with her, leaving her both embarrassed and annoyed. Ironically, lately Qiao Muyi had been behaving more solemnly. Although they were still friends, the intimacy remained within friendly bounds, which made Yao Fei somewhat nostalgic for the past.

Since Qiao Muyi had asked her, it likely meant the task was a minor one, so Yao Fei agreed to it.

On the other hand, the teachers who were discussing this must have been the most surprised.

Theoretically, they should have announced the combat rosters first, then the Tactical Headquarters would assign the opponents. Now, why had Instructor Gu designated it?

And why Ren Suo?

What are you trying to do? Fight as a team? Targeting the back row first and taking out the Healer?

Compared to the new healers brought by the Tactical Bureau, the entire faculty and students of Heavenly Lotus trusted Ren Suo more—Ren Suo had been diligent and meticulous during his duty days, not playing with his phone even when free, and was always gentle and patient with any number of patients, never providing anything less than his full effort in treatments, having already won unanimous praise from both teachers and students.

As they were puzzled, Ren Suo himself came over.

Dong Chengling immediately exploded with aura, intimidating others into silence, and asked, "Is this something you requested?"

"Uh..." Ren Suo looked somewhat helpless and his gaze drifted slightly, "Sort of."

Bai Ji, recovering from the intimidating atmosphere, grew even more determined to reach the fourth transformation, asking, "Is it because Instructor Gu is targeting you? You can give up if you want, no one can force you if you don't wish to participate."

Zhao Huo said, "Yeah, yeah, it would be bad if you got hurt, and embarrassing yourself in front of all the teachers and students is not a good thing. Just give up."

No sooner had Zhao Huo spoken these words did he regret them—Dong Chengling was still there!

His overtly provocative and challenging words were obvious to anyone!

Using his peripheral vision, Zhao Huo glanced around and sure enough, found Dong Chengling glaring at him. My heart sank, he thought. Now I've earned the enmity of a Fourth-Stage Cultivator, trouble is brewing. It seems I'll have to follow Bai Ji's lead and hope he can offer some protection... Huh? Why is Bai Ji glaring at me too?

"...No matter what you say, I won't give up," Ren Suo glanced towards the upper right, "It's been a long time since I ascended to the third turn, and I haven't fought in a while. Now that I have the opportunity, I also want to test my mettle."

The teachers who weren't familiar with Ren Suo accepted this reason as after all, it was just a mock battle, and nobody died; indeed, it was a perfect testing opportunity.

Those familiar with Ren Suo could tell that there must be other reasons he was not expressing. But since he had put it that way, they weren't prepared to ask further—it wasn't dangerous, so they let him go ahead.

Ren Suo waited for a moment, realized that no one was going to stop him from participating, and his heart sank!

Someone stop me!

I might waver!

You're just going to watch the Healer charge in!?

I said, 'no matter what you say, I won't give up', couldn't you just knock me out and drag me away! Surely I wouldn't fight back, right?

Ren Suo was truly in agony in his heart; he indeed wanted to give up!

But he was caught boasting by someone's father!

Right after he declared that Gu Yuexuan would be beaten like a child, Gu Yuexuan's father showed up!

And because of his way of expressing it, Ren Suo hadn't clarified that it was Qiao Muyi who would beat Gu Yuexuan, so Instructor Gu thought it was Ren Suo who would beat his son.

At that moment, under the scrutiny of Gu Yueyan and Instructor Gu, father and daughter, Ren Suo couldn't possibly claim, 'Actually, I meant that the Deputy Director of the Tactical Bureau wants to fight your son, not me'—what would that make him?

The prime lackey of a villain?

The chief bootlicker of a Demon King?

And most importantly...

Ren Suo turned his head and glanced at Gu Yueyan, who was chatting with Lin Xianyu in the distance.

To comfort Gu Yueyan, he had belittled Gu Yuexuan. Now, if he chickened out, wouldn't it prove that everything he had just said was bullshit?

Whether it was because he couldn't back down or to prove to Gu Yueyan that he was right, Ren Suo couldn't retreat without fighting; he even had to win.

If Ren Suo hadn't missed the notice and summoned his clone to take his shift yesterday, he might still be able to summon it to fulfill the warrior's duty—at that point, whether Gu Yuexuan was awesome or not, it wouldn't matter; he wouldn't be as awesome as me.

However, after some deep thought, Ren Suo felt he wasn't without chances of winning, and what Zhao Huo had said wasn't entirely without reason.

First, Zhao Huo had defeated Gu Yuexuan.

Second, his (clone) had easily beaten Gu Yuexuan.

Third, Gu Yueyan had just secretly told him that Gu Yuexuan had just advanced to the third turn, and the only Third-Tier Magic he might be proficient in was his awakened spells.

Thinking about it this way, Ren Suo had a significant advantage in this wave!

"Ren Suo, since you really want to fight, then let me give you a heads-up,"

Feeling that Bai Ji couldn't protect him, Zhao Huo decided to make amends and curry favor with Dong Chengling by sharing the intel he knew, "You know I've beaten Gu Yuexuan before, right? But don't think that makes Gu Yuexuan weak. On the contrary, his talent isn't much less than mine; you must be careful."

"Huh?" Ren Suo was somewhat surprised, as Zhao Huo rarely praised others like this.

Zhao Huo considered for a moment and said, "You should know that before the revival of Spiritual Energy, our martial arts had already declined... and it didn't rise even after the revival of Spiritual Energy."

"The reasons for the decline included the prevalence of Hot Weapons, a law-governed society, lack of attention, etc. But a very important reason is that Traditional Martial Arts require too long a training time compared to Taekwondo, Karate, Chinese Kickboxing, and other martial arts with practical effects."

"Because our Traditional Martial Arts, no matter the origin, ultimately either become military Striking Techniques or the martial skills of village Martial Warriors defending their homes. And their main purpose of training wasn't for combat but to strengthen the physique—combat used to be chaotic, you wouldn't have time to display fancy moves, it was all about stabbing the enemy to death with a spear, not exchanging several rounds."

"If you have seen photos of Martial Artists from the past, you would notice that those famous Martial Artists' young photos, one and all, feature muscular men. If they were boxing today, at least they would all be middleweight."

"Ultimately, the purpose of our martial arts was to kill someone with one punch, to kill someone with one stab, nothing fancy."

"Now, that kind of physical strength or killing power isn't necessary, nor is such a long training time, so naturally, martial arts declined. And if you really wanted to train, joining the military might be a better choice—the military training is most scientific. I've been practicing martial arts since I was young, but I had to have my dad apply ointments and massage me to prevent latent health issues."

"So... when I was 18 and mastering martial arts, when I went to challenge the South Spear school, I was 185cm tall, weighing 100kg, which according to the BMI index is slightly obese, but that's only because my muscle mass is more than the average person, so it appears heavy."

"At that time, Gu Yuexuan was 19, looking even thinner than now, almost like a stick, and he was a junior at Sky Capital University, which means he seldom spent time on training and practicing martial arts..."

"My family's Form and Intention isn't much different from 'South Spear's' Bajiquan. However, even with this weight difference, Gu Yuexuan was still able to maneuver around me for nearly two minutes before admitting defeat after a moderate hit from me—and I didn't hold back!"

Zhao Huo concluded, "With his combat talent, if he had focused on martial arts, I might not have won so easily."

"South Spear is much smarter than my father. My father is stuck in traditional ways, insisting that I must become the top fighter to glorify the Zhao family... But what's the use of being the best if Spiritual Energy hasn't revived? To be a security guard? An exceptionally powerful security guard?"

"It's not the same for South Spear; he and his son simply carry on their family's martial art casually, focusing their real efforts on other matters."

"Especially Gu Yuexuan, he manages to excel in both arts and sports, achieving superb results in every domain... All I can do is outperform him in martial arts."

"I heard that after the revival of Spiritual Energy, Gu Yuexuan, who joined the military early, quickly got involved with Spiritual Energy Spells. Even though he advanced to the third transformation not long ago due to his busy job and his talent, given his natural intelligence, his achievements in spells are probably..."

"Even now, I wouldn't dare claim I could easily defeat him."

Ren Suo summarized Zhao Huo's statement— Gu Yuexuan might be awesome, I might not beat him, you figure it out yourself.

"Please have both competitors prepare to enter the arena."

The host from the Tactical Bureau loudly declared, as the students and Tactical Cultivators quickly gathered to the safe lines (temporarily drawn) for a good view, ready to spectate.

Zhao Huo patted Ren Suo on the shoulder, smiling, "But since you beat me, you should have no problem. Just forget what I said earlier."

"Oh, haha, okay." Ren Suo forced a smile and waved at them as he walked into the arena.

Hearing the announcement that the battle was about to start, Gu Yueyan immediately squeezed through the crowd, followed closely by Lin Xianyu who was also curious about what had just happened with Gu Yueyan, yet with too many people ahead, she had to stay a bit behind her.

"Is it starting now?"

"Yeah, and it's Big Brother Ren taking the stage... huh? Little Star?" Lin Xianyu turned her head and noticed Ren Xingmei had squeezed through to them, curiously asking, "Where did you go just now?"

"To the restroom, there aren't any nearby, so I ran to the school hospital," Ren Xingmei said nonchalantly.

"That long?" Lin Xianyu didn't mind the awkwardness and pressed on.

Ren Xingmei glanced at Gu Yueyan a few steps ahead, whispering, "On the way, I saw a male cat flirting with another female cat, and it was so interesting that I hid and watched for quite a while."

"You can even tell when a cat is flirting?" Lin Xianyu was quite surprised, "Are there that many cats in the academy?"

"Well, the academy is on the outskirts, and it's cold now, so cats are more likely to be in heat," Ren Xingmei chuckled, her expression cooling, "Ah, wouldn't it be nice if male cats didn't go into heat."

"Just neuter them, and they won't go into heat," Lin Xianyu suggested. "Little Star, does your family have cats?"

"Yes, but my cat is already neutered, on my brother's suggestion." Ren Xingmei's gaze moved past Gu Yueyan's shoulder, focusing on the figure in the training field. She continued, "The idea of neutering is not bad, it's just a pity..."

By now, Ren Suo had managed to suppress the panic in his heart as he walked onto the field, becoming calm and composed. My head can roll, but my hairstyle must stay neat! he thought. Since I have to fight, I might as well make it a good show!

Ren Suo turned his head and looked at the spectating crowd, quickly spotting Gu Yueyan, whose eyes were still red like a little rabbit's. He winked at her, signaling her to watch closely.

The next issue was how to persuade Gu Yuexuan during the battle to play along in a staged fight with him.

If it were for healing his sister's mental troubles, he should be willing to agree, right?

Both Zhao Huo and Gu Yueyan had said he was a clever man; a clever man playing cards should slow-play with 'Diamond Four' and 'Club Three', constantly probing, so Ren Suo should have time to communicate with him.

Stay calm, Ren Suo, you are wearing the "Seeker's Ornament" now, your ability in trash talk should have improved!

Ren Suo walked over with an air of confidence and saw a cheerful and handsome Gu Yuexuan approaching him.

Ren Suo's gaze moved past Gu Yuexuan, catching sight of Gu Wenyi behind him.

Oh no, his dad didn't badmouth me to him, did he?

He needed to find a way to get closer!

Zhao Huo is my age, and Gu Yuexuan is one year older than Zhao Huo... Got it!

Thus, Ren Suo took the initiative to greet, "Big Brother Gu, Yueyan often mentions you. You really are accomplished for your age!"

Ren Suo's words seemed to work, as Gu Yuexuan smiled even more brightly, "Is that so? I'm flattered. But it's a bit odd for you to call me big brother, isn't it?"

"Given our relationship, calling you big brother isn't too much to ask, right?" Ren Suo smoothly followed his words to keep building the relationship.

"Yes, this relationship, it's fine…" Gu Yuexuan nodded repeatedly, patted the sword at his waist, and said, "By the way, I use a sword in combat, you don't mind, do you?"

"Don't mind at all," Ren Suo said. "Anyway, Big Brother Gu, I have something to discuss with you…"

"Let's talk after the fight."

"No, what I have to say is very important, it's about your sister…"

"I understand, I understand." Gu Yuexuan nodded emphatically, "Let's talk after the fight, let's start with the fight!"

The host from the Tactical Bureau spoke loudly, "Prepare to fight! Both sides please step back fifty meters!"

Ren Suo clicked his tongue, forced to drop the conversation, and stood fifty meters away from Gu Yuexuan.

However, Ren Suo also breathed a sigh of relief; at least he had made some connections with Gu Yuexuan. Soon, they would fight slowly, giving him time to negotiate well during the battle—that'd have to be their solution...

The host's voice boomed, "Combat..."

The question is, does Gu Yuexuan care about his sister? Ren Suo wondered. If he doesn't, will he refuse?

If he refuses, during the conversation, he should try to use "Mage's Death-Defying Feather" to rush into his embrace, then hold him down with a "Finger Lock".

Yes, that's it, courtesy first then force, success is a must!

The host shouted, "...Begin!"

WHISH!

Seeing a flash of a blade up ahead, Ren Suo didn't think twice, directly using "Ghostly Rapid Step" to dodge!

Immediately after, a hissing sound rose, and suddenly a line of smoke surged from the ground.

From 50 meters away, Gu Yuexuan boldly drew his sword, the tip cutting a tens-of-meters-long slice across the ground, the line of smoke shockingly due to the dirt being whipped up by the blade wind!

If Ren Suo hadn't dodged just now, even if he could activate "Gauze Clothing" instantly, he would probably still be blown away by the blade wind!

Scared half to death, Ren Suo saw Gu Yuexuan in the distance, his face devoid of smiles, filled instead with deep murderous intent!

What was going on!

Big brother, weren't we just chatting nicely a moment ago?

And now you come at me with a long-range killing move?

Ren Suo instinctively turned his head to Gu Yueyan, seeking information assistance, trying to inquire with his eyes:

Is your brother crazy?

But just as Ren Suo met Gu Yueyan's gaze, he heard a low, steady roaring getting louder and louder:

"You, dare, look, here, and, there!"

Gu Yuexuan, transforming into a Flying Shadow, rode the Gale, held his Alloy Straight Sword, showed a fierce combat face, and charged towards Ren Suo with the momentum of Sprinting Thunder!

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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