Chapter 124

Chapter 124: Borrowing a Person

The Weapon Crafting Institute.

"Dean, how do you view this competition?" Pan Xingguo asked eagerly, his eyes fixed on Lei Cheng.

Lei Cheng gave a wry smile. "What can I do? None of those naive students in the academy have advanced to a tier-three refining master. No matter how anxious I am, it's to no avail."

The Mingyue Academy had a strong presence. If their Weapon Crafting Institute didn’t secure a single win, they'd lose six slots.

"What plans do the other institutes have?" Lei Cheng inquired of Vice Dean Pan Xingguo.

"I heard the Pill, Rune, and Formation Institutes are borrowing people from the Inscription Institute," Pan Xingguo said.

Lei Cheng furrowed his brows, puzzled, "Borrowing from the Inscription Academy? I can understand the Pill and Rune Academies, but what's the Array Academy up to?"

Pan Xingguo shrugged, saying, "Dean Hao is probably at his wit's end, resorting to seeking Mu Chen's help. However, if Mu Chen truly wishes to represent the Array Academy, he must pass their test."

Lei Cheng sighed softly, "It's a shame there aren't any rumors about Mu Chen knowing weapon crafting. Otherwise, I'd have joined the fun."

"How come Mu Chen, having learned pill concoction, rune inscription, and possibly even formations, didn't show any interest in weapon crafting? Crafting is such a promising profession!"

"Why doesn't that rascal Mu Chen show any interest in crafting? Our students are fit and muscular, very popular among the ladies," Lei Cheng commented with slight annoyance.

With his head lowered, Pan Xingguo secretly thought, "Actually, modern girls prefer the pretty boys. Those burly, sweaty students from our academy aren't popular at all."

……

"Junior Brother Ye!" Xin Rugao called out as she stood beside the training platform.

Upon seeing Xin Ruge, Ye Shi immediately broke into a smile, "Senior sister, you've arrived?"

Xin Ruge smiled at Ye Shi, thinking how her younger apprentice brother seemed to be growing more radiant and healthy.

He now dined with dishes directly from the Tianxiang Pavilion, a sign of his newfound affluence.

It's rumored that Tianxiang Pavilion's dishes not only enhance one’s strength but also beautify one's appearance. Seeing the increasingly radiant Ye Shi confirmed these rumors. Xin Rugao couldn't help but feel envious, wishing she too could indulge in such luxury.

"Little junior brother, I heard you've been training hard lately!" Xin Ruge said. "You've advanced to a nine-star martial artist, keeping pace with Mu Chen."

Ye Shi nodded, replying, "Yes! Master said the people from Orchid Nation will cause trouble, and I'll be up to fight when the time comes."

Xin Rugao, "...”

The imminent arrival of representatives from the Lan Hua Empire had ignited the competitive spirit of many students in the academy.

Examining Ye Shi's hand, Xin Ruge's brow creased, "Are you hurt?"

Ye Shi chuckled dismissively, "It's nothing."

Few new students could match him, but the academy's senior students were a different challenge. He often sought them out for sparring, and injuries were an inevitable outcome.

Xin Rugao observed Ye Shi with a hint of admiration. It was rare to find a student with such talent, dedication, and enthusiasm for real combat.

"Senior sister, when will the people from Orchid Empire arrive?" Ye Shi inquired.

"In ten days," Xin Ruge responded evenly.

Ye Shi brandished his whip, flashing a bright smile filled with excitement, "By then, they'll know what I'm capable of."

Observing Ye Shi's enthusiasm, Xin Rugao's expression darkened slightly.

The intentions of the Lan Hua Empire were not benign. She wondered how many slots they would lose in the secret realm this time.

……

Mu Chen gazed at Xia Qingyan, asking in astonishment, "Principal, are you suggesting I participate in the contests of the Martial, Alchemy, Rune, Inscription, and Array academies?"

Xia Qingyan must really have high expectations of him; out of six events, he was to participate in five?

Xia Qingyan nodded, "Exactly. The capable bear the brunt. Our academy lacks talent, so it falls on you."

With a bitter smile, Mu Chen replied, "Aren't you asking too much, Dean? Why would the Array Academy approach me... only a few should know I'm familiar with array techniques."

"The Array academy lacks talents. Upon hearing about your proficiency in arrays, they approached you. I presume Hao Tu must be desperate. But if you decide to represent the Array academy, you'll need to pass their assessment," Xia Qingyan explained.

Mu Chen's eyes narrowed, a chill hinting in his smirk, "Dean, please decline on my behalf."

Xia Qingyan looked seriously at Mu Chen, "Mu Chen, our competition with the Mingyue Academy directly affects the number of our students entering the Luoyou Secret Realm. This number might determine our nation's future. If you're capable, don't hold back. Think of the bigger picture."

Mu Chen smiled, slightly bashfully, "Dean, I'm not that versed in array techniques. Participating might just bring shame. It's not that I'm unwilling to contribute; I just might not be up to the task. How much can the 'bigger picture' really concern me?"

Xia Qingyan sighed softly, "Alright, if you're not participating in the Array Academy's competition, that's fine. But for the remaining ones, you have to win."

Mu Chen sighed, "Dean, aren't you overestimating me? Their academy has a level-four inscription master and two martial spirits."

"I understand. You're considering the strategy used in Tian Ji's horse race. For the contests where the chances of winning are slim, we'll concede. You won't be up against the fourth-tier inscriptionist. Defeating their third-tier inscriptionist would suffice," Xia Qingyan sighed lightly.

Mu Chen nodded, "I understand."

"You have a heavy responsibility. Spend your days training and delving into techniques instead of earning Yuan Stones," Xia Qingyan advised.

Mu Chen nodded, "Understood."

…………

Array Academy.

"Xia Qingyan declined?" Hao Tu frowned.

Di Han nodded, "Yes. She claimed Mu Chen hasn't studied array techniques enough to compete."

Hao Tu furrowed his brows, remarking, "Limited research? I've heard Mu Chen's array skills are exceptional. This stubborn girl isn't holding back secrets, is she?"

Shaking his head, Di Han responded, "On such matters, Xia Qingyan wouldn't play her cards close to her chest. This concerns the three slots for the secret realm; she wouldn't act rashly."

Hao Tu sighed, "It seems we must rely on ourselves. Let's focus on nurturing those in the academy with some aptitude in array techniques."

Di Han frowned, "But our students are far behind Mingyue Academy."

With resignation, Hao Tu responded, "Without talents, it's not like I can magically produce one for you!"

……

Zhuang Yu leaned against Lan Ruofeng, perched high on a railing, as they admired the night scenery together.

Under the night sky, Zhuang Yu looked as captivating as a painting, utterly enchanting.

"Ruo Feng, I heard students from the Ming Yue academy will be here soon. When the time comes, you'll be representing the Alchemy academy," Zhuang Yu tilted her head, addressing Lan Ruo Feng.

Lan Ruo Feng nodded gravely, replying, "Indeed."

"Are you confident?" Zhuang Yu asked, her eyes glittering with curiosity.

Lan Ruo Feng nodded, affirming, "Absolutely."

"I've heard Mu Chen will also participate in the alchemy contest," Zhuang Yu said, her brows knitting together.

Lan Ruofeng gave a nod, saying, "Indeed."

Muchen wasn't only participating in the Dan Institute trials but also in the Martial Institute, Inscription Institute, and Symbol Institute's. It was rumored that the Array Institute wanted Muchen to compete too, but it seemed Xia Qingyang had turned it down.

The academy's seniors hold high hopes for Mu Chen. The Alchemy academy's principal trusts him more than he does himself. Lan Ruo Feng clenched his fists, knowing he can only win, not lose.

"Rumor has it that among Ming Yue academy's students, there's a 15-year-old with a two-star martial spirit and is a fourth-tier inscriptionist. Quite remarkable!" Zhuang Yu mused.

A hint of envy flashed in Lan Ruo Feng's eyes. There are so many geniuses in this world. First Mu Chen, and now Lu Yao. "Indeed. If Mu Chen confronts him, it's going to be challenging."

Zhuang Yu, with a worried expression, commented, "If Mu Chen faces that individual, his chances of winning might be slim."

Lan Ruofeng nodded, remarking, "Exactly!"

..........

"Only nine days until we reach the Holy Star academy! Being on this cloud bird for so long, I'm feeling dizzy," Liu Xueyan said lazily, squinting her eyes.

"True. Once we arrive at the imperial capital of Xuan Feng Empire, we should be able to rest properly. But the Xuan Feng Empire seems so barren. I've barely seen any mountains with dense spiritual energy, nothing compared to our Fran Empire," Tong Yao Yao grumbled.

Xue Kaiqi chuckled, saying, "So, the Xuanfeng Empire is just a small nation. How can they compare to our Fran Empire?"

"True that. The Saint Star Academy is the highest-ranking institute in the Xuanfeng Empire. I've heard it mostly produces good-for-nothings."

"The principal has scheduled a contest with the Holy Star academy students. How can they possibly be a match for our academy?"

"I've heard that the principal negotiated with the Holy Star academy's principal. They will select twenty participants for the contest. For every victory, we gain three slots."

"Given our institute's capabilities, Saint Star Academy will definitely be annihilated."

"Exactly. The old dean of Saint Star Academy should've just given us sixty slots. Why let them face humiliation?"

"I know right! I heard that the Holy Star academy's Rune, Array, and Forge departments don't even have any third-tier practitioners under twenty years old. How can they possibly compete with our academy?"

"When a lion hunts a rabbit, it still uses its full strength. The Holy Star academy does have some formidable individuals. Don't underestimate them," a stern middle-aged man in black cautioned.

Upon seeing the man emerge, a few spirited students immediately became subdued.

"Greetings, Principal," the students said respectfully.

Kong Sha's gaze swept over Lu Yao and the others, "During the contest with Holy Star academy, you can lose at most five times. Understand?"

"Rest assured, headmaster. I doubt the Holy Star academy can even win a single round," Liu Xueyan confidently stated.

Kong Sha shot Liu Xueyan a cold glance, warning, "Don't get too complacent. The Holy Star academy isn't as easy to deal with as you think."

The students exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions varied.