Free Web NovelChapter 54: Chapter 54: The Autumn Grand Competition
「Three days later. 7:00 AM.」
「East Courtyard Martial Arts Arena.」
Ten green-stone arenas were arranged in a circle.
A hundred Disciples from the Human Dormitory stood in the center of the field. The surrounding stands were sparsely occupied by a few Martial Arts Academy Steward Disciples and a small number of Earth House Disciples.
The Human Dormitory’s grand competition was, after all, not the main event, so it didn’t draw much attention.
A Purple-robed Steward leaped onto the central high platform, his voice booming like a great bell.
"The rules are as follows: everyone’s rank has been randomly assigned. The list is posted on the east side."
"If you believe your rank is too low, you may challenge someone ranked higher. Win, and you take their spot. Lose, and you switch ranks. Each person is limited to three challenges, and you may recover your stamina after each fight."
"At sunset, the bottom fifty on the final ranking list will be demoted to Outer Disciples. The top ten will be eligible to participate in tomorrow’s promotion matches for the Earth Dormitory!"
As his voice fell, a commotion swept through the field.
Liang Cheng looked up at the wooden board on the east side. Amidst the dense list of names, he immediately spotted his own position: seventy-ninth.
Disciples around him were already murmuring.
"Liang Cheng is only ranked seventy-ninth? He’s the monster who defeated Liu Meng from the Earth Dormitory!"
"It seems the rankings really were random this time."
"Then we have to be extra careful. We only get three chances to challenge; we can’t afford to waste them."
Liang Cheng’s expression was calm as his gaze shifted upward. The first name on the list was an unfamiliar one, Du Zhen. As for Yun Jinghong, he was ranked twenty-third.
Liang Cheng couldn’t help but admire the Martial Arts Academy’s arrangement. This way, it all came down to individual skill. ’Of course, being lucky is a skill in itself.’
"Now, let the challenges begin!"
The Purple-robed Steward’s command had just fallen.
"Disciple Liang Cheng challenges the top-ranked Du Zhen."
The calm voice was neither loud nor soft. At almost the exact same moment, another voice called out from the side:
"Disciple Yun Jinghong challenges the top-ranked Du Zhen."
Their gazes met mid-air, and a hint of a smile flashed in Yun Jinghong’s eyes.
On the high platform, the Purple-robed Steward froze for a moment, then waved his hand. "Du Zhen, which of these two challenges do you wish to accept?"
Du Zhen was an ordinary-looking young man. He looked at the two challengers, a bitter feeling rising within him. He couldn’t defeat either of them.
However, for the sake of his ranking, he said, "This disciple chooses Yun Jinghong."
Then, as soon as Yun Jinghong stepped onto the arena, Du Zhen immediately conceded. Their ranks were swapped: Yun Jinghong became first, and Du Zhen became twenty-third.
On the other nine arenas, Disciples had already paired off and begun to fight.
Liang Cheng watched Du Zhen step down from the stage unharmed and couldn’t help but nod. ’A smart one.’
Then he spoke again. "Disciple Liang Cheng challenges the top-ranked Yun Jinghong."
The Purple-robed Steward approved on the spot.
Liang Cheng and Yun Jinghong leaped onto Arena Number One at the same time.
The crowd below the stage erupted.
"They’re going at it right away!"
"Yun Jinghong redeemed an Inner Cultivation Method, and Liang Cheng’s Hard Skills are astounding. This is going to be a good fight!"
"Place your bets, place your bets! I’m betting on Yun Jinghong to win!"
On the arena, the two stood ten yards apart.
Yun Jinghong thrust his sword, as swift as his name implied.
Liang Cheng didn’t dodge or evade, meeting the attack with a punch.
CLANG!
Fist met sword. Yun Jinghong was forced back two steps, the webbing between his thumb and forefinger numb. His expression hardened as he unleashed his Sword Momentum, which descended like a sky full of clouds and rain.
Liang Cheng stood rooted to the spot, throwing a series of punches. The force of his fists was as heavy as waves, blocking all the glints of the sword.
After several exchanges, Yun Jinghong’s aura suddenly surged. He stabbed straight ahead, his Jianfeng glinting with a sharp light—a full-power strike.
Liang Cheng met it directly with his left arm.
"CLANG!"
The Jianfeng only left a white mark, unable to penetrate an inch. Liang Cheng’s right fist had already slammed directly onto the body of the sword.
BANG!
The longsword flew from his grasp. Yun Jinghong stumbled back several steps, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.
Liang Cheng withdrew his fist and did not strike again.
"I was fortunate."
The crowd below fell silent for a moment, then burst into an uproar.
"Yun Jinghong lost, just like that?"
"That last sword strike clearly hit him! How is Liang Cheng completely unharmed?"
"His defense is just insane!"
On the high platform, the Purple-robed Steward gave Liang Cheng a deep look and announced in a loud voice, "Liang Cheng is victorious and is now temporarily ranked first! Yun Jinghong is temporarily ranked seventy-ninth!"
Yun Jinghong silently retrieved his longsword, turned, and leaped off the arena. After Liang Cheng had stepped down, he spoke again.
"Disciple Yun Jinghong challenges the second-ranked Yang Jian."
...
「Half a day later.」
The dust had settled on the Human Dormitory’s grand competition.
Liang Cheng held firm at the top of the rankings. Yun Jinghong had taken second place, winning seven consecutive matches, each time defeating his opponent with a single sword strike.
After all, if no one could get past Yun Jinghong, who would be foolish enough to challenge Liang Cheng?
The third through tenth places were also mostly occupied by diligent disciples with outstanding strength.
At sunset, the Purple-robed Steward announced the final rankings.
The faces of the bottom fifty Disciples were ashen. Some broke down crying on the spot.
The next morning, they would have to move out of the Martial Arts Academy and relocate to the desolate courtyards outside the city. They would receive ten Contribution Points a month. Without some other stroke of fortune, it would be nearly impossible for them to ever return to the Inner Courtyard in this lifetime.
Liang Cheng watched all of this quietly, his heart perfectly still.
’A single slow step on the path of the Martial Dao means you’ll always be a step behind.’
’Today’s consequences are born from yesterday’s actions.’
As he turned to leave, Yun Jinghong came up from behind him.
"Junior Brother Liang."
"Senior Brother Yun."
"Don’t you get complacent up ahead," Yun Jinghong said, looking at him. "I will keep moving forward. Next time, I will absolutely not lose to you again."
"Alright," Liang Cheng replied, his tone even.
Yun Jinghong nodded, then turned and left. He still had to challenge an Earth House Disciple tomorrow and needed to rest and conserve his energy.
The two walked out of the Martial Arts Arena one after the other. The surrounding Disciples watched them with inexplicable expressions. Li Mu, aside from his bitterness, also felt a little relieved.
’At least I wasn’t kicked out of the Inner Sect. I can still keep chasing them.’
Under the setting sun, their shadows stretched long...
...
「The next day, 7:45 AM.」
The atmosphere in the East Courtyard Martial Arts Arena was completely different from yesterday.
The stands were packed to capacity!
Not only were there Martial Arts Academy Stewards and Disciples from all three dormitories, but there were also representatives from Lin Wu City’s prominent families, Commerce Association Stewards, and even people sent from the City Lord’s Mansion.
As Liang Cheng stepped onto the field, he immediately spotted several familiar faces.
In the center of the main stand sat four figures: Lü Bingchen, the elderly, green-robed Master from the Martial Arts Academy he had met during the spring hunt; Shen Wenyuan, the City Lord’s special envoy; Wu Zhenshan, the Treasurer of the Martial Preparation Hall; and Yue Shan, the Army Commander.
On the left stand, Xu Zhang was seated in the front row with Xu Zhi.
Xu Zhi stared daggers at Liang Cheng, the venom in his eyes unconcealed. Xu Zhang, however, wore a placid expression, chatting and laughing with the Patriarchs seated beside him.
In the back row of the right stand, Liang Cheng was surprised to see Chen Bainian.
The great merchant of the Three Towns was dressed in a brocade robe today. He was speaking in low tones with several members of the Commerce Association. When he saw Liang Cheng look his way, he quickly nodded in acknowledgement, his eyes full of anticipation.
’My initial investment has brought one pleasant surprise after another.’
What surprised Liang Cheng even more was seeing people from the Qiao Mansion in a corner. Only Qiao Zhi had come in person; Madam Qiao was not present. She had only sent their old servant, Uncle Wang, to accompany her. They sat quietly at the very edge of the stands.
DONG!
The bell tolled, and the entire arena fell silent.
Lü Bingchen rose and walked to the front of the high platform. He wore an amiable smile as his gaze swept over the crowd.
"The Martial Arts Academy’s autumn competition, the ranking battles for the Earth and Celestial Dormitories, will now begin!"
"The rules are simple: challenge matches on the arenas. The winner takes the loser’s place. Each person is limited to three matches, and you may recover your strength before fighting again. Additionally, the top ten Disciples from the Human Dormitory may challenge Earth House Disciples today. If you win, you will be promoted and receive the benefits of the Earth Dormitory. Furthermore, a successful challenge against an Earth House Disciple will earn you an extra five hundred Contribution Points."
As his voice fell, a stir went through the area where the Human House Disciples were gathered.
Five hundred points!
That was more than enough to exchange for a bottle of Qi Blood Pills!
Lü Bingchen paused, his voice suddenly turning stern.
"But remember this: injuries are unavoidable in the arena, but anyone who intentionally kills their opponent will be severely punished without exception!"
His killing intent was palpable, and a solemn silence fell over the entire arena.
"Now, let the competition begin!"
