Chapter 24: Dueling Test

“In short, you don’t need to understand its essence right now—just follow the cultivation steps diligently.”

Got it, got it—that’s only for big shots to worry about.

“Alright, I understand.”

“Did you report your realm to school today?”

“I did.”

Zhang Yunlu recounted to Xu Xing what she had learned from Yu Ming.

The school’s taught Foundation Establishment method made no mention of the Creation Dao Base—this was expected by Xu Xing—but the “one-time Foundation Establishment treasure, Divine Nourishment,” was intriguing.

As a necessary component for forging a Heaven-Born Dao Base, celestial wonders are rare; yet today’s cultivation world, brimming with talents, has even managed to mass-produce this.

Even if its effect is inferior to true celestial wonders, it’s still remarkable.

“I’ll find the Basic Cultivation Method after this.”

Xu Xing was naturally interested in the method created by Shenghuang Yuan, but he didn’t ask Zhang Yunlu for it directly; since the school hadn’t made it public, there must be restrictions on students who obtained the Basic Cultivation Method—perhaps prohibiting its external transmission.

To him, it might be trivial, but to Zhang Yunlu, it wasn’t.

He raised a finger, and like last time with the Flowing Cloud Sword Art, a wisp of spiritual light sank into Zhang Yunlu’s third eye.

“Your total spiritual power is only average—I’ll transmit to you the Nine Qi Cultivation Method. But which of the two cultivation methods suits you better, you’ll have to judge for yourself in future trials.”

Having experienced this before, her dazed state was much shorter; after closing her eyes and carefully reading through it, Zhang Yunlu rose and bowed deeply.

“Thank you, Elder.”

She knew clearly they were merely strangers who had crossed paths.

Though Xu Xing’s realm was high and he was a formidable big shot, who ever said big shots must help lowly cultivators?

To treat all this as owed would be utterly ungrateful.

His realm was too lofty for her to repay now, but a simple thank-you was still within her reach.

“No need for formalities.”

These siblings really had the same temperament—last night, when Zhang Xiu left, he had also bowed deeply to thank him.

Over long centuries, he had helped many.

Most initially felt gratitude, but gradually grew accustomed to it, then came to see it as their due, and eventually demanded more; when he refused, they harbored resentment.

Yet some, from start to finish, remained true to their hearts, knowing when to advance and when to retreat, understanding reason and propriety.

That’s why, even now, he still enjoyed granting opportunities to younger generations.

But how would the Zhang siblings ultimately turn out?

Xu Xing wouldn’t watch—but he hoped for the latter.

Before leaving, Zhang Yunlu asked her final question.

“After last night’s trial, I’ve felt… off. Not only do I feel at ease holding the sword, but I also keep unconsciously sizing up others’ vital spots.”

Xu Xing’s reply was:

“Just adapt for a while.”

Zhang Yunlu’s state was a phase every swordsman went through.

Sword cultivators excel at killing—thus, every swordsman must forge their blade through combat and bloodshed!

With Zhang Yunlu in this state, will tomorrow’s Dueling Test be a fierce, evenly matched battle—or a one-sided massacre from start to finish?

…………

That afternoon, after returning home, Zhang Yunlu pulled out her favorite old book, intending to relax her mind.

Yet after flipping through several pages, her inner calm remained unattainable—her mind filled entirely with the sword techniques of the Flowing Cloud Sword Art.

A few minutes later, she closed the book, grabbed her sword, and ran to the rooftop.

Coincidentally, a young couple was already on the rooftop; they froze upon seeing Zhang Yunlu.

Zhang Yunlu also froze for a moment.

Mainly because she recognized them—they were from the same school.

Though not in the same class, their classrooms were adjacent, and they often crossed paths. This was extremely awkward.

“...Sorry to disturb you.”

After uttering this, Zhang Yunlu quickly turned and descended the stairs, leaving the couple staring at each other.

“Is she… Zhang Yunlu?” The boy had volunteered at a school competition before and remembered her. “And she’s carrying a sword—could she be here to practice?”

“Faking it,” the girl muttered, annoyed. “Never works hard until the Dueling Test is right around the corner.”

“It’s not that bad—she didn’t know anyone was here.”

“How isn’t it bad!” the girl’s voice rose. “I heard many in her class dislike her—they’re planning to teach her a lesson in tomorrow’s Dueling Test!”

Really?

The boy was curious, but seeing his girlfriend seemed angry, he dropped the subject and immediately soothed her.

Once her mood calmed slightly, he probed indirectly.

After a dramatized account, the boy finally confirmed it was true—even with the teachers’ tacit approval.

!. Read

So even the teachers are against her? Looks like tomorrow’s Dueling Test will be entertaining.

The girl eventually noticed something odd and complained: “Why are you always asking about her? Are you…?”

The boy quickly interrupted before she could explode.

“I’m just curious if she’ll win tomorrow.”

“Her? Hah!” the girl scoffed. “Her classmate Fang Lin has fought on the Starry Battlefield—what can she possibly match him with?”

“Yes, yes, how could she compare to Fang Lin…” the boy chuckled in agreement, but internally he was thinking.

Hmm… her temper’s a bit bad. Maybe I should find someone else.

…………

The next morning, the school buzzed with activity.

Powerful spiritual auras streaked across the sky from all corners of the city, heading toward the school—these were spectators come to watch the Dueling Test.

The Third Middle School was the best middle school in Xuanjian City; its principal was the most powerful cultivator in the entire city, closest to the Return-to-Space realm.

Thus, many came to show support—all prominent, powerful cultivators from within the city.

Among them was Li Feng, an inner sect disciple of the Sword Sect, personally invited by the principal to serve as one of today’s Dueling Test judges.

But because his facial injuries hadn’t healed, he still wore bandages; everyone assumed he was practicing a special divine art and didn’t ask further.

A massive arena floated above the playground; the spectator seats held lower-grade students and relatives of some senior-year students.

Zhang Yunlu sat in her classroom, gazing out the window—her view perfectly captured the entire arena.

Banners fluttered around the arena; the grayish bricks bore dark stains—likely dried blood.

Will I soon be fighting to the death on that arena?

She recalled last night’s trial, battling the sword cultivator’s phantom—after dying dozens of times, she could now easily defeat a Qi Refining ninth-layer swordsman who mastered the Flowing Cloud Sword Art to perfection.

Would there be anyone stronger at school?

Her hand gripping the scabbard tightened slightly; a flicker of anticipation rose within her.

Her expression caught the attention of Fang Chi, standing before the podium.

Hmph!

Now you’re nervous?

He sneered inwardly, then turned to another side—a tall boy, eyes gleaming with spiritual light, just one step away from Foundation Establishment.

That was Fang Lin!

The highest realm in the entire class—and the only student who had fought on the Starry Battlefield!

Fang Lin paid no attention whatsoever to Zhang Yunlu.

Though he knew she had reached Qi Refining ninth layer, he still didn’t care.

Cultivators raised within the school were like sheep raised in a greenhouse—naive and fragile, crumbling under even slight pressure.

If Fang Chi weren’t his uncle, he wouldn’t even bother taking her seriously.

Please collect, please follow-read!!

(End of Chapter)