Chapter 48: with translation of chapter title

Hearing Ye Zhangqing's idea, Hong Zun pondered for a moment then nodded.

"You brat, this idea isn't bad; after splitting, it's indeed relatively fair—disciples of all levels will have a chance to grab a spot."

Hong Zun agreed, but then added some more.

"Generally as you said, but during the scramble no external force may be used, and to prevent disciples from waiting early outside the canteen, only half a Shíchén before each Fàn diǎn may everyone rush to the canteen."

"In the scuffle, use of techniques is not restricted, fighting is allowed, but one must not injure lives."

Listening to Hong Zun's addition, Ye Zhangqing frowned slightly, feeling this old geezer is up to something.

"Allowing fighting—isn't that just stirring up chaos? Given these disciples' obsession with food, I'd bet they'll just grab their knives and go."

Seeing Ye Zhangqing like that, Hong Zun gave a hehe smile, didn't explain further, and the matter was settled.

Right now the entire Divine Sword Peak is going crazy over the canteen's food; what will happen under the condition that fighting is allowed?

I reckon everyone will cultivate desperately; otherwise they'll literally be eating shit and still not get hot food.

To motivate the Shénjiàn Fēng Dìzǐ to cultivate, this is Hong Zun's idea.

As dinner time arrived, Ye Zhangqing, under Hong Zun's witness, announced the canteen's new regulations to the many disciples.

Upon learning that each meal would have two thousand portions, and that all disciples, stewards, and elders would be divided into four different teams, with no team allowed to snatch from another.

According to the numbers of disciples at each level, the two thousand portions are divided as: seven hundred for Menial Disciples, six hundred for Outer Door Disciples, five hundred for Inner Door Disciples, and two hundred for Elders and Stewards.

Among them, Xu Jie, Liu Shuang, and Lu Youyou were assigned to the Elder and Steward team.

During the position‑grabbing period, fighting is allowed, but one must not injure lives.

When these rules were announced, many disciples cheered; first, because each meal's food increased from one thousand to two thousand portions.

Second, this division is beneficial for Menial Disciples and even Outer Door Disciples.

At least their competitors are no longer those Inner Door Disciples, but have become peers of similar standing.

Under normal circumstances, everyone has a chance to grab a spot.

The only ones feeling glum are Xu Jie and the others; they are Inner Disciples, yet they have been directly placed into the Elder and Steward team.

Lu Youyou looked at Ye Zhangqing with a resentful face, pouting as she spoke.

"Junior Brother, you're being unfair; we are also Divine Sword Peak disciples—why are we grouped with the elders?"

"Yeah, there's a difference in seniority."

This decision wasn't made by Ye Zhangqing; it was Hong Zun's idea. Hearing the trio's complaints, Hong Zun raised his eyebrows and spoke unhappily.

"What nonsense about seniority—if we put you with the disciples, you'd eat every meal anyway; what's the point? If you don't work hard at Xiūliàn and can't beat us old-timers, just stand aside and don't even think about eating."

Xu Jie and the others' cultivation strength indeed far surpasses the disciples', even the Inner Door Disciples.

Even some low‑cultivation stewards are no match for them, so placing them in the Elder and Steward team is also to put pressure on them.

The matter is thus set, to be implemented starting tomorrow.

That night, many disciples began to clench their fists and rub their palms.

Even though it was late at night, the Divine Sword Peak was still bustling with voices, and everywhere one could hear the disciples' Xiūliàn sounds.

Some disciples kept swinging their swords; despite sweat soaking their backs, they remained resolute and did not stop.

"I will definitely eat tomorrow's breakfast."

Some disciples gently stroked their own side‑swords, murmuring.

"Buddy, whether you can get a hot bite tomorrow is entirely up to you."

As many disciples locked eyes, fire sparked in their gazes; from tomorrow on they are opponents, rivals for food—whoever blocks me, don't blame me for forgetting sect camaraderie.

One night passed; the next day dawned, with half a Shíchén left until breakfast, and from all directions the Shénjiàn Fēng Dìzǐ swarmed forth.

After the canteen's simple overnight renovation, Yuàn zhōng already had four large tables set up, corresponding respectively to Menial Disciples, Outer Door Disciples, Inner Door Disciples, and Elders and Stewards, these four teams.

Before the canteen gate even opened, many disciples had already drawn their swords and looked at each other.

"Senior Brother, I've secured today's breakfast, Junior Brother—don't push me."

"Junior Brother, whether you can get that hot bite depends on whether the Senior Brother's sword agrees."

"If so, then Junior Brother, you'll have offended."

A flash of sword light, and in an instant many disciples were tangled in a melee.

Body techniques, sword arts, various methods sprang up endlessly; even the Menial Disciples at this moment were fighting as a group.

"Senior Brother, your sword technique hasn't improved at all."

"Hmph, cut the nonsense, get lost."

Even Xu Jie, Liu Shuang, and Lu Youyou joined the battlefield; having no choice, being placed with the Elders and Stewards, their pressure is also great.

A little carelessness and they might get nothing to eat.

"Don't provoke the Elders, first deal with these Stewards."

Xu Jie directed the two women, picking the soft persimmons to squeeze; those Elders are all old and crafty, their strength too great, leaving no chance.

Moreover, the Divine Sword Peak Elders are only a dozen or so; even if we gave them spots, it wouldn't matter—starting with the Stewards is the best choice.

Facing Xu Jie and the others, the many Stewards naturally wouldn't yield; under normal circumstances they might concede, but now it's about a day's meals—how could they just hand it over?

In a moment, the many disciples fought fiercely; Hong Zun and the various Elders stood aside, also not intervening, as if they didn't need to scramble because no one could match them.

To prevent any sudden incident, the disciples hadn't yet loosened their grip, ready to strike to stop; everyone watched with interest.

The disciples of the nearest Blood Blade Peak and Overlord Spear Peak quickly noticed the battle's aftermath coming from Divine Sword Peak.

At this moment, disciples of both peaks looked puzzled toward Divine Sword Peak, wondering.

"What is Divine Sword Peak doing this early morning?"

"I guess they're sparring; it's not exactly normal."

"But this is too early, isn't it?"

Sparring between fellow sect brothers is quite normal; the Dao Yi Sect also encourages such things, as long as one doesn't deal a lethal blow or intentionally harm fellow sect members.

So, it's also normal for battle aftershocks to break out, but this timing seems a bit off.

Who starts sparring before dawn? Moreover, judging from these battle aftershocks, it seems not just one or two people, but many are sparring.

Someone suddenly recalled the earlier rumors about Divine Sword Peak.

"I've heard before that there's something wrong with the people of Divine Sword Peak; according to several Elders from Place: Zhu Feng, some disciples of Divine Sword Peak have gone mad from cultivation deviation, their minds somewhat abnormal."

"Really?"