Chapter 1122: Ancient Academy Records, Lots of Fun 09

Ling Xiao looked at the others, "Today let you all get acquainted; the rest will continue to pair up and compete."

"The side with more winners gets to rest."

"Jin Chen finally had something to do, stood up, folded his fan, and waved excitedly at the royal disciples, 'Who wants to spar with me?'"

"The other three stepped back together; Xie Beiyao, who reacted half a beat late, said, '... Does it have to be me?'"

"Xie Yuancheng bumped Ling Xiuyu's shoulder."

"Ling Xiuyu tugged Xie Beiyao's hand, his voice warm, 'Beiyao, hang in there—I believe in you.'"

"Xie Beiyao: 'Okay! I can do it!'"

"Jin Chen: '...'"

"Tsk, annoying."

"I haven't even caught a wife yet—no showing off wherever you like!"

"After a round of selections, in order they were Xie Yuancheng vs. Tingyang, Jiang Yao vs. Ye Susu, and Ling Xiuyu vs. Sining."

"The match between Jin Chen and Xie Beiyao was almost without suspense."

"Xie Yuancheng and Ling Xiuyu stood below the platform, guessing how long it would take Xie Beiyao to fall."

"At the same time, everyone was observing Jin Chen's posture and technique."

"The royal disciples' faces grew more astonished; even the Murong Qiankun brothers found it unbelievable."

"Murong Kun: 'No wonder he's the Young Master of the Divine Pavilion.'"

"Each exchange, Jin Chen's speed and force were superb, with no wasted moves; the fierce wind was icy, his lazy, languid gaze seeming to hold killing intent."

"It made people unable not to believe he would really kill."

"For Xie Beiyao, besides being unable to block the moves, there was the psychological pressure of fearing his head would roll off the next second."

"Less than a third of an incense stick burned before Xie Beiyao fell with a patter, grumbling as he went to Ling Xiuyu for comfort."

"Jin Chen leisurely drew a folding fan from his sleeve; his white clothes shone bright, setting off his jade-like crown, his smile open and bright."

"He stepped down the stage, pretending to be cool to the extreme."

"Sining below the stage silently complained to Jiang Yao, 'Who is he showing off for today?'"

"Jiang Yao made a sound, raising her chin slightly, 'Even the little Crown Prince's eyes would go straight.'"

"Xie Yuancheng's forehead was lightly tapped; meeting Jin Chen's smiling eyes, he asked, 'Stunned?'"

"'What are you talking about, don't spout nonsense.'"

"Xie Yuancheng covered his forehead, 'I was looking at Brother Ling, not you.'"

"Really strange, Xie Yuancheng muttered to himself, 'This guy is really strong; last night's fight… in Jin Chen's eyes, he wouldn't think he's playing house, would he?'"

"'How old are you this year?' Xie Yuancheng asked, trying to think when he could surpass him."

"'Nineteen.'"

"'Ah… you're just half a year older than me!'"

"Xie Yuancheng frowned; that seemed impossible."

"Jin Chen raised an eyebrow, lightly tapping his fan, 'Do I look that old? So surprised.'"

"'No, it's because you're strong.' Xie Yuancheng, who admired all the strong warriors of Tianxuan Kingdom, quietly tugged at Jin Chen's sleeve."

"'Can you secretly teach me martial arts, like what you just showed? I'm very smart.'"

"'Don't rush,' Jin Chen laughed, his fingers already practiced at pinching cheeks, 'Take it slow, little Crown Prince, I'll teach you.'"

"'Good!' Xie Yuancheng's eyes brightened, he lifted a cheerful smile."

"But… I still need to teach him a lesson, once I think of a good plan!"

"Xie Yuancheng secretly harbored mischief in his heart."

"——"

"Tingyang originally thought, dealing with this obviously delicate little Crown Prince would surely be no problem."

"So as soon as he came up, he directly used his secret technique; the parts of his body below the neck visibly turned gray-white and stiff, like a zombie's skin."

"Xie Yuancheng was greatly surprised; his punch left his hand sore, and Tingyang showed no reaction."

"'Haha, little Crown Prince, do you want to obediently admit defeat?'"

"Tingyang still remembered Jin Chen saying he had taken a liking to this little Crown Prince; if he bullied him, that guy would surely grab him and beat him up!"

"'No way!'"

"Xie Yuancheng seized the chance, suddenly flipping and jumping, switching posture to kick hard at Tingyang's chest."

"Just as Tingyang thought he would repeat his old trick, having braced to receive the attack, Xie Yuancheng withdrew his right palm and flung something from his sleeve."

"'Ah! What is that!'"

"Tingyang was hit squarely on the forehead, dazed and spinning in place; shaking his head, he quickly regained focus and saw Xie Yuancheng's palm holding an iron ruyi, his fist clenched tight."

"'Let you underestimate me!' Xie Yuancheng shouted clear and cold, attacking again amidst the wind's roar; by the time Tingyang finally began to take him seriously, Xie Yuancheng had already gained the upper hand."

"But soon, under the zombie technique's defense, most of Xie Yuancheng's attacks were bounced back, even nearly hurting himself."

"Xie Yuancheng's face tightened; he stopped clashing head-on and began carefully observing Tingyang's technique."

"Could the weakness be only the skin above the neck that hasn't changed color?"

"That also makes the word 'bait' far too obvious."

"His eyes grew slightly cold, recalling the chance to injure Tingyang just now—it was because Tingyang had no guard, and moreover…"

"'Soft! It's soft power!'"

"Let's try it."

"Xie Yuancheng still remembered the incense burning, had no extra time to analyze the weakness, and could only give it his all."

"'Hey! Take this move!'"

Xie Yuancheng feigned a fierce assault, drew the long sword from his sleeve, and thrust straight at Tingyang.

Damn! You've got all kinds of stuff in your sleeve!

Tingyang was utterly shocked, he flicked aside, his whole body turning into an impregnable shield, his aura like a raging bear, unstoppable.

Just as Xie Yuancheng drew near again, about to strike, Tingyang clenched both arms, using his muscles to block.

Who would have thought he'd be fooled again—Xie Yuancheng, as he approached, suddenly spun, his sword softly hooking Tingyang's waist, using force against force, four ounces to deflect a thousand catties.

Tingyang's whole body was flung up, wailing as he was hurled down from the platform.

Ah ah ah ah, damn!

Smack!

Just then, the time for one incense stick elapsed.

Jiang Yao exclaimed, "The little Crown Prince actually found Tingyang's weakness in such a short time!"

Xie Yuancheng's guess was spot on; Tingyang's zombie technique can withstand the rebound of brute-force damage, but its flaw—being strong against strong attacks—is equally evident: under a relatively gentle assault, his hardened skin cannot defend.

But often, when many see such a bronze-wall, iron-clad skin, their first instinct is to meet force with force, and persisting in hardness only ends in utter defeat.

"He's very strong." Jin Chen, as if hearing Jiang Yao praise himself, beamed with delight.

Jiang Yao glanced at Jin Chen, puzzled, not understanding what he was happy about.

Jin Chen produced a medicine bottle from his bosom and walked toward the platform.

Ah, Brother Jin... Tingyang had already braced himself to be helped up, eyes fixed as he watched Jin Chen walk toward Xie Yuancheng.

Tingyang: ……

Tingyang felt heartbroken, "You are no longer the Brother Jin I admired!"

Jin Chen turned a deaf ear.

He walked to the side of Xie Yuancheng, who had been praised by Lingxiao, and lavishly praised, "You're amazing, little Crown Prince!"

That... uh, what are you doing?

Xie Yuancheng smiled, brows relaxed, and just as he turned, his hand was seized.

"You're injured, I saw it." Jin Chen pinched his fingers, lowered his gaze, and said.