Chapter 139: The Privileges of Jixia Academy

Above each sect's seating area, the crowd surged like a sea, cheers and shouts never ceasing. Xu Chen walked to his own section and was stunned to find that the Xuegong's position was right beside the Empress, at the very center. This was a prestigious VIP seat—its decorations and materials far superior to those of any other sect. Though the sun shone overhead, when Xu Chen sat down, he felt no heat. Instead, a gentle coolness enveloped him, remarkably comfortable. He looked up and saw that above the Jixia Academy's area, an Array enveloped the space, blocking the sunlight and adjusting the temperature to perfect comfort. In contrast, other sects had no Arrays at all—only flimsy sunshades. Even beside Xu Chen's seat stood two maids, ready to obey at any moment. No other sect had such a thing.

"Holy shit!"

Seeing this stark disparity in treatment, the leaders of every major sect were dumbfounded. Could this be any more obvious?

The Tai Chu Saint Son Yang Hao, meanwhile, was seated impossibly far from the Empress—as if separated by a mountain. His face darkened instantly, his eyes blazing with fury as he stared at Xu Chen. Damn it, did the Empress not even see him?

Wait. This time, he would crush Xu Chen to dust.

Others among the young elites of various sects thought the same as Yang Hao. In an instant, Xu Chen became the greatest enemy in their eyes.

Xu Chen felt the hostility from every sect and went numb. But since it was already like this, he didn't care. He glanced at Ye Xuan—and suddenly noticed Ye Xuan's seat was the worst in the entire Xuegong. Ye Xuan's mouth twitched uncontrollably. The Empress is insane. Absolutely insane. Everyone in the Jixia Academy was treated fairly—except him. This was poison. Wait. After this, he'd crush Xu Chen too. Xu Chen grinned and said, "Hey, you over there, waste. Should I ask the Empress to swap your seat?" Villains love mocking the protagonist, right? He thought he'd nailed this move.

Upon hearing this, Ye Xuan's face turned black.

You fucking pair, wait till later—I'll show you who's stronger. The new martial art my master gave me these past days wasn't learned for nothing.

And my true strength right now? It surpasses everyone's imagination.

As he pondered, the Empress rose and spoke: "This Imperial Dynasty selection tournament is divided into two zones: the Martial Zone and the Non-Martial Zone.

The Martial Zone is direct combat. The Non-Martial Zone includes alchemy, artifact forging, and similar arts. Those who demonstrate exceptional skill in either may earn the Dynasty's favor and limitless resources. But only the champion of the Martial Zone shall earn an audience with me."

The Empress's voice, infused with Spiritual Qi, rang out like a great bell, sweeping across the arena. Instantly, the ears of dozens of sect members trembled, and they all nodded in agreement.

Yes. The strong rule.

Alchemy and artifact forging are secondary. Martial strength is paramount.

"Since there are no objections, we begin the matches according to the draw order. Start."

As soon as the words ended, the judges took the field—and the crowd erupted in wild cheers.

"First match: Saint Son Gao Yao of the Flame Fire Sect versus Young Palace Master Xu Chen of the Jixia Academy." The judge announced immediately.

Xu Chen blinked. This wasn't the plot from his past life. Back then, he fought in the thirty-second match. Clearly, the Empress had changed it.

Bu Fengshuang said, "Probably to let you shine and intimidate others. Also, Gao Yao is Yang Hao's man."

Xu Chen nodded. "Then I won't hold back."

With that, Xu Chen's body flickered faintly—and vanished from his seat. When he reappeared, he hovered motionless in the center of the Yanwuchang. Likewise, Gao Yao of the Flame Fire Sect appeared in the same instant.

As he appeared, Gao Yao was wreathed in Flame, radiating the scorching aura of Seventh Grade Mid-stage. In his hand, he held a crimson long spear, its surface also wrapped in Flame.

The spear's tip was razor-sharp, emitting a faint hum and chilling aura. A single flick sent ripples of spatial collapse through the air.

A cold smile curled on his lips as he pointed the spear at Xu Chen: "This time, I'll cripple you." Xu Chen asked curiously, "Isn't this supposed to be point-to-point?"

He remembered in his past life, it was always point-to-point.

Gao Yao sneered. "Scared? If you're scared, beg me—and I might go easy." He'd been ordered by Yang Hao to humiliate Xu Chen thoroughly, to strip him of all prestige.

That way, Yang Hao would become the true hero of this world, crushing all rivals. Xu Chen shook his head. "Then don't blame me." He'd just been thinking of giving it a half-hearted effort.

Since the Empress changed the rules, fine. The judge immediately lowered his red flag and shouted: "First match—begin!"

"Whoosh!"

"Whoosh!" Moments later, Xu Chen and Gao Yao vanished from their spots. When they reappeared, they collided instantly. "Boom!"

"Boom!"

"Boom!"

No afterimages—only dizzying Space Movement. Each teleportation unleashed a thunderous impact and violent bursts of Spiritual Qi. The clash of spear and flesh sent sparks flying. Techniques surged endlessly.

Many spectators thrilled: "Both Seventh Grade, both using Space Movement, both hovering in midair—this is going to be amazing!"

6

"Exactly. Both Seventh Grade Mid-stage, both extraordinary. This'll be packed with highlights."

"Who do you think will win?"

"Gao Yao's odds are higher—he's got a seventh-rank weapon and Flame wrapping his spear." The crowd buzzed, eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Boom!"

But before they finished speaking, they were stunned to see a figure plummet from the sky.

Like a cannonball, he shot violently toward the ground of the Yanwuchang. Everyone gasped—what? It had been less than fifteen minutes! They stared hard—and realized the falling man wasn't Xu Chen. It was Gao Yao? They were dumbfounded. Both Seventh Grade Mid-stage, Gao Yao had a weapon—how could this happen?

They hadn't finished speaking when Xu Chen activated Space Movement and appeared directly beneath Gao Yao. 0…………Requesting flowers…………Crack

Before they could react, Xu Chen used Space Movement and appeared beneath Gao Yao. "Crack!"

A knee slammed into Gao Yao's back—bones shattered instantly. Gao Yao screamed in agony, face ashen. "Boom!"

Then Xu Chen flashed above him and delivered a brutal kick straight to Gao Yao's face. Teeth shattered. Gao Yao became a cannonball again, crashing violently into the Yanwuchang. "Puff!"