Chapter 271: You Should Moisturize Your Throat First

The Foundation Establishment cultivators watching expressed anger, disapproving of Ming Yu's behavior.

However, some also believed Ming Yu's fabrication, thinking he had genuinely been tricked by Chen Mobai and the other freshmen.

Mi Yudao secretly cursed his misfortune. If he were to distance himself now, the reputation of abandoning friends would follow him for the rest of his life.

“Senior Ming, there must be a misunderstanding. Why don't we stop for a moment, find a place to talk properly, and sort out the whole situation?”

He could only step forward first, hoping to de-escalate the situation.

“Hmph, you're with them too. Trying to fish in troubled waters and play peacemaker in front of me.”

But Ming Yu didn't even give him a proper look. Convinced he had exposed Chen Mobai and the others' plot to slander him, he unleashed his spiritual energy. Ripples emanated from the Nine Blazes Wood, and a powerful restraining force descended.

Ming Yihua and Mi Yudao felt their bodies grow heavy; even blinking required spiritual energy.

What a mess. He would just have to explain it to the student council through Lu Tiansuan afterward.

Mi Yudao cursed his luck internally but had no intention of resisting, immediately surrendering.

Ming Yihua, however, flushed red and began to activate the Pure Yang spiritual energy within his body, attempting to break through the Nine Blazes Wood's restraining force.

“A mere fifth-layer Foundation Establishment dares to attack me? You seem a bit overconfident.”

But at that moment, Chen Mobai uttered words that shocked everyone present.

How arrogant was this person?

It was understandable for the slightly yellowish-faced youth to lose his mind and attack Ming Yu.

But how could this serene-faced junior, who was clearly calm, say something so utterly ludicrous?

Who was truly overconfident?

Although many disliked Ming Yu bullying freshmen, they acknowledged his cultivation level.

Fifth-layer Foundation Establishment, coupled with the Nine Blazes Wood, meant only a handful of students in the entire academy could defeat him head-on. Otherwise, he wouldn't hold the vice-president position.

“Futile resistance.”

Ming Yu sneered, no longer wishing to speak to Chen Mobai.

He unleashed 80% of the Nine Blazes Wood's power, intending to demonstrate his formidable strength before the dozens of onlookers, both to intimidate everyone and to lay the groundwork for clearing his name later.

Red-yellow ripples appeared around Chen Mobai and the two others, like a vortex, on the verge of completely trapping them.

Ming Yihua clenched his teeth, about to activate the Flame Burst spell from the Pure Yang Scroll, igniting his innate spirit fire for artifact refining, when a dazzling purple flame suddenly lit up beside him.

He turned his head to see a purple flame, faintly tinged with green at its center, pulsating like a heart in Chen Mobai's palm.

Although the flame was only fist-sized, everyone felt its blinding intensity and searing heat the moment their eyes met it.

A second-tier spirit flame!

But using it to defeat Ming Yu was completely unrealistic.

Just as everyone thought Chen Mobai was merely struggling, the fist-sized purple-green flame in his palm suddenly erupted into a brilliant, deep purple sword light.

He didn't even use the Flying Sparrow Hairpin; he simply activated the Purple Flame Sword Light with the Azure Sun Fire Seed.

The sword light was like a bolt of silk.

The moment it erupted, it sliced into the invisible ripples of the Nine Blazes Wood before him, like a stone skipping on water, creating a rapid spray of currents. It swiftly and irresistibly broke out of the restraining vortex, then continued its momentum, heading straight for Ming Yu's head.

“Sword Rainbow Splitting Light!”

Disbelief appeared in their eyes. Was there a sword cultivator student of such a realm in the academy?

But it was too late for regret. Ming Yu's divine sense burst forth, and the magical robe on his body flared with yellow divine light, forming a sturdy barrier that blocked the brilliant, deep purple sword light for a single breath.

With a 'bang'!

The yellow divine light shattered, like a beautiful fireworks display.

Seizing this gap, Ming Yu retreated again and again, no longer daring to hold back. He unleashed 120% of his spiritual power and divine sense, pushing the Nine Blazes Wood to its absolute limit.

But the six bright yellow halos had barely formed when they were successively shattered by the pursuing brilliant, deep purple sword light.

“Junior, this is all a misunderstanding…”

“Mercy!”

Ming Yu's plea for mercy came out amidst a mouthful of blood.

From the student council's small Western-style building, Hua Zijing's clear cry was heard, accompanied by a wave of azure light that rushed over, intending to help Ming Yu block the sword strike.

Seeing this, Chen Mobai deliberately paused the sword light emanating from his palm.

He only struck again when Hua Zijing's Azure Descent arrived.

With a whoosh!

The azure wave met the sword light, scattering like spilled mercury into countless water droplets that rained down.

To everyone's disbelief, the brilliant, deep purple sword light stopped at Ming Yu's glabella. Like a swimming dragon, it circled his scalp, giving him a perm, then, as if time reversed, it returned to Chen Mobai's palm.

“Is this all the two vice-presidents of the student council amount to?”

After retracting his sword light, Chen Mobai sighed and said to Ming Yihua beside him with a lack of interest.

“Junior, may I ask your esteemed name?”

Hua Zijing, accompanied by Lu Tiansuan and Yuan Jinjun, landed with shocked expressions. She greeted Chen Mobai with the ancient etiquette of Wuqi Daoist Academy, asking for his name.

“Class of 5012, Chen Mobai.”

Since he had made his move, there was no need to hide anymore.

After stating his name, he clenched his fist, withdrawing the Azure Sun Fire Seed, then stood with one hand behind his back, looking bored.

“Class of 5012! The same class as Zhongli Tianyu! I didn't expect there to be another, even more terrifying monster besides that one.”

The surrounding Foundation Establishment cultivators gasped in astonishment upon hearing Chen Mobai's background.

It should be known that Zhongli Tianyu was called a monster mainly due to his promising future; everyone believed he would surely surpass the current Zuo Qiushi by his tenth year.

But now, Chen Mobai, a sword dao genius who had mastered the Sword Rainbow Splitting Light, had completely transcended the limitations of cultivation realms.

Ming Yu and Hua Zijing, both vice-presidents of the student council, couldn't even withstand one of his sword strikes when they attacked together.

This person... it seemed only Zuo Qiushi, the president, could contend with him in the entire student council.

“Junior Chen, Ming Yu was in the wrong first in this matter. I apologize to you on his behalf.”

Hua Zijing glared at Ming Yu, who at this point dared not say anything, lowering his head and pretending to reflect, fearing Chen Mobai might notice him and strike him again.

“Hmm, should I accept?”

Chen Mobai pretended to ponder, then turned with a troubled expression to ask Ming Yihua and Mi Yudao beside him. Mi Yudao swallowed, his face blank, completely speechless.

“I don't think it's sincere enough,”

But Ming Yihua was naturally bold and cooperatively chimed in.

“Juniors, if you are willing, I can grant you ten free uses of the Myriad Treasures Map.”

Hua Zijing misunderstood, thinking Chen Mobai and the other were soliciting benefits.

“No, what I mean is, your apology isn't sincere enough.”

Chen Mobai extended his hand, pointing at Hua Zijing. Although she was a beauty and a vice-president of the student council, after that sword strike, she completely lacked the courage to make another move.

“Ming Yu, come over and apologize!”

Hua Zijing immediately called out. Ming Yu no longer cared about his reputation at this point; when Chen Mobai's sword light descended upon him earlier, he had felt the threat of death for the first time.

Having cultivated and grown up in a comfortable and secure environment, his Dao heart had been utterly shattered by that sword strike.

“Juniors, I was in the wrong in this matter. Please forgive me.”

Without hesitation, Ming Yu immediately lowered his head and walked over, performing the ancient apology ritual to Chen Mobai and the other two.

“This barely counts as a bit of sincerity. Don't forget the ten uses of the Myriad Treasures Map.”

Ming Yihua saw this scene and nodded with a satisfied expression, holding his Profound Yang Cauldron.

“Ah, you're just going to let it go like that?”

But clearly, Chen Mobai and Ming Yihua were not on the same page this time.

“Then what else do you want? Or perhaps you want him to apologize too?”

Ming Yihua didn't quite understand Chen Mobai's meaning and pointed at the pale-faced Yuan Jinjun. As Yuan Jinjun's body was drenched in sweat, Chen Mobai shook his head helplessly.

“I originally wanted President Zuo Qiushi to come and apologize, to see if my sword light stood a chance against a seventh-layer Foundation Establishment cultivator.”

Upon hearing Chen Mobai's words, everyone, including Ming Yihua, gasped.

Brother, I know you're formidable, but to directly challenge Zuo Qiushi, isn't that a bit too aggressive?

Ming Yihua secretly leaned closer, gesturing that enough was enough and there was no need to push it too far.

“Since you've put it that way, let's end this matter here.”

Chen Mobai was receptive to advice. However, his original plan was also good, as engaging with late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators in the Heavenly River Realm would likely be a life-or-death battle.

Here in the Immortal Sect, it was mostly about sparring, so he could use this rare opportunity to see if there was a gap between himself and late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators.

After two battles, he had a rough idea of his minimum strength.

Early-stage Foundation Establishment and typical mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators could basically be instantly killed.

But he hadn't fought any late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators yet. Seventh-layer Foundation Establishment, being the weakest of the late-stage, was perfect for a sword test.

However, it seemed Zuo Qiushi wasn't here, so continuing to humiliate them would appear overly aggressive.

Chen Mobai shook his head dispassionately and retracted the Azure Sun Fire Seed from his palm into his sleeve.

“Junior Chen, if you genuinely wish to spar with the president, you can leave your contact information.”

But at this moment, Hua Zijing was somewhat unconvinced.

Although you have mastered the Sword Rainbow Splitting Light and can instantly defeat both vice-presidents, Zuo Qiushi has, over the years, forged an unshakeable belief of invincibility in their hearts.

To openly disparage the student council president with such a contemptuous tone in front of so many people made Hua Zijing, who had followed Zuo Qiushi as a vice-president and head of the secretarial department, feel humiliated.

“Alright, when he's free, let's arrange a time and place. However, I'm about to attend the Chicheng Grotto-Heaven University Alliance Exchange Meeting soon, so you'd best arrange it quickly.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Mobai showed none of the worry everyone expected. Instead, he excitedly took out his phone and added Hua Zijing as a friend.

“Alright, Junior Chen, please wait.”

Hua Zijing gritted her teeth and noted "Madman" before deciding to immediately inform Zuo Qiushi about the matter.

Chen Mobai wasted no more time there; he left with Ming Yihua and Mi Yudao.

“Junior, if you ever need my help in the future, just contact me.”

After flying out of the tunnel, Mi Yudao looked at him with awe, then bid farewell and left.

Chen Mobai smiled as he parted ways with him, then flew out of the back mountain with a very satisfied Ming Yihua.

“Brother, thanks.”

Ming Yihua, holding his Profound Yang Cauldron, looked utterly content. He hadn't expected to obtain such a precious magic artifact on his first visit to the Myriad Treasures Cave.

“Between us, there's no need for formalities.”

The two parted ways on campus. Ming Yihua still lived in the school dormitory.

Chen Mobai returned to the small wooden house he rented.

Having sent Ming Yihua off with the Profound Yang Cauldron, and confirming that Ming Yihua would now spend a long time appraising the treasure and reverse-engineering its refining incantations, thus no longer bothering him to visit the Myriad Treasures Cave, Chen Mobai deliberately adjusted his homeward rainbow light flight to its brightest mode.

It even carried some whooshing sounds through the air, notifying his neighbor, Meng Huang'er, that he was back.

After returning to the small wooden house, Chen Mobai waited for about half an hour before taking out his phone and tentatively sending a very direct message.

“Can I hear you sing?”

Student Council.

Hua Zijing and three others sat in the previous meeting room. The atmosphere was exceptionally oppressive and dull.

“Vice President, I suddenly remembered it’s been a long time since I visited my hometown. I’m thinking of going back this year.”

Yuan Jinjun cautiously said to Hua Zijing.

“Going home? Hmph, you heard that junior is also attending the exchange meeting and are afraid to be on the same team as him, aren't you?”

Hua Zijing sneered, exposing Yuan Jinjun's little scheme.

The Chicheng Grotto-Heaven University Alliance Exchange Meeting had always been organized through mutual coordination among the student councils of all participating universities. Hua Zijing had been in charge of this for three consecutive years, and Yuan Jinjun, as a department member responsible for liaising with Pure Yang Academy, was usually the most enthusiastic about it.

Because students from Wuqi Daoist Academy always held the highest status and were the most respected at the exchange meeting.

After all, they were still young and enjoyed being looked upon with admiration and respect.

But after Yuan Jinjun heard that Chen Mobai would also participate this year, he felt it was better to lie low and suddenly became homesick.

“Sigh, the fundamental mistake here is mine. For the past few years, as a vice-president of the student council, I have been too proud and arrogant, unable to admit that others surpassed me in the art of the spiritual eye. That's why this incident occurred. I am willing to resign.”

At this moment, Ming Yu suddenly spoke, and everyone's expressions changed to surprise upon hearing him.

“I cannot decide on this matter. Speak to the president yourself when he arrives.”

Although Hua Zijing usually disapproved of the arrogant Ming Yu, hearing that this department member, with whom she had worked for so long, was leaving, she felt a pang of emotion.

“No need, I've already heard.”

Suddenly, a deep voice rang out.

Upon hearing it, everyone in the meeting room looked surprised and pleased. Then, a burly young man, clad in a Wuqi red and black robe, was already seated at the head of the table.

“President.”

That night.

Chen Mobai was discussing preferred music styles with Meng Huang'er and was about to encourage her to sing a few lines when their chat software was suddenly interrupted by an incoming call.

It was from Hua Zijing.

How annoying, especially at this moment.

Nevertheless, Chen Mobai patiently answered. Hua Zijing wasted no words, directly challenging him on behalf of Zuo Qiushi.

“Fine, just you wait!”

After gritting his teeth and saying this, Chen Mobai awkwardly sent a voice message to Meng Huang'er.

“You warm up your voice; I'm going to spar with Zuo Qiushi. I'll be right back to hear you sing.”

In the mountaintop villa, Meng Huang'er, who had just listened to the voice message, widened her eyes.

She, of course, knew who Zuo Qiushi was!