Chapter 351: Various Reactions

On Mu Shen Island, in a pavilion floating on the lake, three female cultivators of distinct charm sat opposite each other, enjoying tea.

“I can’t believe Chen Mobai is ranked ahead of me. I can’t accept this.” The valiant Pei Qingshuang, after reviewing the Foundation Ranking, furrowed her sword-like brows and slapped the paper onto the tea table.

“I heard from Junior Brother Zong that Ding Chunzhi insisted on his ranking, so the Daoist Academy didn’t make any changes and printed it as is.” A woman in a green dress, with her dark hair cascading like a waterfall and a graceful figure, delicately handled the tea set. Fresh tea leaves swirled in the cups, their subtle, delicate aroma rising with the steaming hot water.

“Why isn’t your name on the ranking? If you were first, I would readily accept it.” Pei Qingshuang took a cup of clear tea from Wenren Xuewei and curiously asked the other female cultivator.

“Because I didn’t participate,” Yan Qiongzhi, whose skin was as fair as snow and whose demeanor was cool and aloof, spoke calmly. As the three female cultivators closest to forming a Core among those at the perfected Ninth Level of Foundation Establishment, they shared an excellent relationship.

“Then why are you here?” Pei Qingshuang was slightly surprised, having assumed Yan Qiongzhi was also there for the rankings.

“I feel my cultivation has accumulated sufficiently. I’m preparing to attempt Core Formation, so I’ve come to borrow the fifth-tier water vein spiritual energy of Jumang Daoist Academy.” Yan Qiongzhi’s words made Pei Qingshuang raise an eyebrow.

“Among the three of us, you are indeed the first to take this step. Allow me to congratulate you in advance.”

“I only have about a 40 to 50 percent chance.” Yan Qiongzhi shook her head, not accepting Pei Qingshuang’s congratulations.

“At least you have the courage to take this step, unlike me, who has to wait painstakingly for the Golden Liquid Jade Restoration Pill.” Although Pei Qingshuang was very confident in her combat abilities, when it came to Core Formation, she still sought perfection. Thus, she had taken up a position with the Immortal Sect, needing to accrue sixty years of service.

“What about you? Why are you only ranked seventh? If you used the Evergreen Cultivation Technique, I might not even be your match.” Wenren Xuewei smiled slightly upon hearing Pei Qingshuang’s puzzled question, then gracefully picked up the teapot and poured tea for her two close friends.

“It’s just temporary fame; I don’t care about it.”

“It’s your temperament. However, Wuqi Daoist Academy is coming on strong this time, sending three Ninth-Level Foundation Establishment graduates, clearly aiming for the top spot.” Pei Qingshuang pointed to Chi Shicheng, Sun Daoji, and Bian Jingchun, ranked eight, nine, and ten on the Foundation Ranking, implying something.

“Although the rankings of the Daoist Academies and Academies are based on overall points, in the eyes of the public, they only care about the person ranked highest. Even if Wuqi Daoist Academy wins the team championship this time by relying on sheer numbers, under the guidance of certain public opinion, it still won’t change the fact of its accumulated weakness.”

For the offline sparring exchanges that determine rankings between Daoist Academies and Academies, the rule is to accumulate individual points into team points. Each participant can choose ten opponents to spar with. Winning a match grants 1 point, losing deducts 1 point, and a draw results in zero points. Each Daoist Academy or Academy has a team of ten people, meaning they can accumulate a maximum of 100 points. The final ranking is determined by the total team points.

This way, even if another Academy produces a phenomenal talent like Xiahou Weihuan, a single person, no matter how outstanding, cannot overcome the combined disadvantage of nine other teammates’ losses and deducted points. This rule was adopted because Wuqi Daoist Academy had two very poor performances previously, where its individual points were surpassed by Chunyang Academy and Taiyuan Academy respectively, leading to it ranking below the other academies. Since then, the offline exchanges and spars have been conducted as team competitions. If quality is lacking, quantity can make up for it.

As one of the Four Great Daoist Academies that gather talents from the Immortal Sect, even if Wuqi performs poorly, the average strength of its Foundation Establishment cultivators still surpasses that of the regular academies. Being able to invite previous graduates this time actually suited Che Yucheng’s intentions perfectly. Although Sun Daoji and the other two Ninth-Level Foundation Establishment cultivators are considered average among top-tier Foundation Establishment, they have no problem easily defeating weaker opponents. If these three employ the right tactics, they can secure more than 20 points. They might even be able to contend for the long-coveted honor of being ranked first among Immortal Sect universities.

However, because team points rely on the overall strength of the Daoist Academies and Academies, which has remained largely stable for decades, the Immortal Sect public’s attention is primarily focused on individual points. The Daoist Academy or Academy to which the person ranked first on the individual points list belongs is thus regarded as the de facto top university. For instance, the reputation of Kunpeng Daoist Academy as number one was established by successive chiefs like Lan Haitian and Qi Huanzhi. For this very reason, the other Daoist Academies and Academies generally only send one graduated chief to represent them and maintain appearances. Wuqi Daoist Academy sending three already shows a slight weakness on their part.

“Should we target them?” Pei Qingshuang looked intently at Chen Mobai, ranked first on the Foundation Ranking, and said.

“If you’re feeling unhappy about it, just speak your mind. As for me, I just need to ensure my individual points are within the top four.” Wenren Xuewei lightly stated the goal for this spar. Jumang Daoist Academy has never had much desire for rankings. The reason they approached Ding Chunzhi to create the list this time was to prepare some prizes in advance.

“I heard from my mother that one of the prizes this time might be Enlightenment Tea. Are you sure you don’t want to compete for it?” Pei Qingshuang looked at the calm expressions of Wenren Xuewei and Yan Qiongzhi, then suddenly revealed something with a teasing tone, causing both women’s expressions to subtly change.

“Enlightenment Tea!?”

***

At Chunyang Academy’s residence.

Xiahou Weihuan finished reading the Foundation Ranking in his hand, sneered, and swept his hand over it. A brilliant orange-red glow flashed between his fingers and palm. In an instant, the ranking list turned into scattered ash, drifting over the lake with the island’s gentle breeze.

“Congratulations, Senior Brother, on mastering the Primordial Yang Sword Fiend! You are unrivaled in Foundation Establishment!” Seeing this, Sima Xingyu’s face showed pleasant surprise.

“Hmph, this time I will challenge everyone from Wuqi Daoist Academy one by one and thoroughly defeat them, making this offline spar a humiliation that Wuqi Daoist Academy won’t be able to erase for a hundred years.” Xiahou Weihuan, having mastered the Sword Fiend, was filled with heroic spirit and spoke bombastically. The Foundation Establishment cultivators from Chunyang Academy who accompanied him were full of confidence.

“Our Chunyang Academy will finally achieve first place in individual combat points.” Sima Xingyu, being the closest to Xiahou Weihuan, was well aware of the power of the Primordial Yang Sword Fiend. Witnessing Xiahou Weihuan achieve such power, he was already envisioning Chunyang Academy’s first actual top university ranking since its establishment.

***

Kunpeng Daoist Academy was located on Great Leaf Island, which, along with Wuqi Daoist Academy’s Small Leaf Island, lay on the east and west sides of Mu Shen Island.

Qi Huanzhi, seated at the highest cliff on the island, absorbing the purple qi of the morning sun, glanced at the Foundation Ranking handed to him by Nangong Xiu. With an expressionless face, he closed his eyes again, diligently cultivating the Ming Department of the Six Imperial Scriptures. This dismissive attitude greatly impressed Nangong Xiu.

“Although Chen Mobai is considered a prodigious talent, your Rain Department of the Six Imperial Scriptures perfectly counters his fire-attribute sword light. In this offline sparring exchange, you can use your victory over him to soar, and when I graduate next year, you can naturally succeed me as chief.” After reading it, Taishi Shu said this to Nangong Xiu.

“Yes, I will certainly not disappoint you, President.” After receiving encouragement from Taishi Shu, the usually shy Nangong Xiu was uncharacteristically filled with confidence.

***

At Butian Daoist Academy.

After reading it, Lou Fengcheng set the list aside and began arranging the matchups for his team. “Wuqi Daoist Academy will certainly be the target this time. Jumang is a group without much fighting spirit. We need to secure second place and strive for first. We’ll start by scoring points against the weaker opponents among the Ten Great Academies to secure first in team points. The chances of me fighting Qi Huanzhi are slim, so you must defeat Taishi Shu. This way, our Butian Academy can legitimately surpass Kunpeng in the eyes of the public and become the Immortal Sect’s number one.”

Master Ling nodded silently after listening. The sect heir of Jumang Daoist Academy cultivates the Immovable Art, which grants abundant blood and spiritual power and extremely high defense, but its offensive capabilities are average. Master Ling could only manage a draw with him. Therefore, among the chiefs of the Four Great Daoist Academies, only Taishi Shu would be an opponent he needed to face with all his might. As for Chen Mobai of Wuqi Daoist Academy, this nominal number one, one can just look at him; he’s not to be taken seriously. His cultivation realm is even lower than some of the chiefs of the Ten Great Academies.

***

“The person who made the ranking list seems to know his stuff!” On Small Leaf Island, Chen Mobai, after reviewing the Foundation Ranking brought by Zhuang Jialan, couldn’t help but show a look of approval. In the Foundation Establishment realm, wasn’t he indeed number one!

“President, according to the original plan, you should have kept a low profile and let Senior Sister Bian and the other two graduates test the waters against the other Daoist Academies and Academies first, and then you would make the decisive move.” Zhuang Jialan looked helpless. With this Foundation Ranking released, Chen Mobai, ranked first, could no longer maintain a low profile. He was destined to be under everyone’s scrutiny from start to finish.

“Don’t worry, with absolute strength, the outcome won’t change at all. Our Daoist Academy will return to its rightful place.” Chen Mobai’s confident words inspired Zhuang Jialan, who nodded gently.

“Oh, right. Early next year, I’m taking the Grade Two Talisman Master examination. I have some free time now, so could you help me review the drawing of those ten talismans?” With two days left until the offline sparring exchange between the Daoist Academies and Academies, Chen Mobai had meditated for half a day and his vital energy was back to peak condition. However, he felt there was no need to be so tense against these opponents, so he wanted to relax by drawing talismans.

“Of course, President.” Hearing that she could still be of help, Zhuang Jialan’s delicate face, framed by her glasses, showed a happy expression.

***

Time quickly passed, and soon it was the day of the offline sparring exchange. With Zhuang Jialan’s help, Chen Mobai put on his Wuqi red and black robe, tied up his long black hair, and went out to the shore. The remaining eight, including Bian Jingchun, were already waiting for him.

“Let’s go and witness the heroes and talents of the Immortal Sect.” With a sweep of his wide sleeve, Chen Mobai led the way onto the water bridge conjured over the lake by Song Yuexin and Wang Mengyuan. As he moved, the other nine members of Wuqi Daoist Academy followed. The ten individuals, like a continuous expanse of black and red fiery clouds, rapidly advanced across the lake and soon arrived at Mu Shen Island.

“Senior Brother Lou, what a coincidence.” Before docking, Chen Mobai saw ten people dressed in Butian Academy’s colorful cloud robes floating towards them from the opposite side. He couldn't help but laugh as he greeted Lou Fengcheng. Lou Fengcheng didn’t want to acknowledge him, but adhering to the principle of politeness, he still nodded in response.

Just then, another ten people wearing red and yellow long robes also floated over the lake—it was Xiahou Weihuan and others from Chunyang Academy.

“Hmph.” Chen Mobai showed no pleasantries towards them, letting out a cold snort, and with a sweep of his wide sleeve, he disembarked first without a word of greeting. Xiahou Weihuan’s gaze was icy, but he didn’t react at that moment. The other members of Chunyang Academy, having endured for so long, didn’t mind waiting a little longer.

“Just wait!” This thought was in the minds of all Chunyang students: once the sparring began, they would see the crestfallen faces of Wuqi Daoist Academy after Xiahou Weihuan single-handedly defeated all ten of them.

“Sima Xingyu, I still have a score to settle with you.” Master Ling suddenly challenged Sima Xingyu. When Little Chitian first opened, he had been defeated by this person, but he hadn’t taken it to heart. However, Chen Mobai’s words at the airport had reminded him. Although he personally didn’t mind that defeat, as a chief, it concerned Butian Daoist Academy’s reputation, and it was necessary to erase this stain.

“I’m ready whenever. However, I will first challenge Chen Mobai of Wuqi Daoist Academy. You can wait for my second match.” Last time, Sima Xingyu had crippled his cultivation to the Sixth Level of Foundation Establishment to ambush Chen Mobai, but was tricked and ended up in a crushing defeat against Lan Haitian. Over the past two years, he had fully recovered his cultivation by taking healing elixirs, but the pent-up frustration in his heart had never been released. Xiahou Weihuan also knew this, so before his own 'one-versus-ten' sweep, he would let Sima Xingyu vent his frustration on Chen Mobai, and then he would step in and crush him again. This way, the reputation of Wuqi Daoist Academy would be utterly trampled into the dust.

Master Ling had originally intended to tell Sima Xingyu that Chen Mobai had yielded him to him. But then he thought it was a bit laughable; how could a mere Third-Level Foundation Establishment cultivator dare to say he yielded him? It was clearly an excuse because he himself didn’t dare to face him. Fine, let Sima Xingyu deal with his inner demons first, and then he would defeat him, allowing everyone to witness the power of the Book of Inches. Thinking of this, Master Ling didn’t bother saying anything more to Sima Xingyu.

Lou Fengcheng and Xiahou Weihuan exchanged glances, a flicker of surprise and doubt in their eyes, as if they had sensed something. But he said nothing more, as everyone knew Chunyang Academy’s target would only be Wuqi Daoist Academy.

“See you later.” After greeting Xiahou Weihuan, Lou Fengcheng led the Butian Daoist Academy members along the path where the ten Wuqi Daoist Academy members had disappeared, heading towards the sparring grounds.

Xiahou Weihuan smiled. Just now, imperceptibly, he had had a psychic clash with Lou Fengcheng and had gained a slight advantage. Indeed, having mastered the Sword Fiend, he was now unrivaled among Foundation Establishment cultivators. It was a pity that each person could only participate ten times, and he had already decided to use all ten opportunities to single-handedly defeat all ten members of Wuqi Daoist Academy. Should he save one sparring opportunity for Pei Qingshuang? To prove that he was the number one sword cultivator in the Foundation Establishment realm! With this thought in mind, Xiahou Weihuan confidently led his team onto Mu Shen Island.