Chapter 36

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Jiran looked up and saw a man, roughly the same age as Uncle Lais, approaching with a smug smile. He was accompanied by another man, about Jiran's age.

Although the man was probably around Lais' age, he was in much better condition. His clothes were clearly expensive, far better than Uncle Lais' tattered armor. His hair was neatly styled, and his beard was cleanly shaven. Compared to Lais' unkempt appearance, this man looked much more presentable.

However, the man's narrow eyes made people feel uncomfortable, giving off a cold and sinister vibe. Coupled with the smile on his face, he looked even more detestable.

The younger man behind him bore some resemblance to him, just younger. His eyes were as dark and gloomy as the older man's, but his target was Jiran.

"Juan, it's been a long time indeed. Even you have made something of yourself now." Uncle Lais' face darkened when he saw the middle-aged man, but he quickly smiled.

However, his smile was one of mockery and disdain.

The middle-aged man named Juan immediately turned pale.

"Lais, do you still think you're the genius you were back then? Always outshining me, advancing so rapidly? You're nothing but a waste now... Your current strength is only at the fourth level, right? I, on the other hand, have already broken through to the sixth level! Hahaha, the strength gap between us has reversed! What right do you have to be arrogant in front of me?" Juan's face kept changing as he glared at Lais, his teeth gritted.

"It's been over a decade, and you've finally reached the sixth level? I bet you used a lot of the family's alchemical potions... Given your talent and character, reaching the sixth level is quite an achievement, worthy of congratulations." Lais didn't get angry at Juan's words; instead, he smiled faintly.

"Damn it! You've always looked down on me like this! Everyone thought you were right, even Marilyn was taken by you! Do you know how I lived those days? Hahaha, but fate is fair. Now, I'm a sixth-level powerhouse, and you're just a fourth-level scum! Back then, you were truly foolish to fight the True God Sect, and even lost Marilyn! Look at you now, where is the genius from back then?" Juan stared at Lais, his eyes burning with anger. His expression became increasingly hysterical, and he finally laughed maniacally.

"Don't mention Marilyn, you're not worthy to speak her name." Lais' voice suddenly turned cold, his gaze sharp as a sword, staring fiercely at Juan.

Juan, who felt he had an absolute advantage in strength, was feeling very smug. But when Lais' gaze fell on him, he suddenly felt a chill in his heart and involuntarily leaned back. He quickly recovered and became furious.

"Not worthy? Are you worthy? You not only turned yourself into a waste but also killed Marilyn! What right do you have to be arrogant now? After so many years away, the family has long given up on you, right? What about your old subordinates? Haven't you been out of touch for years? Hahaha, what do you have now? Nothing at all!"

Juan looked at Lais with a vicious expression. Lais, however, just sneered.

"I don't need you to worry about what I have left. That's my business. I will get what I want with my own hands. You should worry more about yourself. Do you really think reaching the sixth level makes you a powerhouse? If you were truly strong, why did you bring... is this your son? to Azure Wind? Why not take him to our alma mater? Probably because you've used up too many of the family's resources and are no longer worth their investment..."

It must be said that Lais' words were as venomous as Erin's, whether it was due to his nature or not.

Juan's face changed immediately, but after a glance at Jiran beside Lais, he laughed viciously: "My nephew doesn't like the atmosphere at Royal Iron Blood. What's wrong with coming to Azure Wind? Besides, Azure Wind doesn't restrict nationality. As for you, where did you pick up this bastard? He doesn't even look like you. Is he a stepson? His strength is only at the second level, Hahaha, do you think a second-level swordsman can pass Azure Wind's exam? He's not young, and his talent is practically garbage! Hahaha, he might as well try to be a mage, even a low level has some hope..."

Jiran had been listening with interest to Lais' verbal sparring, marveling at his sharp tongue. But Juan's words had touched a nerve.

"Hmph, this uncle, is that really your nephew? I think you should go back and ask your sister-in-law. She might know better, and it's not impossible for relatives to not recognize each other..." Jiran looked at Juan and the young man behind him, a cold smile on his face.

Jiran's words were extremely vicious but also quite subtle. It took a moment for Juan and his nephew to react, and they immediately turned pale. The young man even burst into a rage.

"Dare to insult me? I'll kill you!" The young man stepped forward, reaching for his sword at his waist.

"This is the Azure Wind Academy, not your backyard! If you dare to make a move, you won't be leaving alive!" Lais stepped forward, blocking Jiran.

"...Odie, step back." Juan's eyes flickered as he looked at Lais and Jiran. "It's not worth it to argue with this bastard. He's just good with words. A person who can't even pass the Azure Wind exam can only bark at you to find some self-respect."

Jiran hated being called a bastard more than anything. It was the deepest pain in his heart as an orphan. Looking at the sinister Juan, he smiled.

"Are you so sure I won't pass the exam? If I do, will you kneel before me and admit you're a blind fool?"

"Hahaha!" Juan laughed, seemingly very confident, but his mind was racing.

Although Lais is a waste now, he was indeed a genius back then. His judgment is far better than mine. The boy he approves of must have something special. Although he's only at the second level, he probably has a good chance of passing the exam...

But my nephew is already a third-level swordsman! At the same age, one level higher, that boy definitely can't match my nephew!

With this thought, Juan calmed down.

"I'm not the examiner, so I can't be sure if you'll pass the exam. But the score you get will definitely not surpass my nephew! Odie is one of the top geniuses in our family, already a third-level swordsman. Compared to you, a nobody, the gap is like the distance between the sun and the moon!"

Jiran knew he was using a provocation tactic. He probably thought Jiran, being young and hot-headed, would lose his temper. But if he wanted to play along, Jiran would indulge him.

Looking at Uncle Lais, Jiran saw a hint of a smile in his eyes and understood his thoughts.

"Nonsense! I'm definitely stronger than that guy! My score will definitely be higher than his!" Jiran stuck out his neck, looking like a stubborn youth.

Seeing Jiran's reaction, Juan secretly smiled. Young people are young people, they can't stand being provoked! My nephew is not only a third-level swordsman but has also learned the family's secret sword techniques. His real strength is almost on par with a fourth-level swordsman! If his score is lower than this boy, he might as well die!

"Odie! Look, that boy is looking down on you! Will you lose to him? To a nobody from who knows where?" Juan turned to his nephew.

Odie wasn't a fool. Seeing his uncle's performance, he immediately understood his intentions.

"Hmph! We are the noble Green family, how can we lose to a black-haired boy! Uncle, don't underestimate me." Odie looked at Jiran with arrogance and disdain.

In the Erei Empire, no noble has black hair. Therefore, in the eyes of Erei nobles, black hair means no status or nobility.

Jiran looked at Odie and sneered, "Noble blood? Your ancestors might have noble blood, but you... might just be a stray dog in a pack of wolves!"

Odie flew into a rage again, drawing his sword to charge forward, but Juan stopped him.

Juan narrowed his eyes, his face cold, "Words are useless, they won't help you kill your enemy! If you really think Odie is inferior to you, why don't we make a bet?"

"Here it comes!" Jiran and Lais thought simultaneously. They had been playing along with Juan to get him to say this. A bet? Hmph, an opportunity to make money!

"Juan, you don't need to be so arrogant. I'll take this bet on Jiran's behalf. How about we find a place and a time for the two young men to compete?" Lais looked at Juan, his face determined.

Seeing Lais like this, Juan felt a bit uneasy. But after a careful look at Jiran and Lais, Juan sneered.

A big waste and a small waste, what can they stir up?

"No need for that trouble. Isn't now a good opportunity? We'll bet on their swordsmanship exam scores! The one with the lower score kneels and admits defeat!" Juan glared at Lais and Jiran viciously.

Lais looked at Juan, his expression changing. Finally, he seemed to make a desperate decision, gritting his teeth: "Just this isn't enough! I'll put this on the line too!"

Saying this, Lais took out the bone blade sword and stuck it in the ground between them.

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