Chapter 37

As the sun broke through the clouds, shining over the South Eagle Academy, the sky was suddenly clear and cloudless, and the summer heat began to rage once again.

At noon, students who had just finished their morning exams should have flooded into the school canteens to enjoy the free and sumptuous lunch. However, more and more students were changing their course, heading toward the grand martial arts hall at the center of South Eagle Academy.

The martial arts hall of South Eagle Academy, located in the center of the school, was completed in Earth Year 4120, supervised by the seventh president, Zhang Zhengri. After Zhang Zhengri's heroic sacrifice during the Third Sno River War, the hall had never been opened again.

However, today, something unusual was happening at the martial arts hall. The hall's massive doors, over 30 meters high, towered like those of a giant. On both sides of the wide road in front of the hall, dozens of police cars were neatly lined up, and fully armed police officers patrolled the perimeter, strictly prohibiting any unauthorized personnel from approaching. At the entrance, armed soldiers stood guard.

This strange situation immediately drew a crowd of examinees, who were puzzled about what was happening. Could some important figure be inspecting South Eagle Academy during the graduation exams? South Eagle Academy was currently at the bottom of the list in Los Angeles City, so which important figure would bother to come here?

As the examinees whispered and speculated, they saw teachers from classes A, B, and others leading their outstanding students in neat rows, passing through the inspection and entering the hall one by one.

"What's going on? Is some kind of training being held inside?"

"How can this happen during the graduation exams? Are they not treating us other students as human beings?"

"Move, move. We want to go in too. Otherwise, we'll report this as a form of cheating."

"What is this? The most crucial free-for-all battle in the afternoon, and the academy is giving special training to those outstanding students. It's inhumane."

The examinees first speculated, then became agitated, but the solid human wall formed by the police officers was of no use.

Inside the martial arts hall, which could accommodate 30,000 people, the seats were about to be filled to capacity.

The "Zhengri Elimination Battle" had never been applied for since its establishment, and this was the first time in 220 years, perhaps the last.

Upon hearing the news, the teachers immediately contacted the outstanding students from their respective classes and organized them to come and watch the battle. Regardless of the outcome, this battle would be extremely meaningful for these students.

Usually, it was not easy to observe battles between elite students, let alone those between martial arts geniuses.

At 12:25, the seats in the martial arts hall were almost full, with almost all the elite and outstanding students from the first, second, and third grades of South Eagle Academy present. Some had even sneaked in through connections and were standing to watch.

On the central stage, Vice President Wang Sen held a speech manuscript and began his opening remarks, reading the rules of the "Zhengri Elimination Battle" and the biography of the seventh president, Mr. Zhang Zhengri. The speech, which had already lasted 15 minutes, showed no signs of stopping.

At the entrance on one side of the stage, 18 members of the Qian family gathered, discussing in low voices. Among them, Qian Julong was clearly the leader.

Staring at the entrance on the other side of the stage, Qian Li's face was dark as he whispered, "Fifth Brother, Sun Yan has consecutively broken two records. His strength is not to be underestimated."

"Fifth Brother, what should we do?" Qian Lin's face was full of panic.

Qian Lin was also here because, like Sun Yan, he had tampered with his exam information, placing himself in the elite class of Class C.

A month ago, the Qian family had used their connections to secure a place for Qian Lin in a higher-level academy. Of course, to avoid criticism, Qian Lin's student records could not show him as a waste. However, he had inadvertently put himself in a difficult position.

"Shut up!" Qian Julong hissed, glaring at Qian Lin. "If you weren't such a waste, we wouldn't be in such a passive position. Sun Yan secretly attacked us, and we were caught off guard? Hmph, a second-level martial artist wouldn't need to sneak attack you. You're just trying to save face."

Immediately, the others also glared at Qian Lin. If this scoundrel hadn't hidden the truth, they wouldn't be in such a predicament.

Qian Julong's brows furrowed, and he sneered, "However, Sun Yan's overconfidence and arrogance have given us a chance to turn the tables. By challenging all 18 members of our Qian family, he has sealed his own fate."

"Fifth Brother, what do you mean?"

Qian Julong's face turned extremely dark. "Hmph! Uncle Qian Xiangting already knows about this. He gave me instructions before we entered."

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes lit up with hope. Speaking of Qian Xiangting, he was one of the pillars of the Qian family, a leading figure, second only to the family patriarch and the few remaining ancestors.

Qian Lin, feeling as if he had grabbed a lifeline, asked repeatedly, "Uncle Qian, what did he say?"

Qian Julong's face twisted into a sinister expression. "Use the 'Gold-Melting Killing Formation' to cripple Sun Yan!"

Everyone was first shocked, then understood. Forming a grudge with a martial arts genius was a significant problem for the Qian family. However, a crippled martial arts genius would lose his value. Even if there were major troubles afterward, the Qian family's power could ensure their safety. Once the situation calmed down, they could settle accounts.

"Good! Let's use the 'Gold-Melting Killing Formation'!"

At this moment, the audience seats in the martial arts hall were already full, and people were gradually entering the VIP boxes. Most of them were important figures in Los Angeles City, with extensive influence. Upon receiving the news, they had come here immediately to witness the rare "Zhengri Elimination Battle." Among them were Teacher Dao, Guo Nu, and Ye Zefeng, whose faces were not pleasant, showing a hint of concern.

"Old Dao, you really are reckless! How could you agree to this examinee's request?" Guo Nu's voice was filled with reproach, dissatisfied with Teacher Dao's previous decision.

Teacher Dao spread his hands, helpless. "How was I to know this kid would be so bold, challenging 18 members of the Qian family? Ah, truly, a young bull knows no fear!"

"The members of a thousand-year-old martial arts family have been trained in unique battle formations since childhood. This is no joke," Ye Zefeng's brows furrowed, and he couldn't help but stand up. "No, we must stop this battle. The Qian family is known for their ruthless actions. We can't let such a talented seed fall into danger."

However, Ye Zefeng's actions were stopped by Guo Nu, who said sternly, "The 'Zhengri Elimination Battle' was approved by Mentor Lin Xinghe. Little Ye, you should understand the consequences of stopping this battle."

Ye Zefeng's body stiffened, and he had to sit down. Although he wanted to protect Sun Yan, he dared not violate the rules set by Mentor Lin Xinghe.

Lin Xinghe, the principal of Imperial Wind Academy, was a half-step Martial Ancestor and a great martial arts master. His rules were equivalent to the laws of the Odin Star Region. Violators would face dual sanctions from the federal government and the military, and even punishment from the Humanoid Alliance.

In another VIP box, a middle-aged man sat alone. He was tall and slender, standing out even when seated. He had a hooked nose, thin lips, and high cheekbones, giving him a cold and effeminate appearance.

"C-69 class's Sun Yan, who has broken two records in South Eagle Academy's graduation exams, is truly a genius!" The man looked down at the large stage, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Such a talented martial arts seed, if it were in normal times, our Qian family would spare no effort to recruit him. Unfortunately, since the grudge cannot be resolved, we can only nip it in the bud. If you blame anyone, blame yourself for not knowing better and provoking our Qian family."

In yet another VIP box, the door quietly opened, and three people slipped in one after another. Removing their disguises, they were revealed to be Feng Lingsnow, Chen Wang, and Chang Cheng. These three were too famous in all of Los Angeles City, so they dared not enter openly, or they would be surrounded and unable to move.

Sitting down, Chang Cheng sighed in relief and asked with a frown, "Lingsnow, isn't it too risky for Sun Yan to challenge 18 members of the Qian family at once?"

At the banquet that night, after Chang Cheng and Chen Wang's duel, Chang Cheng saw the "Elbow Cannon" mark Sun Yan left before leaving, realizing he had missed a chance to fight such a genius, which left him regretful. However, hearing that Sun Yan had applied for the "Zhengri Elimination Battle" and specifically challenged 18 members of the Qian family, Chang Cheng felt worried.

Hearing this, Chen Wang and Feng Lingsnow exchanged smiles, showing no concern. They gestured for Chang Cheng to sit down and watch the upcoming battle.

At the entrance on the other side of the stage, four figures stood: Sun Yan, Carter, Shui Lianqing, and Mu Tong. Shui Lianqing and Mu Tong were allowed to watch the battle up close due to their relationship with Sun Yan.

"Xiao Yan, you're so cool! Beat them up for me, big brother."

Since learning of Sun Yan's strength, Mu Tong's attitude hadn't changed much, except that he no longer shied away from violent situations, thanks to having a powerful friend.

Shui Lianqing glared at Mu Tong and asked softly, "Sun Yan, are you really okay?"

"Even if there's a problem, there's no regret pill now," Carter snorted. "Sun Yan, if you lose, you'll stay back and spend another year under me."

Just as Sun Yan was about to say something, his communicator vibrated. Opening it, a glint of excitement appeared in his eyes. He licked his lips and said, "Coach Carter, keep this for me. Don't worry, I'll definitely win."

Handing the communicator to Carter, Sun Yan walked toward the massive stage.

"This kid is really confident," Carter shook his head with a bitter smile, glancing at the communicator. His eyes suddenly froze.

The communicator displayed three messages.

"Go for it! We're watching too — Feng Lingsnow."

"Xiao Yan, we're waiting for you at Imperial Wind Academy — Chen Wang."

"If you don't beat up those Qian family members, I'll beat you up — Chang Cheng."

Raising his head, Carter stared at the slender figure of the young man, realizing he might have underestimated this student.

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