Chapter 32

The old man in blue robes walked onto the stage and raised Tanggu's arm: "This time, the top student of the Outer Academy is Tanggu!"

The disciples who remained below the stage immediately erupted into a cacophony of cheers and applause, with Yan Shan clapping the loudest, possibly the most surprised of all. However, he felt only joy, not a hint of jealousy like the others.

"Alright, the Outer Academy's minor competition has officially concluded. Congratulations to all who placed in the top three, top five, and even the top thirty. I hope you continue to remain humble and strive forward, reaching new heights!"

"Three days from now, all of you will come to the Outer Academy to receive your rewards. The top five will be led to the Inner Academy, officially becoming one of the many disciples of our martial academy, ascending to a higher level!"

"Now, you may disperse!"

"Yes."

The old man in blue robes descended from the stage, giving Tanggu an approving glance before leaving, clearly impressed by Tanggu's performance today.

Tanggu glanced around, noticing the awe and admiration in the eyes of those who had originally intended to mock him or look at him with ridicule. He couldn't help but smile bitterly, which pulled at his injuries, causing him to frown.

"I need to go treat my injuries first."

He turned to leave the stage, but at that moment, his foot kicked something. Curiously, he looked down and saw a thin, silver-gray booklet lying on the stage, its pages fluttering in the wind.

"What is this?" He bent down to pick it up, wondering, "Could it be something 'Iron Sword' Du Pengfei left behind?"

However, a sharp pain in his body reminded him that he couldn't stay long and needed to treat his injuries. So, he didn't examine it closely, instead tucking it into his chest and heading towards the thatched cottage.

...

Night.

Thatched Cottage.

No stars, no moon.

A single lamp flickered, and Tanggu sat cross-legged on a wooden bed, cultivating to heal his injuries.

A misty vapor rose from his head, his cheeks flushed red, and large beads of sweat rolled down his face. The sound of surging water echoed within his body as his meridians circulated.

After a moment, a series of "cracking" sounds came from Tanggu's body. He finally finished his cultivation, slowly exhaling a long, white breath.

This breath, white and continuous, shot out like an arrow, flying dozens of feet before slowly dissipating.

Tanggu opened his eyes, gazing into the distance, deep in thought.

"Three days of continuous battles, though my injuries weren't severe, I was afraid of hidden damage. But now, I'm completely healed."

"Right..."

He seemed to remember something, reaching into his chest and pulling out the thin, silver-gray booklet. "This is what I found on the stage today. I wonder what it is?"

Just one glance made Tanggu's eyes brighten.

"A first-class supreme secret manual, 'Thunder Water Mad Snake Finger'?"

"Could it really be this technique..."

Tanggu was secretly astonished. During the day, he had personally experienced the power of this technique. Even among first-class supreme techniques, it was considered top-notch, far beyond what ordinary people could learn or possess.

If it weren't for his clever use of the ancient soul technique to suppress 'Iron Sword' Du Pengfei, he would have been defeated. Facing 'Iron Sword' Du Pengfei, who possessed the 'Thunder Water Mad Snake Finger,' the one who would have ultimately failed today would have been him.

And this was after Tanggu had diligently practiced and taken the last three 'Small Blood Tendon Fruits' over the past month, pushing his strength from the peak of the first transformation to the peak of the second transformation, barely surpassing 'Iron Sword' Du Pengfei.

Furthermore, from the look of 'Iron Sword' Du Pengfei, it was clear that he had only recently started practicing this technique and hadn't fully grasped it. Otherwise, Tanggu would have been defeated even faster.

This demonstrated the power of this first-class supreme technique.

Since this technique had fallen into his hands, he couldn't return it. However, although Du Pengfei was too dazed to notice it at the time, he would surely realize it was taken by Tanggu once he recalled the events.

He needed to think of a way to cover this up.

While thinking, Tanggu opened the booklet again and, under the lamplight, quietly read through it. After a moment, the entire technique was etched into his mind like a gentle stream.

Then, he raised his hand and placed the secret manual near the lamp, watching it slowly burn to ashes. A serious look flashed in Tanggu's eyes, but he showed no hesitation.

In the blink of an eye, three days had passed.

Today was the day for the Outer Academy's minor competition rewards and entry into the Inner Academy.

Tanggu got up, changed into his Outer Academy martial robe, straightened his collar, and headed towards the martial academy.

...

Qiu Dao Martial Academy, Outer Academy.

Martial Practice Square.

The old man in blue robes who had presided over the minor competition three days ago stood on the stage, with several miscellaneous disciples behind him holding several trays, looking very mysterious.

With Tanggu's arrival, all the disciples who placed in the top thirty of the Outer Academy's minor competition had gathered. Tanggu was the last to arrive.

"From tenth to thirtieth place, each receives two Small Essence Pills. From fifth to tenth place, each receives four Small Essence Pills. From fourth to fifth place, each receives eight Small Essence Pills. Come up and collect your rewards!"

After a moment, the Small Essence Pills for the fourth to thirtieth places were all distributed, and it was finally the turn of the top three.

The old man in blue robes spoke again, his gaze searching the crowd for a moment before landing on the beautiful, yellow-robed Outer Academy disciple, "Ice Maiden" Li Youxue.

"Xue'er, come up. Your third place reward is one Three-Transformation Pill and three Small Sun and Moon Pills."

Amidst the envious gazes of everyone, "Ice Maiden" Li Youxue smiled and gracefully walked up to the stage, taking the two bottles of pills from the old man and bowing slightly, "Thank you, mentor."

She then stepped down.

"Second place, 'Iron Sword' Du Pengfei, your reward is the right to choose one first-class supreme technique from the Inner Academy's martial library. Here is your silver card. Keep it safe, and I will lead you to the Inner Array where you can use it."

With that, a silver card shimmering with a faint silver light appeared on his finger. 'Iron Sword' Du Pengfei walked up to the stage and took the silver card from the old man, but he showed no joy or pride.

Tanggu watched, and in just three days, the usually spirited and proud top disciple of the Outer Academy looked like he had aged several decades, withered and frail, his steps unsteady, as if a gust of wind could knock him down.

He walked up to the stage and down again without thanking anyone, his eyes lifeless, devoid of any spirit, as if he had lost his soul.

The old man in blue robes looked at him disapprovingly and then turned away, waving his roster and continuing:

"First place of the Outer Academy, Tanggu, your reward is a Fifth-Class Ordinary Dark Cloud Iron Sword. I hope you continue to excel and make a name for yourself in the Inner Academy."

"Yes."

Amidst the attention of the crowd, Tanggu stepped forward. At this moment, he clearly felt the complex emotions in the gazes of those watching him.

Envy, jealousy, covetousness, admiration, and reverence!

There was no longer any contempt or ridicule!

Is this the benefit of strength? He smiled slightly, taking the two-finger-wide black sword with a sharkskin scabbard from the old man.

The sword was dull and unremarkable, but it felt extremely soft and smooth, with an ancient texture. The hilt was gold, and the fittings were silver, exuding a sense of luxury in its understated design.

"Click!"

He drew the sword, and the world before him turned dark. The sword, like its scabbard, was entirely black, covered with countless mica patterns. With a light swing, the air emitted a "swish" sound, and a cold aura spread.

The entire sword was slender and elegant, narrow and refined, the opposite of his heavy and thick sword. Tanggu's heavy and thick sword had been destroyed, and this sword perfectly compensated for his lack of a weapon. Moreover, compared to the heavy and thick sword, this narrow and refined Dark Cloud Iron Sword was clearly more suitable for him.

Tanggu sheathed the sword and bowed slightly to the old man, "Thank you, mentor!"

The Fifth-Class Dark Cloud Iron Sword, he could see its extraordinary qualities, far surpassing ordinary weapons, worth at least 500 gray stones.

"You're welcome, you deserve it."

The old man in blue robes, unusually, said a few more words and patted Tanggu's shoulder, "You did well. I have high hopes for you."

Tanggu thanked him again and then slowly descended from the stage, returning to the crowd. Suddenly, he caught two gazes filled with deep hatred and a hint of fear.

Tanggu didn't need to turn around to know who they were: Wang Zheng and Du Pengfei!

PS: Second update. It's almost midnight, a new week, and a push for the new book rankings. I hope everyone can spare a few recommendation votes. Thank you!