Chapter 4

Canglan Academy.

Flowing Cloud Peak, Enlightenment Platform.

This place is closest to the Black Dragon Tower, and even on ordinary days when there's nothing significant happening, many disciples of the sect come here to seek enlightenment.

Today, however, it was particularly extraordinary. Even before dawn, people began to flood the Enlightenment Platform at the mountaintop.

By the time the sky brightened, the spacious Enlightenment Platform was packed to the brim.

Crowds of people, bustling and lively.

Except for those who were on external missions or in closed meditation, all the outer and inner list disciples of Canglan Academy were present.

Even some of the Heaven List disciples had quietly come!

In the Flowing Cloud Hall on the Enlightenment Platform, many of the academy elders, who are rarely seen, had gathered.

Canglan Academy hadn't been this lively in a long time, but the source of this liveliness was truly not so reassuring.

"A mere waste of a person at the Later Heaven stage, also daring to challenge the Black Dragon Tower, isn't this just courting death?"

"Courting death is one thing, but the quota for the Black Dragon Tower is so precious, giving it to him is a real waste!"

"How many people break their heads trying to get the qualification, yet this Si Xueyi can just casually challenge it, it's really unfair."

"Does he really think he's a genius?"

The voices on Flowing Cloud Peak were a cacophony, and the faces of the elders in front of the hall were rather grim.

"Brother Gu, everyone seems quite dissatisfied... I heard that some inner disciples were so angry they were jumping around."

"This guy is really shameless, I've never seen anyone so shameless."

"Besides being handsome, what else does he have?"

A group of people gathered together, whispering and grumbling, their faces filled with dissatisfaction and resentment.

The leader was none other than Gu Yuxin, who had been mocked by Si Xueyi three days ago.

Gu Yuxin had endured it at the time, but he immediately regretted it afterward.

The more he thought about it, the angrier he got, and the more he felt he had lost. He was depressed for three whole days.

A man who had been forcibly expelled nine times, each time shamelessly clinging to stay.

A man who, in the outer gate exams, always ranked at the bottom.

A man with a Heavenly Quality soul force, who had yet to break through to the Prior Heaven stage after three years.

To say he was ordinary and confident, and to question his lack of principles... Gu Yuxin had never been so humiliated in his life.

He couldn't take it anymore!

In a white dress, tall and curvaceous, Feng Yueyu stood out among the many disciples, her beauty and elegance unmatched.

She had a face that could captivate anyone, with no flaws in her features, but her expression was always cold and distant, making it hard for anyone to approach her.

Beside her, Duanmu Xi, with her silver hair, was much more lively. Her beautiful eyes were deep and lively, and her smile was like a warm spring breeze, sweet enough to make one forget all worldly troubles.

Seeing the lively scene, Duanmu Xi was very excited and said, "Senior Sister, the academy hasn't been this lively in a long time. Senior Brother Xueyi really has a lot of charm."

"It's lively, but what charm does that guy have? Making everyone restless and full of resentment, can he really get away with it?"

Feng Yueyu frowned, not expecting the commotion to be so big today. This was really going to be hard to resolve.

Thinking back to two days ago, when she couldn't bear to see Si Xueyi and found him sound asleep, Feng Yueyu became even more dissatisfied and angry.

At a time like this, he was still sleeping.

Just then, the bustling Enlightenment Platform suddenly fell silent, and the sound of a leaf falling was clearly audible.

Someone was coming!

Feng Yueyu raised an eyebrow and saw Si Xueyi from Flowing Cloud Peak slowly walking up.

He was dressed in a magnificent white robe, the material of which was unknown, bright and dazzling, as pure as jade, adorned with elegant and fresh stripes, and a pendant hung from his waist.

As pure as the snow on the mountain, as bright as the moon in the clouds.

This white robe, paired with his face that could be described as incomparably handsome, instantly stunned everyone present.

Many people blinked, recognizing Si Xueyi, and their gazes became unfriendly.

Si Xueyi glanced around and thought to himself, the scene was really grand.

Outer list disciples, inner list disciples, Heaven list disciples, and even many of the academy's elders were present.

As the disciples on the Enlightenment Platform watched Si Xueyi approach, they all fell silent in unison.

Canglan Academy, as one of the four major sects of the Cangxuan Prefecture, even the outer list disciples were outstanding, chosen from thousands.

The inner list disciples were even more exceptional, capable of taking on ten at the same cultivation level, making them absolute elites in the Cangxuan Prefecture.

As for the Heaven list disciples above the inner list, any one of them could be considered a top expert in the Qingxuan region.

At this moment, the crowd gathered, their gazes unfriendly and cold, staring at Si Xueyi.

If it were anyone else facing such a scene, they would likely be intimidated.

Their eyes were filled with resentment and anger, having been pent up for several days.

Si Xueyi, however, remained calm and unafraid.

People always have a bit of temper.

If he were in their shoes, he might also be不服气 (unconvinced), but having a temper is one thing, and if they were to challenge him...

Then he would have to apologize, but this young master specializes in dealing with those who are不服气 (unconvinced)!

Before long, Si Xueyi arrived on the Enlightenment Platform, his gaze sweeping over the crowd and then landing on Duanmu Xi beside Feng Yueyu.

Her silver hair, shining in the sunlight, was very eye-catching.

Si Xueyi blinked and smiled at her.

Duanmu Xi's face turned slightly red, about to greet Si Xueyi, but Feng Yueyu glared at her.

Duanmu Xi could only smile at Si Xueyi, thinking that her junior brother's clothes were indeed very handsome.

Swish!

Si Xueyi felt a cold gaze, it was Feng Yueyu, who was looking at him coldly, with a warning tone.

This girl was still angry with him.

Si Xueyi smiled, just as he was about to greet her, a strong wind rose, and a beast's roar echoed in all directions.

When the wind subsided, a figure appeared on the Enlightenment Platform, it was the Canglan Academy Chancellor, Feng Haoyu, riding the academy's mountain guardian, the Crimson Flame Sacred Song Beast.

This was a powerful and majestic幻兽 (phantom beast), standing on all fours, with no hair on its body, its skin gleaming with a cold metallic luster, like a steel monster.

Its tail was adorned with fierce spikes, and its horns shone with a sharp, cold light, exuding a fierce and violent aura that made people's hearts race.

A幻兽 (phantom beast) is the dream of all martial artists on the Thundering Continent, but obtaining one is extremely difficult.

This Crimson Flame Sacred Song Beast was even more extraordinary, ranking 96th on the Earth List of phantom beasts, with a significant background.

The overwhelming pressure it emitted made everyone present feel the weight of its presence.

Si Xueyi's eyes narrowed, knowing that this phantom beast was not yet in its complete form. When it reached its complete form, it would grow golden wings on its back, its bones would transform, and its appearance would turn golden.

"Pay respects to the Chancellor!"

The many disciples present knelt down in unison, their voices resounding.

Si Xueyi was slightly surprised; this old man was really serious, and this was the first time he had seen him ride a phantom beast at Canglan Academy.

Feng Haoyu's expression was solemn and cold, raising his hand to indicate that everyone could rise, and then he called out, "Si Xueyi!"

His gaze was sharp, locking onto Si Xueyi.

"Here."

Si Xueyi bowed in response.

Feng Haoyu said in a deep voice, "Three years ago, your Heavenly Quality soul force amazed Cangxuan, and I allowed you to challenge the Black Dragon Tower at any time. At that time, no one dared to say a word against it."

"But after three years, it has caused unrest. Who is convinced today?"

"I will not go back on my word, but your cultivation is too weak, making it hard to convince everyone. How about this, if no one objects today, I will allow it. What do you think?"

As he finished speaking, the Enlightenment Platform immediately erupted in noise, the Chancellor had spoken their thoughts.

Si Xueyi's eyes narrowed, the old Chancellor was not showing any leniency.

"Those who are not envied are mediocre. Chancellor, there's no need to worry about me. If anyone is不服气 (unconvinced), let them step forward. We'll see who ends up the laughingstock."

Si Xueyi paid no attention to Feng Haoyu's words, his smile growing wider.

As soon as he spoke, the academy disciples were shocked and looked at Si Xueyi in surprise.

This guy is too arrogant, at the Later Heaven stage, daring to defy everyone?

Not to mention the inner list disciples, any one of the outer list disciples could crush him with a finger.

Absolutely shameless!

And he says the Chancellor is concerned about him, the Chancellor clearly doesn't want him to challenge the Black Dragon Tower.

"Since it's come to this, and no one is stepping forward, are you all just gossiping behind my back, too scared to face me, even less than a laughingstock?"

The crowd was still murmuring, and Si Xueyi spoke again, instantly igniting their emotions.

Duanmu Xi was incredibly surprised, "What is Senior Brother Xueyi trying to do..."

Feng Yueyu frowned, dissatisfied, "I really misjudged him. This guy is just a braggart, and he's still putting on an act!"

Si Xueyi was unafraid, raising his eyes to look at the Chancellor, his gaze slightly provocative.

If we're going to play, let's play big. He had no other way out anyway.

Feng Haoyu was unperturbed, smiling, "He still has a bit of the pride of a genius. Is there no one left in Canglan Academy? Someone come and show him what it means to be formidable. The Black Dragon Tower is not something he can just challenge."

"Gu Yuxin, I am willing to challenge Junior Brother Qin!"

Gu Yuxin, who had been holding back, stepped forward the moment Feng Haoyu finished speaking, his gaze cold as he looked at Si Xueyi.

He had a proud demeanor, though only fifteen years old, he exuded the aura of a young strongman.

Seeing Gu Yuxin step forward, the others' eyes gleamed, eager to try their luck.

Gu Yuxin, though an outer list disciple, had reached the peak of the Ninth Stage of the Prior Heaven realm, making him one of the most outstanding among the outer list disciples.

"Si Xueyi, do you remember me?" Gu Yuxin looked at Si Xueyi coldly, "Three days ago, I told you that you no longer had the qualifications to challenge the Black Dragon Tower. Fortunately, the Chancellor is wise."

Here's that clown again.

Si Xueyi smiled inwardly, "Of course I remember. People like you, who are ordinary yet confident, are quite rare."

A flash of anger crossed Gu Yuxin's eyes, and he said, "Si Xueyi, do you really think you're still the genius from three years ago? Ranking at the bottom for three years, you dare to mock me? I've been putting up with you for a long time."

"Sorry, you might have to keep putting up with me." Si Xueyi said with a carefree smile.

Feng Yueyu stared at Si Xueyi, speechless. This guy's face never showed any sadness.

Doesn't he know he looks like a scoundrel when he smiles?

Si Xueyi might not know, but Gu Yuxin was really furious. This guy's smile was too annoying.

"Junior Brother Gu, go ahead, don't hold back!"

"Make him face reality, get him to leave, and stop interfering with the Black Dragon Tower."

"Smiling so scoundrelly, Junior Brother Gu, don't hold back, teach him a lesson."

The disciples began to cheer, and some of the personal disciples watching the show also sneered.

With Gu Yuxin taking action, this guy would soon stop smiling.

Whoosh!

A cold light flashed in Gu Yuxin's eyes, and he gripped the hilt of his sword, dashing forward in a flash.

He didn't want to waste time. A laughingstock of Canglan Academy, taking some effort to defeat him would be too embarrassing.

He wanted to defeat his opponent in one move, using the most decisive method to humiliate him thoroughly.

The sword was drawn, the cold light piercing.

This strike was fast and ruthless, and Gu Yuxin held nothing back. He had been putting up with Si Xueyi for a long time, and he was willing to cripple him if necessary.

But to Si Xueyi, this seemingly decisive and deadly strike was full of flaws, too many to bear.

Si Xueyi casually took a step, and in a flash, he struck at the weak point of the sword technique. Before the sword light could fall, he grabbed the opponent's wrist.

Buzz!

The sword hummed under the infusion of spiritual energy, but no matter how hard Gu Yuxin tried, he couldn't break free from Si Xueyi's grip.

Si Xueyi's body, tempered by the Dragon Tiger Fist, had undergone a transformation, and few people at the same cultivation level could withstand his punch.

Especially Gu Yuxin, who was only at the Prior Heaven stage.

Boom!

The Dragon Tiger Fist technique quietly activated, and Si Xueyi's body emitted a loud crackling sound, like the roar of a beast in the forest.

"Let go!"

Gu Yuxin, who was close to Si Xueyi, felt as if he was being stared down by a fierce tiger, panicking and shouting at Si Xueyi in anger.

"I told you before, people like you, who are ordinary yet confident, are quite rare."

Si Xueyi's smile suddenly vanished, and a momentum characteristic of the Prior Heaven stage began to rise from him.

Gu Yuxin, whose wrist was held, screamed in pain, begging for mercy.

Si Xueyi didn't even look, and with a fierce swing of his right hand, Gu Yuxin's body flew like a sandbag, crashing into a stone pillar three zhang away.

Bang!

With a loud thud, Gu Yuxin fell to the ground, blood flowing from the corner of his mouth.

He looked up at Si Xueyi, his eyes filled with terror as Si Xueyi's momentum continued to rise.

Cultivation, Meridian Opening, Soft and Hard, Divine Courage, Bone Forging, Internal Strengthening, Blood Accumulation, Marrow Washing, Spirit Transformation.

In an instant, Si Xueyi's momentum reached the peak of the Ninth Stage of the Prior Heaven realm.

Gu Yuxin was stunned, his eyes filled with disbelief, muttering, "How is this possible?"