Chapter 9: The Chief Disciple

The gaze was as cold as a blade, sweeping over the several disciples at the Bone Refinement stage. This caused their bodies to instinctively shrink back, falling silent as if frozen in fear

Zhuang Wudao, upon hearing this, was at a loss whether to laugh or cry: "So you really agreed to it?"

Zhuang Wudao raised his eyebrows, and Zhuang Tong spoke these words with righteous indignation and clarity, truly leaving him with no grounds for rebuttal

If you dare to act today, Zhuang Wudao can call upon friends tonight to smash their home

Zhuang Tong comes from a wealthy family and has sufficient elixirs to support him, yet he is always unable to deal with Zhuang Wudao. This fellow has not refrained from attempting to bribe his superiors; however, in the academy, apart from the headmaster, who is at the second level of Qi training, the other instructors only possess the strength of marrow refinement. Although they are greedy for Zhuang Tong's wealth, they also fear the retaliation from a desperate character like Zhuang Wudao, thus they do not dare to go too far.

Ultimately, Zhuang Tong's family background is merely wealthy but not noble, still residing in the northern part of the city rather than the eastern part, and has not managed to attract any strong figures under his command; instead, his wealth is eyed by many powerful individuals

Indeed, after just a moment, a person walked out from the second entrance of the courtyard. At the age of sixteen, he was the same age as Zhuang Wudao. With striking features, red lips, and white teeth, although he was dressed in the most ordinary martial arts attire, his exceptional demeanor made it clear to anyone who glanced at him that he was a young nobleman.

What can we do if we don't agree? It wouldn't be worth it to get beaten up by him. As the saying goes, a wise man does not suffer immediate losses. Neither of us is his match, so we can only temporarily yield and discuss it when you arrive, Senior Brother

Moreover, this Li Chen Academy also requires the support of Zhuang Wudao to maintain its reputation. If the academic performance is too poor and fails to cultivate outstanding disciples, then Li Xiangnan's position as the head of the academy would have long been taken by someone else

The reason this individual values the position of chief disciple is that he is eager to find a support for his family

In fact, it should be said that it is precisely because the three-year trial period is approaching that we have today's situation.

This position of the chief disciple was originally a foregone conclusion. However, for the past two years, he has been firmly suppressed, relegated to a secondary position.

Zhuang, as the second disciple and the second senior brother of the academy, has reached the marrow refining stage in his cultivation. Although his leg techniques are well-practiced, his overall strength may not be particularly remarkable. However, due to his father's influence, he has garnered a significant number of sycophants within the academy

This is also the greatest opportunity he cares about. Yesterday, he was unwilling to waste time on the Grand Stone Slamming Master and the external skills of the Xingyi Six Harmonies, and that is precisely the reason. Merely practicing to the peak of marrow refinement is still somewhat insufficient; at the very least, he must enter the Qi Refining stage and become a true cultivator to have any chance.

The light within the door belongs to the Golden Elixir practitioners, of whom there are said to be seven giants. The southeastern nations must bow their heads in submission.

Zhuang Tong seemed to have anticipated that Zhuang Wudao would say this. With a cold laugh, his eyes appeared slightly reddened, perhaps due to excessive anger. Looking at Ma Yuanlin and Han Er, their complexions were rosy and full of vitality, showing no signs of illness at all

However, today, observing the appearance of this situation, it is evident that they intend to seize this opportunity to launch an attack, pursuing relentlessly and unwilling to reach a peaceful resolution

If one can join this sect, it is akin to donning a layer of tiger skin; not only is the future boundless, but one can also walk with confidence wherever they go. Zhuang Wudao aspired to be among the elite, and this is the best path to achieve that.

These two fellows are always clever; how could they give Zhuang Tong the opportunity to take action? Rather, it is I who might be in a bit of trouble this time

They are all at the Bone Refinement stage, accounting for a full quarter of the disciples at the academy who are at this stage. Along with the library.

After appearing, Zhuang Tong stood in front of the main gate, coldly laughing at Zhuang Wudao

Zhuang Wudao, in the presence of the supervising envoy dispatched by the Wujing Lichin Daoist Hall, truly defeated Zhuang Tong on the martial arts arena. No matter what tricks the group of instructors attempted, they were utterly helpless.

These individuals are certainly not comparable to Shi Hu and Liu He. Although they claim to be at the Bone Refinement stage, they have actually immersed themselves in martial arts for decades, possessing not only rich combat experience but also a strength that can subtly rival cultivators at the first level of Qi Refinement. While these individuals are also at the Bone Refinement stage, they are merely in the early phase, and their strength is truly difficult to compare. Just Shi Hu alone would have no problem fighting against all ten of them.

Naturally understood

This Zhuang, devoid of principles, seeks to exonerate Ma Yuanlin Han, and is even unwilling to exert effort in thinking of a suitable reason. This attitude towards Zhuang Tong is nothing short of utter contempt.

"Senior Brother Wu Dao, this seems somewhat inappropriate, does it not? Since they have already joined the Li Chen Academy, they are recognized disciples of Li Chen and must adhere to the rules and regulations of the sect. These two have unjustifiably missed four days of the grand ceremony, and even on their duty day, they did not come to report. I, as a junior brother, have only punished them to stand in horse stance for four hours; is there any fault in that? As the chief disciple of our Li Chen Academy, it is one thing not to set an example, but how can you show favoritism and protect them? If everyone were to follow their example, how would we be able to discipline our disciples in the future at Li Chen Academy?"

Although the Zhuang mentioned by him shares the same surname, Zhuang, he has no connection whatsoever with Zhuang Wudao. One is the son of a wealthy merchant, while the other has been a street urchin since childhood

Do not be misled by the fact that the Li Chen Academy ranks poorly among the 130 academies in Yuecheng and is in a state of disrepair. This does not imply that the Li Chen Sect is lacking in any way; on the contrary, the Li Chen Sect is a dominant force in the southeastern region of the Tianyi nations, boasting a history of 13,000 years. It is one of the major sects in the world of literature, with a formidable reputation.

Zhuang Wudao shook his head, rendered speechless. He roughly understood the situation; these two individuals were precisely at the peak of the Blood Training Realm, and indeed, they were not a match for Zhuang Tong.

Zhuang Tong, however, was unwilling to remain silent. He turned around while gripping his sword and said: "Before the grand competition, there will be a smaller contest. In four days, it will be the end of the month. I wonder if you, Zhuang Wudao, can maintain this top position! At that time, Zhuang Tong will certainly seek guidance from his senior brother to see how much progress his senior brother has made in the Dragon Subduing and Tiger Suppressing Fist."

Zhuang Wudao fell silent for a moment, seeing that Zhuang Tong had no intention of making a move, he did not linger any longer and continued to walk into the inner courtyard

As for the owner, Li Xiangnan, he is equally well-intentioned yet powerless. At the very least, the rules that are apparent must still be adhered to

Very well! Even if what the senior brother said is true, that these two individuals took leave due to illness in advance. Then what about the senior brother himself? Why has he been missing for four consecutive days?

It was originally not a significant matter; the atmosphere at the Li Chen Academy had long been chaotic, and the disciples of the academy were mostly lax in their conduct. Among them, he, Ma Yuan, and Lin Han were relatively good. They were genuinely dedicated to learning their craft, which is why they almost attended every day

At the same time that Zhuang Tong finished speaking, three young men, dressed in the same attire as the disciples of the academy, emerged from behind the door. With cold expressions, they stood behind Zhuang Tong, subtly serving as his support

Thus, through this back and forth, the position of chief disciple of Zhuang Wudao was unexpectedly secured firmly.

Lin Han and Ma Yuan followed behind, exchanging a smile. If the county magistrate were to know that the Qingyi Hall was almost destroyed by Zhuang Wudao single-handedly, what kind of expression would he have?

Zhuang Wudao, since childhood, has experienced numerous battles and is particularly sensitive to the aura of killing and the spirit of combat. He immediately halted his steps and cast a sidelong glance at the few individuals beside him

It must be stated that there is a connection with m.hetushu.com, which is solely the camaraderie among the disciples of the academy. Zhuang Wudao is the chief disciple of the academy, while Zhuang Tong occupies the second position. This is also the reason for the enmity between the two.

Zhuang Tong's expression grew even colder as Zhuang Wudao passed by him with Ma Yuanlin and Han Er. Suddenly, he narrowed his eyes slightly and grasped his sword with his right hand

Ma Yuan's skin was as thick as a city wall, his face filled with deep sorrow: "I am indeed in the wrong; even if I were to be beaten by him, I have no reason to complain, so I can only endure the humiliation and bear the burden for now"

Lin Han casually patted his robe and, smiling, also withdrew his horse stance: "It's that guy Zhuang Tong. He has always hated you to the core. Both of us have been dragged down by you, suffering from bad luck. Given the rare opportunity to strike back, how could he let it slip by?"

Zhuang Wudao walked towards the inner courtyard while yawning to express his boredom: "Naturally, I am in seclusion to practice my martial arts, as the time for the grand competition in three years is approaching. Does Junior Brother Zhuang not care at all? I, as your senior brother, am extremely anxious and dare not be negligent for even a day. Recently, I feel that I have made some breakthroughs in my martial arts, so I specifically entered seclusion to train for a while. Do you have any questions?"

Zhuang Tong's face also showed a slight hint of green, and hesitation was evident in his eyes. The hand gripping the sword had prominent veins, as if he were about to draw it, yet seemed to be weighing some concern. Ultimately, he regained his composure: "How could Junior Brother dare? However, I have heard that the people from the Qingyi Hall have been searching for you everywhere recently. Therefore, Senior Brother's appearance today is truly beyond my expectations. I am genuinely worried that Senior Brother might inexplicably lose his head in the coming days, bringing shame to the Disengagement Sect"

"What is it? Are you, Junior Brother Zhuang, seeking to consult me about martial arts?"

Four days ago, he joined forces with others to ambush and kill Shi Bao. To avoid retaliation from Shi Hu, they all scattered and hid in various places inside and outside the city. At this time, Ma Yuanlin Han had also not come to the academy for a full four days.

Who said that one does not come without reason? The two of them have been ill recently, so four days ago, they already requested leave from me. As the head of the academy, I am not sure if I have the authority to grant this

Ma Yuan stood up in a carefree manner and said: "However, just now a fellow used a chicken feather as a command and ordered us to stand in horse stance for four hours! I dared not disobey the order. This grand event can only be delayed now"

After March, it will be the day of the grand examination at the Eight Hundred Academies of the Li Chen Sect, where disciples will be selected from the academies established in various southern cities. Those who are chosen will be granted direct entry into the inner sect, becoming true disciples of the Li Chen Sect, and will be referred to by the world as "Ascending to the Immortal Gate"

Do not worry too much about your junior brother; it seems you are being rather lenient with him.

As a chief disciple of the academy, it is said that there will be additional points awarded. Furthermore, even after ten years of entering the inner sect, there remains the qualification to become a true disciple.

After the grand examination, in addition to the head of the academy, there are one to three recommendation slots based on the rankings of various academies. Among those under twenty years of age in the academy, the one to seven individuals with the strongest abilities, as long as their rankings in the grand examination are acceptable, may also directly enter the inner door

However, it cannot be said that the two of them are too soft-hearted. When it comes to competing for territory and fighting with others, both Ma Yuan and Lin Han have always been at the forefront. Yet, they have never cared much about their own image or reputation

However, if it had been a few days earlier, Zhuang Wudao might have had some reservations; at this moment, however, he no longer had any concerns.

Ultimately, they are merely bought off by money and are not necessarily willing to risk their lives for Zhuang. These individuals are also aware of Zhuang Wudao's formidable nature. With just a glare from him, they immediately lower their flags and cease their efforts, their previous momentum completely dissipated

Thus, over the past few years, the two have become mortal enemies