Chapter 171

Most academy disciples present had heard of Yang Lingrui’s name since he visited the Chess Academy with two girls.

They previously felt resentful, believing he merely got lucky – like a toad clinging to swans.

But when they saw Yang Lingrui’s true appearance now, they froze in shock.

He’d been using a disguise technique all along!

Not to hide flaws or conceal himself, but because his real features were too radiant!

With the blurred, flickering scenery around him, Yang Lingrui’s mere presence felt like a dream.

After seeing his face, none thought him unworthy of accompanying Li Qingwan and Feng Linghua anymore.

Some even started believing Yang Lingrui outshone both women when standing together!

"Such looks truly exist in this world?"

"Though it pains me, I must admit he surpasses me in appearance."

"With this beauty and Enlightenment Stone’s phenomenon, he embodies Tiger-Chasing’s ideal of talent and grace!"

Exclamations of awe filled the air.

"You picked well, Shenglai!"

Xiao Yize kept nodding at the meditating Yang Lingrui: "Master’s recent letter mentioned finding me a junior brother – Yang Lingshu from this Yang Family?"

"Lingrui’s clan brother," He Shenglai confirmed.

"Perfect! With you mentoring one and me the other, the Yang Family will claim that seat easily!"

Those familiar with Yang Lingrui’s true appearance – He Shenglai, Su Lingyun, Zi He, Li Qingwan – remained composed.

But others reacted stronger, including elite talents from various kingdoms.

Their gazes held more than surprise when looking at Yang Lingrui.

Murong Qiuhan stood apart in black silk, rubbing a gilded ring between slender fingers while studying Yang Lingrui.

She’d also triggered a phenomenon when sensing the Enlightenment Stone earlier.

Wei Kangping concealed it due to her status, preventing others from witnessing.

Her phenomenon showed a spiritual bird soaring skyward.

"Spiritual bird riding winds."

She mused silently: "Good symbolism."

Feng Lingyue gaped at Yang Lingrui’s revealed features.

"Impossible! It’s him!"

"He lied about his identity at the treasure land!"

This realization made her urgently glance at Feng Linghua standing among disciples.

Li Qingwan simultaneously turned toward them.

At this moment, everyone’s attention focused on Yang Lingrui.

Only two individuals noticed Feng Linghua standing motionless among the academy disciples, clutching a painting scroll with tears flowing down her cheeks.

"Linghua, it’s alright. Big sister’s here."

Feng Lingyue immediately rushed over and embraced her silently crying sister.

"Sis… *sob*… I…"

"It’s fake… Young Master Lin never existed… never…"

Feng Linghua choked out between sobs, her fists still desperately clutching the scroll.

Li Qingwan hurried to her side, holding the trembling hands of the weeping girl whose tear-streaked face stirred compassion in her heart.

She then turned to shoot an accusatory look at Yang Lingrui –

That glare clearly conveyed "Look what you’ve done!"

At the front of the academy group, Xiao Man and several other top disciples following Shen Yue stood dumbstruck upon seeing Yang Lingrui’s true appearance, their minds unable to calm down.

"H-he’s actually this handsome!"

Xiao Man pointed shakily at Yang Lingrui, her words stumbling.

"Beyond the heavens lies greater skies… how true those words ring."

"Hiss—truly remarkable! Even compared to our academy’s famously handsome seniors, he clearly surpasses them!"

Handsome.

Handsome!

Shen Yue caught this repeated word amidst the gasping praises.

"He’s a very handsome person."

Li Qingwan’s past comment suddenly echoed through his mind.

His brow twitched as he turned to see Li Qingwan comforting Feng Linghua with held hands –

Just in time to witness the particular way she looked at Yang Lingrui.

In that instant, everything became clear to Shen Yue.

When he turned back to observe Yang Lingrui, his clenched fist behind his back briefly tightened before relaxing.

"Indeed… I can’t compare…"

For the first time in his life, Shen Yue tasted the bitter defeat of being outmatched.

At the Su Family’s side,

Su Lingyun watched Yang Lingrui triggering the phenomenon with a smiling face that concealed intensifying murderous intent.

Regret crept into her heart –

During that ceremonial gathering’s illusionary trial, she should have killed or crippled Yang Lingrui then.

But back then, through Su Lingyun’s eyes, Yang Lingrui had been nothing but an insignificant ant to crush.

She’d never considered this lowborn Fourth Level Gathering Qi young cultivator worthy of attention, let alone a threat.

Who could have imagined that in just a few years, he’d grown to the point where he could no longer be ignored?

"Do you know him?"

Su Lixue walked over and asked.

"Indeed. Why? Taken a liking to this boy?"

Su Lixue rolled her eyes at the remark. "Just reminding you he’s the He Family’s asset."

"I know."

When Su Lixue noticed Su Lingyun wouldn’t even look at her during this exchange, she turned away with a huff.

Zi He watched silently, absorbing the crowd’s every move like a spectator.

Yang Lingrui had gone to great lengths to conceal his true face.

Despite all his calculations, he’d failed to predict this sudden enlightenment.

Now his real features stood exposed before everyone.

"Ah well… At least I won’t need disguises anymore," he thought ruefully.

He wondered how many girls – beyond his dear sister and that little girl from the painting academy – would weep over him someday.

While the crowd still buzzed about Yang Lingrui’s appearance, his energy shifted again.

His cultivation level skyrocketed, vaulting from early Eighth Level straight to the threshold of Eighth Level’s peak!

"Look! His cultivation’s advancing!"

"Heavens! First the phenomenon, now enlightenment!"

"How’s this possible? What monstrous talent!"

"Eighth Level peak… Now Ninth Level!"

Disciples gaped in disbelief.

Any single one of Yang Lingrui’s displayed abilities would’ve been remarkable.

Yet here they all converged in one person, erupting in mere moments!

Wei Kangping remained calm, having known about Yang Lingrui’s suppressed cultivation. But when the breakthrough reached Ninth Level without stopping, curiosity flashed in his eyes.

A spiritual thought brushed over the scene, prompting a knowing smile.

"That boy’s swimming in good fortune – genuine enlightenment indeed."