"The few of you can step back for now. Report to the academy in three days." As Wenren Qingqiu left, Gong Hongru returned to his usual demeanor, addressing Han Yan and the others.
Although his expression remained calm, there was an evident warmth and delight in his gaze.
"Yes, Master." Han Yan and the others bowed deeply and exited the selection area.
"Itâs getting late, letâs call it a day." Gong Hongru glanced at the darkening sky and said.
Upon hearing his words, the crowd below slowly dispersed.
"I never expected, truly never expected, that in the end, Han Yan would come under Lord Gongâs tutelage."
"I donât even know what Lord Gong sees in her. Judging by her previous performance, she seemed no better than the servants and civilian swordsmen." Todayâs selection was full of ups and downs, especially with Han Yan garnering everyoneâs attention before even entering the arena. Later, she continued to surprise everyone, so as people slowly dispersed, they whispered about the events.
"What do you know? Can you comprehend the mysteries of the Heart Enlightenment Sword?"
"I canât comprehend it, can you understand it?"
"Not only do I not understand it, but I bet even Lord Long and the others canât make sense of it. Otherwise, they wouldâve fought over accepting Han Yan as a disciple long ago. Instead, they mocked Han Yan endlessly, only to have Lord Gong and Lord Wenren give them a hard slap in the face later on." That person chuckled.
Indeed, Long Congyuan and the others looked rather displeased at the moment, as if theyâd been slapped hard in the face. Of course, it wasnât others who slapped them but themselves.
On the viewing stand, Mu Chengxuan no longer carried his previous aura of confidence. He thought he could pass the test, be accepted as a disciple by Long Congyuan, and thus undoubtedly become the top candidate of this selection, stepping over Han Yan. Little did he expect Han Yan to steal the spotlight in the end.
Everyone was talking about Han Yan, and judging by their excitement, it seemed theyâd already forgotten Mu Chengxuan completely.
Even the Mu Familyâs disciples beside him directed all their attention toward Han Yan, as if theyâd forgotten Chengxuanâs existence, and even the Supreme Elder and Third Elder had complex gazes, watching Han Yan in silence for a long time.
Mu Chengxuan clenched his fists unwillingly. Others might not know the mysteries of the Heart Enlightenment Sword, but he certainly did. Within that illusion, he used all his strength just to defeat a middle-aged man and could not do anything against the young swordsman afterwards, barely holding on until time ran out, thus passing the test. Because he forcefully grasped ten sword techniques from the illusionary young swordsman, Long Congyuan accepted him as a disciple.
Yet Han Yan only comprehended one sword technique. What does this imply?
Either his comprehension is poor, failing to even defeat the first man, and only passing by dragging out the time.
Or, he possesses extraordinary talent, not only defeating the young swordsman but also the succeeding illusions, comprehending the Strongest Sword Intent of the Heart Enlightenment Sword.
Though he himself couldnât reach that far, he could infer that the farther one goes, the more powerful the illusions become, but fewer sword techniques need comprehending.
Even though Wenren Qingqiu and Gong Hongru fought to have Han Yan as their disciple, Mu Chengxuan still refused to believe Han Yan possessed such incredible talent and comprehension.
Consider that he couldnât even defeat the young swordsman, almost succumbing to danger, and if the test lasted a moment longer than the allotted seven and a half minutes, he wouldâve likely been defeated by the Illusion Technique, ending up mentally collapsed and grievously injured like other failures.
Even if Han Yan had extraordinary natural talent and comprehension, at most, he wouldâve defeated the young swordsman in the illusion, but it is impossible to defeat stronger foes later, understanding the Strongest Sword Intent of the Heart Enlightenment Sword.
Thinking it over, Mu Chengxuan still felt the first possibility was more likely.
Could it be that Gong Hongru and Wenren Qingqiu made a mistake? How could that be?
Plus, Han Yanâs final strike evidently lacked mystique or power. Saying he grasped the Strongest Sword Intent didnât make any sense either.
Mu Chengxuan couldnât wrap his head around it, feeling unwilling and dissatisfied.
"Has todayâs selection ended? What a pity we came late and couldnât see how much these so-called waste people weigh." At that moment, an arrogant voice echoed across the square.
Though not loud, the voice carried immense presence, spreading instantly throughout the venue.
The first day of Longyan Academyâs recruitment selection, a day of assembled geniuses, yet someone dared call them waste. Who is this person, so ridiculously arrogant? Everyone was slightly taken aback and then curiously looked toward the voiceâs source.
Three robust young men surrounded a cold and arrogant young man, slowly approaching the selection area.
Tens of thousands of curious gazes turned toward them, yet they seemed oblivious, displaying utter arrogance.
Yue Fanchen! He indeed came. Han Yan immediately recognized the group. Previously guessing their visit to Anyun Country wasnât purely for establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries, and likely related to the selection at Longyan Academy. Judging by the situation, she was right.
"Junior Yue Fanchen, greets Lord Gong." Zhao Fanchen bowed before Gong Hongru, with his courtesy impeccable, yet his expression lacked respect.
"Rise." Gong Hongru said indifferently.
"Thank you, Lord. This subordinate of mine has always been arrogant and rude, speaking carelessly before. I hope, Lord, youâll excuse us." Yue Fanchen said upon standing.
"State your purpose for coming." Gong Hongru glanced at Yue Fanchen, asking calmly.
"We have passed the Heart Enlightenment Sword test under His Majestyâs orders from Shangyue Country to report to Longyan Academy." Yue Fanchen stated.
"Since youâve passed the test, come directly to the academy in three days." Gong Hongru gestured dismissively.
"Theyâre from Shangyue Country!" An astonished murmur rose from below.
Thereâs no need to elaborate on the feud between Anyun and Shangyue Countries, as no one expected Shangyue Country to send people to Longyan Academy for study. Could this mean the two countries are preparing to mend relations?
"Thank you, Lord. I have one more request." Yue Fanchen bowed once more.
"Speak."
"Iâve heard that Longyan Academyâs selection gathers countless geniuses, a grand event in Anyun Country. I wish to take this opportunity to spar with Anyunâs young talents to display Shangyueâs prowess!" Yue Fanchen puffed his chest proudly, scanning the venue arrogantly.
"What!" Everyone present visibly reacted.
Displaying Shangyueâs prowess, is this truly sparring or clearly trying to cause trouble? This is a challenge to Anyun Country!