C20 Training Field

Aotian shook his head in resignation as he observed his classmates eagerly discussing the upcoming martial arts tournament. He made his way to a seat in the middle of the classroom and settled in to wait for the lesson to start. Deep down, Rohlin's earlier words had stirred a sense of excitement in him. He was tempted to join the fray, but after a moment's consideration, he dismissed the thought. As an Advanced Swordsman with the skills of a higher-level academy student, the competition seemed pointless. Moreover, Aotian wasn't ready to unveil his true abilities just yet—he didn't want to become the talk of the town.

"Students, most of you are aware by now, right? Next month, our school will be hosting the annual martial arts competition! It's a fantastic opportunity to gauge your abilities, and there are substantial prizes up for grabs! Plus, exceptional performers might even earn the chance to become a disciple of one of our esteemed academy seniors. The competition is split into three categories: first, second, and third grade, with the top three from each grade advancing. Not only will the winners receive prizes, but they'll also have the chance to challenge upperclassmen. If you win, you could even skip a grade and move directly into second-year studies! It's a rare chance, and I encourage everyone to participate enthusiastically! However, participation is limited; each class has only three spots, making thirty spots in total for the grade. So today, we'll select three representatives from our class for the tournament. Who's ready to sign up?"

The moment class began, Instructor Yang Ruobing made the announcement from the lectern.

"Me, me, I want to join too!"

The students' hands shot up in response to Ruobing's call, each one eager to secure a spot and avoid being left behind.

"Great, your enthusiasm is commendable. But we do need to narrow it down to three spots. To ensure fairness, we'll head to the martial arts arena and hold a contest to select the three most outstanding candidates. Does that sound good to everyone?"

Yang Ruobing's smile broadened at the sight of such eagerness. She wasn't taken aback by their reaction; it was, after all, an opportunity too good to pass up.

Upon hearing the teacher's words, everyone agreed they made sense, and they eagerly prepared to get started, rubbing their hands together in anticipation.

"Alright, let's head to the martial arts field now!"

Led by Yang Ruobing, the students made their way to the training field.

Arriving at the vast martial arts field, Aotian was struck by its grandeur. It was likely his first time there.

"Okay, everyone, we're going to divide into four groups. The first two groups will have 12 people each, and the last two will have 13. We'll start with an elimination round to select the top two from each group, then proceed to the finals. Does that sound good?" Yang Ruobing announced, facing the students.

Seeing no objections, Yang Ruobing organized everyone into four groups, ready to begin the elimination round.

"Teacher, I forfeit. I don't wish to compete."

Suddenly, Aotian spoke up.

His words left the students and Yang Ruobing momentarily taken aback. They were puzzled by Aotian's decision to pass up such an opportunity.

"Loong Aotian, why would you forfeit? You do realize this is a valuable chance to hone your skills," Yang Ruobing inquired, clearly baffled. She had long noticed this quiet student in her class. His demeanor was always so detached, but upon closer observation, she could sometimes detect a hint of sadness in his eyes, along with a sense of desolation that seemed out of place for someone his age. She rarely saw him outside of class, and even then, he never spoke up. He kept to the back of the classroom and didn't mingle with his peers. As his mentor, she realized she had much to learn about him and resolved to engage with him more going forward.

"I'm just not interested in this competition. I don't believe I have the strength to compete at this level," Aotian replied calmly.

"Oh, I see. Well then, why don't you join me as a judge on the sidelines?"

Yang Ruobing spoke with a hint of resignation.

"Oh, okay!"

"Alright, since Loong Aotian has stepped out of the running, let's begin the competition now," Yang Ruobing announced.

The first round for the first group—

By noon, the top three contenders had finally emerged! To Aotian's surprise, Rohlin had effortlessly secured a spot. It just goes to show, appearances can be deceiving! The other two were the class president, Steve, and a girl from the class whom Aotian thought was named Han Yanran.

"Well, now that we've selected our class's three representatives for the competition, I trust there are no objections? If not, then it's settled."

With no opposition from the crowd, Yang Ruobing wrapped things up.

"That concludes our class for today. You're dismissed! I hope our three competitors will diligently prepare and shine in next month's contest, bringing honor to our class."

"Aotian, think about it—you passed up the chance to compete. Who knows, you might have had a shot. Haha, just wait and see how I perform next month! Haha, by then, fame and the ladies will all be mine! Hahaha!"

As soon as class was over, Rohlin eagerly chattered away behind Aotian.

Seeing Rohlin's starry-eyed excitement, Aotian was sorely tempted to knock some sense into him.

"Alright, then, I wish you the best of luck!"

Aotian managed to muster a smile, despite his irritation.

"Yeah! Thanks, just wait for my moment of glory! Wahahahaha... Come on! I'm treating you to a nice meal today!"

Rohlin, still riding his high, exclaimed with enthusiasm.

"No thanks, I've got other plans. You can treat me after you've scored a victory in the competition!"

Aotian, ready to focus on his own cultivation, quickly declined.

"Oh, that's fine too! Well, I'm off. I've got to get in some serious training this afternoon. Hahaha!"

Watching Rohlin's retreating figure, Aotian wiped the sweat from his brow and mused to himself about the world's boundless supply of self-love.

"Aotian, you're here too!"

As Aotian was about to head to the back mountain, he was stopped by a familiar voice. Turning around, he saw his sister, Loong Qian, accompanied by several girls who appeared to be her classmates.

"Sis, you're here as well!" Aotian greeted her with a smile.

"Yes, I'm on my way to the martial arts training field to work on my skills. The academy is hosting a competition, you know," Loong Qian replied, not bothering to ask if Aotian was participating since she assumed he wasn't.

"Oh, you're competing too? That's great, congratulations!" Aotian wasn't surprised; Loong Qian was talented, and from the looks of it, she had the prowess of an intermediate swordsman. He didn't press for details.

"Little Qian, is this your brother? We've never heard about him before," the two girls with Loong Qian chimed in.

"Yes, this is my little brother, Loong Aotian. He's a new student this year, so it's no wonder you haven't met him," she explained.

The girl appraising Aotian simply said, "Oh."

"Well, we're off to train. What about you, Aotian? What's your plan?" Loong Qian asked.

"I think I'll just take a walk," Aotian replied casually.

"Okay, take care of yourself. We're off!" Loong Qian said as they parted ways.

"Thanks!" Aotian called after them, then dashed toward the back mountain. Once there, he took out his spear and began to practice fervently.