C10 Murong Lianjie Had Come to Challenge Him.!
Two days later, under the blazing sun, the written portion of the college entrance exams came to a close. Bai Le and Zhuo Yunhang were exempt from tomorrow's comprehensive test for non-combat Awakened, marking the official end of their exams.
"Bai, let's hit the town tonight. We've got to celebrate with a couple of drinks!"
Zhuo Yunhang was confident about his performance on the written test and felt assured about his prospects for undergraduate admission. But for Bai Le, there was the tantalizing possibility of clinching the title of provincial champion—a cause for celebration indeed!
"Sure, but two drinks won't cut it," Bai Le replied with a laugh. He typically abstained from alcohol, but today's milestone merited an exception.
"Senior Bai!" A girl with a flushed face rushed up to them as they headed toward the school gate, slipping a note into Bai Le's hand. It was the ninth or tenth time in two days she had done this, darting away before Bai Le could even think to refuse.
"Hahaha, bro, maybe you should give it some thought?" Zhuo Yunhang chuckled, nudging Bai Le. "A few of those girls are pretty cute."
Bai Le just smiled wryly and shook his head. A girlfriend would only slow down his sword-drawing speed. He had no plans to date, at least not until after university.
"Student Bai, hold up!" They had barely taken a few steps when another voice halted them. This time it wasn't an underclassman or a female student but a tall, long-haired, handsome guy.
"Murong Lianjie?" Zhuo Yunhang recognized him instantly. The top student of Huthwaite High's senior class and a grade B 'Expel' Awakened, Murong Lianjie had been Zhuo Yunhang's role model just three days prior. Now, he was merely a peer in the presence of Bai Le.
"Murong, what can I do for you?" Bai Le inquired, having no real connection to him.
"Mr. Bai, I've watched your video clearing the abyss-level secret realm," Murong Lianjie declared with a mix of admiration and challenge in his voice. "I'm in awe of your prowess and itching for a chance to spar with you before we graduate, to leave no regrets!"
Murong Lianjie had faced embarrassment in the martial exam, barely managing a seven-minute fight with the boss with the help of his secret realm teammates. His chances of becoming Huthwaite's top student were slim, but his talent should secure him a spot in a decent military academy. His pride wounded by his exam performance and Bai Le's sudden rise, he masked his envy with praise, seeking to redeem himself in a duel.
The students around them perked up at the prospect of a showdown. "Hahaha, Murong Lianjie thinks he can take on Bai Le? What a joke!" one remarked.
"Yeah, Wang Doukun would be a more suitable challenger!" another added.
"Wang Doukun's performance was stellar this time, fighting the quasi beast rate down to the last second!"
"Just a few more minutes to build up his 'Strong Attack Aura' or a bit more stamina, and he might have cleared it!"
"A battle between Wang Doukun and Bai Le would truly be the pinnacle clash of Huthwaite High School."
In contrast to Murong Lianjie's dejection, another standout student at Huthwaite High School, Wang Doukun, excelled in his recent performance. His Strong Attack Aura was a combat talent that shone in actual combat, making it one of the military's most favored abilities. The military even formed a dedicated Strong Attack Legion, comprised entirely of Awakened individuals with this talent, ranking it ninth among Eminao's top ten legions. Barring any surprises, Wang Doukun was on track to join a premier military academy's battle college and begin his service.
When Murong Lianjie issued his challenge, Bai Le couldn't help but feel a thrill. Over the last two days, his Intent Value had only increased by two points, and with the three points from the first day, he had recovered a mere five points in total. Far too little, far too slow. Only through combat could he accelerate the replenishment of his Intent Value. Given Murong Lianjie's eagerness to engage in battle, how could Bai Le turn him down? Yet...
"Murong, I must be frank; you're simply too weak," Bai Le said, shaking his head, his words sending shockwaves through the crowd.
"Hahahahaha, Senior Bai, you're so straightforward!" some of the underclassmen laughed, unable to contain themselves.
"Bai Le! I came to you in good faith for a sparring match! Why are you insulting me?" Murong Lianjie demanded, his face turning crimson with anger.
"No, no, no, you've got it all wrong, Murong," Bai Le clarified. "Your expulsion talent isn't cut out for solo combat, so sparring with you would be pointless. Instead, why not bring along Wang Doukun? If you both challenge me together, I'll gladly accept."
With that, Bai Le laid bare his true intentions. Murong Lianjie alone was no match for him; defeating him would be all too easy and do nothing to boost Bai Le's Intent Value. If a challenge was in order, then it was time to involve Wang Doukun as well. Such audacity!
The surrounding spectators buzzed with excitement at the prospect. "Whoa, Murong teaming up with the Black Tornado to take on Senior Bai?" "Will Senior Wang Doukun rise to the challenge?" "Nonsense, Wang Doukun will show up without a doubt. If he doesn't, he's not the Wang Doukun we know!" "This is going to be epic! Together, they might just stand a chance against Bai Le." "Oh? Might we witness Bai Le unsheathing his saber once more?" "In the secret realm, without their personal weapons, Murong Lianjie and Wang Doukun's combat strength would be at least two levels above Bai Le's." "True, and Bai Le's saber technique seems like a power move that requires charging. He might not be able to unleash it a second time so soon!" "I've got my popcorn and soda ready; I'm all set for the ultimate showdown at Huthwaite High School!"
