C21 Setting up the Arena

Murong Wan supported Zhang Nan as they made their way directly to the academy.

"Hey, give me a hand here," Wuji Zhan said with a hint of excitement.

"Why? You said the ground was nice and cool. Just stay there," Murong Wan retorted, continuing to escort Zhang Nan toward the academy without giving Wuji Zhan another thought.

Once they arrived back at the academy, Zhang Nan had fully recovered. He returned to his dormitory and began his cultivation practice.

Shortly after, Zhang Nan opened his eyes and spoke to himself, "I've actually reached the sixth level. I never thought I'd level up again so soon."

But it wasn't long before Murong Wan came knocking at Zhang Nan's door.

Upon opening the door and seeing Murong Wan, Zhang Nan greeted her with a smile, "What brings you here?"

"An injured person? You've just run out of genuine energy; you're not really hurt," Murong Wan replied with a roll of her eyes.

Zhang Nan chuckled awkwardly, then asked, "So, what's the reason for your visit?"

Murong Wan produced a card and explained, "This is from dad. He said the next time there's a duel, keep it under wraps. If you don't, he won't be able to ignore the terms agreed upon."

Zhang Nan nodded, smiling sheepishly, "I had no idea our academy had rules against betting. No one's ever challenged me to a bet before."

Murong Wan chuckled and said, "Well, I've said all I needed to. I should get going. Rest up. You've got another bout with Wuji Zhan tomorrow."

Zhang Nan nodded in acknowledgment.

The next morning came quickly.

Zhang Nan was roused by an urgent knocking at his door.

He opened it to find Murong Wan, who teased with a smile, "What's the rush? Missing me that much?"

"Cut it out. Who would miss you? There's been an incident at the school entrance, and it involves you," Murong Wan said, still smiling.

"Related to me? How so?" Zhang Nan inquired, confused.

"Just come with me, and you'll see. Let's go; the whole academy is waiting for you at the entrance," Murong Wan urged, still laughing.

Murong Wan led Zhang Nan to the entrance, where they found it crowded with people.

Upon spotting Zhang Nan, someone immediately called out, "Zhang Nan has arrived!"

"Zhang Nan is here? For real? Charkzed Academy has come to challenge us in person, and Zhang Nan actually had the guts to show up."

"Yeah, whatever Zhang Nan did must have been significant to provoke Charkzed Academy to come and challenge him directly."

Overhearing the crowd, Zhang Nan glanced at Murong Wan and inquired, "People from Charkzed Academy are here? Wuji Zhan?"

Murong Wan nodded affirmatively and suggested, "Go check it out. They're all waiting for you."

With a nod, Zhang Nan made his way to the forefront of the crowd.

To his astonishment, Zhang Nan discovered that a fighting ring had been erected right at the academy's entrance, with Wuji Zhan standing at its center, eyeing the newly arrived Zhang Nan.

"So, you've finally shown up, Zhang Nan. I was starting to think you'd chicken out," Wuji Zhan said, bursting into laughter upon seeing him.

Zhang Nan chuckled in response, "You're not quite capable of making me chicken out. But I must admit, I didn't expect you to go to such lengths, even setting up a ring. However, placing it right at the entrance of our academy seems inappropriate. Are you representing Charkzed Academy, or are you here on your own accord?"

"Does it make a difference?" Wuji Zhan shot back immediately.

"It does. If you're representing your academy, I wonder if anyone will seek revenge on your behalf should you lose," Zhang Nan questioned with a hint of skepticism.

Wuji Zhan's face flushed with anger at Zhang Nan's words, and he retorted sharply, "Are you mocking me?"

"Mocking you? Not at all. I haven't said a thing. I'm simply asking who you're representing," Zhang Nan replied with a grin.

"Hmph, are we going to fight or not? If you're not up for it, just concede defeat," Wuji Zhan challenged.

Zhang Nan was about to respond when he was interrupted.

"No," declared Murong Le, stepping forward from the crowd.

Upon seeing Murong Le, Wuji Zhan addressed him, "Principal Murong, isn't it inappropriate for you to meddle in a matter between students?"

Murong Le regarded Wuji Zhan and stated, "I am the principal of Azure Academy. You are a student from Charkzed Academy and not in a position to address me. Where is your principal? I can't believe he's not present. Have him come out."

Upon hearing Murong Le's words, Wuji Zhan's face flushed, and he fell silent.

"Come on, Brother Murong, what's got you so fired up?"

Dean Wuji emerged from the academy.

"I had a hunch you'd be here. You're behind today's arena, aren't you? You're the only one with such a flair for drama," Murong Le remarked with a cold laugh.

Dean Wuji burst into laughter, "Dean Murong, this wasn't my doing. I merely wanted to support my academy. My student, Wuji Zhan, told me he encountered a formidable opponent last night. Despite being less advanced in his cultivation, they ended up in a draw. Out of curiosity, I came to see for myself. As for setting up this arena, that wasn't my idea."

After listening, Murong Le turned to Zhang Nan and said, "I didn't expect you to be such a dark horse, managing a draw with Wuji Zhan. Since you've already clashed, go ahead and continue. But remember, pull your punches—no serious harm to each other." Both nodded in agreement.

Zhang Nan stepped onto the stage and asked Wuji Zhan, "Where shall we start?"

"What do you suggest?" Wuji Zhan replied icily.

"Spirit weapons, perhaps?" Zhang Nan drew the Skycleaver and launched an attack at Wuji Zhan.

Not to be outdone, Wuji Zhan brandished the Wraithlance and charged at Zhang Nan.

"The Wraithlance, eh? Dean Wuji, you're quite harsh on your son, giving him the Wraithlance. I believe that's the finest spirit weapon in Charkzed Academy," Murong Le commented with a sneer.

"Ha! When it comes to one's own child, what can you do? No one can be as partial as Dean Murong, keeping the best treasures not for his own daughter but for outsiders. That sword the student wields is clearly extraordinary. With such a fine weapon, Dean Murong prefers to bestow it on a student rather than his own daughter. Your spirit of sacrifice is beyond my learning," Dean Wuji laughed heartily.

Murong Le didn't bother to explain. He also couldn't make sense of it—Zhang Nan appeared to come from an ordinary family, yet the spiritual weapon he wielded was of an indiscernible grade, which was utterly baffling.

While they were conversing, the fight on the stage had escalated to a fever pitch.

"Boom."

With the final collision of their spiritual weapons, the combatants parted, each gasping for breath as they eyed each other.

"I didn't expect you to have made a breakthrough," Wuji Zhan remarked, sneering at Zhang Nan.

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