C4 This Should be Mine!

The Tidal Wave Strike, a low-grade Profound skill, was a legendary martial art inspired by the observation of the sea. The palm strikes, akin to surging waves, could be layered upon each other to amplify the attack. Masters of this skill could stack over a hundred layers with a single palm strike, achieving the power to shatter mountains and split the seas!

When Soong Jie launched a sudden attack, Zhang Nan simply raised his hand and delivered a punch. A loud bang echoed as Soong Jie was sent flying, crashing heavily onto the distant grass amid shocked cries.

"He didn't stand a chance!"

Soong Jie struggled to his feet, his hands shaking uncontrollably, black smoke rising from them. What kind of martial art was this? It was incredibly domineering, far surpassing his own low-grade Profound Tidal Wave Strike. How could this be possible? How could such a nobody come across such a formidable skill, especially since Zhang Nan had been severely injured and left for waste by him just a week ago? How was it that he could reappear here, stronger than ever?

"You're nothing but trash. I was merely caught off guard by your sneak attack. If you dare, face me again in a fair fight!"

As Soong Jie braced himself for another round, an irate voice cut through the air from a distance.

"What's the meaning of this gathering? Do you no longer wish to remain at the academy?"

"If you're looking to fight, take it to the Platform of Life and Death. Don't make a spectacle of yourselves here and become the laughingstock of others!"

"Have you all forgotten the academy's rules? This is preposterous!"

The voice, sharp and scolding, doused Soong Jie's fiery temper like a splash of cold water, leaving a trace of fear in its wake. Zhang Nan couldn't help but feel a headache brewing. This woman was known as the academy's fierce tigress, notorious for her volatile temper and formidable strength, so much so that even the dean preferred to steer clear of her. And, most crucially, she was Zhang Nan's mentor.

Gao Yue approached swiftly, gliding through the air with a red whip coiled at her waist. In her hand, she brandished the Purple Thunder Whip, its grade unknown, but its presence alone, crackling with electricity, commanded respect and fear.

To tell the truth, Gao Yue was a force to be reckoned with. Despite her fiery temper, her figure was undeniably impressive. Her hourglass waist and fiery red lips never failed to captivate the crowd.

With a beaming smile, she turned to Zhang Nan, "Well, look at you. You've managed to stir up quite the commotion upon your return to the academy. Seems like someone's itching for trouble again, huh?"

The whooshing sound of her Purple Thunder Whip slicing through the air made everyone sharply inhale. Even Murong Wan could only offer silent well-wishes for Zhang Nan.

Upon seeing Gao Yue, Zhang Nan managed a strained smile and said, "Instructor Gao, this is all a big misunderstanding. I was just about to have a friendly spar with Soong Jie..."

"Really?" Gao Yue eyed him with suspicion. "And for a friendly spar, you needed to use the Tidal Wave Strike? You'd better give me a good explanation, young man."

Zhang Nan got the message loud and clear. The instructor had set her sights on him.

He was about to respond when the academy's bell tolled, prompting him to make a hasty exit after a brief excuse. The bell signaled an important event at the academy, requiring all students and instructors to assemble at the martial arts field without delay.

And so, Zhang Nan seized the moment to slip away, knowing full well the alternative was far from pleasant.

The other students, witnessing this, wasted no time in following suit, eager to avoid becoming the target of Gao Yue's frustration. They lacked Zhang Nan's level of skill, after all.

Once the crowd had thinned, Nan Yue watched Zhang Nan's retreating figure, a slight smile playing on her lips. She whispered to herself with a hint of intrigue, "Zhang Nan, what's going on with you? Why is there something about you that fills me with dread?"

Gao Yue had felt an inexplicable shiver when she locked eyes with Zhang Nan, as if sensing something she instinctively feared. This had drawn her particular attention to him. After all, with so many students in the academy, it wouldn't make sense to focus on Zhang Nan without good reason. They were instructors, not idle scientists.

...

Minutes later, the vast martial arts field was packed with students. After the instructors completed their checks, a middle-aged man ascended the platform. A hush fell over the field in an instant.

The Dean of the Mysterious Divine Academy, Murong Le, was not only a prodigy in cultivation but also the youngest dean in the academy's history. His prowess placed him among the top five in all of Mysterious Sky City.

"I hereby announce that in three days, the Grand Tournament of the Hundred Academies will commence. The ten students representing our academy have been officially selected."

"They are..."

As the names of the ten well-known students were called out, Zhang Nan's expression darkened. Soong Jie was among them, a spot Zhang Nan had believed was rightfully his.

With a sweeping gesture, Murong Le silenced the crowd and added, "To ensure the competition's integrity, if anyone can defeat any of these ten students, they will earn the right to take their place."

"And they will be admitted to Asden Academy in Ahadell ahead of time!"

Murong Le's announcement sent ripples of excitement through the crowd, and Zhang Nan was no exception.

The Asden Academy in Ahadell? The city was a hub for the world's mightiest, often referred to as the premier institution for the future Martial God. Graduates from Asden Academy were guaranteed to be at least on par with high-ranking officials, their strength reaching the Golden Core stage. Furthermore, a significant number of the world's formidable experts were alumni of this academy. Gaining entry into Asden Academy was akin to securing a ticket to the ranks of the powerful.

Zhang Nan hadn't anticipated such a reward for the Grand Tournament of the Hundred Academies. It was indeed an unexpected delight.

"I challenge him!" Zhang Nan's shout cut through the murmurs, silencing the onlookers as they turned to gaze at this audacious individual.

They were all eager to see who dared to issue such a challenge. But upon realizing who it was, they were stunned. Only Murong Le looked on with approval, asking gently, "Your bravery is admirable. May I ask whom you wish to challenge?"

Zhang Nan advanced toward the stage, his presence becoming more focused and intense. His icy voice echoed across the martial arts field, "I challenge Soong Jie!"

It was him!

"The challenged has no right to refuse. Please ascend to the martial arts platform immediately and prepare for your duel."

As Murong Le's voice echoed, the martial arts platform erupted with a chorus of cheers.

A graceful silhouette approached the edge of the arena, her gaze intently fixed on Zhang Nan. In a whisper meant only for herself, she mused, "So you're finally stepping up? Let's see the full extent of your abilities."

Being Zhang Nan's mentor, she was well aware of his capabilities, but the sense of danger she had picked up on earlier was unmistakable.

This challenge was shaping up to be quite intriguing.

Should Zhang Nan emerge victorious, it would confirm that he truly stood apart, validating her intuition.