Chapter 357: I Want to Challenge Senior Brother Cao!
"Student greets sir."
"Disciple greets master."
In the small courtyard, when Ximen Ye and Qin Yun saw the two familiar figures appear, they leapt excitedly from their stone chairs. It wasn't because of the trouble they had just faced with fellow students at Wendao Academy, but rather because they had finally seen their masters.
"Rise."
Xiao Chen and Ye Beixuan spoke in unison.
Then, with a glance to their disciples, the two led them away from the Outer Affairs Court, flying toward the Miscellaneous Dao Institute.
Compared to the reserved Ximen Ye, Qin Yun's face brimmed with joy, his grin crooked like a playful dragon king.
Ye Beixuan looked at the boy and laughed. "You've come at just the right time."
Qin Yun smiled brightly. "Master is right. This disciple truly wished to witness the bearing of the two senior uncles. It has been over ten years since I last saw Master and the senior uncles at Forging Sword City."
"No."
Ye Beixuan cut him off. "I mean you came exactly at mealtime. Later, drink less wine so you don't embarrass me."
"Disciple obeys."
Qin Yun responded gloomily. He wanted to protest, to say that back in Forging Sword City he could drink a thousand cups without falling, so how could he possibly make a fool of himself?
But Ye Beixuan could see right through him. In a past life, Qin Yun had drowned himself in liquor daily. If not for that, Ye Beixuan never would have obtained the key to Ancient Desolation City.
"Don't compare your grandmaster's wine with the common swill outside."
Qin Yun: "…"
Why does it feel like Master knows me better than I know myself?
As they conversed, they landed upon Miaomiao Mountain.
The moment Xiao Chen touched down, he spoke. "Aye, tomorrow I will personally test your swordsmanship. If you pass, you may become my disciple. If not, you will continue your training at the Sword Dao Institute."
"Yes."
Ximen Ye found nothing improper in this, quietly and dutifully following behind Xiao Chen.
Before long, the four arrived at the main hall.
Xiao Chen and Ye Beixuan first stepped forward and bowed toward Chu Feng seated at the chief position. "Master, we have brought the disciples back."
Chu Feng set down his wine cup and looked at the two young men. Though they possessed some measure of fate, within Wendao Academy they were still ordinary figures.
Feeling his gaze, Ximen Ye and Qin Yun immediately knelt.
"Disciple Ximen Ye."
"Disciple Qin Yun."
"Pay respects to grandmaster!"
"Rise."
Chu Feng spoke faintly. "Sit."
"Thank you, grandmaster, for granting us seats."
The two found places at the end and sat.
The banquet continued.
Chu Feng drank and chatted leisurely with Chief Bai, and the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.
In the corner, Qin Yun had at some point crawled under the table and fallen asleep. Seeing this, Ye Beixuan's eyelid twitched involuntarily. This boy was truly exasperating!
When the feast ended, Ye Beixuan helplessly carried his disciple back to his own small courtyard.
The night passed without incident.
The next morning.
As always, Ximen Ye rose early to practice, but he was unsure where to train.
As he pondered, a familiar voice came from behind.
"Follow me."
Turning, Ximen Ye saw Xiao Chen. He answered respectfully, "Yes, sir."
Xiao Chen led him toward the place he usually cultivated. Along the way, Ximen Ye saw many of his martial uncles and aunts in practice.
What he saw startled him greatly.
Each martial uncle and aunt possessed unique, formidable skills. Just a single glance nearly shook his Dao heart.
Xiao Chen noticed his disciple's unease and asked, "What's wrong?"
Ximen Ye answered respectfully, "Sir, the martial uncles and aunts are far too strong. Why has this student rarely heard of their reputations, apart from Second Uncle?"
"Because they entered later," Xiao Chen replied calmly. "But each one is a peerless genius. They have not yet accomplished deeds that shake heaven and earth. Soon enough, however, your Senior Uncle Nie will make his name resound across Xuantian."
"Martial Uncle?"
Ximen Ye's face was full of confusion. "Master, aren't you Grandmaster's eldest disciple?"
Xiao Chen replied, "I am the eldest disciple, but Senior Brother Nie entered Wendao Academy before me, so between us the order is counted separately."
Ximen Ye's mind was still muddled. "Then how should I address him?"
"Call him Martial Uncle."
Xiao Chen stopped walking, and seeing that no one else was around, spoke lightly. "Let us begin."
"Yes."
Ximen Ye then remembered why he had come here today.
"Draw your sword against me."
Xiao Chen's tone was as calm as usual.
"Yes, sir."
Looking into Xiao Chen's sharp gaze, Ximen Ye instinctively shut his eyes. Even though he had already grasped that strike, the fear this man instilled in him came from the depths of his heart.
If he opened his eyes, he would not even have the courage to swing his sword.
"Clang!"
The treasured sword in his hand thrust toward Xiao Chen.
After the single strike, Xiao Chen's voice sounded.
"You pass. Now come with me to the registry to complete your entry procedures."
With that, Xiao Chen turned and left.
…
At Wendao Academy, the Holy Son Ceremony was held as scheduled.
Although the students had heard that two new disciples had joined the academy, one even under the tutelage of Xiao Holy Son, it caused no real stir. Instead, many began considering whether they too might enter under the wings of the two Holy Sons.
What an overseas rogue cultivator could achieve, surely they could as well.
Today the square was packed with people.
Aside from disciples away or in seclusion, every student of Wendao Academy had gathered to witness the event.
Moreover, representatives of many powers, great and small, had also come to bear witness.
"The Ten Chiefs arrive!"
With a resounding cry, ten figures descended from the heavens.
At the head was Chu Feng, the main figure of today's ceremony and strongest among the Ten Chiefs. Even though the other nine had already reached Half-Saint, none questioned Chu Feng's power.
"We pay respects to the Chiefs."
"Rise."
Chu Feng spoke, then led the Chiefs to their seats. Clad in pale golden robes, every gesture exuded the aura of one in command. None dared meet his gaze directly.
Behind him, Great Sage Jinchi and Bing Yan stood to either side.
Once they were seated, the Dean descended from the skies.
"We respectfully welcome the Dean."
"Rise."
The Dean stroked his beard with a genial smile as he stepped down, releasing no deliberate pressure, yet the mere presence of a Saint made all others pale in comparison.
The holy land envoys watching trembled inwardly. This man grew ever more terrifying. Who knew when he would take that final step?
After the Dean's arrival, Ming Chonglou of the Outer Affairs Court assumed the role of master of ceremonies, beginning a long recitation.
…
After the rites of worshiping heaven and honoring the ancestors were completed, Xiao Chen and Cao Youqian received the coronation robes of Holy Son from the Dean, officially becoming Holy Sons of Wendao Academy.
Ming Chonglou once more stepped forward. "According to tradition, the Holy Sons of Wendao Academy must accept challenges from all under heaven. Which friend wishes to test the strength of our academy's two Holy Sons?"
At once, silence fell.
This process was intended for the academy to establish prestige. Unless bound by deep hatred, none would court humiliation.
Xiao Chen swept a stern gaze across the crowd, but not a single voice answered.
At his side, Cao Youqian was brimming with vigor, his eyes full of excitement.
Just as everyone thought no one would step forward, a gloomy voice rose from within the ranks of Wendao Academy's disciples.
"I want to challenge Senior Brother Cao, to see whether he is truly worthy of becoming a Holy Son!!!"
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