A Mockery of a Duel

Chu Yuan didn't know what to say, but he could roughly understand Jiang Fei's mood, so he gave a perfunctory reply and hung up the communication.

At the very least, he had confirmed the stance of that old man as a martial artist outside the system; it was unlikely he would do anything untoward.

This put Chu Yuan's mind at ease quite a bit.

At the very least, he no longer had to worry that he would go out to participate in a Secret Realm trial, only to return and find his sister gone.

At Chenyang No. 1 High School, the third-year students were not practicing in their classrooms but had been notified to gather on the sports field.

It is worth mentioning that the teaching building where the third-year students had previously been located was smashed to pieces by a single slap from Ma Hui, yet it had been rebuilt by the next day, with even the Energy Gathering Array fully installed.

Aside from the possibility of the formaldehyde levels being excessive, there were no issues at all.

Beyond their formidable combat power, martial artists could actually be called nuclear-powered workhorses in any field.

For instance, when it came to building houses, they were both fast and efficient.

They didn't even need cranes or anything of the sort.

They twisted steel bars directly with their bare hands.

Cement not drying? They used energy to force-dry it instantly.

Of course, the average person couldn't afford to hire martial artists as construction workers.

The atmosphere on the sports field was not very lively; most people were quite somber.

Within the Blood-Sucking Array, aside from Class 2 where Chu Yuan was and the neighboring Class 1, every other class had suffered casualties to varying degrees.

Former classmates and close friends had perished in the sudden danger.

Some had even nearly died themselves. This kind of psychological trauma was still too great for third-year high school students; two short days were simply not enough for them to move on.

Qi Da was clearly aware of this, so he walked onto the high platform without wasting words and said in a deep voice:

"I am announcing one thing!

The Martial Suppression Bureau and the Ministry of Education have jointly organized a Secret Realm trial operation with generous rewards. The trial is open to all third-year students in Great Qin.

Our school has three slots. After discussion, the school has decided to grant these three slots to:

Class 1: Li Hong; Class 2: Chu Yuan, Yang Yi."

As soon as Qi Da's voice fell, a small commotion stirred in the crowd.

Chu Yuan heard someone say:

"If it was already decided, why make us come? To watch them show off?"

"No, I know Chu Yuan and Yang Yi, but who is this Li Hong?"

"Dark dealings..."

"Who told us we don't have backgrounds?"

"Give it a rest, buddy. With your talent, you're dreaming of a trial of this level?

You'd be better off thinking about whether to be a security guard or a delivery driver after the college entrance exam; that's more pragmatic."

"Get lost, you #￥@#￥..."

"..."

Qi Da did not give the students below much opportunity for discussion and spoke again: "Of course, upholding the principles of fairness and justice, everyone has one chance to challenge these three.

If you are stronger, you can take their place."

The field fell silent once more.

"If it were truly fair and just, why not draw lots..."

"Exactly. We haven't even learned martial arts yet; Yang Yi's father is a powerful martial artist, and Chu Yuan has received the school's resource support... How could it possibly be fair?"

"Laughable... Is it fair only if all the resources are given to you?

I also have resources provided by the school. What, you don't? Could it be because your talent is too poor?"

"...When did I ever say that?"

"Isn't that exactly what you meant? Drawing lots... what would drawing you up there accomplish? To go to the location and embarrass No. 1 High School?

Or are you trying to add a line of experience to your resume for when you become a security guard later?"

"...You lick their boots so much, do they toss you a bone to eat?"

"What? You want to eat one too?"

"I'll eat your &&%..."

"Fine, don't leave after school!"

Although there was discussion off-stage, most people still wore an indifferent expression.

After all, they knew their own talents; they weren't even considered outstanding within their own classes. Even if they could compete for such a spot, it certainly wouldn't fall to them.

However, there were still those who felt tempted—specifically, those students with decent martial arts talent.

Someone shouted aloud, "Principal, when does the challenge begin?"

"Now, right here." Qi Da pointed to an empty space. "Li Hong, Chu Yuan, Yang Yi, the three of you go over there."

The three walked out from their respective class queues, though Chu Yuan felt a bit strange inside.

Is this supposed to be... a school tournament?

It felt far too crude, almost like a joke.

Most of the students hadn't even entered the Blood-Qi Realm yet; a real fight between them might not even be as exciting as a brawl between street thugs.

But considering this was just something Qi Da had thrown together to appease the students' emotions, he felt relieved.

He turned his head to look at the student named Li Hong, who sensed his gaze and turned to smile at him.

He had a handsome, sunny appearance with a lean, agile build.

There was an inexplicable aura about him—gentle and confident—giving off the impression that he was easy to get along with and worth befriending.

Chu Yuan didn't linger and soon withdrew his gaze.

"Um... Chu Yuan, no weapons allowed," Huang Bo reminded him.

Chu Yuan didn't mind; he casually tossed Wind Cutter, sticking it into the ground sheath and all, and stood there waiting for someone to challenge him.

"I want to challenge Li Hong!"

A girl shouted, stepping out from the crowd.

Everyone's eyes instantly locked onto this brave soul who dared to be the first to eat the crab.

Being watched by so many people, she seemed a bit embarrassed, but she still walked over with her head down, standing a few meters away from Li Hong.

Li Hong said in a gentle tone, "Are you ready?"

"Re... ready..."

"...Forget it, you go first."

The girl forced herself to calm down, then moved her feet and charged at Li Hong like a little heifer!

Chu Yuan was somewhat surprised; had this girl already entered the Blood-Qi Realm?

Her talent was already quite good...

Then there was no "then." The next moment, Li Hong's hand was already clamped around her throat.

Huang Bo, who was acting as a temporary referee on the side, quickly said, "Alright, Li Hong wins."

Li Hong let go and nodded at the girl. "Sorry..."

"No, no, thank you..."

To Chu Yuan's surprise, challengers for Li Hong came one after another.

Yet, not a single person challenged him, and not even Yang Yi had any challengers!

But in reality, Yang Yi wasn't even as strong as Li Hong!

The moment Li Hong made his move, Chu Yuan had already discerned his realm: he had actually reached the Internal Breath Realm!

As for Yang Yi... he had only just reached the Impermeable Realm.

The challenge segment didn't last very long, as Li Hong was very efficient.

Mainly, it wasn't as if everyone had to come up and challenge; there were only four or five at most from each class.

Soon, the remaining students were led back to their classes by their teachers.

Yang Yi leaned in and said with some regret, "Tell me, why didn't anyone come to challenge me?"

"Probably because your father is Yang Tianlei."

"...Then why didn't anyone challenge you either?"

Chu Yuan recalled the scene where he had kicked and snapped Zhou Zhe's lower leg and said firmly, "That's because everyone respects me."

"Hello everyone, I am Li Hong."