In Tai Tan's eyes.
He had never considered any of these students a possibility.
Anyone capable of defeating his son could not possibly be a student.
With his son's strength.
He was more than qualified to become a teacher at an academy. How could a student possibly defeat him? Such a student simply did not exist!
"Dad, this one." Tai Nuo tugged at Tai Tan's clothes and pointed at Lu Ning, who stood at the very front.
Tai Tan lowered his head and looked at Lu Ning's youthful face, clearly unwilling to believe it.
"Why are you speaking so quietly!"
"You've never been able to change that cowardly nature of yours, ever since you were little!"
"You mean... this one!?"
Tai Tan repeatedly looked Lu Ning up and down. No matter how he looked, he could not see how this boy could have defeated his son. That build, that age-it seemed impossible from every angle.
"Yes, yes, it was him."
"Dad, he's very strong. Don't let your guard down!"
Having suffered at his hands, Tai Nuo hurriedly warned his father. But Tai Tan was, after all, a man who had seen the world. Back when he followed the Clear Sky Sect as it dominated the Soul Master World, even as a member of a subordinate clan, he had witnessed many geniuses in that era when heavenly prodigies emerged in droves.
He stared into Lu Ning's eyes, which showed not the slightest ripple.
"It was me."
"Please make your move."
Lu Ning's calm voice made Tai Tan slowly push Tai Nuo aside. His lantern-like eyes fixed firmly on Lu Ning. That confidence in the face of a powerful enemy made him see the shadows of those heavenly prodigies in Lu Ning.
Or rather...
He saw that Lu Ning was one of