“Nonsense!”
Lin Ru Feng, known for his quick temper, blurted out the words.
The outburst attracted the attention of many, including Feng Qing He.
All eyes in the vicinity turned towards them.
“A disciple of the Academy!”
His standard Academy uniform quickly revealed his identity.
Feng Qing He’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Since you disagree, how about we settle this on the stage?”
Hearing this, Lin Ru Feng’s expression changed slightly.
He was no match for Feng Qing He. With his strength, he could easily be defeated in a single move!
“Scared now?”
Feng Qing He sneered, “Seems like the Academy disciples only know how to talk big.”
“You!”
Lin Ru Feng swiftly removed the white cloth covering his spear. How could he bear to be mocked like that? Even if he was destined to lose, he had to fight!
However, just as he was about to charge, a hand rested on his shoulder.
Lin Ru Feng turned around reflexively. It was Luo Mu.
“A mere nobody, why bother with him, Senior Brother Lin?”
Luo Mu smiled slightly.
Hiss!
A gasp rippled through the crowd upon hearing those words.
Nobody…
You actually dared to say that?
“Junior Brother Luo.”
Cheng Qing Man’s eyes flashed with concern. While she was angry, she still understood the reality of the situation.
In terms of martial arts foundation, Luo Mu and Feng Qing He were on par, both having mastered two middle-grade Xuan-rank martial arts techniques. One was perfected, and the other was at a small accomplishment stage. However, Luo Mu was only at the fifth level of True Qi realm while Feng Qing He was at the ninth level.
There was a clear gap. It was hard to see him winning against Feng Qing He.
“It’s fine, I’ll be back soon.”
Luo Mu gave her a reassuring look.
Honestly, he didn’t want to get involved in this mess. It would be best to stay out of it. But as an Academy disciple, he represented the Academy when he went out. They had already said what they had to say, so he couldn’t just ignore it.
It would be better to handle this himself from the start instead of waiting for Lin Ru Feng to be defeated.
With a flick of his toes, Luo Mu landed in the square facing Feng Qing He.
“An Outer Academy disciple? Only at the fifth level of True Qi realm?”
Feng Qing He had thought it was a powerful opponent, considering his arrogant words.
But upon taking a closer look, he was almost dumbfounded.
“What? An Outer Academy disciple? Just at the fifth level of True Qi realm?”
“Where did he get that confidence?”
The crowd was speechless. Even Yuan Long Bai, at the ninth level of True Qi realm, had lost, how could a fifth level True Qi realm disciple win?
Especially a second-rate Outer Academy disciple.
How could he win? Why would he think he could win?
“Seems like we need to reconsider the quality of disciples coming out of the Academy. They truly are disappointing.”
Many people shook their heads in disappointment.
At the tavern, the dramatic scene caught the attention of the Ninth Prince and others.
“This is utter nonsense.”
Yuan Family’s patriarch sneered, “Even my son was defeated, and this Outer Academy disciple dares to challenge Feng Qing He. How audacious!”
“Indeed, I wonder where this young man gets his courage,”
The other patriarchs all nodded in agreement.
However, a look of interest flashed across the Ninth Prince’s face.
In his understanding, nobody would dare to do something so foolish.
Unless they had something to rely on.
He couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation and focused his gaze on Luo Mu.
“I told you, Junior Brother Luo is very strong. Don’t underestimate him!”
Lin Ru Feng retorted angrily, as the crowd either mocked or jeered. After all, if he hadn't spoken impulsively, Luo Mu wouldn't have stepped in. He had to stand firmly by his word.
“Right, watch as you get your jaws dropped in shock.”
Jiang Hai added.
“Junior Brother Luo, go for it!”
Cheng Qing Man cheered, waving her hands.
——
“After I defeat you, the families of Xunyang City might become even more disappointed in the Academy.”
“In a way, I should thank you for that.”
Feng Qing He said softly.
“No one told you that it’s not good to speak too soon, have they?”
Luo Mu, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, spoke calmly.
“Too soon?”
Feng Qing He laughed, “Don’t you think you have any chance of winning?”
“Too much talk.”
Luo Mu shook his head slightly, then turned to the Wanxiang Pavilion steward, “Longle Academy— Luo Mu, challenges Feng Qing He.”
“Do you accept the challenge?”
The steward looked at Feng Qing He.
“Of course!”
Feng Qing He snorted coldly.
“Longle Academy’s Luo Mu, challenges Xuan Tian Jianzong’s Feng Qing He!”
“Begin!”
The steward was always concise, not wasting words.
“One sword to end you!”
Feng Qing He’s eyes were ice-cold as he drew his sword, immediately unleashing his full strength.
Although he appeared to be very dismissive, he was not underestimating his opponent in the slightest.
A mere fifth level True Qi realm cultivator dared to step up.
Either he was crazy, or he was hiding something.
Therefore, he had to be serious— even when hunting a rabbit, a lion gives its full effort!
“Cang Lan Sword Art— Tidal Wave!”
Feng Qing He struck with a single sword, the sword energy surged like a tidal wave, surging towards Luo Mu!
“Feng Qing He is really serious! He’s almost using his full strength!”
Someone exclaimed in astonishment.
They remembered that he had used this move against Yuan Long Bai.
But this time, his opponent was just a fifth level True Qi realm cultivator.
“A nice challenge, my blood… is finally boiling.”
Facing that sword, Luo Mu’s lips curled into a slow smile. His originally calm demeanor began to shift.