novelraw Chapter 1317: Who’s the Real Weakling?
Chapter 1317: Who’s the Real Weakling?
Wu Ziyue is notorious; whenever he’s mentioned, neither the noble family’s sons nor the common people have a good impression of him. However, Mu Hanyan repelled the Chaotic Beasts and saved the lives of millions in Dingbian City, winning their fondness in the process. This is because the Shangyue Country is fond of martial arts, with a strong and broad-minded populace.Their comments naturally reached the ears of Mu Hanyan and the rest.
"Are we really that weak?" Jiang Yuzhe said somewhat dejectedly.
Although he admits that compared to Jiang Qiling and others, his skills are indeed somewhat deficient, it’s still quite hurtful to be underestimated to the point that no one even knows his name.
"Isn’t this a good thing? How else could we give them an unexpected surprise if they didn’t underestimate us?" Zirong replied with a sly smile, not bothered at all by others’ contempt.
"True enough." Jiang Yuzhe said, stroking his chin.
"This time, let’s show them our true strength." Huayue’s body emanated a strong intent to fight.
Tang Bufan, though silent, had a resolute and determined demeanor without a trace of unease. Even though Tang Bufan had already acknowledged Han Jinglun as his relative, he didn’t change his name to avoid exposing his identity.
Mu Hanyan looked at them curiously. Before coming to Shangyue, they were somewhat hesitant, hoping she would change her mind and let Guan Shanhe and others accompany her to Shangyue. It was evident they were lacking confidence, so why did they suddenly become so self-assured?
Mu Hanyan reminisced, noticing that on the way to Shangyue, they often gathered together, whispering mysteriously, doing something unknown. Could it be, after discussing and sparring, they had significantly improved their skills?
"Hey, are you guys hiding something from me?" Mu Hanyan asked them suspiciously.
"It’s not a big deal, just our innate divine abilities. You’ll see soon enough." Huayue said with a smile, using Gathering Qi Transmission.
Mu Hanyan’s eyes brightened. Last time in Fang Village, they awakened their innate divine abilities after clearing the Hidden Meridian. However, as it was a recent awakening, they hadn’t yet grasped its mysteries, nor controlled it deftly, so they didn’t inform Mu Hanyan. Now it appeared they had finally mastered those abilities.
Initially, Mu Hanyan was somewhat worried about their lack of strength, but now she felt completely assured.
Although Huayue and the others had just reached the Fifth Rank Sword Master level, once they mastered the innate divine abilities, their actual combat power might not be much weaker than hers. Even if Tang Bufan was slightly inferior, the impact on overall strength wouldn’t be significant.
"Don’t use them lightly until the final moment," Mu Hanyan cautioned them, as opponents surrounded them, without asking further questions.
Never exposing your strongest power until faced with life-or-death situations was Mu Hanyan’s greatest principle after being reborn. At this moment, Huayue and the others’ innate divine abilities were her biggest secret weapon.
Wasn’t that old fox Wu Tianxiong convinced that Huayue and the others lacked strength, thinking of exhausting her with group combat? Then let them give that old fox a big surprise. Mu Hanyan glanced at Wu Tianxiong, seated behind the platform, a hint of playful smile gracing her lips.
Huayue and the others nodded, sharing the same mischievous smile.
Retracting her gaze from Wu Tianxiong’s face, Mu Hanyan looked toward Jing Juejian.
At this moment, Jing Juejian remained cold and indifferent, quietly wearing a black sword robe. Although Mu Hanyan had long studied the information her grandmother provided, knowing his Eighth Rank Sword Master strength, she still felt he possessed an unfathomable depth.
The four young people beside him wore the same black sword robes; although their powers didn’t match Jing Jianjue’s, they exuded a profound aura, devoid of typical youthful impetuousness and irritability. The information from her grandmother didn’t mention these four, so aside from identifying their Sixth-Level Sword Master capability, Mu Hanyan knew nothing about them.
Mu Hanyan could only be certain of one thing: these four were certainly not former disciples of the Sword Sound Academy, likely joining recently. Could it be that the Wu Family secretly cultivated death soldiers? Mu Hanyan pondered.
While Mu Hanyan scrutinized Jing Jianjue and the others, Jing Jianjue also gazed at her. Their eyes met, and Mu Hanyan suddenly felt an enormous pressure. It seemed her grandmother was right; he indeed was a formidable opponent.
"Today marks the new student competition at the Shangyue Royal Sword Academy. Besides our Shangyue elites, the participants include youths from West Qin’s Qinfeng Academy, Beiqi’s Xuelan Academy, and Anyun’s Longyan Academy. I hope everyone gives their best, showcasing their greatest strengths!" Wu Tianxiong said loudly from the high platform, interrupting Mu Hanyan’s thoughts.
Soon after, thunderous applause and cheers erupted below.
"This time, forty individuals participate in the competition, divided into eight teams, with one team from West Qin, one from Beiqi, one from Anyun, and five from Shangyue. Next, each country’s team is invited to draw lots, followed by face-offs. The winners will advance to the next round of competition." Wu Tianxiong quieted the crowd with a gesture, continuing after they settled down.
Soon, Mu Hanyan and the rest went on stage to draw lots.
Anyun versus West Qin! When the draw results emerged, Mu Hanyan frowned slightly. Although confident in defeating Lv Junran and crew from West Qin, she discerned that among Shangyue’s five participating teams, those truly formidable were Jing Jianjue’s and Yue Fanchen’s teams. The other three teams were much weaker, encountering West Qin was naturally more taxing than facing these three.
"Hahaha, we drew the weaklings from Anyun Country; what great luck indeed." Lv Junran said unrestrainedly, laughing wildly while touching his spiky short hair, showing he didn’t take Mu Hanyan and her team seriously.
"Brother Lv, don’t take them lightly. I heard that last time Nan Aotian went to Anyun, he surrendered without drawing his sword against Mu Hanyan; her skills are surely impressive." remarked Zhao Feng, cautiously clutching his double blades.
"Nan Aotian? That guy is dubbed the top rookie of our Qinfeng Academy but in fact just a hollow name. Only because I was in seclusion, his title of top rookie fell into his hands," Lv Junran replied dismissively.
"Brother Lv, don’t underestimate Nan Aotian. I have faced him and, although he’s not your equal, the gap isn’t vast," Zhao Feng shook his head. Based on his encounter, Nan Aotian’s skill was on par with Lv Junran; they were equally matched, but knowing Lv Junran’s arrogance, he refrained from disputing.
"So, Mu Hanyan’s abilities aren’t bad; managing to scare off Nan Aotian who didn’t even dare move his sword. But what of it, isn’t it still you all? Don’t tell me you can’t beat the young attendants beside Mu Hanyan." Listening to Zhao Feng, Lv Junran somewhat dropped his disdain toward Mu Hanyan, but seeing the unknown youths around Mu Hanyan, he continued to dismiss them.
"Of course not, just a reminder, Brother Lv, don’t be overconfident and careless, getting caught off guard." Zhao Feng replied self-assuredly.