novelraw Chapter 26 – I like it when you can't stand me but can't do anything about it
Chapter 26 – I like it when you can't stand me but can't do anything about it
The next morning, as the first light of dawn broke through the clouds, a gentle golden glow spread over the rolling mountains of Yunqi Peak.
Mu Xiaochuan breathed in the cool, pure morning air, feeling refreshed and invigorated. The pleasant scenery and relaxation from the previous night seemed to have activated the "Withered Tree Revives Technique" within him. He leisurely made his way toward the Outer Sect disciples' area of the Heaven Vault Pavilion, intending to take a look around.
At this hour, the Outer Sect area was usually still quiet, with only a few diligent disciples up early for meditation and breathing exercises. However, today was different.
Before he even reached the Martial Practice Arena, the sound of heavy impacts, labored breathing, and the shouts of disciples encouraging each other broke the morning silence. Following the noise, Mu Xiaochuan saw the arena bustling with activity.
Dozens of Outer Sect disciples were sweating profusely around several oddly shaped pieces of equipment.
The most eye-catching were rows of "Thousand-Pound Locks," resembling barbells from Blue Star, made of black iron with removable Spirit Stone weight plates at each end, ranging from a hundred to several thousand pounds. The disciples were either squatting or pressing them, their muscles bulging as they pushed their limits.
Nearby, several "Rock Monoliths" stood, giant polished green granite slabs inscribed with runes. Not only were they incredibly heavy, but they also absorbed some spiritual power, requiring pure physical strength to lift. A few burly disciples were trying to move one, chanting rhythmically.
On another side stood several "Spirit Ape Poles" of varying heights, arranged randomly. Agile disciples leaped between them, their movements swift as the wind, striving to touch each pole without falling, honing their agility and reflexes.
Further away, some disciples were running with weights, carrying heavy iron armor and special sandbags on their feet. Others sat cross-legged in the "Force Gathering Ring," attempting to rotate the metal ring with their minds, training their control over spiritual power and mental resilience.
The entire arena was filled with a robust, resilient, and energetic atmosphere.
"Ha! Lift!" a disciple shouted, finally raising a five-hundred-pound Thousand-Pound Lock over his head. Though his arms trembled, his face beamed with joy. Cheers and envious comments erupted around him.
"Brother Zhang has improved again! With this strength, he'll definitely score high in tomorrow's assessment!"
"Indeed, ever since Brother Xiao announced Elder Mu's 'Assessment Leaderboard,' everyone's been motivated like never before!"
"Who wouldn't be? Training used to feel dull, but now with a goal, it feels like we have endless energy every day!"
"I heard there are extra rewards for the top ranks! We must give it our all!"
Mu Xiaochuan stood nearby, watching the lively scene with a satisfied smile. The assessment system he proposed had clearly ignited the enthusiasm and competitiveness of these Outer Sect disciples. This method of integrating competition into daily training was far more effective in tapping into their potential than monotonous meditation and completing sect tasks.
"Not bad, not bad, competition leads to progress," Mu Xiaochuan thought cheerfully, turning to head toward the main hall of the Heaven Vault Pavilion. The Outer Sect assessment would start tomorrow, managed by Xiao Yunhe and the others, so he didn't need to worry too much. His current focus was on the final selection of Inner Sect disciples.
When Mu Xiaochuan entered the main hall of the Heaven Vault Pavilion, it was already filled with people.
On the left stood seven Inner Sect experts who had emerged victorious from the arena battles: Ma Mingyu, known for his immense strength; Lin Yushang, whose music could enchant the mind; Zhao Qingshuang, with her agile swordsmanship; Sun Tieshan, as immovable as a mountain; and Zhou Haoyang, Zhou Ruoshui, and Zheng Wuchen, each with their unique skills despite slightly lower cultivation bases. Their expressions were solemn, eyes filled with anticipation and tension for the upcoming final selection.
On the right were the seven Inner Sect elites previously chosen by Ye Qingyu: Leng Yunjian, the leader of the Inner Sect; Xiao Yunhe, mature and steady; Li Mingyuan, swift in movement; Wang Yuyan, brimming with spiritual energy; Mu Tiezhu, incredibly strong; Zhao Tianlong, with astonishing endurance; and Qian Jiangyuan, skilled in calculations.
In total, fourteen people, competing for the ten spots in the Inner Sect Grand Tournament of the Heaven Vault Pavilion.
As Mu Xiaochuan entered, the hall fell silent, and everyone bowed in unison, "Greetings, Elder Mu!"
"At ease," Mu Xiaochuan said, taking the main seat and slowly scanning the crowd. He set aside his usual amiable demeanor, showing a rare hint of seriousness.
"Everyone," Mu Xiaochuan began, his voice steady and powerful, "the Yunqi Peak Grand Tournament is imminent. This battle not only concerns the honor of our Heaven Vault Pavilion but also the Sect Grand Tournament two months from now, and the longer-term Xiaoque Dynasty Dao Discourse Gathering. Hall Master Ye has likely emphasized its importance to you, so I won't repeat it."
He paused, his gaze sharpening, "Today, I've gathered you here to finalize the ten representatives for the Heaven Vault Pavilion's Inner Sect Grand Tournament."
The atmosphere in the hall instantly became tense, and everyone held their breath.
"Leng Yunjian, Xiao Yunhe," Mu Xiaochuan called out, "as mentioned before, you two will fully assist me in the assessment work for this tournament, so you automatically receive spots without needing to compete."
Upon hearing this, Leng Yunjian and Xiao Yunhe quickly stepped forward and bowed, "Thank you for your trust, Elder Mu!"
Among the remaining twelve, a few showed complex emotions, but most understood, acknowledging the undeniable strength of these two.
"As for the remaining eight spots," Mu Xiaochuan continued, "you twelve will compete for them. The rules are simple: pair up for duels, with opponents decided by drawing lots. The six winners will directly secure spots."
The twelve disciples were invigorated, their eyes burning with determination as they looked at each other, their fighting spirit rising.
"As for the six who lose," Mu Xiaochuan's tone shifted, "there's still hope. You can participate in the revival battles. Based on your performance, potential, and areas of expertise in the preliminary rounds, you'll be divided into two groups for round-robin matches. The top from each group will earn the final two precious spots."
This rule was cleverly designed, ensuring the strong could advance directly while giving those who stumbled or hadn't shown their potential a chance to turn the tables, balancing fairness with suspense.
"Leng Yunjian, Xiao Yunhe, the organization and judging of the lot drawing and revival matches are entrusted to you. Ensure fairness and impartiality, with no favoritism," Mu Xiaochuan instructed.
"We obey!" Leng Yunjian and Xiao Yunhe responded in unison, their expressions solemn. They understood this was not only Elder Mu's trust but also a heavy responsibility.
"Alright, let's begin the lot drawing," Mu Xiaochuan signaled Leng Yunjian to prepare the lot-drawing tube.
One by one, the twelve disciples stepped forward to draw lots, quickly determining their opponents. Some were pleased, having drawn relatively weaker opponents, while others were serious, having drawn strong adversaries.
The matches soon commenced in the Inner Sect Martial Practice Arena, unfolding with intense fervor. Leng Yunjian and Xiao Yunhe, as judges, executed their duties impartially and meticulously.
Mu Xiaochuan sat leisurely on the viewing platform, sipping spirit tea, watching the fierce battles with great interest.
It can be hard to make great work when its stolen from "pawread.com".
The Inner Sect disciples' matches were far more intense than those of the Outer Sect. Spiritual energy surged, spells shone brightly, sword light danced like dragons, and blade shadows resembled phoenixes, creating a dazzling spectacle.
Ma Mingyu, with his immense strength, faced off against the agile Li Mingyuan. Ma Mingyu's every punch was powerful, accompanied by a howling wind, but Li Mingyuan moved like a phantom, narrowly avoiding each blow and counterattacking from tricky angles. After nearly a hundred exchanges, Ma Mingyu seized a small opening in Li Mingyuan's defense, landing a heavy punch that knocked him off the platform, securing a hard-fought victory.
Lin Yushang, whose music could enchant, faced Qian Jiangyuan, skilled in calculations. Lin Yushang's fingers danced, sending invisible sound waves like blades to disturb the mind, while Qian Jiangyuan calculated meticulously, trying to discern the pattern of the sound attacks. The match seemed calm but was extremely perilous, with Lin Yushang ultimately using her superior spiritual power to cast "Soul Enchantment," trapping Qian Jiangyuan in an illusion and claiming victory.
Zhao Qingshuang, with her sharp swordsmanship, faced Sun Tieshan, known for his formidable defense. Zhao Qingshuang's sword light was like a rainbow across the sky, dazzlingly fast, each strike aimed at vital points; Sun Tieshan, however, was as steady as a mountain, his heavy hammer forming an impenetrable wall, his spiritual energy shield unyielding, deflecting every fierce sword strike. It was a classic offense-defense battle, with Zhao Qingshuang ultimately outlasting Sun Tieshan's spiritual energy, landing a sword at his throat for a narrow win.
...
After six thrilling matches, Ma Mingyu, Lin Yushang, Zhao Qingshuang, Mu Tiezhu, Wang Yuyan, and Zhou Haoyang secured their spots through their strength.
Li Mingyuan, Qian Jiangyuan, Sun Tieshan, Zhao Tianlong, Zhou Ruoshui, and Zheng Wuchen, unfortunately, lost and entered the revival matches.
Leng Yunjian and Xiao Yunhe quickly organized them into two groups for the second selection phase.
Ultimately, Li Mingyuan and Sun Tieshan claimed the last two spots, while Qian Jiangyuan, Zhao Tianlong, Zhou Ruoshui, and Zheng Wuchen were eliminated.
Mu Xiaochuan looked at the excited or disappointed disciples below, feeling quite satisfied. The matches had given him a more direct understanding of these Inner Sect disciples' strengths. He was about to stand up and offer some encouragement.
However, at that moment, a discordant voice suddenly rang out.
Among the six who lost, Qian Jiangyuan, skilled in calculations, stood up with a livid face, glaring at Mu Xiaochuan, loudly questioning, "Elder Mu! I have a question that I hope you can clarify!"
All eyes instantly focused on Qian Jiangyuan.
Mu Xiaochuan raised an eyebrow, thinking, "Is this one looking for trouble?"
Qian Jiangyuan took a deep breath, seemingly gathering his courage, and said loudly, "Elder Mu, we all know the strength of Brother Leng and Brother Xiao. But in the selection for the grand tournament, everyone should be equal. Why do they get spots without competing? Isn't this unfair? I may be unworthy, but I wish to challenge Brother Xiao. Could Elder Mu grant me this opportunity?"
His words created an awkward atmosphere. Although everyone understood the strength of Leng Yunjian and Xiao Yunhe, publicly questioning the fairness of the rules made the situation delicate. Among the defeated disciples, some showed approval in their eyes.
Leng Yunjian and Xiao Yunhe's expressions changed slightly as they looked at Qian Jiangyuan, a hint of displeasure in their eyes.
Mu Xiaochuan looked at Qian Jiangyuan, who seemed unaware of the heights of the heavens, and felt a surge of anger. Was he questioning the rules set by him? His previously good mood was instantly ruined.
He slowly stood up, a playful smile on his face, and walked step by step toward Qian Jiangyuan.
"You say... it's unfair?" Mu Xiaochuan's voice was soft but carried an undeniable pressure.
Qian Jiangyuan, intimidated by Mu Xiaochuan's aura, instinctively stepped back but stubbornly said, "I... I just think the rules should..."
"Slap!"
A crisp, loud slap rang out!
Fast! Too fast!
Almost no one saw how Mu Xiaochuan moved, but Qian Jiangyuan spun like a top, turning twice before falling to the ground, blood at the corner of his mouth, teeth mixed with blood flying out.
The entire arena fell silent, the air so still you could hear a pin drop. Everyone was stunned by the sudden turn of events.
Qian Jiangyuan clutched his swollen cheek, his eyes filled with disbelief, fear, and anger as he struggled to get up.
"Slap!"
Another even louder slap!
This time on the other cheek. Qian Jiangyuan was once again knocked to the ground, seeing stars, completely dazed.
Mu Xiaochuan looked down at Qian Jiangyuan, lying on the ground like a beaten dog, brushed off nonexistent dust from his sleeve, and asked calmly, "Fair?"
Qian Jiangyuan trembled violently, all his earlier "courage" gone. Looking into Mu Xiaochuan's calm yet seemingly infinitely cold eyes, a chilling fear rose from the depths of his heart. He finally understood that this elder was not someone he could provoke! Fairness, rules, in the face of absolute power and authority, were all jokes!
He endured the pain and humiliation, struggling to kneel before Mu Xiaochuan, kowtowing and crying out in a muffled voice, "I was wrong! I was blind! I deserve to die! Elder Mu is wise and mighty, and the rules you set are the fairest under heaven! I'm foolish, I'm at fault! Please spare my worthless life!"
As he spoke, he slapped his own face, tears and snot streaming down, utterly pathetic.
Seeing Qian Jiangyuan's humble posture, Mu Xiaochuan's frustration vanished, replaced by an unprecedented sense of satisfaction.
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully teaching a lesson to an ungrateful person, feeling satisfied, and earning 20 Thrill Points."
The system's notification sounded in his mind, like a beautiful melody.
Mu Xiaochuan looked at Qian Jiangyuan, kneeling and crying, slapping himself, and a wicked smile appeared on his lips, "I like it when you can't stand me but can't do anything about it."