Chapter 81: A Single Grandmaster Is Superior To Ten Generations of Nobility
"Me?" Hai Chen lay on the ground, his leg throbbing from the forceful kick he had received. Bewilderment washed over him, mingled with a growing anger.
It was true that he wanted to curry favor with Zhu Shang. After all, whether it was talent or family background, Zhu Shang was far superior to him. But flattering and currying favor was one thing. Being forced to kowtow and admit wrongdoing was another.
The three disciples from the martial academy who had accompanied him were frozen in fear, barely daring to breathe. Wu Sheng and Luo He exchanged perplexed glances. Only Wu Yuan took a bite of his meal unhurriedly, watching Zhu Shang and Hai Chen's performance with an indifferent expression.
"What do you mean 'me'?" Zhu Shang scolded, "Do you have any idea who Senior Brother Wu is? He is a special recruit of the Cloud Martial Hall, and among those select few, he is extremely strong. His status rivals that of the Cloud Heirs themselves!"
"Now, apologize!" Zhu Shang delivered a 'ferocious' slap to Hai Chen's head.
Upon hearing the words 'rival the Cloud Heirs', Hai Chen, who had been seething with anger and contemplating retaliation, felt as if a bucket of icy water had been dumped over him.
His entire body froze stiff. Special recruitment? He had heard of it, but wasn't sure just how prestigious it was. But the Cloud Heirs? That, he had heard from his clan elders.
Almost all graduates of the Cloud Martial Hall ended up becoming Adepts. A small portion could even become second-rate Adepts. But the Cloud Heirs? More than 80% would eventually become first-rate Adepts. Most importantly, they were individuals who had been personally nurtured within the sect, earning its full trust. Hence, a Cloud Heir could easily assume a high position, compared to a first-rate Adept from a tertiary martial academy who had to struggle up the ranks.
Such positions included the provincial general of defense, division head, protectorate, or other key positions in the five halls. Moreover, he had heard that many Cloud Heirs would be assigned the sect's top experts as their masters, including the Hierarchs themselves. Within the sect, they had immense status.
Naturally, becoming one was exceedingly difficult. Out of each generation of disciples from the Cloud Martial Hall, only two or three might eventually become Cloud Heirs.
This country bumpkin? His status is on par with the Cloud Heirs, and he is good friends with Wu Sheng and Luo He? Hai Chen drew a sharp breath.
He was arrogant, and even a bit stupid, but not to the point of utter foolishness. Normally, he wouldn't dare to provoke these truly formidable characters. By now, he realized he had gotten himself into serious trouble!
At present, Wu Yuan was still quite young, lacking the ability to retaliate against him, let alone his family. If he planned to take revenge, that would likely take a decade before it came to fruition. But who in their right mind would willingly provoke such a formidable foe out of the blue? When the time for retribution arrived, his entire family could face annihilation! Who knew whether Wu Yuan was the type to hold grudges?
If my father knew, he would surely break my legs. Fortunately, there's still a chance to salvage this.
These thoughts flashed through Hai Chen's mind in an instant. nove(l)bi(n.)com
Without hesitation, Hai Chen scrambled to kneel.
"Senior Brother Wu, I have erred. I have offended you with my arrogance and presumptuousness. I beseech your forgiveness." Hai Chen said solemnly. At the same time, he placed both hands on the ground, lowering his head to kowtow.
The sight left the other disciples stunned. Never did they expect the usually arrogant Hai Chen to genuinely kneel and admit his wrongdoings.
As Hai Chen's forehead was about to touch the ground, a hand intercepted and pushed his shoulder back up with such force that he almost flew off the ground. It was Wu Yuan!
"I accept your apology, but there's no need to kowtow. I'm still young, and don't deserve such a grand gesture," Wu Yuan said lightly, "In the future, I hope Childe Hai Chen can get along with my two brothers in the martial academy."
"Certainly," Hai Chen replied, a weight lifted from his heart.
"Zhu Shang, let this matter rest here," Wu Yuan swept his gaze over Zhu Shang, and pointed at the table, "We still have to eat."
"Brother Yuan, thank you for helping me see this clearly. From now on, I will practice wholeheartedly. I don’t aim to become an Adept, but at least graduate successfully and ultimately become a martial virtuoso." Luo He solemnly declared.
"The heritage of ten generations of nobility pales in comparison to the ascent of a single Grandmaster," Wu Sheng solemnly asserted. "A Land Ranker can stand at the peak of the world."
"We still have time. As long as we have a clear view of the journey ahead, it's never too late to work hard." Wu Yuan laughed, "Come, let us raise a toast with water in lieu of wine."
"Cheers!" Wu Sheng and Luo He raised their cups.
...
Not far from the Drunken Sect Tavern was another slightly more modest tavern.
Within a private room, Hai Chen raised his cup respectfully, "Brother Zhu, were it not for your advice today, I would have unknowingly made a grave blunder. Here’s a toast to you."
"Martial artists abstain from alcohol, are you unfamiliar with the basic teachings of the academy?" Zhu Shang shook his head, "With such a lack of restraint, when will you become a martial virtuoso? And you dare aspire to become an Adept expert?"
Hai Chen's embarrassment was evident as he and a few fellow disciples lowered their heads in shame.
"Hai Chen," Zhu Shang stood up, his voice tinged with finality, "Today, I have given you a warning out of respect for your cousin. There won’t be a next time. You may eat, I will take my leave."
With that said, Zhu Shang briskly left the private room. The crowd in the room exchanged uncertain glances.
"Get lost!" Hai Chen smashed his cup on the floor in rage, "A bunch of worthless bastards!"
...
Inside the Drunken Sect Tavern, the three brothers ate and chatted until the sun began its descent in the western sky. Only then did they settle the bill and leave the tavern, each heading their separate ways back to the martial academy.
I hope everything turns out well. Wu Yuan gazed at the departing figures of Luo He and Wu Sheng, sighing inwardly. He couldn't help them, their paths were theirs to tread alone.
Having been out most of the day, my heart feels somewhat lighter. A slight smile grew on Wu Yuan’s face as he headed straight for his courtyard house in the Radiant Hall.
Not long after Wu Yuan reached the martial chamber on the second floor, he received a report from Gu Ji.
"Zhu Shang came to visit me?"
Wu Yuan responded tersely, "I have no interest in meeting him." He attached no significance to what happened just now.
As someone who could mingle with a figure like Hai Chen, how could Zhu Shang be as simple as it appeared? But Wu Yuan couldn't be bothered with the man's identity or status.
He cultivated in silence, merging strand after strand of blood-red mist into his body, feeling the constant transformation of his body.
Gradually, night descended.
As the night grew deeper, enveloping his surroundings in absolute stillness, Wu Yuan abruptly opened his eyes, still seated in a lotus position.
I'm no longer able to absorb the blood-red mist? Have I finally reached the limit of how far my body can transform? Wu Yuan's eyes glimmered with an inkling of anticipation.
I'm curious to see what extent my physical constitution can be improved to this time!