Chapter 99: Shake the Heavens (1)

Chapter 99: Shake the Heavens (1)

Throughout their journey here, Wu Yuan showed nothing but politeness and respect for his instructor. However, Zhao Baifans sharp senses detected an undercurrent of arrogance in his attitude.

Geniuses were proud creatures, and Zhao Baifan was resolved to temper some of that arrogance in Wu Yuan. A genius needed a certain level of self-assurance, but it should never cloud their judgment. She felt that Wu Yuan had allowed all that praise to get to his head.

Wu Yuan, follow me, Zhao Baifan said, leading the way as they ventured deeper into the martial academy. The path was paved with cobblestones, winding and branching off in all directions. Wu Yuan followed along, habitually committing the route to memory.

"Hehe, if it isn't Senior Sister Zhao?" A gruff voice broke the silence, as two figures emerged from a nearby courtyard house.

"Si Longliang?" Zhao Baifan's brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of displeasure crossing her features. Though brief, Wu Yuan didn't fail to catch it with his acute perception.

Si Longliang, ranked 195th on the Jiang Continent Human Rankings, a member of the Cloudstride Sect's Military Hall and currently an instructor of the Cloud Martial Hall... Wu Yuan's mind supplied him with the relevant information from the Jiang Continent Human Rankings.

Among the human rankers who serve as instructors of the Cloud Martial Hall, Instructor Zhao holds the highest rank, followed by this Si Longliang. More than 100 Cloudstride Sect members are ranked, of which only six are instructors of the Cloud Martial Hall.

The Jiang Continent was vast, home to thousands of first-rate Adepts. There were at least 200 first-rate Adepts under the banner of the Cloudstride Sect alone.

After a moment's thought, Wu Yuan understood that not all eighteen instructors of the Cloud Martial Hall were listed in the Human Rankings. Zhao Baifan and Si Longliang were among the more powerful instructors of the Cloud Martial Hall.

Sister Zhao, it's still bright and early, yet you don't seem too pleased," a man with a squarish face approached with a hearty laugh. He stood nearly 1.9 meters tall, possessing a large and robust physique. This man was Si Longliang. Compared to him, Zhao Baifan appeared rather petite.

"Greet Instructor Zhao," Si Longliang instructed, a crafty grin stretching across his face.

The short-haired boy behind him obediently bowed. "Instructor Zhao."

"Wu Yuan, we cannot allow others to accuse my disciples of disrespect. Greet Instructor Si." Zhao Baifan instructed calmly.

"Yes." Wu Yuan nodded and bowed, "Wu Yuan pays his respects to Instructor Si."

Si Longliang's face stiffened. Traditionally, he detested being addressed as 'Instructor Si', as it sounded nearly identical to 'corpse' in Chinese [1]. As a result, most disciples of the martial academy referred to him as Teacher Si[2]. How could Zhao Baifan, a fellow sect member, not be aware of this? Yet the two held a grudge, and she took pleasure in irking Si Longliang. To make matters worse, Si Longliang could not lash out at Wu Yuan, a new disciple.

"Teacher Si, what is the Skystride Pavilion?" Wang Haisheng couldn't help but ask.

"The Skystride Pavilion is a trial ground for disciples of the martial academy. It consists of three levels. Generally speaking, even passing the first level is considered quite an achievement for junior disciples," Si Longliang stated casually.

"Even most third-rate Adepts fail to pass." He said this in reply to Wang Haisheng, but more so for Wu Yuan.

"Even third-rate Adepts struggle to pass?" Wang Haisheng wore a shocked expression.

"Thank you for the information, Instructor Si," Wu Yuan smiled, "Instructor Zhao, let's get going."

Hearing 'Instructor Si', Si Longliang's face stiffened.

"Instructor Si," Zhao Baifan looked at Si Longliang's expression with a trace of amusement on her face, "We'll chat later." Without delay, she led Wu Yuan off.

"Hmph!" Si Longliang's eyes flashed with dissatisfaction, "Haisheng, let's go see how your Junior Brother Wu plans to pass the Skystride Pavilion trial."

"Yes," Wang Haisheng agreed. He wasn't foolish; he instantly realized that his instructor wanted to see Wu Yuan make a fool of himself. He was also curious about the Skystride Pavilion itself.

As Zhao Baifan led the way, she noticed Si Longliang and his group trailing behind them.

"This is all your own doing," she gave Wu Yuan a sidelong glance as she spoke softly, "Don't blame me when you lose face."

"Rest assured, Instructor Zhao," Wu Yuan responded with a faint smile.

"Oh?" A flicker of surprise flashed through Zhao Baifan's eyes. She had assumed that Wu Yuan would appear troubled and anxious upon learning about the difficulty of the Skystride Pavilion.

Unexpectedly, Wu Yuan remained calm. Was it because he had everything under control? Or was he just putting on a strong front?

1. in Chinese, both are pronounced 'Si Shi'

2. pronounced Si Lao Shi