Chapter 100: Shake the Heavens (2)

Chapter 100: Shake the Heavens (2)

Zhao Baifan had no grounds to stop Si Longliang and Wang Haisheng from tagging along, so the group of four ventured deep into the martial academy, soon reaching the exclusive trial grounds.

Skystride Pavilion, though called a pavilion, was actually a structure consisting of three interconnected towers, each spanning a massive area.

Two martial academy students stood at the gate, waiting for someone to finish their trial. Upon seeing Wu Yuan and his group, they quickly paid their respects. "Instructor Zhao, Instructor Si."

Both Zhao Baifan and Si Longliang acknowledged their greetings with a nod, not initiating a conversation. The instructors were clearly accustomed to disciples of the Cloud Martial Hall attempting to conquer the Skystride Pavilion.

"A disciple is currently attempting the challenge. Young Wu Yuan, you'll have to wait." Si Longliang pointed to the red sign at the gate: "A green sign indicates that you may enter."

"Thank you for the reminder, Instructor Si." Wu Yuan responded with an honest face.

Si Longliangs face stiffened once again.

"The three towers represent levels one, two, and three of the Skystride Pavilion," Zhao Baifan explained to Wu Yuan, "Conquering the Skystride Pavilion simply refers to completing a level. By completing level one, you will be qualified to reside in the Upper Courtyard. As for level two? It will require the strength of a second-rate Adept at least."

Zhao Baifan turned to Wu Yuan, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I don't expect you to succeed. Just hold on as long as you can, and try not to disgrace yourself too much."

"Understood." Wu Yuan nodded ever so slightly. Try not to disgrace himself?

"Instructor Zhao, what is that?" Wu Yuan pointed to a towering three-sided stone tablet that stood before the first tower. Each side of the monument was engraved with names and detailed time records.

The first side wrote:

Historical Record: Fang Xia, fifteen years and ten months, Eastern Martial calendar year 3022.

Current Record: Xu Hui, sixteen years and nine months, Eastern Martial calendar year 3216.

The second side wrote:

Historical Record: Fang Xia, seventeen years and nine months, Eastern Martial calendar year 3024.

Current Record: Xu Hui, twenty years and eight months, Eastern Martial calendar year 3220.

The third side wrote:

Historical Record: Fang Xia, twenty-one years and four months, Eastern Martial calendar year 3028.

Current Record: None.

Wu Yuan quickly skimmed through the inscriptions, and a general understanding formed in his mind.

"The historical record refers to the youngest disciple to have completed that level of the tower since the sects inception. The current record refers to the youngest presently enrolled martial academy disciple to have passed that level." Zhao Baifan explained.

"I've heard of Senior Brother Xu Hui. They say he's a first-rate Adept, yet he couldnt pass the third level?" Wu Yuan asked curiously. Was the martial academys trial truly that challenging?

"He couldn't," Zhao Baifan confirmed. "But remember, Senior Brother Xu still has two more years. There's still a chance for him to conquer it before his graduation."

Wu Yuan gave a faint nod. Didnt this mean even a first-rate Adept could not pass the third level?

"Who is this Fang Xia recorded here?" Wu Yuan asked. All historical records on the three-sided stone tablet were accomplished by someone named Fang Xia. A first-rate Adept at the age of twenty-one? Truly impressive!

"Grandmaster Fang Xia." Admiration rose on Zhao Baifan's face. "He's the strongest Grandmaster in the history of our Cloudstride Sect."

"The strongest Grandmaster?" Wu Yuans interest was piqued.

"He hasn't emerged yet?" A disciple expressed surprise.

"Isn't this almost as long as I endured?" The disciple in black was equally amazed. His strength was ranked among the top 30 of the junior academy.

"Oh?" A smile appeared on Zhao Baifan's face. In her view, as long as Wu Yuan lasted more than twenty breaths, he wouldn't be a disgrace. Now, 30 breaths had already passed.

Very quickly, another ten breaths passed!

Now, the faces of the crowd outside the tower showed a mixture of shock and bewilderment. So long? How could that be possible?

"Senior Sister Zhao, is it possible your disciple was knocked unconscious by the sect elder, and is now nursing his injuries?" Si Longliang couldn't help but ask.

Zhao Baifan shot him a sidelong glance.

Boom~ After what felt like an eternity, the imposing doors creaked open. Contrary to everyone's expectations, Wu Yuan was not thrown out.

Instead, a weathered old man in flowing white robes emerged. Wu Yuan trailed behind him, his clothes in disarray, but his eyes burning with an unparalleled intensity. It was clear that he had undergone a fierce battle.

The disciples witnessing this scene were somewhat confused. However, the instructors of the martial academy, Zhao Baifan and Si Longliang, exchanged looks of profound shock. Could it be?

"Greetings, Sect Elder Tian." Zhao Baifan and Si Longliang respectfully bowed.

"Greetings, Sect Elder," echoed the other disciples, following suit. Only then did they realize that the guardian of the Skystride Pavilion was actually a sect elder, and all sect elders were Savant experts!

"Haha, Baifan, are you Wu Yuan's mentor?" The white-robed elder exuded an aura of tranquility as he smiled at Zhao Baifan.

"Indeed, Sect Elder, Wu Yuan just joined today," Zhao Baifan replied with deference.

"Mm. Ensure that you teach him well and do not let his potential go to waste," the elder instructed, turning his attention to Wu Yuan. "Young Wu Yuan, don't slack off."

"Thank you for your guidance, Senior," Wu Yuan responded with deep respect. Then, he walked down the stairs, coming to stand beside Zhao Baifan.

The elder in white robes didn't offer an explanation. With a single stride, he arrived before the first stone tablet and bowed respectfully. "Ancestor Fang Xia above, excuse my impertinence."

With a swift motion, a flexible sword appeared in his palm.

Swish! Swish! Swish!

Sword lights shone brightly as fragments of stone were chipped away. Seconds later, a brand-new inscription was revealed before everyone's eyes:

Historical Record: Wu Yuan, fourteen years and seven months, Eastern Martial calendar year 3224.

Current Record: Wu Yuan, fourteen years and seven months, Eastern Martial calendar year 3224.

Total silence. Everyone stared at the text on the stone tablet, then at Wu Yuan, hardly believing their own eyes. He successfully passed the first level of the Skystride Pavilion at fourteen years old?

"This!" Si Longliang's eyes widened, unable to believe what he was seeing. But it had been personally verified by Sect Elder Tian, there was no possibility of falsehood.

"You?" Zhao Baifan also stared at Wu Yuan in utter disbelief.

"Instructor Zhao," Wu Yuan said with a haughty grin, "I told you, I wont disappoint you. I will break Ancestor Fang Xias records one by one."

Wu Yuan's voice was not loud, but his words were audible to everyone present.

Si Longliang instinctively opened his mouth to reprimand the boy. Who was Ancestor Fang Xia? He was a sacred figure that countless disciples of the Cloudstride Sect revered!