Chapter 69: Challenging the Academy
"Didn't he say beating a child is shameful even if you win?"
"Then it's fine if I'm the one who challenges him, right?"
The student stiffened, then sucked in a cold breath. The infamous Lin Invincible was actually preparing to stir up trouble on his first day in the advanced soul master academy.
And he intended to challenge the academy's top student—at just ten years old.
The difference between a ten-year-old and a nineteen-year-old was massive—those nine years represented the most explosive period of cultivation speed. Even overwhelming talent wouldn't completely erase that gap.
"Are you… Sure?"
"Classmate, your only job is to lead the way. Everything else has nothing to do with you."
"…Alright."
Wiping sweat off his forehead, the student leaned toward his companions and whispered rapidly. Soon, the entire classroom buzzed with hushed chatter—
until the furious teacher unleashed a roar that restored silence.
The instructor, a middle-aged man with an unremarkable appearance but rumored to be a Soul Emperor, shot a deep look at the meditating Lin Beiya.
He inwardly sighed. A troublesome student had arrived.
Under the excited anticipation of the entire Year One Elite Class, the long-awaited dismissal bell finally rang.
The entire afternoon was free for students to use as they pleased— combat practice, cultivation, or simply slacking off. The academy didn't interfere.
As soon as class ended, Yu Quan grabbed the student's arm, as if fearing the boy would run.
"Classmate, what's your name? I'm Yu Quan—please look after me in the future."
"My name is Tang Chen… pleased to meet you."
Hearing Yu Quan introduce him, Lin Beiya didn't react— but the name made his eyes snap open despite his earlier pose of calm.
Brother, with a name like that, aren't you destined to get hammered if you ever meet the Tang family father and son?
…Though before dying, you could shout "Grandpa is here!" for dramatic effect.
Led by Tang Chen, the group of four enjoyed a full meal at the cafeteria and then headed toward the training grounds.
According to Tang Chen, Ye Lüsu held an implicit "chief of the academy" title because he often guided other students in combat on the platform.
Lin Beiya immediately understood—
The guy was clearly building a reputation in advance, preparing to vie for the role of Spirit Hall Team Captain in the next tournament.
If his strength ended up being top-tier, the captain position might really fall to him.
Unfortunately for Ye Lüsu, the Spirit Hall already had a captain.
The five of them soon arrived at the wide training arena, which was split into multiple dueling platforms. Many students are trained simultaneously to hone their battle prowess.
After graduating from the advanced academy, a student would fully enter a soul master's life, and strong combat ability was necessary.
Since it was right after lunch, there weren't many students fighting.
Only the southernmost platform was surrounded by a crowd. Two senior students were sparring in the ring while a green-haired young man stood below, pointing out their mistakes and offering corrections.
Lin Beiya recognized him immediately— this must be Ye Lüsu.
"That's Senior Ye.
Please don't say I brought you here to cause trouble!"
Tang Chen shrank away from the group, terrified, but still pointed out their target.
Lin Beiya ignored his fear, leading Shi Nuo and the others to the edge of the platform.
Ye Lüsu glanced at the four unfamiliar faces. Judging by their youthful looks, he assumed they were new students.
He didn't pay them any mind—just thought they were here to watch the fight.
A few minutes later, the two duelists halted their attacks and stepped off the stage, offering Ye Lüsu a respectful salute.
"Thank you, Senior Ye."
"No need to be polite. Since you call me 'senior,' guiding you is simply what I ought to do."
The surrounding students immediately began whispering praises—
complimenting Ye Lüsu's generosity, humility, and noble character. Each round of rainbow-flavored flattery made the smile on Ye Lüsu's face grow even brighter.
"Sigh, you all flatter me too much. Are there any junior brothers or sisters who wish to test their combat skills?"
"I'll try to offer some guidance based on my experience. If anything seems off, please don't take it too seriously."
Several younger students were about to step forward when—
A figure had already appeared silently on the stage.
"Senior Ye, I also have many questions regarding combat. May I trouble you for guidance?"
The voice from the arena immediately drew every eye. Ye Lüsu raised his head—and saw the boy who had been standing with the new students earlier.
Lin Beiya still had his eyes closed, expression unreadable, giving off a sense of aloofness— as if he were looking down on the world.
"Certainly. Junior brother, you may choose a classmate to spar with, and I will offer guidance based on the battle."
"Anyone?"
"Of course—as long as the other party agrees to a duel."
Upon hearing this, Lin Beiya slightly raised an eyebrow. His finger lifted and pointed precisely… at Ye Lüsu himself.
"Then why not… have Senior Ye spar with me?"
A moment of stunned silence—
Then the entire training ground erupted.
Students cursed under their breath, calling Lin Beiya reckless and arrogant.
More and more students gathered as curiosity spread. Within moments, the southern dueling platform was surrounded by layered circles of onlookers.
Ye Lüsu didn't get angry. Instead, he smiled and gave the new student a gentle reminder:
"Junior brother, challenging someone far above your level is rarely a good idea.
A one-sided battle won't help you grow."
"You should pick someone else."
Lin Beiya shrugged lightly, as if agreeing.
"You're right. A one-sided battle won't help me learn anything. And honestly, this academy doesn't have anyone worth fighting."
"Even the so-called 'chief student'—
Senior Ye— doesn't dare accept my challenge."
The implication was obvious.
The smile on Ye Lüsu's face froze.
He finally realized that this boy had come specifically to provoke him.
But he was still puzzled— Where did a ten-year-old get such confidence?
Lin Beiya's words, however, triggered an explosive reaction.
"Arrogant brat! Let Senior Ye teach him a lesson!"
"Senior Ye, no need for you to move—let me handle him!"
"....."
Ye Lüsu lifted an arm to block the furious students rushing toward the ring. Then, with a light tap of his toes, he leapt onto the platform.
"So, junior brother, is here to cause trouble?"
Since Ye Lüsu was already on stage, Lin Beiya saw no need for polite nonsense.
He calmly announced his name:
"Lin Beiya. Rank 33, attack-type Battle Soul Master. Please advise me."
Ye Lüsu's pupils contracted.
Now he understood why he had been targeted.
But confident in his own strength, he merely smirked and said:
"Oh? So you're the famed 'Lin Invincible' who dominated the junior academy.
Aren't you rushing things a bit?"
Throughout this entire time, Lin Beiya had never once opened his eyes.
His dismissive attitude, as though no one present was worthy of his gaze,
caused the fury in Ye Lüsu's chest to intensify to the breaking point.
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End of Chapter