by Shian Jeen
The night gradually deepened as Huwang Xiao stayed in the yard in a meditative posture while adjusting his breathing and mood.
When it was daybreak, Huwang Xiao withdrew from his meditation and stood up. Walking out from his own courtyard, he walked in the direction of the main hall so he could head to the Academy with his siblings.
When they reached the Cosmic Star Academy, they ran into Lu Kai. Noticing Huwang Xiao, joy seemed to bloom on Lu Kai’s face as he walked up and gave Huwang Xiao a friendly punch on his shoulder. “Bro, I just heard you were promoted to the Third Year Class, don’t tell me you plan on snatching the Class’s first place?”
Ch.147
“The class’s first place?” Huwang Xiao blanked for an instant before smiling amiably at Lu Kai, “That’s right, this time I also want to take the class’s number one spot!”
But then again, there were words hidden within his meaning that Huwang Xiao did not say aloud. Not only did he want the class’s first place, he also wanted to win the Third Year’s number one spot, and the Academy’s overall first place!
However, Lu Kai revealed a wry smile hearing his answer: “Sure! Continue being the undefeated number one legend!”
From the first year Huwang Xiao enrolled in the Cosmic Star Academy, he had been winning the class’s number one spot every year, and by now, after so many years, it turned into Huwang Xiao’s undefeated legend amongst the Cosmic Star Academy students.
Saying this, Lu Kai suddenly exposed a wretched smile, “Since you are promoted to Third Year, then this Bro can be the class’s number one!”
With Huwang Xiao advancing to the Third Year, in regards to Second Year Class Six, Lu Kai’s strength was the strongest this year. Taking the number one spot in the class division was as easy as snapping his fingers.
Initially, when Lu Kai heard Huwang Xiao was ‘promoted’ to Third Year, he was quite ecstatic. These past few years, being in the same Second Year Class Six as Huwang Xiao was a huge pressure, and these same years were the most depressing ones he had in this aspect as the Prince of Luo Tong Kingdom.
Huwang Xiao and Lu Kai chatted as they walked in the direction of the Holy Hall.
“Dude, you are as rich as a kingdom ah!” Lu Kai sighed, “In the Thousand Treasures Auction, you threw over twenty million gold coins without so much as blinking, whereas I don’t even have two million on me!”
Huwang Xiao laughed, “When you ascend to the throne, everything in the Luo Tong Kingdom will be yours.”
Lu Kai shook his head, “That is too far in the future.”
Though Lu Kai was nominated as the next in line for the Luo Tong Kingdom King’s throne, the first hurdle he need to cross was breaking through to the Tenth Order.
Lu Kai was indeed talented, but the time he needed to advance to the Tenth Order was indeterminable.
Huwang Xiao just smiled without saying anything.
A while later, Huwang Xiao, Lu Kai, and the rest arrived at the Cosmic Star Academy’s Holy Hall.
Huwang Xiao and Lu Kai’s arrival raised a wave of hubbub through the crowd.
Huwang Xiao’s status has elevated immensely in the Academy, and the Academy’s thousands and thousands of students worshipped him. He was a goal they strived for. Even Huwang Xiao’s way of dressing and his overall style were imitated by the male students in the Academy.
For example, Huwang Xiao’s hair was left loose over his shoulders, casually gathered with a soft twine string, and normally, most of his robes were ocean blue.
After the New Year, Huwang Xiao would be seventeen, and his height had already reached over five foot nine. His skin was a healthy tan color, paired with the darkest of obsidian pupils, and a he had a tall nose; he was absolutely the epitome of a handsome youth.
Also, there was an elegant, yet dominant aura emanating from Huwang Xiao’s body. Yes, an elegant dominance that added to his charm, making the hearts of women beat wildly when looking at him.
“Huwang Xiao!!”
“Huwang Xiao, I love~~~ you!”
The Holy Hall broke out in an endless echo of passionate shrieks just as the previous years before. Some female students screamed Huwang Xiao’s name at the top of their lungs, exactly like the groupies of celebrities on Earth.
“See, you even overshadowed my limelight as the Prince!” Lu Kai complained laughingly at Huwang Xiao.
Huwang Xiao let out a faint, helpless smile at Lu Kai’s remark.
However, not everyone in the Holy Hall held goodwill or frenzied excitement at Huwang Xiao’s arrival. Quite a number of male students had resentment towards Huwang Xiao because no one would be happy seeing so many women going crazy over one man in such a manner. Especially when that woman was someone they had a crush on.
Amongst the different groups of people, a girl dressed in white was also looking at Huwang Xiao with sparkling eyes, and she was the same person who battled Huwang Xiao for the Second Year’s first place sometime ago, Chen Caixiu.
Chen Caixiu was promoted to the Third Year Class one year earlier than Huwang Xiao, but now she was in the same class as Huwang Xiao: the Third Year Third Class.
“I didn’t expect this freakish man would also advance into the Third Year’s class.” Chen Caixiu murmured under her breath.
There was a cold aristocratic man that was observing Chen Caixiu the entire time, he then shifted his gaze onto Huwang Xiao.
This young man with good looks was the inner courtyard’s Zhou Teng.
Zhou Teng was the strongest student inside the inner courtyard, and he was hailed as the strongest genius student in the entire Cosmic Star Academy.
Zhou Teng had admired Chen Caixiu for a long time, but the few times he confessed, he was always rejected.
At this point, a pale-faced young man behind Zhou Teng came up behind him with a snicker, “This Huwang Xiao, just by relying on his Primordial Divine Dragon martial spirit, has become unbounded and arrogant. Big Bro Zhou, you want some ‘advice’? Why don’t you have Lin Han pay him extra care on the stage later?”
Lin Han was a Third Year student in the same class as Huwang Xiao, and he was currently said to be the strongest student in Third Year Class Three.
Zhou Teng shot a glance at the pale-faced young man and nodded his head slightly, “Go, tell Lin Han as long as he defeats Huwang Xiao, I will reward him with a mid-Grade Four Spirit Dan!”
“Yes, Big Bro Zhou.”
At this juncture, Huwang Xiao separated with Lu Kai, Huwang Min, and his younger brother, Huwang Xiaohai, as they proceeded to different sections of the Holy Hall.
Huwang Xiao walked in the direction of Third Year Class Three’s spot and was a little surprised seeing Chen Caixiu there. Huwang Xiao merely nodded at her in greeting.
However, Chen Caixiu walked up to Huwang Xiao, smiling as she said, “It’s really unexpected that you would advance to the Third Year so fast. Now that we are classmates, maybe we will have an opportunity to battle again later.”
Huwang Xiao grinned, “Then you must be lenient with me.”
Chen Caixiu’s delicate lips curved into a smile, “I should be the one saying this to you.”
The year they battled against each other, she had already broken through to the Ninth Order whereas Huwang Xiao was only a peak mid-Eighth Order. Despite that, she was not his opponent. In Chen Caixiu’s opinion, the Huwang Xiao that had just stepped into the Ninth Order would be far stronger than her at peak early-Ninth Order.
Far away, Zhou Teng was looking gloomy as he watched Chen Caixiu and Huwang Xiao talking so familiarly, laughing like they were best friends. The jealousy in Zhou Teng’s chest was set ablaze.
At this moment, Lin Han strode towards Chen Caixiu and Huwang Xiao.
“You’re Huwang Xiao?” Lin Han’s eyes scrutinized Huwang Xiao repeatedly from top to bottom.
“Correct.” Huwang Xiao acknowledged him with a calm expression.
“I’m Lin Han.” Lin Han stated, “You’ve always been the class number one since
you enrolled into the Academy, but this year, your undefeated record comes to an end.”
A strong scent of gunpowder spread in the air.
This attracted the attention of nearby people.
“Is that so?” Huwang Xiao’s retorted nonchalantly.
Lin Han snickered, “Don’t think because the principal likes you and you have Marshal Haotian as your backer that I will show mercy. On the battle stage, I will not be the same as some other people, holding back and being lenient with you.” The underlying meaning in his voice was obviously accusing Huwang Xiao of relying on Marshal Haotian for the first place spot that he acquired every year. Thus, his opponents were merciful towards him, holding back, giving Huwang Xiao the opportunity to shine.
Huwang Xiao detected it, and of course, the people around were also smart enough to understand it.
“I won’t be lenient towards you as well.” Huwang Xiao answered lightly.
Hearing this, Lin Han snorted coldly, turned around, and left.
“This Lin Han is very strong; Huwang Xiao, you must be careful later since he is an early-Tenth Order warrior!” Watching Lin Han leave some distance away, Chen Caixiu couldn’t help but caution Huwang Xiao.
Noticing the worry in Chen Caixiu’s face, Huwang Xiao smiled reassuringly and said, “Don’t worry, I will.”
Chen Caixiu blushed inexplicably, nodded shyly, then she turned around and left as well.
Ch.148
Shortly afterwards, Sun Zhang and Xiong Chu appeared, making their way to the main stage. Similarly as with previous competitions, when both of them arrived, one of them would explain the rules briefly before announcing the start of the competition-- it was practically a tradition.
The Third Year Third Class teacher, which was the head of the class Huwang Xiao belonged to, was named Chen Xiaojing. However, when he recommended the two strongest candidates for the class winner, Huwang Xiao was not one of these.
Instead, it was the same Lin Han as the past and another female student named Huwang Wen.
Lin Han was an early Tenth Order warrior, and Huwang Wen was a peak late-Ninth Order warrior.
When Huwang Xiao heard the two strongest people of his class was Lin Han and Huwang Wen, he did not raise any objection nor did he feel strange. After all, he was just promoted to the course recently, and in the opinion of others, no matter how fast he had risen, he was most likely merely at peak early-Ninth Order.
On the battle stage.
Lin Han and Huwang Wen stood on the battle stage, and the moment the judge gave the signal to begin, Huwang Wen had called out her martial spirit. Her martial spirit was an ice type; more specifically, it was a nature soul, one with an affinity to snow.
Huwang Wen’s glaciers martial soul was White Ice.
When her martial spirit moved towards her, Huwang Wen looked like she was shrouded in an ice world. Her soul transformation happened in an instant, and she took the initiative to attack Lin Han. Despite that, Lin Han didn't bother to call out his martial nature, facing Huwang Wen with only his bare fist.
Even so, in the end, Huwang Wen still lost to Lin Han.
Although there was only a small gap between an early on Tenth Order and a peak late-Ninth Order, this ‘small’ gap was a deep canyon to overcome. This was the difference in strength.
Everyone watching felt it was only natural that Huwang Wen lost, considering Lin Han was acknowledged as the strongest person among his peers in the Third Year Third Course. It was within expectations that he defeated Huwang Wen.
After his win over Huwang Wen, Lin Han stood in the middle of the stage with his hands behind his back while his eyes swept across his classmates, and when his gaze fell on Huwang Xiao, it was chilling and full of provocation.
“Lin Han wins! Who wants to step forward for a challenge?” The judge stood on the stage and said in a modulated tone, “If no wants to challenge Lin Han, then first place for Third Year Third Class will be Lin Han!”
“Me!” A voice sounded in the silence, attracting the attention of the 3rd Year Course Three students.
When they saw it was Huwang Xiao, a low buzz generated from the crowd, some snorted while others were surprised. Each had a different reaction on their faces.
“I was right, this Huwang Xiao really wants to problem him!”
“Does he think he can make an impression on Lin Han? He still dreams of getting the class’s first place?”
The sounds of high and low volumed voices sounded in the air.
Huwang Xiao had always been a talking point of the Academy since his first year, and seeing as he wished to challenge Lin Han, it drew quite a reaction from the masses.
At this time, the Third 12 months Class Three teacher stepped in front of Huwang Xiao and cautioned him in a solemn tone of voice, “Huwang Xiao, you really want to problem Lin Han? You’ve just been admitted into the Third Yr this year. In my opinion... why don’t you wait till next 12 months before challenging him?”
Huwang Xiao’s talent may be amazing, but still, he was just promoted to the 3rd Season. The instructor highly doubted that Huwang Xiao could possibly be Lin Han’s opponent. Huwang Xiao was regarded as Cosmic Star Academy’s hope by Sun Zhang and received a lot of care from him-- the teacher didn’t want Huwang Xiao challenging a stronger challenger without the power to back it up, as he could end up with severe injuries.
But at this point, Lin Han who was up on the stage snickered in a mocking firmness, “Teacher Chen, it’s just sparring; don’t worry, I will pay attention during the fight and not go overboard.”
Huwang Xiao walked up the stage without any changes to his expression.
Chen Xiaojing frowned as he watched Huwang Xiao’s back again, but he did not attempt to persuade him any further.
Since he’s this insistent, then eating some pain would be good for him, and it would grind down his arrogance some! Chen Xiaojing thought to himself in his heart. A superb skill genius such as Huwang Xiao having some proud arrogance was normal.
Under the group’s curious eye and whispers, Huwang Xiao walked onto the stage and stood still.
Watching Huwang Xiao, Lin Han sneered, “Heihei, I didn’t expect you would really dare to come up, and of course I’ve said I will take care when attacking. I always keep my words, I definitely will give consideration later!”
Huwang Xiao shook his head, “You talk too much nonsense, make your move.”
“My move?!” Lin Han was caught off guard by Huwang Xiao’s words, but very quickly, his face turned grim. In a ridiculing shade, he questioned,
“You’re telling me to assault first?”
“Yes,” came Huwang Xiao’s placid reply.
This triggered another reaction from the crowd below.
“This Huwang Xiao actually dared to tell Lin Han to attack first?”
“Too haughty!”
“Haughty? This is called domineering, this is called confidence, this is what you call a man!”
Some of the female students’ eyes were shining stars as they stared fanatically at Huwang Xiao. The male students felt that Huwang Xiao was too arrogant whereas the female students were rejoicing in their idol’s dominance and confidence!
Chen Xiaojing heard Huwang Xiao tell Lin Han to make the first move, and he secretly shook his mind. Apparently, he too experienced Huwang Xiao was too arrogant, too conceited!
On Chen Caixiu’s face was a shadow of be concerned.
Listening to the words coming from all directions, Lin Han’s face grew increasingly sullen as he glowered at Huwang Xiao, “Fine, before ten breaths’ time is up, I'll kick you off the stage! I initially wanted to let you stay longer on the stage, leaving you more face!” Before the last word sounded, his body experienced dashed forward, and a powerful fist struck out at Huwang Xiao.
“Great Moonlight Fist!”
The fist struck out, and a giant fist suddenly appeared on the stage like a penumbra moon that was falling on the stage. The airflow surrounding the giant fist turned
black, making the atmosphere on the stage eerie.
The attack carried a frosty energy that quickly spread on the stage, causing some of the weaker students below the stage to retreat in fright.
Huwang Xiao stood still watching the Great Moonlight Fist punch coming at him. Then, before the shocked eyes of everyone viewing, he received the full extent of the strike.
Bang! The sound echoed in the air.
The fist landed squarely on Huwang Xiao’s torso.
“Wow!” Sounds of exclamation came like waves from the audience of students below.
“Just one move, and Huwang Xiao is already hit by Lin Han!”
“Lin Han’s Great Moonlight Fist is very powerful, and even a mid-Tenth Order expert would be injured with an attack like that! Huwang Xiao will definitely lose!”
“I already said Huwang Xiao is too haughty and arrogant. See, Senior Brother Lin Han only used one move to defeat him!”
“What undefeated legend, all this is bullshit! What Senior Sibling Lin Han said earlier was right-- the reason Huwang Xiao won all those times was because they were lenient and conceded the win to him!”
The group of male students that were jealous of Huwang Xiao were excited watching Huwang Xiao being beaten by Lin Han, and their cheers grew increasingly raucous as if these were venting out all their resentment and frustration suppressed within themselves. The opposite gender that thought Huwang Xiao was domineering and confident deflated instantly, and disappointment flashed across their eyes.
So, the undefeated story in their hearts was actually so useless?
Far away, Zhou Teng nodded in satisfaction watching Lin Han’s powerful punch land on Huwang Xiao, smiling as he commented, “Lin Han, this kid did well.”
He had quite the self-confidence in Lin Han’s Great Moonlight Fist.
On the primary platform, Sun Zhang and Xiong Chu were also shocked watching Huwang Xiao suffer a hit. In their mutual opinion, Huwang Xiao might not be Lin Han’s opponent, but he should not have been struck so easily and defeated!
