Chapter 24: Good Dogs Don't Get Underfoot . . .
Observing Chou Ying's attempt to flee using his movement technique, Ye Yuan nonchalantly raised his finger, pouring essence energy with utmost concentration through the Spirit Bristle Nine Yang Divine Art.
The pointed finger unleashed a formless force, tearing through the air and piercing Chou Ying's heart in an instant. The speed and ferocity of the attack were so overwhelming that Chou Ying remained oblivious to his injury, charging forward for several meters before collapsing unconscious.
The Absolute Yang Finger, wielded by Ye Yuan at the Sixth Level Essence Qi Realm, proved to be dominantly formidable. Its concentrated force delivered a pinpoint and lethal blow, showcasing its undeniable lethality.
Despite its potency, Absolute Yang Finger had its weaknesses, primarily the prolonged charging time. This flaw explained the slight delay in Ye Yuan's rescue of Lu-er. If Chou Ying had engaged Ye Yuan in close combat, preventing him from fully charging, he might have had a slim chance of survival.
However, Ye Yuan's strategic approach, using various means to disrupt and weaken Chou Ying, culminated in the decisive Absolute Yang Finger strike. Though seemingly unremarkable, the entire process was filled with tension.
Ye Yuan's limited strength necessitated the use of hidden cards, with the Five Elements Spirit Link Pill and the Absolute Yang Finger being pivotal in overcoming Chou Ying's superior prowess.
"Brother Tang, it is time to go," Ye Yuan casually instructed Tang Yu, paying little attention to the fallen Chou Ying.
Tang Yu, still recovering from the shock of Ye Yuan's attack, mounted his horse awkwardly, and the trio continued their journey to the Dan Wu Academy.
...
As they traversed the disorderly stone forest, their surroundings gradually expanded, revealing a vast plain. In the distance, multi-storied pavilions resembling the Dan Wu Academy came into view.
The Dan Wu Academy, situated south of the Endless Forest, belonged to the Tranquil Cloud Ten Nations. Despite its location in the State of Qin, the academy was under the jurisdiction of the Tranquil Cloud Sect. Functioning as the outer sect establishment, the Dan Wu Academy primarily focused on alchemy and martial arts.
Upon reaching the gates and heading towards the residential area, the trio encountered a group of individuals who obstructed their path.
"Well, well! Isn't this the Ten Thousand Years Last Place? You truly are resilient. When they sent you out, it seemed like you were at death's door. Yet here you are, alive and kicking," remarked the person at the forefront, dripping with sarcasm.
This individual, Fei Qingping, served as a loyal subordinate to Wan Yuan. He played a role in the demise of Ye Yuan's predecessor, who was poisoned while competing with Fei Qingping.
These individuals hailed from ordinary backgrounds, seeking to attach themselves to noble figures within the academy for additional resources. Fei Qingping, accustomed to such associations, found Ye Yuan's indifference infuriating.
Ye Yuan, however, dismissed Fei Qingping's provocations, refusing to engage seriously with someone of lower status.
"You! Ye Yuan, it seems like your skin is itching for trouble again!" Fei Qingping, unable to tolerate being scolded as a dog, retorted.
"With just you?" Ye Yuan responded expressionlessly.
After closely scrutinizing Ye Yuan, Fei Qingping was astounded by the unexpected revelation. Ye Yuan, previously at the bottom, had ascended two cultivation realms within a few days, reaching the Third Level Essence Qi Realm.
Fei Qingping, recovering from the initial shock, contemplated a possible explanation. Aware of Ye Hang's alchemical expertise, Fei Qingping speculated that Ye Hang might have employed a method similar to the Ghee Empowerment, sacrificing potential for immediate strength.
As Ye Yuan's fame rose, Fei Qingping sneered, "It's great to have a good father. Poisoned nearly to death, yet you miraculously survive and even gain strength effortlessly. Truly an era for competing with fathers!"
Ye Yuan swiftly grasped Fei Qingping's thoughts, opting not to clarify but rather play along. Sporting a wry smile, he remarked, "Indeed, I can leverage my father's influence. But can you say the same? I've heard your father is a watchdog for others, pulling strings to secure your entry into the Dan Wu Academy. Unexpectedly, even here, you've assumed the role of a watchdog. Like father, like son—two gatekeepers; quite impressive!"
Ye Yuan gleaned from his predecessor's memories that Fei Qingping's father was Wan Donghai's confidant, leveraging connections to secure his son's admission. Without such patronage, Fei Qingping, despite sharing the Fourth Level Essence Qi Realm with Tang Yu, might not have qualified for enrollment. The stark contrast revealed the limitations of Fei Qingping's future prospects, likely remaining at the early stages of Spirit Condensation Realm or possibly remaining stuck at Essence Qi Realm.
Fei Qingping, seething with anger, struggled to contain his fury as Ye Yuan persistently referred to him as a dog, causing him to lose face in front of his peers.
Surveying his companions, Fei Qingping discerned suppressed laughter, further fueling his embarrassment.
Undeterred, Ye Yuan provocatively extended his arm, inviting Fei Qingping to bite him. Laughter erupted among the onlookers.
Amidst the mockery, Fei Qingping, wearing the color of a livid pig's liver, issued a challenge to Ye Yuan, demanding a deathmatch. Though the Dan Wu Academy allowed private battles among students, killing without academy approval incurred severe consequences. Yet, if both parties agreed to a life-and-death contract, the academy not only permitted it but also assigned an instructor to officiate the duel.
Ye Yuan, feigning surprise, questioned Fei Qingping's sincerity about the deathmatch. Unfazed, Fei Qingping, believing Ye Yuan to be fearful, taunted him further, suggesting a repetition of a previous tactic to coerce his compliance.
Ye Yuan, seemingly mishearing, asked innocently, "Say what three times?"
With a gleam of realization, Fei Qingping discovered his inadvertent mistake, leading to another round of laughter from the onlookers.
In a fit of anger, Fei Qingping accused Ye Yuan of cowardice, but Ye Yuan, unfazed, humorously responded, "Good dog, so obedient! Grandpa Ye has never considered the owner before disciplining the dog. Since you've presented yourself, I'll discipline you for your owner to witness," accompanied by a sly smile.