Ling Feng raised his head, sensing the commanding presence of Gu Tengfeng. It felt like facing a ruler.
Gu Tengfeng emitted an aura reminiscent of a heavy sword without a blade, both refined and raw.
He was undeniably formidable, a natural swordsman!
The two exchanged silent glances, neither speaking, as their auras silently clashed.
Gong Cheng couldn't help but nervously sweat as he noticed the misunderstandings around them. He scratched his head and explained with a smile, "Hi, I'm Gong Cheng, vice-captain of the East Court sword team. Our captain hopes you'll consider joining us!"
The words sent a shiver through the surrounding crowd.
It was a significant honor for a yellow-tier student to receive a direct invitation from the captain of the sword team!
However, to everyone's surprise, Ling Feng shook his head and calmly declined, saying, "Sorry, I'm busy. I don't have the time or interest."
With that, he turned and walked away without further explanation.
Qin Wanwan glanced at Ling Feng, and then at Gu Tengfeng standing nearby, before bowing to Gu Tengfeng and hurrying after Ling Feng.
"Damn, I can't believe it. Has that kid lost his mind? He turned down an offer from the captain of the sword team!"
"Oh my goodness! Does he even realize what it means to join the main squad of the sword team?"
"If it were me, even if my legs were broken, I'd still say yes!"
Those who had been cultivating at Tianwei Academy for one or two years all wanted to strangle Ling Feng who was strangely unappreciative.
"Captain, it appears that this yellow-tier student isn't particularly interested in joining our sword team."
Gong Cheng frowned and sighed softly.
Gu Tengfeng declared, watching Ling Feng's retreating figure with determination in his eyes. "No matter what, I'll find a way to convince him to join our East Court sword team!"
Qin Wanwan finally caught up with Ling Feng, walking alongside him and panting slightly. "Ling Feng, you fool, why did you reject Gu Tengfeng's invitation?"
"There's no particular reason. I simply don't want to," Ling Feng furrowed his brow. With so much to delve into on his own, why bother joining a seemingly "meaningless" organization like the sword team?
Just to perform on the sword fighting platform?
Clearly, that wasn't his goal.
"Do you realize how many students at Tianwei Academy dream of joining the Sword Team? Only members of the sword team can be called elites. True elites! And among the five courts, the sword team representing Tianwei Academy in battles against other academies brings glory to Tianwei Academy!
"And to ultimately defeat all the sword teams in the empire and become a member of the strongest sword team in the empire is something every martial artist dreams of!
"Don't you want to be that kind of person?" Qin Wanwan asked, her lips pursed.
"Glory?" Ling Feng paused in his steps, turning to Qin Wanwan with a furrowed brow. "You know what? You're really annoying!"
"You!" Qin Wanwan stomped her foot in frustration. "You ungrateful brat, mistaking kindness for foolishness. Humph, I won't bother with you anymore!"
"Well, thank you for that," Ling Feng quickened his pace, flying towards the direction of the East Court of Tianshu.
"Damn Ling Feng, stinky Ling Feng!"
Qin Wanwan was nearly brought to tears by Ling Feng's behavior. Am I really that annoying? Why is it that Ling Feng, of all people, seems to ignore me completely?
"Hmph, I won't let you have your way. I'll annoy you! I'll annoy you until you can't stand it!" She vented by stomping fiercely on the ground a few times before heading back to her residence in the Tianxuan East Court.
Perhaps Qin Wanwan didn't even realize it herself, but Ling Feng's presence had caused a significant shift in her attitude.
Despite others catering to her every whim, Ling Feng simply didn't take her seriously. Deep inside, she harbored a refusal to admit defeat, which led her to desire to win over the heart of this man who showed her no regard.
As the night grew darker, the pond outside the Tianshu East Court echoed with the croaks of frogs.
"Highest glory to the empire? The strongest sword team that countless martial artists dream of?"
In Ling Feng's mind, Qin Wanwan's words echoed inexplicably. Normally calm and composed, he now felt an unexpected sense of agitation.
Feeling restless, Ling Feng suddenly found himself greatly interested in Gu Tengfeng's sword team.
The power and dominance emanating from Gu Tengfeng unsettled Ling Feng's inner calm.
Deep within, he longed for strength, relentlessly pursuing it.
"Does joining their sword team mean I'll be able to battle against the top-rated geniuses of the Tianbai Empire?"
At the mere thought, Ling Feng felt his fighting spirit tremble!
"Kid, your heart seems troubled today!"
With a gentle breeze, in the next moment, Yan Cangtian appeared in Ling Feng's room.
"Elder Yan." Ling Feng respectfully greeted Yan Cangtian with a fist-and-palm salute.
"Hehe, what's the matter? Something must be really bothering you if even someone like you feels restless," Yan Cangtian squinted, examining Ling Feng as if trying to see through him completely.
After taking a deep breath, Ling Feng hesitated for a moment before lifting his head and looking directly into Yan Cangtian's eyes. "Elder Yan, do you think I should join the East Court sword team?"
Yan Cangtian's expression shifted slightly as if recalling something. With a soft sigh, he asked, "Why are you suddenly bringing this up?"
"Today, someone recruited me to join the sword team," Ling Feng said truthfully.
"Hehe, with your talent, it's not surprising that those guys from the sword team noticed you. I don't find it strange at all."
Yan Cangtian stroked his long beard, reached out, and grabbed Ling Feng's shoulder before saying lightly, "Come on, let me take you to the medicinal herb garden. We can talk more there!"
Before Ling Feng could respond, a sudden gust of wind swept through the room. With a gentle breeze, the doors and windows closed, and Ling Feng and Yan Cangtian vanished without a trace.
With a sudden blur, Ling Feng found himself back in Yan Cangtian's medicinal herb garden.
After several whirlwind experiences, Ling Feng had grown somewhat accustomed to Yan Cangtian's exaggerated speed and no longer felt dizzy.
Releasing Ling Feng, Yan Cangtian strolled towards the courtyard, asking casually, "Kid, what are your thoughts on joining the sword team?"
"I simply wish to become stronger!" Ling Feng clenched his fist, his eyes flashing with intense determination. "I have a compelling reason to become stronger! And I must become very strong! Very, very strong!"
Not to mention distant goals, just to reclaim the second volume of The Profound Art of Acupuncture and Moxibustion left behind by my grandfather from the Yan family in the Eastern Capital, I must possess the strength of the Spiritual Sea Realm[1].
Yan Cangtian suddenly halted his steps, turning to look at Ling Feng. He spoke slowly and deliberately, "In that case, don't hesitate. Join the sword team! Only by fighting against geniuses will you be sharpened and grow stronger in the shortest time possible."
Ling Feng nodded firmly at Yan Cangtian's serious expression. "Thank you, Elder Yan, for your guidance!"
1. Realms that have appeared so far in order of strength: Body Refinement Realm, Qi Formation Realm, Pulse Formation Realm, Transformation Realm, Spiritual Element Realm, Spiritual Sea Realm. ☜