"This guy is crazy, absolutely insane!"
"Yeah, he actually dares to speak to Senior Brother Xuanyuan Ao like that. He must have a death wish!"
The students from the West Court who had come to support Xuanyuan Ao all looked at Ling Feng with pity. This ignorant kid thinks he's invincible just because he has some skills. Unfortunately for him, Xuanyuan Ao is not someone he can afford to provoke.
Unexpectedly, Xuanyuan Ao wasn’t angry. Instead, the appreciation in his eyes grew stronger. Laughing loudly, he said, "What if I could recommend you to the Xuanyuan family’s army after you graduate from Tianwei Academy? You could become a Chief Commandant directly!"
With a slight smile, Xuanyuan Ao's gaze locked onto Ling Feng's eyes. "Someone like you, without any significant background, can only get so far on your own. No matter how hard you fight, you'll remain a nobody. But if you join me, I can ensure your rise to great heights!"
Xuanyuan Ao was the son of the Tiger Wing General.
Tiger Wing General was a position equal in status to Ascendant Eagle General, Tiger Brilliant General and Tiger Awe General in the empire.
For instance, the Ascendant Eagle General, Deng Xian, whom Ling Feng had encountered at the Tianmeng Auction House with Yan Cangtian, had achieved legendary status through a lifetime of military achievements. This roughly gave Ling Feng an idea of the Tiger Wing General’s prestigious standing.
The Tiger Wing General commanded one of the empire’s most elite armies. Although not as renowned as the Black-Armored Cavalry, his forces were still among the best.
The surrounding students from Tianwei Academy were in awe, wishing they could be in Ling Feng’s shoes. Joining Tianwei Academy was all about seeking fame, fortune, and more resources for cultivation. The military was known for its generous distribution of training materials. To be offered a position as Chief Commandant straight out of the academy was an opportunity that ordinary people might never achieve, even after a lifetime of effort!
What they didn't know was that Ling Feng had previously declined an offer to join the Black-Armored Imperial Guard from General Long Xiao of the Black-Armored Cavalry. Compared to that, being a Chief Commandant under the Tiger Wing General wasn’t appealing to Ling Feng at all.
Standing with his hands behind his back, Ling Feng remained calm. "What I want, I can achieve on my own. And what I don’t want, I won’t take even if you give it to me."
Xuanyuan Ao’s eyes turned cold and malicious as he stared at Ling Feng. "So, you’re choosing the hard way!"
Ling Feng met Xuanyuan Ao’s gaze, unwavering.
He had always lived by the principle, "I don’t trouble others unless they trouble me first." Since Liu Shengjie had tried to harm him, he deserved what he got. Ling Feng felt no regret.
And now, with Xuanyuan Ao trying to bully him, Ling Feng wouldn’t back down.
He knew he wasn’t alone. With supporters like Yan Cangtian and the Cangqiong Sect behind him, he had formidable allies!
"Today, I’ll cripple you to prevent any further disgrace to Tianwei Academy!"
Xuanyuan Ao declared righteously, as if he was the defender of Tianwei Academy’s honor and Ling Feng was a rebellious threat that needed to be disciplined.
"Xuanyuan Ao, you’ve really lost your touch!"
At that moment, a thunderous roar erupted from behind the crowd. It was Gu Tengfeng, the captain of the East Court's sword team, arriving just in time with his team to support Ling Feng.
The members of the East Court's sword team—Gong Cheng, Xue Xiaolin, Li Bufan, Ye Nanfeng, and even Feng Mo—were all present.
Feng Mo had been instrumental in bringing Gu Tengfeng here. After learning that Ling Feng had severely taught Liu Shengjie and his group a lesson, Feng Mo anticipated the West Court wouldn't take it lying down. So, he quickly informed Gu Tengfeng, hoping he could help Ling Feng.
True to his loyal nature, Gu Tengfeng would never abandon a teammate in need, leading to this confrontation.
Gu Tengfeng's shout startled everyone present. His aura, that of a dominant leader, spread across the scene, silencing the crowd and instilling a sense of awe.
Xuanyuan Ao's eyes flashed with venom. He had been rivals with Gu Tengfeng for years. Despite Gu Tengfeng's slightly superior strength, Xuanyuan Ao took solace in the fact that the East Court's sword team had always been overshadowed by their West Court counterparts.
"Xuanyuan Ao, have you thought this through? Messing with my people comes with consequences."
Gu Tengfeng approached with his team in tow, his towering figure exuding a natural sense of dominance and authority.
"This matter concerns your team member, Ling Feng, who seriously injured and humiliated members of the West Court’s sword team. Even if we take this to the academy director, Ling Feng is at fault!"
Xuanyuan Ao clenched his fists, glaring at Gu Tengfeng. "I am merely disciplining an unruly student for the academy. I advise you not to interfere!"
Gu Tengfeng laughed heartily. "And since when did you, Captain Xuanyuan, have the authority to represent Tianwei Academy and punish its students? Who granted you that power?"
Xuanyuan Ao's teeth ground audibly as his face twisted in frustration. "Gu Tengfeng, stop twisting my words!"
"Twisting words? Aren’t you the one not owning up to your actions?"
Gu Tengfeng’s eyes glinted with disdain. "As long as I am here, you won’t lay a finger on Ling Feng."
"Gu Tengfeng! Are you deliberately opposing me?" Xuanyuan Ao trembled with rage, his voice rising to a hysterical pitch.
"Think of it as you will." Gu Tengfeng turned to Ling Feng, clapping him on the shoulder with a hearty laugh. "Brother, you’re not alone in this fight!"
"That’s right, Brother Feng! We’re here with you!" chimed in Lin Mochen, stepping forward with a grin. "I may not be as strong as you, but I’ve never backed down from a fight."
"What's done is done! If it means punishment from the academy, so be it!" declared Ye Nanfeng, bravely standing his ground.
Gong Cheng frowned slightly, aware of the consequences of such a confrontation. Two sword teams clashing publicly, especially with their captains involved, was bound to attract severe penalties from the academy.
"While this might not be the most rational approach, sometimes you just have to go with your gut!"
With a resolute nod, Gong Cheng decided to abandon caution and stand with his team.
Though silent, Li Bufan’s actions spoke volumes as he moved to Ling Feng’s side, ready to face whatever came next.
Without hesitation, the rest of the East Court's sword team followed suit, standing united with Ling Feng against their adversaries.