Everyone in the hall could tell that Headmaster Yu Mo held Wu Yuan in high regard, and was clearly displeased with Xie Yu for making things difficult for him.
Wu Yuan's expression remained unchanged and he kept silent, but a hint of coldness lingered in his heart. He was sure he hadn't wronged Xie Yu in any way.
"Following the practical assessment protocols, select five martial virtuosos to engage in one-on-one duels with Wu Yuan," Xie Yu stated, disregarding the intimidating glare from the headmaster. "He must win at least two matches to pass the practical component."
Inside the strength assessment hall, a majority of the crowd was taken aback by Xie Yu's proposal. Win two out of five matches?
On the surface, it might appear achievable, but one mustn't forget that Wu Yuan was younger and had less time to hone his martial skills compared to his opponents. Furthermore, the disparity in strength among martial virtuosos was vast. How could one compare a martial virtuoso with 10,000 catties of strength to another with 19,000 catties?
"Guo Long, Yang Yufeng...the five of you will face Wu Yuan." Xie Yu called out the names of five disciples.
The expressions of these disciples immediately underwent subtle shifts, betraying their reluctance. They were no fools. With the headmaster and inspector at odds, the last thing they wanted was to draw attention to themselves. Regardless of the outcome, there would be no benefit for them.
"Inspector Xie, you have gone too far!" Headmaster Yu Mo's smile vanished completely, his voice turning solemn. "The rules clearly state that a single match that allows the examinee to showcase their practical combat ability is sufficient. There is no need for him to secure a victory, let alone win two out of five matches. You are deliberately making things difficult."
Although he carried the title of headmaster, Yu Mo was also one of the three division heads under the Instruction Hall, burdened with numerous responsibilities. Normally, the affairs of the martial academy were mostly managed by Xie Yu. But his absence did not mean he couldnt interfere!
"In accordance with the sect's rules, a minimum of one duel and a maximum of five are required," Xie Yu clashed head-on with the headmaster, refusing to back down. "Ive heard of Wu Yuan's extraordinary talent, so it is only fitting that he be evaluated under the most rigorous criteria."
"I am the headmaster," Headmaster Yu Mo stated icily.
The staff and students martial academy gawked as they looked on. No one expected a mere assessment to turn into a battle between two titans of the academy.
"Headmaster." Wu Yuan spoke up, "It's fine. Since Inspector Xie holds me in such high regard, lets go with her proposal."
All eyes naturally turned to Wu Yuan.
"Young Master, you mustn't," Gu Ji, who had been standing silently behind him, finally couldn't hold back.
Headmaster Yu Mo glanced at Gu Ji, then at Wu Yuan, "You don't understand."
"Headmaster, I do understand," Wu Yuan responded with a hint of a smile, "Please rest assured, my performance will definitely satisfy Inspector Xie."
Wu Yuan also shot Gu Ji a reassuring look.
Headmaster Yu Mo frowned slightly, but didn't know what to say. After all, Wu Yuan himself had chosen to agree.
"Very well. Wu Yuan, I hope your combat prowess lives up to your reputation," Xie Yu glanced at Wu Yuan. "Rest assured, I will not treat you unfairly."
"Since you are no coward, I wont make things difficult for you. As long as you win one in five matches, I will sign my approval," Xie Yu stated indifferently, "You may rest for a quarter of an hour between each duel."
Wu Yuan simply smiled in response. Just one win out of five matches?
"You five," Xie Yu's gaze sharply swept over the chosen five disciples, "Whoever loses will have 100 points deducted, and whoever wins will receive 50 points."
The expressions of the five disciples changed drastically. Within the tertiary martial academy, points held significant weight. Many precious cultivation resources could only be accessed once a sufficient number of points was reached. She was pressuring them into giving their all.
In no time at all, everyone gathered by the martial combat hall adjacent to the strength assessment hall. An imposing, circular martial combat platform stood in the center of it.
Wu Yuan, along with five other academy disciples, donned their protective gear, including helmets and neck guards. Though these might hinder their flexibility, they ensured the safety of the fighters.
Shortly thereafter, they each selected their weapon of choice. Crafted from wood, the weapons were limited to long staffs, short staffs, and shields. Though sturdy, their potential to inflict serious harm was restricted.
After all, matches between martial academy disciples were meant for training and honing their skills, not to draw blood. Bloody and brutal outcomes were strictly forbidden.
On the circular martial combat platform around 30 meters in diameter, Wu Yuan and a disciple named Guo Long stood some distance apart, facing each other. Both had chosen the long staff as their weapon.
Aside from Headmaster Yu Mo, Xie Yu, and Gu Ji who were first-rate Adepts, the other instructors and academy disciples watched from the sidelines.
As first-rate Adepts, they wouldn't interfere in the match between martial virtuosos. However, they could step in to save the competing disciples at critical moments. Despite the solid protective equipment, the impact of their blows ranged from thousands to tens of thousands of catties. The risk of injury or even death remained ever-present.
"Commence the duel, we will decide the victor at the appropriate moment," Headmaster Yu Mo said softly, "Remember, it's just a match. Do not deliberately injure your opponent."
"Understood," both Wu Yuan and Guo Long responded.
And so, the match began. The two of them no longer paid attention to the audience, focusing on each others movements.
Wu Yuan's gaze settled on Guo Long, a sturdy young man of around eighteen or nineteen. Given that he was chosen by Xie Yu, his strength had to be decent.
"Wu Yuan, be careful. If you admit defeat, I will stop immediately," Guo Long said solemnly. This statement was not meant to belittle Wu Yuan. In his eyes, how strong could the martial skills of a fourteen-year-old boy be?
Wu Yuan's expression was calm, devoid of joy or sadness.
Guo Long gripped his staff with both hands, one hand forward, the other pressed back. In just three steps, he charged at Wu Yuan like a cheetah.
The staff resembled a spear, producing a sharp whistling sound as it pierced through the air, the impact of this staff's strike easily surpassing 10,000 catties. Accurate and ruthless, it aimed straight for Wu Yuan's chest. This was the level of skill of someone who spent years training with the spear.
How naive. Wu Yuan sighed inwardly, holding his staff in one hand. He took a step forward, narrowly evading the attack. The tip of Guo Long's staff grazed past Wu Yuan's ear, creating the illusion of a close call.
Following that, Wu Yuan's staff trembled in his hand. In a burst of speed, he launched a fierce stab towards Guo Long's throat. If this blow were to land, it would surely shatter his neck!
Gu Ji observed the scene with a cold and detached gaze, his only responsibility was to ensure Wu Yuan's safety.
"Not good!" Xie Yu's and Yu Mo's expressions changed simultaneously, and the idea of halting the match immediately crossed their minds. But at the last moment, Wu Yuan's staff swiftly shifted from a thrust to a sweeping motion.
Boom! The staff struck Guo Long's chest with intense force, sending him hurtling backward and falling hard onto the ground.
Wu Yuan retracted his staff with an air of nonchalance. "Brother Guo, thank you for going easy on me.