Chapter 1099: Chapter 1098: Two Heavenly Prides
Early the next morning, before dawn had even broken, Ling Chen was already out the door, heading towards the martial arts training field on Lingyue Island.
Since he had become a new disciple of Lingyue Island, Ling Chen had to undergo the training and courses required of the island’s disciples.
Lingyue Island is one of the few hidden major sects in the Nine Provinces Land, known for its strict discipline. It was different from the Ling Family or the Witch Fiend Sect. Every disciple who joined Lingyue Island had to undergo a one-month training program. For Ling Chen, today marked his first official day as part of Lingyue Island. He couldn’t afford to skip training without being frowned upon.
The young disciples of Lingyue Island numbered in the tens of thousands, making the training field bustling, lively, as carriages and horses flowed like water, with handsome men and beautiful women engaging in conversations everywhere, all displaying youthful energy.
However, among the thousands of Lingyue Island disciples, only three hundred were core disciples.
These three hundred were divided into five groups, each taught by seasoned Spirit Moon Island Elders who specialized in instructing martial arts.
As a direct disciple under Elder Shen Bingxin, Ling Chen was naturally placed in the first group.
This arrangement naturally stirred a lot of controversy among the disciples of Lingyue Island.
"He’s Ling Chen, that kid who’s reputed to be the first genius of the younger generation in the Nine Provinces."
"What nonsense about being a first genius. If he were truly capable, would he need to use Elder Shen’s influence?"
"Exactly, in my opinion, he’s nothing but a person who revels in an undeserved reputation."
All the disciples in the first group were direct disciples from various peaks, each holding themselves in high regard, arrogant. They believed they had gone through numerous tests to earn their current status, and thus naturally looked down on Ling Chen, whom they believed had gotten in through connections.
"The disciples in the first group are almost the elite of the entire Lingyue Island."
Beside Ling Chen, Lin Wan explained the situation to him, her gaze then falling on two young men not far away. "Those two are the strongest in the current first group."
Following Lin Wan’s gaze, Ling Chen saw two youths, both dressed in white, yet possessing distinctly different auras.
One of them had a more feminine style; his hairband even embroidered with a small flower. His face was noticeably powdered. If it weren’t for seeing the Adam’s apple, Ling Chen might have mistaken him for a woman.
As for the other, in contrast, he appeared much more typical. Despite his young age, he sported a full beard, giving him an older appearance, but his eyes were notably spirited, like two sharp blades penetrating the soul.
"Gu Wuqing, Leng Qianshang, in the last Nine Provinces Conference, both were listed among the Eighteen Heavenly Talents. Their strength within Lingyue Island is undeniably formidable."
Lin Wan said seriously.
"The Eighteen Heavenly Talents, huh..."
Ling Chen’s eyes glimmered with light; being listed among the Eighteen Heavenly Talents was enough to prove these two’s talent and strength were far from ordinary.
These two were probably much stronger than Zhou Qingqing.
"That one, is Elder Shen Bingxin’s new direct disciple, Ling Chen?"
Leng Qianshang seemed to notice Ling Chen too, a faint sheen of light appearing in his eyes as he spoke.
"Seems like it."
Gu Wuqing’s subtle, probing gaze fixed on Ling Chen, then he frowned slightly, "Elder Shen Bingxin has only ever taken the Free and Unrestrained Marquis as a direct disciple before. Even talents like us of the Heavenly Pride Level were not favored by Elder Shen Bingxin. What divine power does this Ling Chen have for Elder Shen Bingxin to accept him?"
"Probably something beyond strength."
Leng Qianshang stated coldly. He didn’t believe that Ling Chen earned his status based solely on strength.
"Let’s test him out later."
Gu Wuqing’s lips curved into a sly smile. Be it truly talented or just a sham, it will become evident with one test.
"There’s no need for you to do it."
Coldly, Leng Qianshang pointed in a direction where a beautiful and gentle female disciple stood.
This woman was incredibly beautiful, with features so exquisite and a body so alluring, especially her snowy white skin exposed outside her garments, as delicate as lamb’s fat jade, seemingly flawless.
It was Zhou Qingqing.
At this moment, Zhou Qingqing’s beautiful eyes emitted a chilly aura. She walked directly towards Ling Chen, "Ling Chen, if you want everyone to accept you as a member of the first group, you must first defeat me."
Not far away, Mo Yang was watching this scene with a calm demeanor but secretly rejoicing. Although he had been reproached by Elder Shen Bingxin, his grudge against Ling Chen had never faltered. Seeing Zhou Qingqing giving Ling Chen trouble now made him more than happy.
This boy was too arrogant, needing someone like Zhou Qingqing, with her domineering nature, to teach him a lesson.
Yet facing Zhou Qingqing’s aggressive attitude, Ling Chen’s expression remained unperturbed. "I am already a member of the first group. Why must I seek your acceptance? If you’re not acknowledging me, would I lose my status as a first group member?"
"Certainly not. But, don’t you wish to prove yourself, in front of so many core disciples?"
Zhou Qingqing was relentless, "Unless you’re indeed just a sham, fearing exposing your weak strength and making a fool of yourself in front of everyone."
With so many people present, Zhou Qingqing didn’t believe Ling Chen could continuously hide. Even now, she had some doubts whether Ling Chen was genuinely afraid to face her.
"Say what you will."
Ling Chen appeared indifferent. It wasn’t that he was unwilling to face Zhou Qingqing, but he simply had no interest in competing with a woman of her ability. With her level of strength, she wasn’t a match for him. Why should he accept her challenge?
"This guy is likely indeed a sham, I might have overestimated him,"
Leng Qianshang shook his head, deeply disappointed in Ling Chen.
If it were him being so provoked by Zhou Qingqing, he would have already given her a good lesson by now.
"Whether he’s a sham or not, I can’t say, but I can already determine that his accomplishments won’t be significant. As a swordsman, without bearing the edge a swordsman should have, this Ling Chen is nothing noteworthy."
Gu Wuqing too felt deflated, with an expression as if he had seen through Ling Chen.
With a swift motion, she flicked her fingers, channeling True Qi, drawing her Long Sword from her waist, and thrust towards Ling Chen’s heart.
Unable to incite the opponent with words, she intended to force Ling Chen to retaliate with action.
In her view now, Ling Chen’s strength should be inferior to her own. Given this, why not defeat Ling Chen in public and shame him thoroughly, settle a few days’ old grudges, and additionally, humiliating someone with the title of the first genius of the Nine Provinces was undoubtedly a highly satisfying achievement.
