Chapter 2303: Chapter 2307: You’ve Changed
"Please calm down, teacher!"
Jiang Chen comforted Sang Zhenye and then turned to Ouyang Song: "Elder Ouyang, my path of cultivation is for me to choose. I won’t abandon either the Formation Dao or Alchemy Dao, and I don’t think cultivating them simultaneously will affect my speed."
"Jiang Chen, how old are you this year? Do you know the ages of those at the same realm as you? Others might not know, but Ruo Xue should. She’s only nineteen, and based on her aura, she’s about to break through to the Mid Divine Infant Realm, what about you?"
Ouyang Song frowned, speaking earnestly; he truly hoped Jiang Chen wouldn’t waste his exceptional talent in cultivation.
"What about me?"
Jiang Chen smiled slightly: "May I ask Elder Sang, how long has Ruo Xue been cultivating?"
"Ruo Xue started cultivating at the age of five; she has been practicing for fourteen years now!"
Ouyang Song spoke with pride. Fourteen years to surpass the Acquired, Innate, Myriad Manifestations, and Unification realms, reaching Mid Divine Infant Realm and almost breaking through to Late Divine Infant Realm — such cultivation speed is already quite rapid, though it still lags behind the top talents.
"Elder Ouyang, I started cultivating at twenty-three. In six years, I’ve reached the Mid Divine Infant Realm, almost ready to break through to Late Divine Infant Realm. Do you think my cultivation is slow?"
Jiang Chen first offered an apologetic smile to Ouyang Ruoxue, then looked at Ouyang Song and spoke resolutely.
This comparison might make Ouyang Ruoxue feel slightly uncomfortable, but it’s the best way to prove a point.
Ouyang Ruoxue didn’t blame Jiang Chen; through their interactions, she had already learned that Jiang Chen had cultivated for only six years. This is why she became increasingly willing to train with Jiang Chen; previously, she felt such training wasted time, but Jiang Chen’s example changed her perspective.
Over the past year, her combat strength advanced significantly, a fact she felt quite clearly herself.
So when Jiang Chen flashed her an apologetic smile, Ouyang Ruoxue smiled gently and shook her head.
"What did you say? You have only cultivated for six years?"
"Six years, that’s even faster than me!"
"How is that possible? You’re not a Taoist Body!"
All three of Ouyang Song’s companions exclaimed in shock once more, displaying disbelief; their hearts could barely contain it. The shock felt today exceeded everything they’ve experienced throughout the year combined.
"Elder Lu seems quite fond of doubting others!"
Jiang Chen cast a nonchalant glance at Lu Zhichen, then shifted his gaze back to Ouyang Song: "Elder Ouyang, can you now discuss the possibility of challenging the first place of a higher level in the grand competition?"
Sang Zhenye, who had just sat back down, appeared ready to stand again; even Hu Yiqiu and Jian Cangqiong frowned slightly, casting an unkind look toward Lu Zhichen.
Lu Zhichen froze for a moment, feeling embarrassed; he glanced at Sang Zhenye and the others, awkwardly smiling.
He continuously questioned Sang Zhenye earlier, and if he continued to hold onto the six-year question, it could truly ignite Sang Zhenye and the others’ anger.
They had already grasped the contributions Jiang Chen made to Changlin Academy upon arrival; Lu Zhichen had no doubt about Jiang Chen’s standing among the seven top figures of Changlin Academy.
"Elder Lu is an elder of the outer court’s Punishment Hall. It’s his duty to habitually question unusual circumstances, not specifically targeting you."
Ouyang Song explained on behalf of Lu Zhichen, feeling the dissatisfaction from others toward Lu Zhichen.
Subsequently, Ouyang Song turned to Jiang Chen: "Jiang Chen, I know you mean well, but I must remind you, many will take part in this entrance exam. As I mentioned earlier, certain families without direct qualifications will find ways to compete for spots in the main academy."
Ouyang Song’s eyes showed a hint of caution:
"Though the main academy doesn’t admit students externally, only from the junior academy and four branch academies, these families have already placed their children in various junior academies years ago."
"It’s true that you can challenge the top rank of a higher level in the grand trials, but I hope you’ll think it through carefully. Otherwise, if you fail to secure support for the academy, it might lead others to say Changlin Academy’s students lack self-awareness, and moreover..."
Ouyang Song glanced at Hu Yiqiu: "This time your master will return to the academy with you; don’t let your master lose face the moment you return. After all, you can’t demand your opponent wait for you to finish setting up a formation before starting the challenge, can you?"
"Elder Ouyang, that’s not something you need to worry about. Being able to challenge is enough; I’ll handle the rest with discretion!"
Faced with Ouyang Song’s repeated attempts to influence his choices, a hint of discontent arose in Jiang Chen’s heart.
Though he usually treated others kindly, it didn’t mean he lacked pride. Furthermore, back on Yuan Star, he was the authority; when had his affairs needed others to plan for him?
Ouyang Song was taken aback, sensing the dissatisfaction in Jiang Chen’s words; his brows furrowed slightly.
Such an arrogant child, unable to tolerate even a bit of advice — with a character like this, how could he achieve greatness? He might not be able to stand once he stumbles!
"Ouyang, what do you mean? Did the three of you come here today just to repeatedly question us?"
Hu Yiqiu’s face darkened, staring straight at Ouyang Song: "Have you been in the position of the eight great elders for too long, thinking you can lecture anyone? Can you drop that condescending attitude?"
Ouyang Song hesitated, glancing at Hu Yiqiu, then at Jiang Chen, his eyes puzzled: "What? What’s wrong with my attitude earlier?"
"Doubt, distrust, lecturing, arrogance!"
Before anyone else could speak, Ouyang Ruoxue behind Ouyang Song began: "Grandfather, you’re like Elder Lu, he’s spent too much time in the Punishment Hall and doubts everything by habit. You’ve lectured too many people, always appearing overbearing — even well-intentioned advice sounds like arrangements or mockery when you speak."
Upon hearing this, Hu Yiqiu nodded first, followed swiftly by Jian Cangqiong and others, even Su Qingluan and Lu Zhichen showed agreement.
Ouyang Song’s eyebrows rose, ready to refute, but seeing everyone’s reactions, he was stunned.
"Am I... so detestable?"
Ouyang Song spoke with a mix of laughter and disbelief.
"Ouyang, you’ve changed, you’re not the same as you were!"
Hu Yiqiu spoke solemnly, showing a hint of concern in his eyes.
He and Ouyang Song have known each other for over two hundred years and understand him deeply, but the Ouyang Song of today feels unfamiliar to him.
