Chapter 36: Cloud Heir
The disciples inside the grand hall were struck dumb upon hearing the instructor's words.
"What? A martial virtuoso?"
"Is it true?" These disciples of the martial academy looked at Wu Yuan in shock.
"Wu Yuan is only fourteen, isn't he?"
"He's yet to reach fifteen!" As disciples of the martial academy, most of them were eighth-grade martial novices. Naturally, they understood what reaching the martial virtuoso level represented.
Amongst adults, martial virtuosos were rare enough to be called ‘one in a hundred’, their capabilities warranting positions as corporals and sergeants in the city guard. For these teenage martial academy disciples, reaching the seventh-grade martial novice level was already a remarkable achievement.
Though it might appear to be just a one-grade disparity between seventh and sixth grade, the baseline requirement for one's physical constitution differed by a whole order of magnitude. Physical strength was doubled, and ability was improved tenfold.
"A fourteen-year-old martial virtuoso?" Guan Yang was momentarily dazed, blurting out subconsciously, "Impossible! It's only been a few months; how could he have improved so rapidly? Is this for real?" He couldn't help but believe it was some sort of mistake.
One had to understand that Guan Yang was a seventh-grade martial novice, but the earliest age target Ancestor Guan set for him to become a martial virtuoso was before sixteen!
"Guan Yang, what are you babbling about?" Instructor Liu frowned, "The headmaster is here in person. Do you still doubt it? Even if Senior Brother Wu isn't a martial virtuoso yet, he's most certainly close."
"I dare not." Guan Yang lowered his head.
Doubt the headmaster? Forget him, a seventh-grade martial novice youngster. Even if Ancestor Guan Zishan were present, he would think twice before contradicting the martial academy headmaster. Putting aside the matter of authority, the headmaster of the martial academy was at least a second-rate Adept!
At this moment, Headmaster Zhang Da, Huan Xinyan, and other instructors of the martial academy entered the grand hall, wearing smiles as they looked at Wu Yuan.
"Headmaster, Instructor Huan," Wu Yuan bowed respectfully. Despite the power he wielded, he chose to be a disciple of the martial academy, and thus must act the part.
Guan Yang and other disciples of the martial academy also bowed one by one, each of them respectful.
However, what surprised the disciples of the martial academy was that Headmaster Zhang Da and the instructors actively parted to form two columns, making way for a young man in black robes and a scar on his face to walk to the forefront. All the instructors, including the headmaster, appeared to treat him with utmost respect.
This caused the many disciples to feel inwardly shocked. From what they could remember, even when the county mayor or the general of defense came, the headmaster did not show such deference.
Who was the young man in black robes?
Only Wu Yuan wasn’t surprised, but he still proceeded to show a shocked expression on his face. Since this was a play, he had to put on a performance.
"Wu Yuan, allow me to introduce you. This is Senior Gao Yu, a protectorate from the sect headquarters," Headmaster Zhang Da made the introduction.
Protectorate? The disciples were puzzled, and Wu Yuan also showed a look of confusion.
“The title of protectorate is a designation within our sect. Should Senior Gao Yu be dispatched by the sect, he could serve as the headmaster of the Southdream Martial Academy or even assume the role of a provincial general, Headmaster Zhang Da explained with a smile. "In simpler terms, Senior Gao Yu is a third-grade martial artist!"
"And among third-grade martial artists, Senior Gao Yu is extremely strong," Zhang Da confirmed without hesitation.
The grand hall fell into awed silence. All the disciples of the martial academy looked at the young man in the black robe wide-eyed, some of them scarcely believing it.
A third-grade martial artist was a first-rate Adept! For the vast majority of the disciples present, almost none of them had seen a first-rate Adept in their lives.
"Greetings, Senior Gao Yu," Wu Yuan said, perfectly timing a look of admiration on his face. All the disciples paid their respects as well, some visibly excited. For most of them, this was their first close encounter with such a significant figure.
Guan Yang maintained a formal demeanor as well. He was well aware that even his clan's ancestor had only been a custodian of the sect, never attaining the rank of protectorate.
In the Cloudstride Sect, all protectorates were first-rate Adepts, but not all first-rate Adepts were protectorates.
Guan Yang couldn't help but glance at Wu Yuan with envy. It was clear to everyone that this influential figure was here because of him.
"Wu Yuan, there's no need to be nervous." The black-robed young man with the scar laughed. "I am not a protectorate of the Instruction Hall; I simply happened to be passing through Li City. Coincidentally, you came to the martial academy today and the headmaster wanted to verify your strength, so I came to take a look."
Wu Yuan nodded obediently.
"Wu Yuan!" Huan Xinyan said solemnly, "Although Senior Gao Yu doesn't have the authority to admit you directly to the sect, writing you a recommendation is well within his capacity. If that happens, your chances of becoming a Cloud Heir will greatly increase!"
"You must seize this opportunity and perform well." Huan Xinyan advised, displaying a trace of concern.
"I will," Wu Yuan nodded, though somewhat puzzled.
Cloud Heir? What’s that?
Upon his arrival at the martial academy, he had only been notified to come to the martial grand hall. Nothing more was mentioned. During the past few days when he had been absent from the martial academy, Gao Yu had arrived in Li City without warning, and Huan Xinyan made the sudden decision to evaluate his abilities. There had been no opportunity for prior discussion.
However, Wu Yuan had a hunch that Gao Yu seemed to have an extraordinary relationship with Huan Xinyan. As Huan Xinyan's personal mentee, if he genuinely desired to join the Cloudstride Sect, today appeared to be an excellent opportunity to do so.
The mention of Cloud Heirs elicited expressions of joy, astonishment, and envy from the martial academy instructors nearby.
“Shall we proceed?” Headmaster Zhang Da chuckled, “Wu Yuan, all you need to do today is to display your full strength. Don’t miss this rare opportunity. I would be delighted if one of our academy's disciples could earn the title of Cloud Heir.” His face was full of joy, seemingly holding Wu Yuan in high regard.
Wu Yuan couldn't help but sneer inwardly. How could he forget how this smiling tiger had forced him to bow out of the martial academy major tournament at the Xu Manor?
“I will do my best, Headmaster,” Wu Yuan said solemnly.
Before long, the group of martial academy instructors, led by Gao Yu, Zhang Da, and Wu Yuan, entered a spacious strength assessment chamber situated on one side of the Great Martial Hall. The room was vast, with enough space for hundreds of individuals!
In addition to the instructors, many disciples, including Guan Yang, joined the gathering to witness the spectacle. Naturally, the martial academy instructors made no attempt to stop them. In no time, the number of attendees inside the strength assessment chamber reached around 50.
“Go ahead,” Huan Xinyan said, “Start with the 5000-catty test stone, then gradually proceed to heavier ones. Don’t rush.”
Wu Yuan nodded. He moved to the center of the strength assessment chamber, where more than ten stone pedestals of varying weights were neatly arranged in ascending order, starting from 1000 catties, 2000 catties, and so on. The largest stone pedestal weighed a staggering 20,000 catties.
The assessment consisted of two tests: the first evaluated strength, while the second focused on combat.
Wu Yuan did not obey Huan Xinyan's instructions. Instead, he strode directly to the test stone weighing 8000 catties. The test stone was fashioned from a unique material and was exceptionally dense. Despite weighing 8000 catties, it was only the size of a table, but everyone present was keenly aware of the stone's mass.
"Up!" Wu Yuan clutched the handle on the side of the test stone with a single hand. With a swift motion, his arm suddenly exerted a shocking force, hoisting the stone upwards. Without any pause, he raised it directly above his head. His arm did not tremble, and his body did not waver at all.
The onlookers stared in disbelief. Even Gao Yu, who typically appeared indifferent, was slightly taken aback, revealing a surprised expression.
Although a martial virtuoso could lift 10,000 catties of weight with a single arm, it did not mean they could effortlessly lift a test stone weighing 8000 catties. And doing it in the same manner as Wu Yuan, without any pause, was a considerably more arduous feat. It was clear that Wu Yuan's strength either vastly exceeded 8000 catties or he employed a unique force-exertion technique!
Wu Yuan gently set it down, seemingly without much effort. Then, he proceeded to the next test stone, which was marginally larger. This one weighed 10,000 catties. Without any hesitation, Wu Yuan raised it forcefully, with his arm, torso, and thigh remaining steadfast. The sole difference was a brief pause when the test stone reached his chest, clearly reflecting the stone's increased weight.
At this juncture, no one harbored any doubts about Wu Yuan's martial virtuoso-level strength. He was a true fourteen-year-old martial virtuoso! Moreover, the instructors of the martial academy who observed Wu Yuan's posture could clearly discern that Wu Yuan had yet to reach his limit.
Thud! The test stone fell. Wu Yuan's face turned slightly red, but he did not approach Huan Xinyan, and instead advanced toward the next test stone, intending to continue with the assessment.
10,000 catties? Could it be that this is not Wu Yuan's limit? Guan Yang stared in disbelief. The eyes of the martial academy disciples widened.
Can he lift even more? Huan Xinyan's eyes shone brightly. Wu Yuan had already exceeded her expectations by lifting the 10,000-catty test stone.
Wu Yuan walked past the 12,000-catty stone without stopping.
Is he not continuing the test? What is Wu Yuan up to? Huan Xinyan's expression shifted, betraying a trace of doubt. Could it be that he can lift an even heavier stone?
She vividly remembered that a little over three months ago, Wu Yuan had been nothing more than a seventh-grade martial novice! To amass such incredible strength in such a short span was truly terrifying. Yet, could he be even stronger?
Wu Yuan, this youngster. Does he truly possess such strength, or is he merely bluffing? Headmaster Zhang Da stared intently at Wu Yuan.
Outwardly, he seemed enthusiastic and optimistic about Wu Yuan's prospects. However, inwardly, he harbored a measure of unease. At this moment, he regretted having previously obstructed Wu Yuan.
Even when he reached the 15,000-catty test stone, Wu Yuan still did not stop. He continued to the next one.
The atmosphere in the entire strength assessment chamber shifted dramatically. Even Gao Yu, a usually composed man, exhibited a hint of curiosity. He didn't stop at the 15,000-catty stone?
At last, Wu Yuan came to a stop by the second largest test stone, which was nearly twice the size of the 10,000-catty stone he had just tackled. This test stone stood at nearly half a man's height. It was an 18,000-catty test stone! A layer of dust covered the testing stone, as if it had not been disturbed or wiped for a long time.
At this very moment, nearly everyone held their breath while watching Wu Yuan. After all, in the 200 years since the establishment of the Li County martial academy, no disciple had ever lifted the 18,000-catty test stone.
Since I've made up my mind to join the Cloudstride Sect and rise to prominence swiftly without arousing suspicion, I must take the 'genius' route!
Originally, I was planning to stop at the 10,000-catty test stone. But this first-rate Adept Gao Yu just so happened to be present. I will reveal a little more then, I believe he'll be able to see the clues.
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