https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1106-Crushing-Blows-and-Ling-Xiang-s-Power/13274645/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1108-Breaking-Through-the-Barrier/13274662/
Chapter 1107: A Satisfying Trial
Chapter 1107: A Satisfying Trial
As Choi Hyeon Hui's figure faded away, the scene before Chen Chuan transformed, reverting to the cold, metallic interior of the arena.
Joseph approached with a smile and inquired, "Mr. Chen, were you satisfied with this simulation interaction?"
Chen Chuan shook his head.
Joseph ventured, "Was it because the participants couldn't live up to your expectations?"
Chen Chuan nodded. "I do have some feedback. This person's skills aren't solely based on martial arts; they also involve deception, insults, and pleas for mercy during combat. Without these elements, the experience feels somewhat incomplete."
Joseph listened intently and nodded in deep agreement. He bowed slightly and apologized, "That was an oversight on our part. We were concerned about participants' dissatisfaction with the dialogue, but we neglected the fact that everyone's perception is different."
He spoke earnestly, "Mr. Chen, would you like to try again? We can offer you an improved service."
Chen Chuan replied, "Let's leave it for today. I'd like to visit other places, and I assume the Information Hall will be open to the public after this, right?"
"Of course," Joseph answered with utmost certainty.
"Our Xingchen Academy welcomes all martial artists worldwide with an open and welcoming attitude. For someone like you, Mr. Chen, with your influence and abilities, we welcome you anytime."
Chen Chuan knew he was speaking sincerely. The more times they visited, the more comprehensive the data and information they could collect.
The skills he had displayed earlier were intentionally revealed. Even when facing three martial artists from Eternal Life Academy, he couldn't help but showcase his strength. Today, he wanted to give them a reasonable assessment, but even then, this wasn't his full power. His burst techniques were unused, let alone his Second Self.
If enemies were to judge him based on this data, they would find him welcoming.
As Chen Chuan turned to leave, Joseph accompanied him. "May I ask why you're interested in this person?"
Chen Chuan replied naturally, "I heard he died too quickly, so I wanted to see his reaction when he's hurt. I hope you don't mind." He glanced at Joseph.
"Not at all," Joseph assured him. "Although he's considered a Federation citizen, he was placed here for political reasons, which goes against our academy's principles. To be honest, we've been wanting to replace him for a while now."
Chen Chuan nodded. "Some things need to be changed."
Joseph smiled and said, "Please trust us. Our academy has been striving for progress. Seventy years ago, our management was in disarray, but we introduced advanced technology and experienced administrators from Yuno Continent, leading to the order and prosperity we have today."
"By the time you visit next, we'll have made further progress," he added.
Chen Chuan didn't know much about Xingchen Academy, but he could sense their strong sense of purpose in their actions. The Federation, based on the information he had seen and his current experience, was a place of extremes—some areas were lacking, while others excelled. It was a land that favored the strong and elite, while the weak often became nourishment for the fertile soil.
After they exited, Chen Chuan and Joseph boarded a sightseeing vehicle, heading towards the academy area in the central region.
Since Chen Chuan had gone to the Information Hall, Gui Zihan and his group had already proceeded there.
These two days coincided with a Federation holiday, so many students had gone out to celebrate. However, some elite students and teachers chose to stay, and when Chen Chuan arrived, they were engaged in friendly exchanges.
A student from the capital, named Guan Fengchun, was sparring with a Federation student. Both were around seventeen or eighteen years old and had reached the Third Limit, a true testament to their exceptional talent and natural gifts.
Guan Fengchun, the student from Daxun, was carefully selected from a group of students to join the visiting delegation.
When Chen Chuan arrived, the two had already been fighting for some time, their bodies drenched in sweat and heat, and their stamina seemed to be severely depleted.
This was a rare sight, as prolonged battles of attrition were uncommon in limited arenas. It indicated that both fighters were closely matched in both martial arts awareness and technique.
Chen Chuan stood outside the arena and knew that the outcome would be decided by the next move.
At this point, both fighters were physically exhausted, and it was crucial to see who would strike first. However, if one couldn't knock out the other with a single blow, their own stamina would be depleted, leading to a highly passive situation.
In such cases, martial artists often employed various tactics, feigning attacks to lure the opponent into striking first, or they might abandon all distractions and go all-in.
However, the closer they got to this moment, the more hesitant they became, filled with indecision. Every option seemed risky, making it challenging to choose decisively. So, the two fighters were now in a stalemate, their minds racing with strategies despite their outwardly calm appearance.
Just then, Claireville, a descendant of the Macca people, approached the academy's entrance. With an air of nonchalance, he casually asked, "Who do you think will win, Mr. Chen?"
Chen Chuan confidently replied, "We will."
"You seem quite confident, Mr. Chen," Claireville observed, glancing at him. "How about we place a bet?" He gestured upwards, suggesting, "Let's wager on their victory."
Chen Chuan smiled and agreed, "Sure." He directly produced a Cold Claw, a third-rate relic, and said, "Then let's bet on this."
Despite being a third-rate relic, at Chen Chuan's current level, its effectiveness was limited, if not entirely negligible.
"A relic?" Claireville hesitated upon seeing it. He hadn't intended to go this big, but since he had made the suggestion, he had to offer something of equal value in return.
In reality, not responding wouldn't have been a big deal; at most, he'd lose some face. However, after witnessing the intense confrontation between Chen Chuan and Choi Hyeon Hui, an inexplicable restlessness stirred within him, and he desperately wanted to win against Chen Chuan. So, without hesitation, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a string of beads.
Viola Castina, standing beside him, gave him a surprised look. She knew these beads were a third-rate relic of the First People, which Claireville had painstakingly collected to present to a powerful female politician. She couldn't believe he was using it for a bet.
This was truly... fascinating.
A mischievous smile appeared on her face as she addressed the two students still facing off in the arena, "Students, your teachers have just placed a bet here. Yes, they've wagered a relic each.
"In my judgment, these are both third-rate relics, which might be beyond your understanding. Let me tell you, a third-rate relic that aids in combat is enough to spark a scramble among martial artists. You can imagine its value."
Undoubtedly, she was intentionally pressuring the two students.
Neither Chen Chuan nor Claireville intervened because the pressure was equal for both of them, and this could be considered a test of their abilities.
In such a situation, one could gauge a person's psychological endurance and decision-making under extreme circumstances—a test far less intense than a life-or-death battle.
The two students on the platform, engaged in combat, felt the weight of immense pressure. They were well aware of the significance of a third-rate relic; they had witnessed its power firsthand.
If their teacher lost, it wouldn't just be a matter of loss; they would be remembered and mentioned for it afterward. More importantly, they represented their respective academies and, on a larger scale, their nations. Could they bear the weight of defeat?
Not only were the students on the platform tense, but those below also felt the tension. It was a bet involving two third-rate relics, something many had never even seen, let alone bet on. At that moment, everyone held their breath, focusing intently on the platform, awaiting the outcome of the fight.
Guan Fengchun and the Federation student locked eyes, each seeing the determination to win in the other's gaze.
After a brief standoff, the Federation student charged forward. However, instead of evading or blocking, Guan Fengchun unexpectedly met his advance head-on.
The Federation student was taken aback by this move, as it meant starting a step behind, unable to maximize speed and strength, which would put him at a disadvantage. Was there some strategy at play?
This thought caused a momentary hesitation, an emotional fluctuation that wouldn't normally affect him. But in this instance, it slightly disrupted his physical rhythm, and he was aware of it. This realization only exacerbated the situation.
Guan Fengchun, undeterred, pressed forward. Two loud impacts echoed as both students struck each other simultaneously, causing them to retreat. The Federation student stumbled backward several steps, gritting his teeth to endure, but ultimately, he couldn't maintain his balance and fell to the ground.
Guan Fengchun wobbled for a few moments before succumbing to the pain and collapsing to the ground.
The outcome of the spar was now clear.
Claireville's face turned grim as he witnessed the result. Suppressing his physical discomfort, he handed the string of beads to Chen Chuan.
"Mr. Chen, you're very lucky," he said.
Unbothered by the subtle sarcasm in his words, Chen Chuan took the beads, examined them, and nodded, "It's quite good. Thank you."
However, it wasn't luck; Chen Chuan had discerned that Guan Fengchun's desire to win and his determination to fight surpassed that of the Federation student. Even if he didn't win, his unwavering belief in dragging his opponent down with him could have resulted in a draw.
Claireville, visibly discontent, turned to Chen Chuan, "Mr. Chen, how about we bet again?"
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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