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Chapter 299: Conflict
Chapter 299: Conflict (Requesting Monthly Votes)
Everyone looked at Mu Hong with awe and respect.
Seventh Realm Martial Artists already formed the backbone of the Xia Kingdom, while Eighth Stage Martial Artists held even higher ranks—positions so rare that only one emerged from millions of martial artists.
Even with their awakened Special Abilities, the chances of advancing beyond the Ninth Realm were slim. For most, the Eighth Stage might be their ultimate limit. Only SS-Rank Geniuses could confidently claim to break through to the Ninth Realm.
Mu Hong regarded his disciple Lin Qi, unable to suppress his admiration.
It had only been a few months since they last met, yet Lin Qi had once again delivered astonishing surprises. Not only had he become the national freshman champion, but he had also entered the Ten Institute's elite competition. Facing top-tier geniuses there, he had risen against the tide.
Huo Wanyang, an SS-Rank Genius, had been consistently outmatched by Lin Qi, and other Ten Institute prodigies had also been overtaken. In this Disaster Beast Hunting Competition, Lin Qi had surged into the top three.
Such feats were unprecedented. His innate talent was growing increasingly extraordinary.
If Mu Hong hadn’t recently broken through to the Eighth Stage himself, he would have felt unworthy of being Lin Qi’s teacher.
As the two sat down for casual conversation, Mu Hong patted Lin Qi’s shoulder and said with a smile, “I had just returned from my breakthrough and was on my way back to school when I heard you were here in Otherworld. So I came to check on you.”
Dean Liu, standing nearby, chuckled. “Lin Qi, your teacher is an inspiring example. Back then, he was an unawakened S-Rank Genius, yet he kept surpassing opponents, even advancing faster than many awakened talents. Now, he’s broken through to the Eighth Stage earlier than most awakened geniuses his age.”
He paused. “Remember, breaking through to the Eighth Stage without awakening before the Seventh Realm is incredibly difficult.”
Lin Qi nodded. Indeed, Mu Hong’s achievements made him a worthy mentor.
As the group chatted, the villa door opened again.
Whoosh!
Two towering figures strode in through the breeze.
Leading was Xiang Long, his aura wild and fierce, his eyes glancing at Lin Qi. Behind him followed a muscular bald man. When Mu Hong saw him, his expression darkened.
The bald man scanned the room and nodded at I Wei with a boisterous laugh. “Everyone’s here!”
His gaze fell on Mu Hong, and his brows furrowed. Feeling the latter’s formidable presence, his heart lurched slightly. Still, he forced a smile. “Lao Mu! You’re here too! Congratulations on reaching the Eighth Stage!”
Mu Hong replied coldly, “Cheng Lei, congratulations on your own Eighth Stage breakthrough.”
A tense, invisible pressure filled the air. Everyone sensed the hostility between the two.
Wan Ming, who knew the backstory, grinned, eager to watch the drama unfold.
Lin Qi frowned. Dean Liu had told him about the feud between Mu Hong and Cheng Lei.
Mu Hong had once been scheduled to teach Xiang Long at the Ten Institute, but Cheng Lei had intercepted the position, blocking Mu Hong’s path to greater strength. That was a grudge not easily forgiven.
Without Lin Qi’s rapid rise, which earned Mu Hong significant teaching merits, his Eighth Stage breakthrough might have been delayed. Yet Cheng Lei himself had also reached the Eighth Stage—a testament to his strength.
I Wei, the overseeing instructor, stood and smiled. “Let’s sit down. Now that everyone’s here, we can begin the meeting.”
Cheng Lei sat beside Xiang Long, though his mind was turbulent. The joy of his recent breakthrough had vanished.
Lin Qi leaned toward Mu Hong and whispered, “Teacher, you and Cheng Lei… don’t get along?”
Mu Hong nodded, his voice low but edged with satisfaction. “He must be furious. After all, he’s younger than me, an awakened genius, yet we broke through to the Eighth Stage around the same time.”
Lin Qi understood instantly, catching the glee in his teacher’s tone.
Though Mu Hong’s voice was quiet, everyone heard. Their expressions turned awkward.
Cheng Lei’s face tightened as he felt their gazes.
I Wei quickly interjected to shift attention. “After two days adapting to the Triple Gravity environment, I trust you’re all ready to resume martial cultivation.”
“In the Pyramid tomorrow, we’ll observe Ninth-Rank Disaster Beast carcasses for training. This is a prolonged process, so we’ve arranged accommodations and meals to ensure your focus.”
“First, we’ll handle registration and payments.”
The group nodded. This was the main event.
“As you know, our Blue Planet has only confirmed 24 Ninth-Rank Disaster Beast species. Their massive bodies make preservation extremely challenging.”
“Currently, only our Azure Firmament Martial Academy possesses complete specimens. We have all 24 species, while Minghai and Shanyu Institutes have incomplete collections—19 and 16 carcasses respectively. Those missing specimens must come to us for observation, paying dearly for the privilege.”
I Wei’s voice brimmed with pride. The others silently acknowledged the gap in institutional resources. Without Ninth-Rank Beast carcasses, they’d have no choice but to spend more at other academies.
A green holographic screen appeared, displaying a colossal carcass and a pool of crimson blood.
“To successfully cultivate Mid-Tier Primordial Energy Martial Arts, two items are essential: Ninth-Rank Disaster Beast blood and access to a carcass for observation.”
“The blood is priceless—a treasure for cultivation. Each person needs at least three drops, costing 20 million Xia Kingdom Credits, non-negotiable.”
“Maintaining the carcass requires immense effort and resources. Observation time is limited to one month per person, costing another 20 million Credits. Total: 40 million.”
He projected a giant QR code. “Scan to pay, and note your name and chosen cultivation method.”
The group murmured at the steep price. But for successful cultivation, it was acceptable.
Beep~
Phones emerged, and QR codes were scanned.
Moments later, the screen shifted, and I Wei’s expression subtly changed.
He turned to Lin Qi and Xiang Long. “Apologies for the sudden update. Our Ninth-Rank Beast carcass is singular, and both of you practice the same Platinum Demon Tiger Evolution Method.”
A hushed tension spread. Lin Qi frowned, surprised someone else had chosen the same Mid-Tier Primordial Energy Martial Art. He instinctively looked at Xiang Long, sensing the Golden Vajra Tiger aura in him.
“Who?” Shen Zhenzhen asked curiously.
“Lin Qi and Xiang Long,” I Wei confirmed.
Dean Liu’s eyes widened as he stared at Lin Qi. All eyes turned to the two.
Cheng Lei and Mu Hong exchanged glares, sparks flying silently.
“I suggest Xiang Long goes first,” Cheng Lei said smoothly. “As an awakened genius, he’ll need less time.”
Mu Hong scoffed. “An awakened genius? If he’s so gifted, how did my disciple surpass him in the Disaster Beast Hunting Competition?”
Xiang Long and Cheng Lei’s expressions turned icy.
……
(End of Chapter)
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