Chapter 97: Qualification
Chapter 97: Qualification
After returning to his room, Chen Chuan closed the door with a natural expression, as if the intense fight he had just experienced was as routine as eating and drinking water.
He first freshened up and changed his clothes, then stepped out. He noticed that Jing Lin was no longer there, and only a few students remained, excitedly discussing something. Upon seeing Chen Chuan, they all nodded in greeting.
Chen Chuan approached the public telephone, where the dormitory manager looked at him helplessly and said, "Chen, next time you spar, don't take out your frustration on the wall. You've rubbed off quite a bit of the paint."
Chen Chuan apologized, "Sorry, Teacher."
The dormitory manager smiled, "Well, you can aim at the floor next time. If it gets damaged a bit more, it's no big deal. That way, I can also report it, right?"
Chen Chuan smiled and waited for the dormitory manager to leave. Then, he picked up the phone and called Cheng Zitong.
When the call connected, Chen Chuan said, "Teacher, I just met someone who claimed to be from Central City. He said he wanted to introduce me to his teacher."
Cheng Zitong's voice turned stern, "Where and when? Did you agree?"
"I didn't agree," Chen Chuan briefly explained what had happened.
Cheng Zitong replied, "I understand. If this person comes looking for you again, just refuse him directly. Remember, this is Yangzhi City's Wu Yi Academy, not some Central City. I'm currently tied up here, but if you have any difficulties, you can call Supervisor Gao directly. He'll help you resolve it."
Chen Chuan said goodbye.
After hanging up, Cheng Zitong turned to speak to the person on the sofa opposite him, only to find that the person was already gone.
Chen Chuan put down the phone and checked his watch. It hadn't taken much time, but he had spent some time freshening up. Still, it wasn't past mealtime yet.
Taking the elevator down, he headed towards the cafeteria. Along the way, he recalled the previous fight. Jing Lin seemed a bit different; it was as if he had broken free from the shackles of metamorphosis, but Chen Chuan didn't think it was that impressive.
From his observations, even the teachers at the academy had similar skills. Unless Jing Lin possessed some extraordinary ability, or he simply had an overly high opinion of himself.
Chen Chuan had no intention of meeting that so-called teacher. If it were true, Cheng Zitong would have already informed him.
Moreover, as his mentor, Cheng Zitong would surely be aware of such an arrangement. The other party had bypassed Cheng Zitong and approached Chen Chuan directly, and their words lacked any respect.
It was a deep-rooted arrogance.
As he pondered, Chen Chuan arrived at the cafeteria without realizing it. He temporarily put his thoughts aside, ate his meal, and then returned to the dormitory to continue his training.
Two more days passed, and it was the end of the month's rest day. Chen Chuan went home for a visit. This time, Nian Lifu was still absent, according to Yu Wan's explanation, he had been burdened with numerous tasks recently. Surprisingly, Nian Lifu didn't feel tired; instead, he was full of energy.
Chen Chuan could guess some of the reasons. He smiled and took out a stack of tickets, saying, "Aunt, these are from the academy. You and Uncle can take your nephews to watch the competition."
Yu Wan looked at the stack of tickets with delight. In Daming Republic, the martial arts culture was thriving, and people from all walks of life were enthusiastic about arena battles. However, for the citizens of Yangzhi City, the arena competitions they could typically watch were limited to those held at various martial arts clubs. Regardless of scale, level, or even the caliber of participants, these events couldn't compare to those at Wu Yi Academy.
Underground arenas like those run by the Bloodstain Gang and Iron Chain Gang featured higher-level competitions, but they were not only bloody and exposed but also inaccessible to ordinary citizens. Therefore, the annual end-of-year arena competition among Wu Yi Academy students was the most popular event, with tickets being highly sought-after in previous years. Chen Chuan had managed to secure a substantial number of tickets.
"Chanchun, I'll take these, Aunt," she said.
"I want to go too!" Nian Mo jumped around excitedly.
Yu Wan grabbed her younger son's ear and admonished him, "The items you brought back last time weren't enough for you? And how many times have I told you not to call him 'brother'? You should be more polite."
"I know manners, I know manners! I always call him 'brother'!" Nian Mo lifted his little face, expecting praise for his politeness.
Yu Wan patted Nian Mo's bottom, "Your sister is more well-behaved than you."
Chen Chuan smiled and said, "I'll bring you some next time." Nian Lu promptly responded, "Thank you."
The next day, Chen Chuan bid farewell to Yu Wan and returned to school. As he entered the campus, he could hear the rhythmic footsteps and chants from the Class B students' training ground. Meanwhile, the Class A students he encountered along the way were in a hurry, and their brief nods served as greetings.
In a few days, the Class B students would undergo arena selection, while the Class A students had to worry about their end-of-term exams. This period was the most intense time for Wu Yi Academy students.
In contrast, Chen Chuan strolled leisurely through the campus with his hands in his pockets.
Upon returning to the dormitory, he changed his clothes and headed to the martial arts training hall he frequently visited. The manager there was already familiar with him, and a simple nod and greeting were all that was needed upon entry.
However, today he felt that this teacher was somewhat different from usual. He kept looking forward when he came in, as if he hadn't seen him at all.
He thought for a moment and continued to walk in, pushing open the door to find the spacious training ground empty. The students who usually trained here were nowhere to be seen. Only a tall, slender man with a sly smile stood there.
The moment he entered, he guessed the man's identity, but he didn't retreat. Instead, he closed the two doors behind him and stood firmly in front of the man.
The man looked at him with interest and said, "You're very perceptive. I noticed that your steps slightly slowed when you entered the venue, probably because you sensed something was different today. Yet you still came in. Is it because you trust the school's environment, or because you have confidence in yourself?"
Chen Chuan thought for a moment and replied, "Both, I suppose."
The man said, "Very interesting. Your confidence must have been built up through countless battles and victories. That's impressive."
Chen Chuan could read the man's gaze, which was like evaluating a questionable item, wavering between giving up and obtaining it, and enjoying the process of weighing it.
This attitude undoubtedly placed him in a very high position, a form of arrogance, though different from Jing Lin's, fundamentally it was the same.
He said, "Looks like he is indeed your student."
"Student?"
The man seemed slightly surprised and amused, "Wrong, he's just a toy to me."
A hint of malice crept into his smile, "He's a bastard, often abused by the heir in his childhood, yet he couldn't bear to leave his home. Even with the beatings and torture, he lived better than most of the commoners and ninety-nine percent of the people in the slums of Central City.
He longs to be superior, to take revenge, to trample those who once abused him. So I gave him a chance, just to see how this drama unfolds.
To watch a play, you have to buy a ticket, so I didn't hesitate to give him some guidance, but not too much, because that would be too boring. You know, in Central City, he was a timid and insecure person, too afraid to speak loudly. But now, outside, he's become arrogant, reserved, and high and mighty. Isn't that fascinating?"
Chen Chuan said, "So, Sir, is your reason for finding me the same?"
"No, no, no," the man immediately denied, "I won't switch to another play until I finish one. I just had a sudden urge to meet you, to see if you are as good as the newspapers claim. But after Jing Lin returned, I learned more about your past and found that you meet my requirements."
"Requirements?"
The man looked at him and said, "People from small places only seek a chance to stand on their own in Central City. As a Wu Yi student, there are only two ways to get there.
One is to pass the entrance exam to the main academy, but the spots are very limited and almost never open to anyone other than recommended students. The other, more practical for you, is to form a personal dependency with someone who has the qualifications to go to Central City, serving as a servant to enter there. But this opportunity isn't for everyone; if you're not outstanding, no one will notice you.
Your past actions and your recent victory over my toy prove your personal capabilities. You have the qualifications.
So, if you agree to be my servant, you can come with me to Central City. Of course, officially, you'll be my student's sparring partner."
He smiled with a hint of amusement, "Can't decide right away? No problem. I'm always lenient with talented people. I'll give you two days to think about it. Come find me when you've made up your mind."
With that, he walked out.
Chen Chuan said, "May I ask your name, Sir?"
"Tan Wang."
Tan Wang walked past him, opened the door, and turned to say, "Forgot to mention, I don't like being refused. Enjoy your rest day." Then he walked out directly.
Chen Chuan stood in the empty venue, pondering for a while, and then left.
After leaving the training hall, Tan Wang returned directly to the retreat on the lake. However, as he entered, he narrowed his eyes, for he saw someone sitting on the sofa where he usually sat.
This man was like a lion, with a broad mouth, large nose, and disheveled hair falling over his shoulders. His broad and muscular build seemed to bend the sofa, and the muscles visible through his tight martial clothing were clearly defined, exuding an intimidating force that could make one feel suffocated even from a distance.
His narrow eyes squinted, "Who are you?"
The man slowly stood up from the sofa, and with his movement, an even stronger aura of oppression emerged. He replied in a deep, powerful voice, "He Xiaoxing."
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(End of Chapter)
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