Chapter 55: I Accept Your Challenge!

When Lu Ming issued his challenge, the students present, always eager for excitement, began to stir up the crowd.

"Xiang Nan, don’t be a coward! Fight him!"
"This is thrilling—accept the challenge! We’re just here for the show anyway!"
"A senior challenging a freshman, isn’t that a bit unfair, even if he’s a genius?"
"More than unfair—Senior Lu Ming is a prodigy too, an atavist in the third tier. His strength is overwhelming!"

Su Yao, who had been unconcerned until now, suddenly wore a grave expression. She leaned in close to Xiang Nan and whispered, "I’ve looked into this Lu Ming—third tier, four stars, very powerful. He’s always been a top student at the Capital Spirit Martial Academy. You’re just a freshman. Even if you refuse the challenge, no one will blame you."

Though Xiang Nan had once defeated the third-tier spirit martial artist Onizuka the Big Wave, that had been after Big Wave was poisoned. Su Yao felt there was an element of luck in that victory.

And when he killed the third-tier demon beast, the Iron-armored Blazing Tiger, according to Xu Jiya’s account, he had relied on the power of a lightning phenomenon. After all, Xiang Nan’s true strength was only at the second tier. Challenging someone above his tier was a risky gamble.

As Xiang Nan hesitated, Lu Ming grew even more smug and arrogant. "What’s the matter? Weren’t you acting tough just now? Are you a man or not?!"

He ended with a burst of mocking laughter.

With a smirk, Xiang Nan retorted, "Take it out and you’ll scare yourself to death! Frankly, I wasn’t interested in such a dull challenge, but if someone’s looking for a beating, it would be unkind of me to refuse."

Some students stifled laughter, others worried quietly, but none truly believed Xiang Nan could defeat Lu Ming.

An atavist of Wong Fei-hung’s lineage was formidable and could surely dominate among freshmen. But after all, he was first tier, and Lu Ming was third!

Xie Lun voiced his concern, "Xiang Nan, why fall for his provocation? Lu Ming is a senior in his final year. As a freshman, there’s no shame in refusing. Listen to your teacher—don’t be reckless!"

After all, Xiang Nan had been personally recruited by Principal Sun, a star student of this year’s class. If Lu Ming crippled such a promising seedling at the start of term, it would be a waste of talent.

At that moment, a commotion arose outside the classroom. Another teacher hurried in.

"Teacher Xie, something major has happened! It’s urgent!"

"What is it? Speak!"

"News just came in—four city defense districts in the capital were hit by beast hordes simultaneously. Longyuan Army is shorthanded and is recruiting volunteers from the general populace and all colleges. Principal Sun has ordered that our academy must actively support the effort."

"This is a matter that concerns the safety of the entire capital. I support Principal Sun’s decision."

"All students are to assemble at the martial training ground. Even if your class is all freshmen, it’s good for them to experience the responsibility of spirit martial artists."

"You’re right, let’s gather at once."

Without delay, Xie Lun announced to the students, "Everyone, assemble at the martial training ground!"

The conversation between the teachers was clearly heard by everyone in the classroom. The previously relaxed atmosphere turned instantly serious.

The local students weren’t particularly surprised—this sort of thing had happened before. In the past, when the army came recruiting, it was mostly upperclassmen who signed up, while freshmen just joined in for the experience. Still, the atmosphere made everyone tense.

Many students began heading toward the martial training ground.

When Lu Ming heard that the Longyuan Army was recruiting volunteers, his blood surged with excitement. He had always aspired to join the Longyuan Army and become a successful commander. Such a perfect opportunity to prove himself—he would not let it slip by.

He glanced at Xiang Nan. "Kid, consider yourself lucky—you dodged a bullet today."

Some girls who had worried over Xiang Nan finally smiled in relief. Even Xie Lun silently let out a breath.

Feigning surprise, Xiang Nan said, "What do you mean? What about our challenge? I’m still waiting to witness your skills."

Lu Ming was left slightly awkward.

Given the emergency, the Longyuan Army wouldn’t stay at the school for long; he couldn’t let this kid waste his chance to stand out.

Lu Ming countered, "Don’t you want to see the Longyuan Army’s recruitment?"

What young man wouldn’t want to join such an elite force?

Xiang Nan waved his hand. "That’s a separate matter. I’ve already accepted your challenge—whoever backs out is the loser."

Lu Yu, slumped nearby with a nosebleed awaiting medical attention, grew anxious. "Bro, aren’t you going to avenge me? You can’t just let this go!"

A few bystanders chimed in, "Disperse, everyone. Knew this fight wouldn’t happen. Didn’t expect Senior Lu Ming to be the one to break his word, though."

"Maybe he’s afraid of Xiang Nan’s Taiji fist? After all, his atavism traces back to the Benevolent Martial Sage!"

"True. If a third-tier loses to a first-tier, that’s a real disgrace."

Each barb was like a sharp blade, making Lu Ming fume.

"Enough chatter. You all, get outside and assemble!" Xie Lun had begun ushering the students out.

Lu Ming glanced at the miserable Lu Yu, then shot a venomous look at Xiang Nan.

"I’ll let you gloat for a few days. When I return triumphant from the Longyuan Army, we’ll finish what we started!"

With that, Lu Ming left the classroom without a backward glance.

Su Yao threw an arm around Xiang Nan’s shoulders, whispering conspiratorially, "Xiao Nan, tell me honestly—what’s your level now? Are you really confident you could beat that fierce Lu Ming?"

Xiang Nan pursed his lips. "Who knows until we fight?"

As for his level, he had finally reached second tier, three stars just before term began.

At that moment, Lin Chuchu, who had been standing quietly by, shyly approached.

"Xiang Nan, thank you for earlier."

For some reason, whenever she faced Xiang Nan, Lin Chuchu couldn’t help but blush and feel her heart race.

"No need to thank me," Xiang Nan replied. "I just can’t stand people making a ruckus in public—thought they could use some lessons in manners."

Lin Chuchu just smiled at him and turned to leave.

"Xiao Nan, things are getting lively outside—let’s go check it out," Su Yao urged, itching to join the excitement.

"Go if you want. I’d rather use this time to catch up on sleep," Xiang Nan said with a yawn, tossing aside a box of spirit beads.

"Really—what do you even do at night to end up so sleepy?"

Suddenly she recalled Xu Jiya once telling her she’d caught Xiang Nan naked in his room… The thought made the usually boisterous Su Yao blush as she eyed Xiang Nan suspiciously.

"You aren’t…"

"Hmm? What?"

"Nothing, nothing. You sleep, I’m off to the excitement."

With that, Su Yao dashed out of the classroom without a backward glance.