As the match concluded, the class erupted into wild discussions about the previous fight. Disciples animatedly debated the techniques used, their voices a cacophony of excitement. In the midst of this, a group gathered around Qi Feng, offering their congratulations.

"You were incredible, Qi Feng! That Seasonal Sword Style is truly something else," one disciple praised, clapping him on the back.

"Yeah, the way you handled Zheng Hai's lightning attacks was masterful," another added, eyes wide with admiration.

Qi Feng accepted their compliments with a modest nod, though a hint of pride shone in his eyes. He sheathed his sword, the greenish particles of qi from the foliage technique still fading in the air around him.

Meanwhile, Han Xiao remained at the back, quietly absorbing the atmosphere. The buzz of excitement and the intense discussions reminded him of the significance of the skills he had witnessed. His resolve to learn the Seasonal Sword Style grew stronger.

The shifty-eyed instructor called for order, but it was clear that the enthusiasm from the match had not yet waned. The energy in the hall was palpable, every disciple eager for their chance to prove themselves or learn from the bouts they witnessed.

"Settle down, everyone," the instructor finally commanded, his voice cutting through the chatter. "We have more challenges to get through, and I expect each of you to give it your all."

The hall gradually quieted, though the excitement still simmered just below the surface. Eyes turned toward the dais, anticipation building for the next match to begin.

Sensing the shift in energy, the elders exchanged looks of amazement. It was rare to see such enthusiasm in the notorious Class X. Elder Bo nodded to his colleagues, and then clapped his hands to get everyone's attention.

"The preliminary trials will be completed within this month," he announced. "We have ample time. For today, let's conclude with fourteen more challenges. As for the lucky challengers, we elders will select them each day, starting today. Tomorrow, we will conduct over thirty challenges, and the number will continue to increase daily. Now, I'll pick the fortunate fourteen from among you for today's matches."

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The disciples buzzed with anticipation, wondering who would be chosen next. The excitement in the hall was palpable as Elder Bo prepared to make his selections, the atmosphere was charged with eagerness and determination.

Taking a large stride toward the center of the dais, Elder Bo stood straight and swept his gaze across the classroom. As his eyes scanned the room, an aura of martial prowess emanated from him, causing an intimidating sensation to ripple through the crowd. Many disciples shuddered subconsciously, their bodies reacting before their minds could process the feeling. However, Elder Bo was taken aback when his gaze passed over some disciples who remained unaffected as if his presence meant nothing to them.

What astonished him even more was the discovery that there were over twenty disciples who appeared opaque to his ocular technique, their auras hidden or unreadable.

"Ehh!" Elder Bo exclaimed as his gaze fell upon Han Xiao, who sat alone at the last bench near the corner.

In his mind, Elder Bo was startled, thinking, ‘What is with that brat?! It felt like I was looking at an ancient battleground filled with corpses, blood, and evil presences. I actually got a chill down my spine just from glancing at him. Who is this kid? Plus he received the red token, which is only given to the Five Tigers of the Outer Court. I've only sensed a presence like that from the old masters in the Inner Court. Class X or not, there are a lot of promising lads and girls in this group. Especially that brat. I'll need to look into him later.’

With a soft sigh, he raised his right hand and began pointing, "You, you, ... and you, step forward!"

The fourteen chosen individuals scuttled forward, forming a line just behind the elders and instructors, facing the class. They stood with a mix of anticipation and apprehension, waiting for the next instructions.

"Choose your opponents," Elder Bo's voice boomed.

To everyone's surprise, nine of them pointed at the youth lounging idly in the remote corner of the last bench, his back against the wall. The remaining five selected different opponents.

Elder Bo interrupted them abruptly, "No, you can't choose him. Change your targets!"

Some of them clicked their tongues in disappointment, while a few delinquents decided to argue.

"Why is he exempt? He's got a Preliminary Trial Token too, hasn't he?" a scrawny youth with half his face hidden by a hat mask demanded.

His words stirred up the remaining eight, who also started pointing fingers at Han Xiao.

"This is outrageous!"

"Others can be challenged, so why not him?"

"Is it because he's from the Han Major Nation?"

"We were under the impression that Tianfu Sword Palace wasn't influenced by the Zhou Nation's politics. Why let the Han interfere and let this guy skip the challenge?"

The uproar grew louder with each statement, as more voices joined in, questioning the fairness of the Challenge trial's policies and rules.

However, there was no one to support Han Xiao, as those who might have stood by him were already dead at his hands back in the Willow Trees Forest. He was now a lone wolf amidst the chaos of the class. Despite the noisy commotion around him, Han Xiao remained the calmest. Absently picking at his ear wax, he muttered, "Noisy."

Even the instructors shared quite similar sentiments with the disgruntled disciples. They understood the significance of the red token but had long perceived Han Xiao as a hardworking yet talentless individual in Martial Cultivation. The nine main instructors of Class X had even submitted reports to higher authorities regarding Han Xiao's lack of progress over the past three years. Furthermore, his status as the Seventh Prince of the Han only served to demoralize the other princes and princesses in the class, setting a negative example for their esteemed positions.

"Silence!" Elder Bo's voice thundered, infused with essence qi, causing the disciples' eardrums to ring and their heads to spin, forcing them to close their mouths and cease their arguments.