"Your instructor already mentioned that you can't challenge him. Why are you all asking so many questions?" Elder Bo shouted, but as he watched the class closely, he realized his words alone wouldn't convince them. So he added, "Alright since you all insist, I'll explain this more clearly."

The entire class fell silent as Elder Bo continued, "As you have noticed, the token he received is red, not green like the others. These red tokens are given to the top five of the current batch of the Outer Court, which means those who hold such tokens can skip the preliminary trial phase and join the competition directly. Moreover, these tokens are awarded based on Credit Points; neither the elders nor the Dean have the authority to distribute them arbitrarily. My point is—the Zhou Palace and the Han have little to do with this token. Now, do you understand?"

No one responded, but they glanced at Han Xiao with astonishment. They had been with him for years, well aware of the rumors and disparaging talks that had always surrounded him. These rumors had originated in this very class. They had refrained from openly bullying him only because of his identity as the Seventh Prince of the Great Han Nation. Instead, they relied on discouraging him with harsh words and rumors, hoping to break his spirit. No one dared to provoke someone from the Han Nation openly. They still found it hard to believe that such a so-called "good for nothing" prince could accumulate a large number of credit points. There was still a pervasive sense of mistrust about the entire process. However, Elder Bo's firm words made it clear that continued objections would lead to punishment, so everyone remained silent.

Gazing around, Elder Bo was satisfied with how he had influenced the class. He thought, ‘Actually, you all should thank me for helping you avoid this strange brat. If my earlier sense was correct, then forget about challenging him—you would all suffer a heavy blow, whether moral or physical.’

Throughout the commotion, Han Xiao remained seated leisurely, unaffected by the discussions and stares directed at him, as if everything was unfolding according to his expectations.

The scrawny youth with the hat mask, still unconvinced, grew bolder with his classmates' support. Unwilling to let the matter rest, he stepped forward and declared, "This is so unfair. Forget about getting the token; I just want a simple exchange to see how our new class champion earned this special token, usually reserved for the five tigers."

Turning to Elder Bo, he asked with determination, "Can I at least do this?"

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Elder Bo sighed, "Ah, whatever. If the challenger accepts your challenge outside of the trial scenario, then I have little to say." He secretly thought this might be a good opportunity to teach the arrogant youth a lesson for defying his earlier words.

"I, Yue Zhi of the Yue Nation, am requesting an open challenge to Han Xiao of the Han Nation. If you're afraid of defending your nation's dignity, then feel free to decline. However, others will always see you as useless trash, tarnishing the good name of royalty."

The earlier Han Xiao would have been easily provoked by the mention of tarnishing the Han Nation. However, Yue Zhi's provocation didn't even register with the current Han Xiao.

Without changing his relaxed posture, Han Xiao crossed his arms over his chest and thought, 'Moved to tears by a child's ranting? Tarnishing the good name of royalty? Hah, as if I care.'

The entire class watched the infamous Trash Prince of the Han, all sharing a similar thought: 'Huh! Something about him has changed significantly after his mission to the Willow Trees Forest. Is the recent news of him beating a Level 7 cultivator true?' The nonchalant vibe emanating from him wasn’t an act, as the three elders and the instructors could tell from their experience. This lad was either exceptionally good at deceiving them or genuinely cold-headed.

Elder Bo's earlier judgment of Han Xiao had risen to another level. Now, when he glanced at Han Xiao, he couldn't help but compare the youth to some of the great sword legends in the Inner Court that he had seen long ago.

Han Xiao remained silent, unfazed by the provocation.

This nonchalant attitude only made Yue Zhi angrier. "Hmph! Sitting all mighty and haughty just because you have the backing of the Han Nation. Remember this, foolish prince, you're not the only prince of the Han. Your half-brothers and half-sisters have long seen you as a disgrace. Aren't you going to defend your honor, even if you lose or win? Are you too much of a coward to even open your mouth?"

To Han Xiao, Yue Zhi's words were nothing but empty threats.

Yue Zhi kept digging through all the rumors he had heard about Han Xiao, continuing his rant to provoke him emotionally or otherwise. The more Yue Zhi ranted, the more the elders and instructors appreciated Han Xiao's patience and discipline.

But then, Yue Zhi remembered something particularly sharp: the story of how Han Xiao was sent to the institute after challenging his royal father’s decision to marry off his two elder sisters. Curling his lips, he added in a controlled tone, “Boss Han, I heard you were dumped here by your father after you protested the marriages of your two sisters. Tsk!”

Clicking his tongue, he added cynically, “Selling your sisters off for some political gain. Nope, that’s not actually the main reason—your father secured another spot here in the academy through those marriages. Isn't that true, Boss Han?”

The whole class fell silent after that sharp comment, knowing the masked youth had crossed a line.

Han Xiao didn’t even flinch. There was nothing wrong with the statement; it was the truth. However, he remembered his promise and felt a deep, resonant anger stirring within him, his heart beating faster. 'He deserves a thousand deaths!' a strange voice echoed within him.

Standing up, he responded, “Fine! I’ll accept your challenge—only if it’s a fight to the death.”

Chuckling weirdly, Yue Zhi agreed, “Sure, sure! How could I possibly refuse the proposal of our great Han Prince?!”