The class viewed Han Xiao in a completely new light. Whispers filled the room as they exchanged glances, each student grappling with the drastic shift in their perception of the once infamous "Trash Prince." His composed demeanor, and his fearless confrontation with Elder Bo, had left a profound impression on everyone present.
An instructor stepped forward to handle the aftermath of the duel. With a somber expression, he carefully removed Yue Zhi's lifeless body from the dais. He then utilized his water-based elemental skill, conjuring streams of water that swirled through the air to clean the bloodstains and restore the stage to its previous state.
"Let's continue with the trial of challenges," another instructor announced, trying to bring the class back to the task at hand. The students, still processing the shocking turn of events, slowly refocused on the upcoming matches.
The next set of challengers stepped forward, their faces a mix of determination and wariness, clearly influenced by what they had just witnessed. The atmosphere in the hall was tense, but the instructors maintained order, ensuring that the trial proceeded smoothly.
Elder Bo's departure left lingering tension, but the presence of the other elders helped stabilize the situation. As the challenges resumed, the students couldn't help but cast frequent glances at Han Xiao, who sat quietly at the back, seemingly unfazed by the chaos he had caused. His nonchalant attitude only added to his mysterious new aura, making his classmates view him with a mixture of awe and apprehension.
With the stage cleaned and the class gradually settling back into the rhythm of the trials, the day continued each match a testament to the growing tension and competitiveness within the Tianfu Sword Palace.
One challenger after another faced their opponents, each fight a display of skill and determination. The matches were colorful and entertaining, showcasing a variety of techniques and styles. However, despite their best efforts, none of the challengers succeeded in snatching away their opponents' tokens. Some were defeated outright, while others managed to hold their ground until the time period ended.
The hall buzzed with excitement and tension, each match adding to the charged atmosphere. Students cheered for their friends, gasped at unexpected moves, and whispered among themselves about the day's events. The presence of the elders, watching intently, added a layer of gravity to the proceedings, reminding everyone of the stakes involved.
As the trial of challenges continued, it became evident that the competition was fierce. The students who held onto their tokens did so with a combination of skill, strategy, and sheer determination. Each match was a testament to their hard work and training, and the challengers, though unsuccessful, earned respect for their courage and effort.
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Through it all, Han Xiao remained a focal point of silent admiration and curiosity. His earlier display of strength and composure had left an indelible mark on the class, making him a subject of countless hushed conversations and speculative glances.
Now, only three disciples remained standing on the stage. Unlike the earlier challengers, these three exuded a calm and composed demeanor, a testament to their experience and confidence. All three were at Level 9 of the Pulse Condensation Realm, a fact that added an extra layer of intensity to the atmosphere.
The first disciple, Teng Liang, was a tall and lean young man with an air of quiet menace about him. His sharp, angular features were accentuated by a scar running down his left cheek, a mark from a past battle. He wore a sleeveless, dark green robe that allowed for maximum mobility, the edges embroidered with intricate silver patterns that shimmered in the light. His piercing blue eyes seemed to bore into his opponents, reflecting a steely determination.
Next to him stood Zhou Ming, a girl of average height with an ethereal beauty that contrasted sharply with the intensity of her gaze. Her long, silver hair cascaded down her back, tied loosely with a simple, black ribbon. She wore a flowing white robe adorned with blue lotus designs, symbolizing purity and resilience. Her movements were graceful and fluid, reminiscent of a dancer, and she held herself with an elegance that belied the power she wielded.
The third disciple, Yiqu Lin, was a burly young man with a broad chest and muscular arms, his physique a testament to his strength. His face was rough-hewn, with a square jaw and a pair of intense, dark eyes that gleamed with confidence. He wore a dark red robe with gold trimmings, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing a pair of bracers etched with runes. His black, cropped hair added to his rugged appearance.
As they stood on the stage, their presence was palpable, each exuding a unique aura that set them apart from the rest. The crowd watched in anticipation, knowing that the next set of challenges would be nothing short of spectacular.
Elder Wang stepped forward and announced, “From here on, I’ll take charge of the trial. The sun is about to set, so you three, pick your challenges.” Earlier matches had been managed by the instructors after Elder Bo left, as Han Xiao's match had left a sore spot for the two remaining elders. However, the three disciples on stage were of a different caliber, prompting Elder Wang to intervene personally.
Yiqu Lin spoke in his hoarse voice, “Brother Teng, Sister Zhou, let me go first!”
“Fine by me. Just don’t pick someone below our level of cultivation, or others will look down on us three fangs of Class X,” Zhou Ming spoke in a crisp tone, moving her body seductively.
“Yiqu, this isn’t even the Preliminary trial. Just go easy on yourself,” Teng Liang responded calmly.
Yiqu Lin cupped his palms in a gesture of respect and scanned the crowd of disciples. His eyes landed on Han Xiao, and a strong will to fight kindled in his gaze, clearly visible to the other two disciples on stage.
Zhou Ming curled her lips upward without saying a word.
“Lin, don’t be foolish. You are not his match. Even I have little confidence in beating him. In addition to his burst speed, he also has a Grade 8 Inscription weapon. Choose another,” advised Teng Liang in an authoritative tone.
Yiqu Lin shook his head with slight displeasure and began scanning the crowd for a suitable opponent. His eyes finally settled on a youth casually playing with a wooden token. The moment their eyes met, the youth grinned back. Raising his hand, Yiqu Lin pointed at him. “I challenge him!”
The youth Yiqu Lin had chosen stood up with a confident smirk, drawing the attention of everyone in the hall. He was tall and lean, with an air of quiet strength about him. His jet-black hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, revealing sharp, angular features. His eyes, a piercing shade of blue, seemed to glow with an inner fire, exuding both intelligence and a hint of mischief. He wore a simple yet elegant dark robe, embroidered with silver threads that shimmered subtly in the light. On his left hip hung a sleek, unadorned sword, its plain appearance belying the deadly skill with which it could be wielded. The youth’s demeanor was relaxed, almost nonchalant, but his poised stance and the confidence in his gaze left no doubt about his abilities. As he stepped forward to face Yiqu Lin, the room excitedly buzzed, eager to witness the clash between these formidable opponents.