Volume 1 Chapter 25: The Six Institutes Gather at Worry-Free

  At night, the Tiān Jiàn Yuàn sent over a sumptuous dinner. At the same time, Liǔ Xīng Hún also personally came to invite away Xuán Yù Zhēn Rén and his three companions. In an instant, only the four participating disciples of Yì Yuán were left in the cave.

  Looking at the dinner that was sent over, Lin Yunfeng smiled and said: "It seems that Tianjian Academy is richer than our Yiyuan. Just look at these dishes, they're much better than what we have back home. It's just that I don't know if it suits my taste or not. We're from a poor place, so eating something too good doesn't sit well with me, right Lu Yun?" After finishing speaking, he winked and made funny faces at Lu Yun, grinning mischievously.

  Lu Yun smiled calmly and understood that he was intentionally mocking the Tianjian Institute. After glancing at the other two, seeing they had no expression, Lu Yun said: "You love to talk nonsense, eat quickly. If others hear you, they'll think we're dissatisfied with the food. Tonight, rest well, tomorrow find an opportunity to observe and learn more about their strengths. Only then can we surpass them, understand? Alright, don't say anything else, just eat." After finishing speaking, he lowered his head to eat, ignoring Yun Feng. Yun Feng saw that all three were eating with their heads down, ignoring him, and his face was also unamused. He muttered a few sentences under his breath and started eating as well.

  It was a peaceful night, and when Xuan Yu Zhenren and the others returned, it was already deep into the night. On this night, Xuan Yu Zhenren did not reveal anything, while Zi Yang Zhenren glanced at Lu Yun and the other four, wanting to speak but stopping himself in the end, ultimately saying nothing.

  The next morning, Xuan Yu Zhenren went to the Tianxuan Cave alone again. Lu Yun, under Yun Feng's hint, asked Zi Yang Zhenren if he could go out for a walk. Zi Yang Zhenren glanced at Jing Yue Dashi and nodded slightly: "Alright, you can all go take a look together. Remember not to cause any trouble, everyone here is from the Six Institutes, so when you go out alone, be sure not to cause any trouble, or it will be hard for the leader to speak up later."

  Lu Yun smiled and said, "Master, don't worry, we're just going out for a stroll to take in the scenery around us. At the same time, let's also take a look at the participants from the other five institutes, that way it will be helpful for our competition tomorrow." After finishing speaking, he was pulled away by Lin Yunfeng.

  Looking at the four figures, Ziyang True Person sighed: "This time's competition, it seems that our Yiyuan is going to have a hard time squeezing into the top few places again. Who would have thought that this year's Liu Yuan Hui Wu would produce so many outstanding talents, truly beyond our expectations."

  Master Jingyue said in a low voice, "Everything has been destined, and saying more is meaningless. This time, it's comforting to have at least one person enter the top six. Who would have thought that this time, Tiangong Institute produced six outstanding talents? We've seen Jian Wucheng before, his cultivation is so deep that even our Yiyuan can't find someone comparable. And as for Puti College's Benyi, it's said that his cultivation is also immeasurably deep. In that case, the situation for our Yiyuan this time doesn't look very optimistic." Ziyang True Person let out a light sigh and shook her head silently.

  As soon as they exited the Heavenly Fire Cave, Lin Yun Feng laughed and said: "This strange cave is really hot, no wonder it's called the Heavenly Fire Cave. Living inside is truly unbearable, no wonder Master Bo has a bad temper, even I feel like my head is on fire. Brothers and sisters, where are we headed now? We're not familiar with this place at all, it would be best to find someone to guide us, that way it will be much more convenient."

  Lu Yun smiled and said, "You've already said that, what's the point of asking everyone else. Hurry up and find someone to take us around, let's go for a walk. Isn't there six caves here? We'll go check each one out, maybe we'll run into participants from other institutes." Li Hongfei glanced at Lu Yun, nodded slightly, but didn't say anything. Lu Yun saw this and also nodded slightly, as if in response.

  Zhang Aoxue looked at the empty space in front of the cave. There, countless Tianjian Academy disciples were clearing the ground, preparing for tomorrow's martial arts competition. Tables and stools had been placed around the perimeter of the grounds, convenient for the seniors and juniors of each academy to sit and watch tomorrow. Since cultivators could basically control the wind and stand in mid-air, there was no need to set up a high platform; they could simply compete in mid-air, which was both convenient and efficient.

  When Lin Yunfeng returned, he was accompanied by a young Tianjian Academy disciple named Xiao Zhang, who looked very elegant. After exchanging names, Xiao Zhang led everyone to start walking outside. On the way, Xiao Zhang said: "Our Tianjian Academy has six caves, each one is several miles apart, and it would take a lot of time to walk slowly. We can't ride swords in the air here, but we can still use wind to move and show off our light skills. Let's go to the Heavenly Wind Cave first, just follow me." After finishing speaking, his figure flashed out quickly, like a startled swan, and disappeared into the distance of a hundred feet. The speed of his movement was astonishing, and Lu Yun and the other four were all shocked. They never thought that Lin Yunfeng would find such an outstanding Tianjian Academy disciple so easily. This Tianjian Academy really lived up to its reputation!

  The four of them exchanged a glance, simultaneously letting out a soft cry, their movements as swift as lightning, and in an instant they vanished at the mountain waist. Soon after, the four followed behind Little Zhang, arriving at the Tianfeng Cave. Here too, many disciples were tidying up the grounds, preparing for tomorrow's competition.

  At the entrance of Tianfeng Cave, six figures caught the eyes of Lu Yun and his three companions. Lin Yunfeng's eyes sparkled with a smile as he lightly landed in front of the six people. Looking at the six young men who were about the same age as him, Lin Yunfeng smiled and said: "Hello, I'm Lin Yunfeng from Yi Garden. I came out for a stroll with my three senior brothers and sisters, and I didn't expect to meet you all here, it's really great! I don't know which institute you seniors are from?" In fact, he knew, but he pretended not to.

  The six people in the Confucian garden looked at Lin Yunfeng and the three approaching people, their eyes scanned the four of them before stopping on Zhang Aoxue's face, with a look of admiration in all six pairs of eyes. One of them, a handsome young man in white clothes who appeared to be around 25 or 26 years old, smiled and said: "So you're fellow disciples from Yi Garden? We're disciples from Confucian Garden, nice to meet you, my name is Bi Tian, and these are my fellow disciples." After that, both sides began introducing each other's names, and everyone seemed very warm and friendly.

  After the introduction, Lu Yun finally knew the names of the six disciples of Ru Garden. Among them, three people caught his attention, in addition to Bi Tian, there was Du Li, who wore a green robe and had a scholarly appearance; and Gao Feng, who wore silver clothes and had an extraordinary air about him, also drew Lu Yun's attention. The other three people, Lu Yun took a glance at them, their cultivation was not ordinary, but compared to these three people, they were far inferior.

  In the Easy Garden, due to Li Hongfei's cold and arrogant nature, Zhang Aoxue's icy demeanor like a fairy in the moon, all matters were handled by Lu Yun and Lin Yunfeng. Lu Yun smiled and said: "The six masters arrived yesterday, why don't you go out for a walk? If you're willing, follow us to take a stroll around, how about it?" After finishing speaking, he looked at the six people with a smile, and a hint of strange color flashed in Lu Yun's eyes.

  Bi Tian glanced at the four of them, his eyes briefly sweeping over Zhang Ao Xue, and said in a low voice: "Since Lu Shidi has a kind intention, how can we refuse? However, to avoid worrying the sect leader, I'll leave three of you here, and Du Li will accompany you with me." After finishing speaking, he whispered a few words to the other three people, then walked forward with Lu Yun, slowly heading out.

  Lin Yunfeng pulled Du Li and Gao Feng, all the way with laughter, they seemed very happy. Zhang Aoxue floated in front, her beautiful figure, always moving every pair of watching eyes. Li Hongfei walked silently at the end, his expression slightly cold, looking a bit lonely.

  Bi Tian walked alongside Lu Yun, asking in a low voice: "I've heard that Zhang Ao Xue, the junior sister from Yi Garden, has profound cultivation and is as beautiful as a celestial being. Today, I finally understand that her reputation is not exaggerated. It seems that within the six institutes, perhaps only Cang Yue, the junior sister from Feng Huang Book Institute, can stand shoulder to shoulder with her. When Cang Yue arrives today, those two standing together will truly be a sight to behold - the world's dual treasures, the cultivation world's two rare flowers. Lu Shidi, may I ask, does Zhang Ao Xue have someone she's interested in?" Bi Tian finished speaking and stared straight into Lu Yun's eyes, as if afraid he would lie.

  Lu Yun's face changed color, and he looked at him again, then moved his gaze to that moving figure. After a long time, Lu Yun said in a low voice: "Brother Bi, your words have left me speechless. Although I am from the same Yi Garden as Ao Xue, we rarely see each other more than a few times a year, and everyone is busy cultivating. You asked this question, but I'm not clear about it either. If you want to know, find an opportunity to ask her yourself, I can't answer your question, sorry." After finishing, he smiled apologetically and followed up quickly, soon walking side by side with Zhang Ao Xue. Bi Tian's face was slightly stunned, and a hint of heat appeared in his eyes, and he also chased after them.

  Before long, the eight of them had walked through the remaining four caves. At this time, Lu Yun asked Xiao Zhang: "If we want to go to the waist of the mountain, can you take us there?"

  Xiao Zhang hesitated and said, "I think it's better if we don't go. Right now, Master Liu is there receiving the distinguished guests from various academies. If we go, it might not be good. If you want to meet the disciples of other academies, just wait at the fork in the road. Because all the people going up the mountain, no matter which cave they are assigned to rest in, will have to pass through there. I'll take you there." After finishing speaking, he led the seven people towards the fork in the road.

  Upon arriving at the fork in the road, Lu Yun and his companions unexpectedly found that Zi Yang Zhen Ren was there, accompanied by Xu Canghai, the Dan Qing Sword Knight of Ru Garden. As soon as they saw Lu Yun's group of seven, both of them couldn't help but reveal a hint of a smile. After exchanging greetings, Zi Yang Zhen Ren smiled and said: "How did you all end up together? Were you unable to bear the loneliness and met halfway?"

  Lu Yun briefly told them about the encounter between the two groups and then asked, "Master, why are you also here? Didn't Quiet Moon Master come?"

  Dan Qing Jian Xia Xu Cang Hai didn't wait for Zi Yang to speak, and snatched the conversation away: "Actually, I was bored and came to find your master to chat with him for a bit. I didn't expect you all to arrive. As for Jing Yue Da Shi, she is currently meeting with Yu Wu Shuang, the head of Feng Huang Book Academy."

  Bi Tian opened his mouth and said: "Shifu, why did the people from Feng Huang Academy come too? We looked at every cave, but we didn't see them."

  Dan Qing Jian Xia Xu Cang Hai smiled and said, "They just arrived, maybe you just missed them. Now, only Bodhi Academy and Dao Garden haven't come yet, I believe it won't take long before they arrive. At that time, we will discuss tomorrow's martial arts competition. For now, you have nothing to do, so take a look around. It's rare to come here once, and gaining more experience is also good."

  Ziyang Zhenren looked at Lu Yun and said softly, "You all have a good chat, in the future when you travel the world, you can also help each other and work together to overcome difficulties. In the Cultivation Realm, everyone needs to have a few friends or else it's impossible to stand firm." The seven people nodded slightly and turned to leave.

  Ziyang Zhenren gazed at Bi Tian's back, softly saying: "Your Confucian Academy's Bi Tian has profound cultivation, but it's not the same as ordinary people. It seems that this time, our Yi Garden will have to prepare to take a hit again. This last one who followed us for fifty years, we've already carried on our backs for too long and are somewhat tired of carrying."

  "Ziyang, we're old friends now. Among the six institutes, our two have always had the best relationship. To be honest, who wants to take the blame for that last spot? Our two institutes have always been the ones taking the fall, everyone knows it in their hearts. The Tianjian Institute has dominated the world for 500 years, and even the Bodhi Academy can't do anything about it. What can we do? This time, your Yiyuan produced four outstanding disciples, which is unprecedented. I'm happy to see that. But the Tianjian Institute produced six... how can you compare? Don't take it too hard. From what I've seen, your disciple Lu Yun might achieve something extraordinary this time."

  Ziyang Zhenren shook his head and said, "To be honest, the most formidable ones in Yiyuan are Li Hongfei and Zhang Aoxue. Although my disciple is a genius, he has only been in Yiyuan for two years. In just two years, he went from being a young man who didn't know any magic to reaching this level of cultivation, and I'm already extremely pleased. This time, I insisted on coming here, even if it meant quarreling with my fellow disciple Qianyuan, why? It's not just because I wanted to see if my Yiyang Institute disciple could bring glory to Yiyuan. Originally, I thought that as long as he could enter the top six, even if it was in last place, I would be happy. But after coming here, I realized that there are many outstanding disciples from each institute this time, and his chances of success are slim." After finishing speaking, he let out a faint sigh and shook his head silently.

  Dan Qing Sword Immortal Xu Canghai comforted, "Don't be discouraged, it's not over yet, who knows? Just like you said, he was able to cultivate to this level in just two years, that's something that has never happened in the entire cultivation world. If he has the ability to cultivate such a strong foundation in just two years, maybe this time, he really can create a miracle? Don't think too much, let's cheer him on and see what happens, maybe there will be a surprise waiting for us." Zi Yang True Person looked at the horizon, thinking about his words, could it really be like that? Probably not possible.

  In the afternoon, Xuan Yu Zhen Ren returned to Tian Huo Dong. Looking at everyone, Xuan Yu Zhen Ren said: "Up to this point, all six institutes have gathered. Today, Feng Huang Shu Yuan's Zhu Jiao Yu Wu Shuang, Pu Ti Xue Yuan's Zhu Jiao Fa Guo Da Shi, and Dao Yuan's Zhu Jiao Qi Xuan Zhen Ren all brought their disciples here. This time, except for our Yi Yuan with only four participants, the other five institutes each have six participants. In this way, out of thirty-six people, there are two vacancies, which will be filled by Tian Jian Yuan's disciples.

  In the afternoon, the six institutes' leaders discussed and decided that this competition would still adopt the previous method, a knockout system. Each of the six institutes can directly send two disciples to the semi-finals, while the remaining disciples must compete to decide the winner and enter the next round. The martial arts competition is temporarily set for four rounds, and the specific situation will depend on the development at that time. The first round of competition is a one-on-one knockout match among the twenty-four disciples from the six institutes, excluding the two designated disciples. As a result, twelve disciples will be eliminated after the first round.

  The twelve disciples who won will be mixed with the twelve people designated by the six institutes and divided into groups to conduct one-on-one elimination matches. In order to ensure that the strength of each institute is not affected, the disciples from the same institute will absolutely not meet in this round. After the second match ends, there will only be twelve people left among the six institutes' disciples. These twelve people will then compete in a cross-institute format, and the final six people who remain will be the top six of this Six Institutes Martial Arts Conference.

  Finally, it's the ranking battle of the six strong. This time, regardless of whether they are from the same courtyard or not, a list of contestants is randomly drawn, and whoever is drawn will participate. This step is the most critical part of the competition, as it determines the ranking of each courtyard. In every tournament, whoever gets first place will be the leader of the six courtyards for the next ten years, so everyone's goal is set on that. The final first place winner will bring supreme glory to their sect. For many years, except for Bodhi College which has won first place three times, all other first places have been taken by Tianjian College.

  You might wonder why the Tianjian Pavilion has always taken first place in every session. Is it because they can produce an outstanding talent every ten years? There is actually a reason for this. The Six Institutes' Martial Arts Conference has a rule that each participant can participate in five consecutive sessions, but no more than five times. So this means that in every Jiazi time period, the Tianjian Pavilion will at least produce one exceptionally outstanding disciple. This is also why they have always been able to lead the pack.

  "This time I came back, I just want to talk about the two people who will directly enter the rematch in our Yi Garden. The strength of the other five gardens is beyond imagination this time, so we must also be careful. As for you four, only two can directly enter the rematch, and the other two have to play one more game, so I'd like to ask everyone's opinion." After finishing speaking, he looked at the six people, his gaze sweeping across Ziyang Zhenren and Jingyue Dashi's faces.

  Looking at the gaze of Master Zhang, Ziyang understood in his heart that this was not the time for strong debate. For the honor of Yi Garden, this matter must be handled with caution and prudence, and cannot be decided by personal feelings. Lightly, Ziyang said with a hint of helplessness: "This time, I have no opinion on which two people will directly enter the rematch, everything will follow Master's arrangement." Jingyue Master simply nodded, without saying anything. Perhaps she also understood that it was not suitable to say anything at this time.

  Xuan Yu Zhen Ren sighed and said, "Since that's the case, Yun Feng and Lu Yun, you two will have to work a bit harder and participate in the competition. Ao Xue and Hong Fei will rest for now and wait until the rematch to perform well. Do any of you have any objections? You can speak up."

  Zi Yang Zhen Ren let out a soft sigh, looked at Lu Yun, and his eyes revealed a hint of helplessness. Lu Yun looked at his master, and in this moment, he suddenly had the same feeling as when Yun Feng left Yi Garden yesterday. At this moment, Lu Yun deeply understood the helplessness in his master's eyes. He knew that his master actually wanted him to directly enter the rematch, but unfortunately, his master couldn't say anything now. Because if he spoke up, it would be unfair to others. Since Yun Feng and Li Hongfei's masters were not here, if he spoke up, it would be equivalent to bullying them two.

  For this match, Lu Yun was not very concerned from the bottom of his heart. But at this moment, he suddenly found that Master was very concerned about it. Looking at Master's helpless expression, at this moment, Lu Yun suddenly decided that since he had come, he would make a good show and let Master and everyone in Yi Garden be happy.

  Looking at the master, a faint smile appeared in Lu Yun's eyes as he said softly: "Master and Master, please rest assured, I won't mind these things. It just so happens that this time I also want to see more of the unique skills of other institutes, so I'm very happy. Let me take the lead for everyone to explore the way ahead, so that in future competitions, everyone will have a better idea."

  Lin Yunfeng looked at Lu Yun with a glance, patted his shoulder and smiled: "Well said, let's work together. We must make all of them know the prestige of our Yi Garden, so that they will never dare to underestimate the disciples of Yi Garden again." After finishing speaking, he firmly held hands with Lu Yun.

  A hint of comfort appeared in the eyes of Zhenren, and he said softly: "Alright, this matter is settled. We will go down immediately and report the names of our contestants so that they can make arrangements. This competition is divided into six points, with a point set up before each hole, and the six locations are held simultaneously. So it's likely that you'll be competing at the same time but in different locations, you need to prepare mentally first. Alright, get ready, I'll leave first." After finishing speaking, he stood up and left.

  Ziyang Zhenren took a glance at Lu Yun and said softly, "Add oil, I hope you both pass smoothly and bring honor to our Yi Garden. Remember to rest well tonight and strive hard tomorrow, we all wish you success." After finishing speaking, he seemed to be avoiding something and flashed out of the cave.

  Lu Yun looked at the back of his master, let out a soft sigh, and whispered in his heart, "Don't worry, you will be proud of me." Turning around to glance at everyone, Ao Xue's eyes showed a hint of encouragement, while Li Hongfei lightly said two words: "Add oil." Holding Yun Feng's hand, Lu Yun suddenly smiled proudly, confidently looking at everyone, and loudly declared: "Everything will be clear tomorrow."

  Yes, everything will be clear tomorrow, won't it?