Volume 1 Chapter 30: The First Meeting of the Heads of the Six Institutes
When they returned to the Tianhuo Cave, Lin Yunfeng had already woken up. At this time, he looked like his face was rosy and his internal injuries had mostly healed. As soon as he saw everyone return, Yunfeng jumped to Lu Yun's side and anxiously asked: "How was it? You must have won the competition, right? Why didn't you call me over, letting me wake up alone and wait anxiously here?"
Lu Yun pulled his hand, smiling: "We hope you recover well, tomorrow there is another tough match waiting for you. My match has already ended, I won against Li Ming from Ru Garden, so I'm not injured for now. Tomorrow, we will be competing together, hoping everyone can get through smoothly. So you must seize the time to recover your strength, only then do you have a chance to continue winning in tomorrow's match. Tonight, don't go anywhere, just stay here and cultivate your energy to recover to your best state."
Lin Yunfeng's face lit up with joy as soon as he heard Lu Yun's victory. He grabbed Lu Yun's hand and laughed excitedly: "You don't have to worry about me, I've already recovered six or seven layers of my strength. Tonight, if I put in a bit more effort, I'll be almost fully recovered by tomorrow. But you, you're really amazing! Not even a scratch, and you won? You're truly much stronger than me. I'm so sorry I didn't get to see your match, it's really regrettable. Tomorrow, I'll definitely watch your competition carefully and cheer for you."
Lu Yun smiled and said, "I hope we're not competing at the same time, so we can watch each other's matches. Alright, let's not talk too much, Ju Yuan's Xu Da Xia has also arrived, go say hello quickly, or others will say we don't know manners." After finishing, she smiled and pulled him over to greet Dan Qing Sword Xia Xu Canghai.
After exchanging a few words, everyone entered the cave and sat down to chat. Dan Qing Swordsmen Xu Canghai glanced at the four disciples of Yi Garden and smiled lightly: "This time, the competition is very fierce, but with your current strength, I believe you can achieve good results. This time, I took a closer look at the situation of other gardens, and I'm afraid our Ru Garden will end up in last place."
Xuan Yu Zhen Ren smiled and said, "Cang Hai, you're being too modest. I took a closer look at Bi Tian from your Confucian Academy, and his cultivation is extremely high, definitely not below that of Hong Fei. If the two were to be compared, your academy would have an advantage of more than 60%. This time, the first place will be between the Tian Jian Institute and the Bodhi Academy, we're just trying to avoid being last."
"Probably all the matches are almost over now, and tonight there will be a crucial rematch discussion conference. This discussion conference is just one crucial step for Liu Yuan. How to make his own disciples, among all the participants, the weakest person, it's related to how many disciples can enter the top 12. Once entering the top 12, it's only one step away from the top 6."
Xuan Yu Zhen Ren nodded slightly and said, "This time's conference is actually a fierce battle. Everyone is desperately fighting for their own disciples to get the best opportunity, so that they can more easily enter the next round of competition. For several sessions, it has been us, Yi Garden, who have lost, and ended up in last place. I hope this time will not be like that again. Now, let's go and find out about the situation with the Sixth Institute's competition, so we can make a corresponding strategy tonight."
Dan Qing Jian Xia Xu Cang Hai Dao: "Right, let's go out and take a look at the situation. After all, today's competition has already ended, and tomorrow's is what's important. Let's go, we'll go together to investigate the truth." Having said that, he stood up, bid farewell to everyone, and left with Xuan Yu Zhen Ren.
Zi Yang Zhen Ren looked at everyone and said in a low voice, "This time, Yun Feng and Lu Yun have both won two battles, bringing glory to our Yi Garden. I hope that tomorrow, everyone can continue to work hard, once again creating brilliance for our Yi Garden, and advancing to the next round of competition together. Does everyone have confidence?"
Zhang Aoxue glanced at Lu Yun, and the two exchanged a brief glance, conveying a resolute expression. To everyone's surprise, they nodded in unison, indicating their confidence. Lin Yunfeng looked at everyone with a serious face, nodding vigorously, his eyes filled with determination. Li Hongfei only looked at Zi Yang Zhenren, his expression solemn as he said, "We will definitely succeed, just watch tomorrow." A brief sentence, without many words.
Ziyang Zhenren glanced at Jingyue Dashi, and both of their eyes showed a hint of comfort. Ziyang Zhenren said: "Good, you have ambition. This time, we must not let the other five institutes look down on us. We must show our skills and make everyone know our names. Work hard, I will always support everyone. Now, everyone can rest and arrange their own affairs." After finishing speaking, he left with Jingyue Dashi.
Lu Yun looked at the other three senior brothers and sisters, and said in a low voice: "Yun Feng should seize the time to adjust his breath. Tomorrow, we will face opponents who are not weak, so everyone must go all out. Now, let's discuss tomorrow's match situation, what situations may arise, and avoid being caught off guard." After finishing speaking, he and the other three people inside predicted the situations that might occur tomorrow.
Outside the cave, Ziyang True Person looked at the square and saw that the disciples of the Tianjian Institute were cleaning up the venue after the competition. Looking at the crowd coming and going, Ziyang True Person spoke: "Shizi, you have participated in several competitions and are more familiar with the situation. In your personal opinion, can all four of our Yiyuan disciples pass tomorrow's competition?"
Master Jingyue looked ahead, his voice slightly heavy: "Judging from the past, this time four disciples can smoothly enter the next round of competition is already very satisfying. In the next round, I'm afraid two will pass and two will be eliminated. And when entering the top six, it's already very difficult to have one person in. Almost every time, each college has only one person who can enter the top six. For so many years, only our Yiyuan has not had an outstanding disciple enter the top six for five consecutive sessions. Every time, Tiangong College can have two people enter. This time, what kind of result will appear, no one can say for sure. Just don't hold too much hope, lest the final result be hard to accept."
Zi Yang Zhen Ren's face changed slightly upon hearing the words, and he couldn't help but let out a soft sigh. He didn't say anything else, quietly gazing into the distance, his heart filled with anticipation, hoping that Lu Yun would bring him a surprise.
The sky gradually darkened, and it was time for dinner again. When Xuan Yu Zhenren returned, everyone had just finished eating. Xuan Yu Zhenren called all the people to his side and said in a low voice: "Just now I went to investigate the situation, and the results are out. Among the 24 participants this time, both of us from Yi Garden passed, four from Feng Huang Academy participated, three were eliminated, and only one passed. Two people from Ru Garden passed, and Dao Garden also had two people pass. The remaining Bodhi College had four participants, half of whom passed, while Tian Jian Academy had six participants, with three passing. From this competition, it can be seen that Tian Jian Academy is the strongest, ranking first."
Ziyang Zhenren's face sank as he asked, "In that case, tomorrow's competition will have five of them participating. The probability of us encountering them is greater than the other four institutes. Today's battle has already shown their strength, and if we encounter them again tomorrow, it will likely be even more intense."
Xuan Yu Zhen Ren said with a slight smile: "That's right, but no matter who we meet, they are all powerful opponents. It's not easy to find someone weaker. According to the information I've gathered, some of the eliminated contestants also have strong abilities. Among them, several have abilities that surpass Mu Hua. As you can imagine, this competition will be more intense than any previous one. Tonight, I'll do my best to create opportunities for our Yi Yuan Sect, but whether we succeed depends on the situation at the time. Tonight, everyone must stay in this cave and meditate to accumulate energy for tomorrow's competition. This is a battle that concerns the honor of our Yi Yuan Sect, you must all go all out and make your greatest effort." After finishing speaking, he glanced at everyone and stood up to leave, heading to attend the meeting about tomorrow's competition.
In the Tianxuan Cave, at this moment, the six palaces' leaders were gathered in one hall, discussing tomorrow's competition. The six leaders sat around a circular jade table, with a disciple from the Tianshen Palace standing quietly beside them, waiting for orders at any time.
"First of all, Li Changchun, the head of the Tianjian Institute, spoke up: "This time's Six Institutes' martial arts competition is stronger than any previous one, judging from today's matches. This is a very exciting thing, it shows that this generation of our six institutes has produced more outstanding talents, which is a good thing for the entire cultivation world. From today's results, every institute's strength is very strong. In order to make this competition as fair and just as possible, we must discuss it carefully tonight and consider the strengths and weaknesses of tomorrow's participants, trying to avoid the situation where two strong teams meet. For now, let's follow the usual practice, each institute will recommend two of its most outstanding disciples, and we'll decide on the competition roster together."
The other five heads of the sects looked at each other, and began to ponder. Soon, someone handed over the list of disciples under their command to the center of the round table. Xuan Yu Zhenren glanced at the other heads of the sects, wrote down Zhang Ao Xue and Li Hong Fei's names on a piece of paper, and also handed it over. Before long, the list of recommended names from the six institutes appeared. Li Chang Chun ordered that disciple to compile the twelve names onto one sheet of paper, then had each head of the sect review them once.
After the other five had finished reading, Li Changchun held up the list and read out in a soft voice: "Tianjian Academy's Jian Wucheng, Zhanyu; Bodhi College's Benyi, Jiezhen; Daoyuan's Wuwang, Yunhua; Ruyuan's Bitian, Duli; Fenghuang Book Institute's Cangyue, Xujie; Yiyuan's Li Hongfei, Zhang Aoxue. In total, twelve people. To avoid these twelve outstanding disciples meeting in this round, they will compete with the other twelve participants. As for the specific candidates, we need to discuss it together."
As soon as this was said, the other five headmasters did not have any opinions, they just slightly nodded and didn't say anything. Li Changchun saw that the five people had no opinions, then ordered that disciple to write down the remaining twelve contestants' names on a piece of paper in two vertical rows for easy viewing. After finishing writing, Li Changchun again ordered that disciple to copy the same list onto five more papers, so each person got one sheet.
Li Changchun looked at each of the leaders holding their lists and said in a low voice, "In order to do our best, everyone will take the list in their hand and connect the names on both sides with a line. The two connected people will form a team for the competition. In order to be fair, this matter is left to individual choice, so every time six people choose the same opponent, that group's opponent list is established and immediately set aside. The remaining continue to repeat their choices until all lists are selected. As for the principle of avoiding the same courtyard, I believe I don't need to say more, and you won't make such a choice either. Because that approach raises suspicions of manipulation, and everyone understands that in their hearts. Alright, let's begin now."
In the cave, a quiet atmosphere prevailed as the six headmasters carefully considered their choices. This was an extremely crucial matter that would affect whether their disciples could smoothly advance in rank, and they had to be cautious. After a whole meal's worth of time, the six headmasters finally submitted their first answers. Very quickly, the results were tallied, and it turned out that only one pair had been unanimously chosen by all six. As a result, the first round ended with just this one pair passing through. After listing out the names for this match, the six headmasters began their second round of selections.
Time, in the midst of countless choices, has finally passed. After eight rounds of selection, everyone's opponent for the competition has been determined. Holding the final match list, each headmaster had a different expression. Li Changchun was calm and natural-looking. The headmaster of Bodhi Academy, Fa Guo Dashi, was expressionless, impossible to read. Dao Yuan Qiuxian Zhenren looked solemn, while Ru Yuan Haoyun Jushi wore a bitter smile. Yu Wushuang from Feng Huang Book Institute had a worried look on her beautiful face, clearly anxious in her heart.
Xuanyu Zhenren looked at the match list in his hand, his face solemn. This time's discussion had taken so long mainly because of Yi Garden. In order to do his best for his disciples and strive for an easier opponent, Xuanyu Zhenren's choice was different from others every time. As a result, only two of his disciples were left, facing the disciples of Tianjian Institute. This was what he least wanted to see, but unfortunately, things didn't go as planned no matter how hard he tried.
This time, Li Hongfei was up against a disciple of the Supreme Wisdom Academy named Wu Nian; while Zhang Aoxue's opponent was Qing Xi from the Tao Garden. The remaining matches were Lu Yun versus Leng Jia Hao, who ranked third in the Heavenly Sword Academy, and Lin Yun Feng versus Zhanyu, who ranked second. Holding the list in his hand, Xuan Yu Zhenren slowly walked out of the Tianxuan Cave. In the night wind, he stood alone for a long time, then slowly disappeared into the moonlight.
When he returned to the Tianhuo Cave, both Ziyang True Person and Jingyue Master were quietly waiting for him. The three people's eyes met, and Xuanyu True Person couldn't help but let out a light sigh, shaking his head as he handed the competition roster to the two of them. After reading through the competition roster, Jingyue Master seemed very calm, but Ziyang True Person had a serious expression, with a heavy look on his face.
Xuanyu Zhenren quietly told the two of them about the selection method for this match. In the end, he only heard him say: "This time, it may be destined. No matter how I think, in the end, I still met Tianjian Academy, who I least wanted to meet. Don't tell them for now, let them rest well, and tell them again when dawn breaks." After finishing speaking, he slipped into the cave.
Master Jingyue glanced at Zi Yang Zhenren and said softly, "Get some rest early, tomorrow may still have many things to do." He turned around and left quietly. Zi Yang Zhenren stood quietly at the entrance of the cave, looking up at the bright moon in the sky, motionless, like a stone statue. In the dark, Lu Yun looked at his master's back, feeling a faint sense of foreboding in his heart. What it was, he couldn't say, but he knew that it must be related to the competition, otherwise his master wouldn't be so serious.
The moonlight is like silver, a night of silence. The true man of Zi Yang stood quietly at the entrance of the cave for a whole night, saying nothing, until the sun came out, then turned and entered the cave.
After dinner, Xuan Yu Zhenren looked at the four disciples with encouraging eyes and said in a soft voice: "Today is the day when you four will participate in the competition together. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all good luck and achieve good results. This time, the opponents are very strong, so you must go all out and strive for certain achievements. Remember one thing, as long as you have made your greatest efforts, even if you lose, I will not blame any of you. Because I know that you have all tried your best. Although this competition is important, your safety and physical health are more important. You need to have a strong body in order to better improve your cultivation. Do you understand?
Lu Yun looked at Xuan Yu Zhen Ren, and from his words, Lu Yun heard some meaning. After glancing at his master's serious face, Lu Yun spoke up: "Excuse me, Master, I don't know who our opponent is this time or when the competition will be?" As soon as he said this, Lin Yun Feng, Zhang Ao Xue, and Li Hong Fei all paid attention, everyone looking at Xuan Yu Zhen Ren, waiting for his response.
"This time, among the four of you, Yun Feng and Hong Fei will be competing in the morning, while Lu Yun and Ao Xue will be competing in the afternoon. Hong Fei's opponent this time is Wu Nian from Bodhi Academy, and Ao Xue's opponent is Qing Xi from Dao Garden. As long as you two perform normally, you should be able to win. As for Yun Feng and Lu Yun, your opponents are both from Tian Jian Academy."
Lin Yunfeng and Lu Yun exchanged a glance, both of them saw the surprise in each other's eyes. At this moment, Lu Yun finally understood why his master had been so serious, because he was worried about him. Lin Yunfeng hastily opened his mouth: "Master, please say it quickly, who is our opponent, is he very powerful?" Ao Xue and Li Hongfei both looked at Xuan Yu Zhenren with concern, waiting for his final result.
Xuan Yu Zhen Ren looked at the four disciples and sighed, "This time, you two have encountered are not easy to deal with. Yun Feng is facing Tian Jian Yuan's second-ranked Zhan Yu, while Lu Yun is facing the third-ranked Leng Jia Hao of Tian Jian Yuan. These two are both very famous experts in Tian Jian Yuan, even if they are slightly weaker than Jian Wu Chen, they are absolutely not weak anywhere. So this time, you two just do your best. No matter what the result is, don't mind it, I won't blame you, and you shouldn't have any pressure on your minds.
Now, Yun Feng and Hong Fei prepare yourselves. The location of Yun Feng's match is outside the Tian Huo Cave, this afternoon Lu Yun's match against Leng Jia Hao will also be here. As for Hong Fei, he will be at the Tian Peng Cave, this afternoon Ao Xue will have a match at the Tian Xuan Cave.
Hong Fei, prepare yourself, I'll accompany you to the match with Zi Yang Shixiong later. The other three of you stay here and pay attention to Yun Feng's match." After finishing speaking, he stood up and walked out of the cave.
Li Hongfei walked up to Yun Feng's side, patted his shoulder and said: "Don't give up easily, as long as you work hard, there is hope, come on, younger brother." After finishing speaking, he looked at Yun Feng with a sincere gaze.
Yun Feng patted his shoulder and said in a low voice, "Thank you, brother. You too, let's work hard together and believe that we will reap the rewards. This battle, regardless of winning or losing, I won't give up easily." After finishing speaking, he tightly grasped Li Hongfei's hand, and for the first time, they truly came together.
Zhang Aoxue glanced at the two of them and said softly, "Li Shixiong, I won't go watch this match. Here, I wish you a smooth victory in advance." Lu Yun also spoke up, "Shixiong jiayou, you must be able to defeat your opponent, I believe in you."
Li Hongfei looked at Ao Xue and said in a low voice, "Thank you for your blessing, I won't let you down." Turning his head to look at Lu Yun, Li Hongfei said softly, "Thank you, wait for my good news." After finishing speaking, he turned around and left.
Zi Yang Zhen Ren looked at Yun Feng and said softly, "No matter what the outcome of this time is, as long as you have made an effort, we will be proud of you. In a distant place, your master will also be proud of you. Make an effort, the most outstanding disciple of Yi Yuan." After glancing at Lu Yun, Zi Yang said nothing and turned to leave.
Lu Yun, Yun Feng, Ao Xue and Jing Yue Master walked out of the cave together, their eyes sending off the three people far away. Watching the departing trio, Jing Yue Master spoke up: "Competitions always have winners and losers. Regardless of the outcome, as long as you try your best, it's enough to be true to yourself and Yi Garden. This time, we don't necessarily need to fight for anything. After all, the last place has been carrying the burden for 50 years, what's one more time? This time, coming here to compete, I only hope that while you're serious, don't be too obsessed. Cultivators shouldn't have a mind for fame and wealth, so being too obsessed will lead to mediocrity. I hope you three can understand this principle." After finishing speaking, he quietly gazed into the distance.
East, the sky begins to rise a red sun, the earth in a blink of an eye, it becomes bright. A new day has arrived, and on this day, will the competition for the four disciples of Yi Garden go smoothly? This time coming to Tai Xuan Mountain, what kind of result will Yi Garden achieve?
