Star Martial Soaring Cloud

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire room fell silent.

The wind stopped, the sound ceased, and people stood still.

The world seemed to freeze in time. Everyone held their breath, their minds blank, utterly stunned by Wang Xiao's outrageous remarks.

One Ye family as an opponent is not enough?

They even forced Yun Yi, the core prodigy of the Yun family and ranked 30th on the list, to join the Ye family, their mortal enemy, to fight against a cultivator ranked outside the top 100.

How absurd and arrogant this is!

In the whole world, probably only Wang Xiao would dare to say that!

In everyone's eyes, he was just a pawn, insignificant.

This group competition in the Jixia Academy assessment was originally a stage for the Yun and Ye families to secretly compete and suppress each other.

Wang Xiao was merely a tool that happened to appear on the chessboard, used to undermine the Ye family's reputation.

In this duel, can he really defeat Ye Xin?

If it's a one-on-one duel, then it's still possible.

But in a team battle, how can an individual compete with a powerful family?

The only point of interest is how far the Yun family will go and whether they can deliver a direct blow to the Ye family.

At this moment, Wang Xiao disdains being a pawn used by the Yun family to kill someone with a borrowed knife. Instead, he wants to use his own strength to provoke and confront the two top families, Yun and Ye, at the same time!

What is this behavior if not a fool's dream?

After a brief moment of deathly silence, the entire venue erupted in chaos, filled with shouts, gasps, and jeers.

"He's insane! This person is absolutely insane!"

"In all my decades of cultivation, I have never seen such an arrogant and ignorant fool!"

"By provoking Ye Xin and looking down on the Yun family, he really wants to die sooner!"

"Ranked 101, yet acting like the number one in the Nine Provinces, it's utterly ridiculous!"

Yun Yi's aura surged violently, his black hair danced wildly, his fists clenched tightly, his knuckles cracking, and his eyes were filled with murderous intent that seemed about to burst forth. With a tremor, he was about to rush forward again to suppress this arrogant and unrestrained brat on the spot.

A slender hand gripped his hand.

"Lu Yang, you've prepared quite a few surprises, but you're playing with fire too much. Your sister can't protect you." Yun Zhi's cool voice drifted into the room, carrying a hint of amusement, a touch of willfulness, and a deep warning.

The smile had completely faded from her perfect face, replaced by a deep, inquisitive look.

"It's not the Ye family, so what is he relying on?"

As soon as they finished speaking, their figures completely disappeared into the distance.

Watching Yun Zhi's departing figure, Wang Xiao also fell into deep thought.

This Princess Yun is not, as the outside world says, merely a spoiled and arrogant woman.

Just now, Yun Yi, in a fit of rage, threw a punch with all his might, without holding back.

Wang Xiao was well aware of the power of that punch.

But Yunzhi merely raised her palm lightly, effortlessly neutralizing all the violent force. Her movements were effortless and unfathomable.

Even if one is familiar with Yun Yi's techniques, to be able to resolve the situation so naturally and without leaving a trace, one's strength is definitely far beyond the level of the fiftieth.

"Looks like I've met a kindred spirit," Wang Xiao thought to himself. "Indeed, how could a bit of willfulness and capriciousness possibly subdue the thousands of geniuses in the capital? This woman is hiding her true nature too well."

If people didn't take Lu Yang seriously before, after this incident, discussions about him have skyrocketed.

What is an accident?

What is a surprise?

Lu Yang is it!

The moment he opened his mouth, the topic was instantly abuzz. He was flirting with death, how could anyone not go crazy?

Who doesn't want more excitement?

Some people despise his arrogance and recklessness, some are amazed by his extraordinary courage, and some are curious about the hidden strength behind his confidence.

In just half a day, the name Lu Yang dominated the capital.

Wang Xiao patted Zhou Qian on the shoulder, and the two turned and left.

"How did you feel about that scene just now?" Wang Xiao asked casually, his arms crossed behind his head.

Zhou Qian's chest still throbbed with hot blood, his eyes gleaming, and his voice barely concealing his excitement: "Awesome! So exhilarating! Facing the prodigies of top aristocratic families head-on, this feeling of blood surging is unprecedented!"

Such opportunities to confront powerful families head-on without bowing down, or even to show contempt, are rare.

But after the initial excitement, he couldn't help but frown slightly, his tone tinged with worry: "Are you really alright?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Xiao grinned and said with utmost seriousness, "Yes, of course there's something."

Zhou Qian's heart sank. Just as he was about to ask further, Wang Xiao added with a troubled expression, "We've won so much silver. What should we eat for lunch? That's a real problem."

Zhou Qian was speechless for a moment, feeling both annoyed and amused.

Wang Xiao's heart is bigger than the sea.

"Oh, and remember, I'll keep the money safe!"

Since Wang Xiao was confident, Zhou Qian didn't ask any more questions and simply extended his hand.

Why?

"If you earn money so extravagantly, I'm afraid you'll spend it just as extravagantly!" Zhou Qian said confidently.

"Haha..." The two looked at each other and laughed at the same time.

As the two were chatting and laughing side by side, a hurried figure rushed out from the crowd on the side. He was in a hurry and looked flustered. He first bumped into Zhou Qian's shoulder, and before he could stand up, he hurriedly dodged and bumped into Wang Xiao.

"I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry!" The person apologized repeatedly, his tone hurried and his face full of panic.

Zhou Qian, being kind-hearted, didn't take it to heart. He reached out and steadily supported the staggering pedestrian, saying gently, "It's alright, you're in a hurry, don't worry about it."

"Thank you both for your magnanimity!" The pedestrian bowed repeatedly in thanks, then turned and merged into the crowd, disappearing into the vast sea of ​​people.

Wang Xiao raised his eyes, watching the man's hurried departure, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes. This person appeared flustered and reckless, but in reality, his movements were measured and controlled, clearly a deliberate disguise.

In the southern part of the city, in that unnamed restaurant, the array formation remained intact in the private room.

Gong Zheng picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and looked at the man in black robes opposite him, speaking calmly and deliberately: "Lu Yang is your backup plan?"

"Wasn't he chosen by your college?"

Both of them froze, neither speaking, remaining silent.

But the silence itself is a form of shock.

The strategist finally discovered that other forces were also making moves at the same time.

They weren't the only ones playing this game.

It was nearing noon, a busy time when the restaurant was packed with customers.

The gate was tightly closed at the moment, and a brand-new wooden sign hanging high above the entrance read "Closed Today, Permanent Closure," cutting off all coming and going diners.

Passersby stopped to watch, their faces full of regret.

"This Baiweilou restaurant is a long-established brand in the southern part of the city, with excellent taste. How could it suddenly close down permanently?"

"I just heard from the shop assistant that the boss has had a sudden family emergency and is no longer able to run the business. This place will be completely renovated and turned into a fabric shop. He will no longer run a restaurant."

"It's such a pity. I'm afraid we'll never be able to eat such authentic delicacies again." The man shook his head and walked away regretfully.

Meanwhile, the pedestrian who had just bumped into Wang Xiao and Zhou Qian quickly walked through the streets and alleys, his figure shifting and turning, and after confirming that no one was following him, he finally stepped into the magnificent gate of the Ye Mansion in the west of the city.

The main hall of the Ye Mansion is magnificent and imposing, with carved beams and painted rafters.

Ye Jingxing sat upright in the hall, dressed in a plain brocade robe. His face was gentle, his brows and eyes were calm, and his demeanor was dignified. No one could tell that he was emotionally unstable. His voice was not loud, but it carried an invisible pressure.

"So, those two haven't contacted any of the students who passed the exam yet?"

The pedestrian bowed and stood respectfully in the hall, having regained the composure and solemnity of a Ye family guard. He reported in a low voice, "Master, I have searched the entire area for Lu Yang and Zhou Qian's whereabouts and found nothing."

Before the patriarch could ask, he continued, "We have already ascertained their strengths. Zhou Qian is proficient in fire-based supernatural abilities, and his true strength matches his ranking. Lu Yang's situation is more complicated; I haven't sensed any fluctuations of supernatural abilities from him. Both of them are former镖师 (bodyguards/escorts) with no special backgrounds."

Immediately afterwards, the bodyguard recounted in great detail all the events of the day, from Wang Xiao's arrogant words and Yun Zhi's actions to Yun Yi's rage, even down to how many bowls of vegetarian noodles Wang Xiao and Zhou Qian had eaten that morning. He did not miss a single detail.

"Oh?"

Upon hearing that the Yun family had suffered a public humiliation, the usually composed Ye Jingxing finally relaxed his brows slightly, a faint smile flashing in his eyes: "The younger generation these days is truly becoming more and more interesting. If I remember correctly, Yun Yi is ranked thirtieth, right?"

"Yes."

Ye Jingxing nodded slightly, his eyes gleaming, and walked to the window with his hands behind his back.

Outside the window is the Ye family's vast garden, with its artificial hills, flowing water, and exotic flowers and plants, all serene and beautiful under the sunlight.

He was silent for a moment, then suddenly spoke: "Go again and deliver an invitation to the Yun family. A formal invitation for Yun Yi to join Xin'er's team. My Ye family has that kind of magnanimity. I wonder if the Yun family has the same vision?"

"The remaining members will be selected and finalized by Xin'er herself, but the ranking of each selected person cannot exceed thirty!"

"Your subordinate obeys!" The guard bowed and accepted the order, then turned to leave.

"Also, arrange for someone to meet me with Lu Yang." Ye Jingxing suddenly raised his hand, calling out to stop, his gaze distant, his tone carrying a hint of certainty, "No, I will personally go to the East City to meet this interesting young hero Lu."

In the middle section of Dongchangqian Street in Dongcheng, a seven-story restaurant stands majestically.

With its upturned eaves and corners, a golden plaque hangs above the doorway, bearing the three large characters "Lingyun Tower" in vigorous calligraphy, said to be the work of a great calligrapher from a previous dynasty.

This is one of the most famous restaurants in the capital.

During the day, one can overlook the magnificent city view, and at night, one can enjoy the starry sky and moon. Officials, noble families, and literati all consider it an honor to hold banquets here, while ordinary people rarely set foot here.

We sat in a private room on the second floor, by the window.

Ye Jingxing shed the luxurious brocade robes of a noble family head and put on an ordinary plain-colored long gown. His simple and low-key attire concealed all his imposing presence and aura, making him appear as a gentle and refined scholar.

He deliberately concealed his identity, acting as a middleman entrusted by someone to keep the appointment.

He no longer cared about the outcome of tomorrow's duel, because the Yun family and the Ye family would be on the same team.

Although the invitation had not yet been delivered, he was certain that the Yun family would agree to join forces.

Victory is a blessing for the Ye family, and defeat is a relief for the Yun family. What is there to worry about?

Therefore, he was very grateful to Lu Yang and came to see him in person.

Inside the private room, the two sat facing each other in a peaceful atmosphere.

Ye Jingxing picked up his drink, took a small sip, and looked gently at Wang Xiao, who was sitting across from him, his eyes bright as if he could see right through people.

"Young Master Lu is a man of great talent and ability, whose courage, character, and vision far surpass those of ordinary people. It is an honor to meet you today. My surname is Ye, and I have been entrusted by someone to discuss tomorrow's duel with you. If you can provide a satisfactory result tomorrow, please feel free to ask for anything you desire. Whether you want people, goods, or resources, my master will grant your request."

Wang Xiao raised her eyes, gazing at the refined scholar before her. Her gaze was clear, without a trace of probing or hesitation, and she asked directly, "Really, any conditions are acceptable?"

"Absolutely not." Ye Jingxing nodded firmly.

"Then I have only one request." Wang Xiao's lips curled slightly, and he spoke clearly, "I want to enter the Jixia Academy."

Ye Jingxing was slightly taken aback by this answer, then couldn't help but throw his head back and burst into hearty laughter.

This laugh was unrestrained and carefree, without mockery or contempt, only a heartfelt and undisguised joy.

He pretended to test Wang Xiao, trying to entice her to throw the match, but Wang Xiao refused.

"Excellent! What a forthright young man!" Ye Jingxing clapped his hands and laughed, his eyes full of admiration. "Then I wish Young Hero Lu a resounding victory on the field tomorrow and that you achieve your goals!"

Wang Xiao raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, his tone carrying a touch of inquiry: "Senior is an envoy for the Ye family, you should be hoping for Ye Xin's victory, why are you wishing me well instead? This outcome is probably not what you wanted to see, is it?"

He had expected the other party to use threats, inducements, or exert pressure from the shadows, but he never imagined that the other party would be so open and magnanimous.

Such magnanimity and breadth of mind made him feel quite favorably toward her.

Ye Jingxing suppressed his smile, his expression gentle and insightful, and slowly said, "Do your best and leave the rest to fate."

His voice was calm, without regret or resentment: "If possible, I hope to become friends with you, young friend."

"Mr. Ye, your wine is excellent." Wang Xiao raised his glass. "To you."

The two wine glasses clinked together lightly, producing a crisp sound.

Within the solemn and ethereal Jixia Academy, a tranquil and elegant bamboo courtyard offers a completely different atmosphere.

A gentle breeze rustles through the bamboo, and the courtyard is filled with blooming flowers, creating a stunning scene.

"Miss Su, you can't hesitate any longer! You must take the initiative!" Ling Cheng slammed his hand on the table, looking at her with exasperation. "Look, even Princess Yun has come to our door! Whistling and calling her her little brother. What if she runs off with that Lu Yang kid?"

"Yes! Fairy Su, it's best to strike first!" Yuan Kong clasped his hands together and recited a Buddhist chant with a devout expression.

The Holy Maiden of Fengyuxuan, Su Qinhe, wore a simple white dress. Her figure was elegant and her face was peerless. Her eyes were gentle but also showed some hesitation and confusion.

She leaned lightly against the windowsill, gazing at the drifting clouds and flying birds outside, murmuring softly and dreamily, "Should I... really take the initiative?"

The night passed in the blink of an eye, dawn broke, and the sun rose in the east.

The highly anticipated Jixia Academy assessment team performance competition has arrived as scheduled.

Chengzheng Square is the largest open-air square in Beijing, and it is magnificent.

At this moment, the square was packed with people, a sea of ​​black heads, and a cacophony of voices.

High platforms stood tall, banners fluttered, and music filled the air. Countless ordinary people crowded the outer perimeter, standing on tiptoe to watch and eagerly anticipating this ultimate showdown between the top young talents of Kyushu.

The arena was erected in the center of the square, about ten feet high and ten feet wide, paved with meteorites, and covered with array patterns all around, with spiritual light flowing around it.

Eight enormous crystal screens floated above the square, allowing everyone to clearly see the duel.

Sunlight streamed down, casting a golden glow across the ground. Martial arts auras intertwined and collided, creating a tense and intense atmosphere that enveloped the entire venue. Everyone's face was filled with anticipation and excitement.

As the emcee's loud and clear voice resounded through the sky, the final team competition officially began!

First to take the stage is Ye Xin's team, which everyone has been eagerly anticipating!

One after another, the proud and powerful prodigies stepped onto the towering arena, each exuding surging energy and a formidable aura.

The person in the lead was Ye Xin, who had an outstanding figure.

Behind him, all the team members were revealed.

Yun Yi, ranked thirtieth, was prominently featured on the list.

Next were Ye Wu, a martial arts master from the Ye family ranked 51st; Xu Yi, a cultivator from the Southern Frontier ranked 55th; Shen Jiayue, a disciple of the Rainbow Palace ranked 67th; and Zhang Yue, ranked 91st.

Each of the six individuals has a unique background and possesses extraordinary skills.

When everyone saw the members of Ye Xin's team, the entire audience erupted in cheers and exclamations that lasted for a long time.

"The Ye family and the Yun family have really joined forces!" someone exclaimed.

"What's the point of fighting? Yunye, join forces!"

"What about Lu Yang? What about Lu Yang's group?"

……

On the high platform, everyone nodded and sighed, having already tacitly accepted the outcome of this duel.

Just as the audience was buzzing with excitement, two figures slowly stepped onto the stage from the other side of the ring.

Wang Xiao, dressed in a simple blue shirt, moved with ease and composure, showing no sign of nervousness or trepidation; Zhou Qian stood beside him, his posture upright and his aura steady.

Only these two.

The entire audience erupted in uproar again, with a deluge of surprised, mocking, and bewildered voices.

"Just the two of them? Where are his teammates? Does he intend to fight six top geniuses with just the two of them?"

"This is utterly attention-seeking! There's a limit to arrogance! This isn't a competition; it's self-humiliation!"

"I thought he had a trump card up his sleeve, but now it seems it was all just a bluff!"

On the high platform, the chief examiner, Gong Zheng, slowly rose to his feet, his solemn voice resounding throughout the entire venue: "According to the rules, if a team does not have enough members, the team will be directly disqualified."

"Who said he doesn't have teammates?"

A clear voice came from the crowd.

Five dazzling figures swept in from five directions of the square, their clothes fluttering and their lights shimmering. Their figures were peerless and their auras were fully unleashed. They landed steadily behind Wang Xiao, lined up in a row, their momentum as strong as a rainbow!

"Qingcheng Sword Mountain, Ling Cheng."

"Haoqi Pavilion, Xiao He."

"The Sumeru School, the Perfect Emptiness."

"Fengyuxuan, Yanzixi".

"Fengyuxuan, Su Qinhe".

"We volunteer!"

Five voices, some powerful and resounding, others melodious and gentle, each name that fell stirred up a huge wave in the entire venue!

The moment the last two figures appeared, the entire Chengzheng Square descended into utter madness. Everyone stood up excitedly, their faces filled with disbelief!

Yan Zixi, the most beautiful woman in Kyushu, wore a long, light crimson gauze dress. Her figure was slender and graceful, her eyes and brows were stunningly beautiful, her skin was as white as snow, and her temperament was aloof and otherworldly. Every frown and smile was captivating.

She stood on the arena, surrounded by spiritual energy and shimmering with light, like a celestial maiden descended to earth, so dazzling that it was impossible to look directly at her.

His mere presence, standing silently, was enough to make the hearts and minds of the thousands of disciples tremble and their breath catch in their throats.

Beside her, Su Qinhe wore a simple white fairy dress, elegant and refined, gentle and graceful, with gentle eyes and a peerless temperament.

One in red, one in white; one alluring, one serene; two stunningly beautiful faces bloomed in the sunlight, breathtakingly beautiful.

The entire venue erupted in cheers.

Whistles, exclamations, and applause mingled together, creating a sound that nearly overturned Chengzheng Square.

"That's Yan Zixi! The most beautiful woman in Kyushu!"

"To have had the honor of meeting Miss Yan today, I could die without regret!"

"Miss Yan! Miss Yan..."

"I don't want to see any duel, I want to see Miss Yan's unparalleled singing and dancing!"

"Miss Yan, can you look at me here?"

"Su Qinhe! The Holy Maiden of Fengyuxuan! She's on par with Yan Zixi!"

"And then there's Xiao He from the Haoqi Pavilion, Ling Cheng from Qingcheng Sword Mountain, and Yuan Kong from the Sumeru Sect! These are all outstanding young talents from various sects!"

"Why are they all helping Lu Yang?"

"Who exactly is this Lu Yang?"

……

Discussions rose and fell, a mixture of shock, envy, jealousy, and curiosity.

The discussion in the room gradually shifted direction.

"It's true that Daqian, Yun, and Ye are the three strongest forces in the Nine Provinces. But what does it mean to combine Haoqi Pavilion, Sumeru Sect, Qingcheng Sword Mountain, and Fengyu Pavilion?"

"The Righteousness Pavilion and the Sumeru Sect already constitute two-thirds of the cultivation forces in the Great Qian Dynasty!"

"No wonder he's so arrogant, no wonder he's not afraid of the Yun and Ye families! Is it the Great Qian Dynasty that gives him this confidence?"

"How do you explain Fengyuxuan and Qingcheng Sword Mountain?"

"It's them! The survivors of Demon Island! They were admitted to Jixia Academy early, and each of them has the ability to rank among the top ten in Jixia Academy!"

"How are we supposed to fight like this?"

"We're worried that Lu Yang won't have a chance to fight. Now, how are the Yun and Ye families supposed to fight?"

"Even if Ye Sheng and Yun Xiu came together, they might not be able to win!"

"How did he do that?"

No one can answer these questions.

The situation instantly reversed, and what was originally a hopeless defeat was turned into a crushing victory by these five peerless figures!

All the previous ridicule, doubt, and disdain turned into extreme shock and horror.

Under the spotlight, Su Qinhe, dressed in white and looking stunning, took a deep breath, her jade fingers trembling slightly, and repeatedly encouraged herself: Take the initiative, be proactive!

A resolute light flashed in her eyes as she mustered the greatest courage of her life.

She took a step forward, her figure light and graceful, facing the boy in front of her. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and her red lips parted slightly. Her clear and gentle voice pierced through the entire venue, reaching everyone's ears. Every word was clear and sincere.

"I may travel alone to mountains and seas, but I only wish to spend my days and nights with you."

"Lu Yang, I like you!"