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Chen Qingyuan became a student at Dao Yi Academy without any assessment, which was quite unfair to the others.
Those who didn't make the cut had no complaints losing to the top ten; they accepted defeat wholeheartedly. But to acknowledge Chen Qingyuan's superiority was something they couldn't bring themselves to do.
Wang Qing was bold enough to voice everyone's thoughts, his piercing gaze fixed on Chen Qingyuan, making him feel uneasy.
"What do you want?"
Zhao Yichuan asked in a calm tone.
"I want to spar with him. If he beats me, I'll concede willingly."
This was Wang Qing's only chance, and he had to fight for himself.
He couldn't accept being passed over and saw Chen Qingyuan as his last lifeline.
If Chen Qingyuan lost to Wang Qing, Dao Yi Academy had no reason to expel Wang Qing, unless the Academy was willing to throw away its years of reputation.
Even if Wang Qing lost, he had nothing to lose. But if he won, even if he couldn't become a student at Dao Yi Academy, he could still claim to have bested Chen Qingyuan.
In any case, Wang Qing had calculated his moves well; regardless of the outcome, there was no downside for him.
"Chen Qingyuan, what's your take?"
Zhao Yichuan didn't reject the proposal but instead left the decision to Chen Qingyuan.
It's not bad for young people to be competitive, as long as they don't cross the line.
"He's not satisfied, what's that to me?"
Chen Qingyuan was indifferent.
"Are you scared?"
Wang Qing mocked.
"Humph!!" Chen Qingyuan shot Wang Qing a look and disdainfully said, "Why should I fight you? Give me one good reason."
"Prove you're worthy of being a Dao Yi Academy student and earn our respect."
Wang Qing knew he couldn't bear the consequences alone; he needed everyone's support to put significant pressure on Chen Qingyuan.
"Yes!"
"You got in without an assessment; we're not convinced!"
"Chen Qingyuan, you're listed as one of the Ten Heroes of the Northern Wilderness and got into Dao Yi Academy, which is against the rules. However, if you're truly capable, we'll have nothing to say."
Those pride who had lost were already feeling down, and now they vented all their frustrations because of Chen Qingyuan.
Suddenly, all the pressure was on Chen Qingyuan.
Despite this, Chen Qingyuan remained nonchalant, clearly not the least bit angry.
"I don't need to prove myself. I'm already enrolled. If you're unhappy, go talk to the higher-ups at Dao Yi Academy."
Chen Qingyuan wasn't going to be easily provoked into a foolish fight.
What's the point of proving myself? As for pride, can it be eaten?
"You…" Wang Qing was dumbfounded, not knowing what to say.
By all logic, shouldn't Chen Qingyuan be eager to prove himself and fight Wang Qing? Why wasn't he playing by the rules?
After a long pause, Wang Qing said again, "You don't even have the courage to fight me; what makes you worthy of being a Dao Yi Academy disciple?"
"Do you think I'm as stupid as you?" Chen Qingyuan couldn't take it anymore and spoke his mind, "What good does beating you do for me? Fighting you would be giving you a chance, but I don't want to give you that chance. What can you do about it?"
Many instructors from Dao Yi Academy were watching the drama unfold in secret, noting how different Chen Qingyuan was from past disciples. Any other student would have rolled up their sleeves and fought in the face of such provocation.
Wang Qing was at a loss for words, unable to come up with a rebuttal.
"You think a few words will make me want to fight you? Are you out of your mind? And with so many people behind you, if everyone who dislikes me wants a fight, I'd be exhausted. Besides, if you beat me, that means you can step on me to get into Dao Yi Academy. Do you think such an opportunity comes for free?"
Chen Qingyuan revealed his true colors; it was time to make some money.
If possible, Chen Qingyuan wouldn't want to go through the trouble of making money. But there was no choice; the Mystic Azure Sect was too poor, at least on the surface.
The mission hall and various buildings within the Sect were all funded by Chen Qingyuan, who also occasionally gave his Senior Brothers some pocket money. Supporting a whole family wasn't easy!
Most of the money Chen Qingyuan had earned over the years went into building the Sect.
Back when the powerful figures from various Sects wanted to force Chen Qingyuan to reveal the secrets of Sky Abyss, the Mystic Azure Sect was furious, ready to fight to the death.
After all, everyone in the Mystic Azure Sect had benefited from Chen Qingyuan's generosity, especially the new disciples who received additional cultivation resources each month, all gifts from Chen Qingyuan.
"What do you mean by that?"
Wang Qing, half-understanding, asked with a serious expression.
"Are you really that dumb, or just pretending? I'm giving you another chance to enter the Academy, but you've got to pay a price. If I lose, I'll give you my spot and get something to console myself."
Chen Qingyuan laid it out plainly.
His words made so much sense that Wang Qing found himself unable to argue.
Wang Qing blinked, pondered for a long time, and couldn't muster any resentment towards Chen Qingyuan.
Not just Wang Qing, but the other defeated pride felt the same. If it were them, they certainly wouldn't give up the chance to enroll.
If Chen Qingyuan was willing to fight, it was like becoming a stepping stone, and taking some benefits seemed understandable.
"How much do you want?"
Wang Qing didn't want to miss this opportunity.
"That's up to you. This is a chance to enter Dao Yi Academy, so it depends on how much you value it."
Chen Qingyuan couldn't name a specific amount; after all, they were on Dao Yi Academy's territory, and it wouldn't do to be too greedy.
Hearing this, Wang Qing fell silent, contemplating.
In the void, Zhao Yichuan watched as the situation suddenly changed. On the surface, he was calm, but inside, ripples stirred as he thought, "Chen Qingyuan, this kid, is as sly as an old fox, lacking the fiery spirit of youth."
"I like this kid; he's not foolish."
"No wonder Vice Dean Yu took him as a disciple ahead of time; at least he's not someone who suffers losses."
"But can this kid win? If he loses, not only will he lose face for himself and Vice Dean Yu, but it will also affect Dao Yi Academy's reputation."
In secret, a group of instructors discussed the matter with interest and a hint of concern.
If Chen Qingyuan won, all would be well, but if he lost, things could get complicated.
"Have you decided yet? I don't have all day to wait for you."
Seeing Wang Qing still in a daze, Chen Qingyuan urged him.
"This is all I have. Take it, and grant me the chance to challenge you."
If he gave too little, it would show he didn't take the opportunity to enroll seriously.
After much thought, Wang Qing took out all the Spirit Stones he had, placed them in a Heaven and Earth Bag, and threw it to Chen Qingyuan.