"D*mn it, some of them managed to learn Lionsoul Transformation," Elmo muttered, cursing under his breath as he saw the lion-like human on one of the stages. "Although he barely learned it, seeing my school's techniques getting stolen is still annoying."
There were already participants in the third exam showcasing techniques that were not meant for them, clearly stolen from the martial schools. Since each martial school kept records of what was lost, they could easily identify if a student was using a stolen technique.
However, they decided not to immediately disqualify the students. Instead, they allowed them to fight before issuing the disqualification. The Referees had already been informed about this.
"Why is your school so obsessed with Transformation Techniques? They have a lot of drawbacks," Master Popo said from the side, holding a cup of alcohol filled to the brim.
"It's because true strength comes from one's own fists!" Elmo said, puffing up his chest and smiling proudly. With his build resembling a big bear, his chest muscles looked like they were about to burst out of his fitted hanfu robe.
"I can burn a Black Poison Lion with just a snap," Master Popo said.
"Did I ask you?" Elmo replied, raising an eyebrow at the exhibitionist.
"No, just sharing information in case you turn into one," Master Popo laughed before taking a sip of his wine.
"Don't argue," Axton said, noticing that Elmo's forehead was already throbbing. "We have more important matters at hand."
All this time, they were communicating through their collective mind.
"Thought Transfer?" someone asked, stopping beside the three Headmasters. There were other Headmasters present, but they considered the Great Serpent, Sword and Shield, and Fire Shrine as their leaders, so they didn't stand out.
"We are," Axton said, this time speaking out loud.
"I see," Mathias nodded but didn't ask what they were discussing. "I've heard what happened."
"About what?" Axton asked, his eyes returning to the fight between the half-masked man who displayed great talent and techniques and the half-lion.
"Thieves stealing cultivation and battle techniques," Mathias answered, his eyes shifting back and forth between the two fighters on a particular stage. The two kept changing locations as their fists resounded each time they struck. At the same time, the half-masked small man kept sending out clones, seemingly disregarding his energy reserves.
"Oh, I guess everyone must have heard about it already," Axton said.
"Probably," Mathias nodded before pointing at the humanoid lion with a tilt of his head. "Is he one of them?"
"He is not a thief, but he is one of the students using the stolen techniques acquired by the real thieves," Elmo explained while Master Popo wandered over to the table filled with food.
They didn't lower their voices, but they also didn't speak too loudly. However, as most of the people on the floating platform were cultivators, they pricked up their ears to listen carefully.
"Oh?" Mathias stared at the Headmasters with a raised eyebrow. "Does this involve all the martial schools in the city?"
"The three of us, and some others," Axton replied.
"Hmm," Mathias frowned. "Something fishy."
"Haha, it's very smelly, if I must say," Elmo chuckled while Axton revealed a small smile.
"An organization, perhaps?" Mathias muttered. "Do you need my help?"
Hearing this, the cultivators on the platform stopped what they were doing and listened more carefully. If these Headmasters joined forces along with the only Core Creation expert in the city, it would be the strongest alliance in the history of Klown City!
"What's he up to?" Nathan muttered with a frown on his face. He was in the middle of a discussion with one of the noble families about some trade goods. Among the people who had joined forces to fight against that Alphadusk Shadowtail, he and Mathias were the only ones who decided to watch the Advancement Examination.
Even Holst was not here, though that wasn't strange; he was probably handling the city's matters in place of the Mayor, who was currently watching the Examination.
"We didn't even agree to help you with your matter regarding the wolf; how can we agree?" Axton said. "So, did you kill it?"
"Just let me know, my arms are always open," Mathias laughed. "And yes, we did kill it, but we lost dozens."
"As long as you killed it, that's what really matters!" Elmo said. "Come to think of it, was it a female?"
"We do not know. It didn't have private parts. Why do you ask?" Mathias stared at the Headmaster of the Sword and Shield with curiosity in his eyes.
"Nothing, I just remembered something, but it's probably not true," Elmo waved his hand dismissively.
Suddenly, a banging sound echoed, and they turned to the ongoing battle between the masked man and the half-lion.
Apollo managed to send Blondy flying with his Fire Blast Technique. However, he was not done yet, as he sent another Fire Blast, which landed on the already standing humanoid lion.
With a loud explosion, winds caused chaos on the stage, making Apollo's robe flap in the wind. At the same time, the sound of something hitting the ground reached his ears, making him stare at the dissipating dust cloud. He saw Blondy on his knees.
The Qi around him had become more chaotic, and it seemed like it wouldn't be long before it stopped clinging to the humanoid lion.
"So I was right," Apollo said, walking towards his opponent. "Your technique—you haven't fully learned it. I think you barely reached the beginner stage, and it's already taking a toll on your body."
"S-shut up!" Blondy shouted, glaring at the Beggar angrily. "Fck you! Why didn't you accept my offer, huh? You think so highly of yourself, is that it?! You're just a fcking commoner!"
Apollo stopped in front of Blondy. Even though they were the same height, his opponent was already kneeling. The Beggar's pressure made the blonde lower himself even further.
"Commoner?" Apollo smirked before leaning forward and whispering in Blondy's ear, "I'm lower than a commoner. I'm a f*cking beggar. And I don't fear nobles, especially ones like you."
Hearing this, Blondy's eyes widened. He couldn't believe it. This man, who could use Hydra Mirage with ten clones, an intermediate Fire Blast, and True Hardening, called himself a beggar?
Their fight had only lasted a few minutes, but Blondy realized that no matter what he did, he couldn't hit his opponent, and even if he did, it would turn out to be just a clone.
The Fire Blast kept hitting him, causing him to become infuriated until he lost control of his Lionsoul Transformation, which weakened its effects. True to its destructive nature, the Fire Blast landed on him, leaving him in this state.
"W-what do you want? Just jump off the stage, and I will grant it!" Blondy said as his body returned to normal.
"You think I'm a fool?" Apollo smirked, shaking his head. "But you can grant me one thing."
"Tell me!" Blondy's eyes regained a glimmer of hope.
"Don't cry to your mama when you get home," Apollo said, though he regretted it the next moment, realizing how cringe it sounded. But before Blondy could respond, Apollo pushed him, and with only one or two steps to the edge, Blondy fell off the stage.