Chapter 34: The Endless Trials . . .
Ye Yuan paid little attention to the astonishment of the onlookers and approached Fei Qingping at a leisurely pace.
"You said that I can't kill you? Who do you think you are? You are nothing but a dog of Wan Yuan," Ye Yuan stated with cool detachment.
Fei Qingping, attempting to retort, could only manage to expel another mouthful of blood.
The First Layer Wave was already twice as potent, and the Second Layer Wave quadrupled that force. Ye Yuan's abundance of essence energy made the blow formidable, breaching Fei Qingping's insufficient essence energy shield. The previous palm had not just shattered the shield but also left an indelible imprint on his chest.
Ye Yuan's attack showed no restraint, breaking through Fei Qingping's defenses, shattering internal organs, and severing heart meridians. In Ye Yuan's heart, Fei Qingping had long been condemned to death. This verdict stemmed from the resentment inherited from his predecessor, who met his demise at Fei Qingping's hands.
Fei Qingping, struggling to stand, choked out defiant words, "Cough, cough, cough... Ye Yuan, even if I become a ghost... I won't let you off!"
Amused, Ye Yuan responded, "Haha! Then I will make sure that you can't even become a ghost." He swiftly delivered another palm, definitively ending Fei Qingping's life.
Throughout the duel, Fei Qingping hadn't made a single move.
On the grandstand, the spectators were utterly dumbfounded by the spectacle. This Ten Thousand Years Last Place had surpassed all expectations today.
Killing a Fifth Level Essence Qi Realm opponent while being at the Third Level Essence Qi Realm, executing Instant Flash at the great circle stage, and mastering the Second Layer Wave of the Stacking Waves Layered Palm—any one of these feats could have caused a stir in Dan Wu Academy. Yet, Ye Yuan achieved all three, creating an unparalleled spectacle.
"Deathmatch concluded! Fei Qingping is dead! Ye Yuan emerges victorious!" Huyan Yong, finally regaining composure, announced the result.
Ye Yuan bowed respectfully toward Huyan Yong and expressed gratitude, "You've worked hard, Teacher Huyan."
Turning toward the grandstand, Ye Yuan extended another bow, gratitude etched across his face, "Many thanks to all Senior Apprentice Brothers and Sisters for the support. This Junior Apprentice Brother, lacking Essence Qi Pills for cultivation, is overwhelmed by your generosity! I hope Senior Apprentice Brothers and Sisters will not force me to seek you out. It wouldn't be very pleasant."
The audience, initially awestruck, now harbored resentment and contempt. Wasn't this Ye Yuan's way of asserting dominance, displaying a mercenary-like demeanor?
"Haha! This Ye Yuan is interesting. With the formidable Ye Hang supporting him, how could he be lacking Essence Qi Pills?" Zuo Bugui couldn't contain his laughter at Ye Yuan's sly, merchant-like demeanor.
"This trip was not in vain. Let's go," said Long Tang nonchalantly.
"Hehehe. Not in vain at all. Dan Wu Academy will be entertaining in the future."
In another context:
"Wan Yuan! If I don't tear you to shreds, I can't get rid of the hatred in my heart!"
Lying on a bed, Wan Yuan displayed horrific whip marks on his back.
Upon learning of Fei Qingping's demise at Ye Yuan's hands, Wan Yuan's hatred surged. Under these circumstances, he still had to endure the whip punishment, intensifying his loathing toward Ye Yuan.
After a hundred whips, Wan Yuan's skin was lacerated, and flesh torn. He promptly fainted on the spot.
At this point, Wan Yuan's profound family background came to light. He ingested two high-grade Great Returning Pills, swiftly suppressing the injuries. Coupled with external wound medicines, within seven or eight days, Wan Yuan would fully recover physically.
Yet, emotional wounds ran deep.
Despite their master-servant status, Wan Yuan and Fei Qingping were like true brothers. Wan Yuan never anticipated Ye Yuan's remarkable progress, enabling him to slay Fei Qingping—a Fifth Level Essence Qi Realm expert—with such ease.
Had he known beforehand, he wouldn't have sent Fei Qingping to his death.
As Wan Yuan grappled with his hatred, Liu Ruoshui entered, her graceful presence as captivating as ever.
"Senior Apprentice Brother Wan, please control your grief. Little did we know Ye Yuan would be such a despicable person, scheming to ensnare Junior Apprentice Brother Fei. His deceit knows no bounds!" Liu Ruoshui's sorrowful expression lent her a pitiable and delicate air.
Touched by Liu Ruoshui's visit during this difficult time, Wan Yuan expressed his gratitude. "Thank you, Junior Apprentice Sister Liu. I was indeed careless. Having fought against Ye Hang for years, and against Ye Yuan personally, I thought I understood him well. Yet, he concealed his abilities so deeply."
Liu Ruoshui concurred, "Yes, we misjudged. It seems that the poisoning incident infuriated him, prompting him to counter with this scheme, luring Junior Apprentice Brother Fei into a trap."
Wan Yuan, grinding his teeth, declared, "Ye Yuan! One of us must die! Moreover, his advancement is too swift. I can't allow him to continue growing!"
Through this deathmatch, Wan Yuan felt the immense pressure of Ye Yuan's burgeoning strength. The dazzling displays indicated that Ye Yuan's prowess far exceeded what he could have achieved at the Dan Wu Academy.
If given more time, Ye Yuan might genuinely pose a threat.
Stacking Waves Layered Palm, Second Layer Wave, and great circle stage Instant Flash—Ye Yuan's capabilities were accelerating. Wan Yuan understood that if unchecked, Ye Yuan would soon surpass him.
Wan Yuan remained oblivious to the fact that Ye Yuan had already dispatched someone on his level, the assassin Chou Ying. In the context of a deathmatch, Ye Yuan now possessed the capability to defeat him.
Wholeheartedly concurring with this sentiment, Liu Ruoshui voiced her agreement. "Indeed. Ye Yuan is exceedingly cunning, harboring ulterior motives. Senior Apprentice Brother Wan should find a swift solution to deal with him."
Liu Ruoshui felt trapped in a precarious situation. Both she and Wan Yuan were like grasshoppers on the same string. Having previously conspired against Ye Yuan, she was well aware that he would not let her off the hook. Hence, she approached Wan Yuan, urging him to address the issue promptly.
However, Wan Yuan hesitated, citing the academy's strict prohibition on students taking private actions, emphasizing the severe consequences. In reality, even if he were to take action now, he wasn't confident about defeating Ye Yuan, especially considering the formidable great circle stage Instant Flash that placed Ye Yuan in an almost impregnable position.
Suddenly, a voice interrupted their conversation, startling both Wan Yuan and Liu Ruoshui.
"It's Senior Apprentice Brother Su! Apologies, Senior Apprentice Brother Su. Wan Yuan is injured, so it's inconvenient to greet you." Wan Yuan apologized with sincerity etched across his face.
The unexpected visitor was none other than Su Yishan, a remarkable figure among the academy's top ten, acknowledged on the Martial Roll of Honor.
Liu Ruoshui, not daring to disregard him, gracefully greeted, "I've seen Senior Apprentice Brother Su."
Su Yishan, however, offered no response, giving her a brief, indifferent glance. Without a care in the world, he casually took a seat, exuding an air of nonchalance as if he owned the place.
In the competitive landscape of the Dan Wu Academy, strength and talent commanded respect. If one possessed strength, arrogance went uncontested. Those lacking strength could only endure being trampled by others.
Previously, Ye Yuan held the unenviable title of the Ten Thousand Years Last Place, and no one paid him any attention. Yet, with his recent meteoric rise, he demanded everyone's serious consideration.
"Senior Apprentice Brother Su, you mentioned the Endless Trials just now. That's right! Why didn't I think of it?" Wan Yuan's excitement caused him to impulsively push with his hand, inadvertently worsening his injuries, and his contorted face betrayed the pain.
Liu Ruoshui's eyes also brightened, indicating her understanding of Su Yishan's underlying message.
Su Yishan, remaining calm, affirmed, "Indeed, the Endless Trials. The Endless Forest is the perfect setting to handle Ye Yuan."