Chapter 46: Arranging a Battle . . .
The pronouncement of Ye Yuan's demise echoed through the crowd, triggering a cascade of bewildered reactions and questioning murmurs. Observers grappled with the abrupt and seemingly unnecessary exit of Ye Yuan from the Illusionary Spirit Tower.
Expressions of frustration and irritation rippled through the onlookers as they grappled with the perplexity of Ye Yuan's actions. The discrepancy between the anticipated survival of Ye Yuan and his sudden demise in the dream world fueled a mix of emotions, ranging from shock to exasperation.
The "scared me shitless" exclamation acted as a verbal detonator, shattering the hushed atmosphere among the spectators. The once-innocent Ye Yuan unwittingly became the focal point of collective resentment, with his actions perceived as teasing and toying with everyone's expectations.
The core issue lay in the heightened anticipation that Ye Yuan instigated. His previous feats stoked imaginations and raised hopes, setting the stage for a probable success in the Earth Rank Advancement test. However, the stark contrast of his swift defeat left the audience feeling mocked and disillusioned.
Even Huyan Yong, despite his initial laughter, found himself reflecting on the rollercoaster of emotions Ye Yuan induced. He acknowledged Ye Yuan's surpassing of expectations, with an approval that stemmed from the young warrior's unwavering martial spirit. Huyan Yong recognized the audacity of Ye Yuan's choice to confront adversaries of a higher realm, showcasing a resolute martial heart.
However, this sentiment was not universally shared. The Dream Tapir, still processing the recent events, couldn't shake off the surreal nature of Ye Yuan's accomplishments. The revelation that Ye Yuan had dispatched a First Level Spirit Condensation Realm opponent inside the dream world added a layer of complexity to the unfolding narrative.
As Ye Yuan exited the Illusionary Spirit Tower, oblivious to the collective turmoil he stirred, he found himself lost in contemplation. The peculiar expressions of the onlookers went unnoticed, as his thoughts lingered on the intense battle against the five black-clothed martial artists.
In the midst of this, Lu-er, the unassuming yet powerful cultivator who had long since passed the Entry Advancement test, rushed to Ye Yuan's side. Her pride in witnessing Ye Yuan's success was palpable, and her admiration for his achievements surpassed her own joy of passing the test.
The bystanders, perplexed by Ye Yuan's nonchalant demeanor, witnessed a unique dynamic between master and servant. Yet, amidst the envious glances, the spotlight subtly shifted toward Lu-er's prowess. Her connection with Ye Yuan, coupled with her cultivation of the formidable Profound Ice Nine Forms, set her apart as a force to be reckoned with.
Ye Yuan, seemingly oblivious to the ripples of amazement and confusion around him, continued to share his thoughts with Lu-er. Unbeknownst to him, the attention of the onlookers now extended beyond Ye Yuan's feats to the captivating presence of the young lady beside him.
The realization dawned upon the crowd as they belatedly noticed the presence of a remarkably attractive young lady among the students. Lu-er, despite her youth and yet-to-mature features, surpassed even Liu Ruoshui in terms of beauty. However, it was not just her physical charm that set Lu-er apart; a distinct air of purity and innocence surrounded her, a quality that Liu Ruoshui did not possess.
Observing the reactions of those around him, Ye Yuan discerned that Lu-er would likely become the object of pursuit for many students within the academy. Her captivating presence had not gone unnoticed, and the atmosphere hinted at the admiration she might receive.
In the midst of this realization, a figure approached Ye Yuan, instantly recognized by those in the vicinity.
"Look quickly! Isn't that Senior Apprentice Brother Wu? The martial arts enthusiast ranked 15th on the Martial Roll of Honor! Is he eyeing Ye Yuan already? This could be trouble for Ye Yuan!"
Wu Luochen, a prominent figure known for his dedication to martial arts, greeted Ye Yuan with a respectful gesture. He congratulated Ye Yuan on advancing to the Earth Rank and introduced himself as a Heaven Rank cultivator.
While Ye Yuan was still processing the situation, he courteously reciprocated Wu Luochen's greeting. The interaction sparked murmurs among the onlookers, speculating on Wu Luochen's intentions toward Ye Yuan.
Wu Luochen, known for challenging experts throughout the academy, had swiftly ascended from the bottom of the Heaven ranking to the 15th position on the Martial Roll of Honor within half a year. His reputation preceded him, causing a stir whenever he appeared.
Eyeing Ye Yuan, Wu Luochen expressed his admiration for Ye Yuan's talent and foresaw his future ascent to the Heaven Rank. He extended an invitation for a sparring session, eliciting a significant reaction from the crowd.
Ye Yuan, sizing up Wu Luochen, broke into a sudden smile and responded confidently, "Since Senior Apprentice Brother Wu holds me in high regard, why would I shy away from a challenge?"
Wu Luochen, initially solemn, couldn't help but smile at Ye Yuan's response. He acknowledged Ye Yuan's potential and declared him the student with the greatest promise in the academy. The exchange concluded with Ye Yuan expressing gratitude for Wu Luochen's offer of assistance in case of any future challenges within the academy.