Inside the martial chamber located on the first floor of Wu Yuan's private courtyard, Wu Yuan shook his head faintly as he read the latest issue of the rankings. How unexpected, the Starcom Consortium actually placed me first on the Genius Rankings.
He had merely set a new historical record for the first level of the Skystride Pavilion; this ranking was somewhat exaggerated. However, this truly shed light on how highly Grandmaster Fang Xia was regarded in the Jiang Continent. It appeared he had acted rashly.
Hmm, judging from the sect's reaction, there shouldn't be much of a problem.
Spending a month in the Cloud Martial Hall had deepened his understanding of the Cloudstride Sect.
The Fang Clan, Yun Clan, Huan Clan... Wu Yuan casually looked through the six congratulatory letters.
Four of them were from the families of Grandmasters, and two of them were from the families of current sect elders. The fact that these letters had found their way directly to Wu Yuan spoke volumes about the power and influence of these families within the Cloudstride Sect.
The Fang Clan's letter was the most straightforward. They had even gone to the extent of inviting a protectorate to personally deliver their message, and had expressed their willingness to betroth a daughter of their main family to Wu Yuan. The condition was clear - once he graduated from the academy, they would be bound in matrimony.
The Fang Clan descended from the same bloodline as Grandmaster Fang Xia. Despite their decline, the clan held a special status. As long as the Cloudstride Sect existed, the clan would never fall.
Wu Yuan declined them all. Then, he picked up the latest issue of the Human Rankings, flipping through it with great interest.
On a page nearing the end of the book was the following:
Alias: Shadow Blade, Real name: Unknown.
Ranked 68th in Jiang Continent Human Rankings, proficient in saber skills, stealth weapons, and control of burst secret techniques. Age estimated to be between 40 and 60.
Family lineage and master: Unknown!
Achievements: Slew Chen Tangru and Wang Zhushan, both experts on the Human Rankings, in Li City. Defeated Savant expert Mo Jingchen in Li City.
The Starcom Consortium ranked me 68th on the Human Rankings? This ranking was rather fair. One could say that given the strength Wu Yuan demonstrated at the time, this was slightly higher than expected.
On the contrary, after the battle in Li City, Mo Jingchen's ranking plummeted straight out of the top hundred. Clearly, the Starcom Consortium deemed that Mo Jingchen, an old man nearing 100, no longer possessed the strength of a savant expert.
As Wu Yuan continued to browse through the rankings, a gentle yet resonant voice echoed from outside the courtyard. "Wu Yuan, are you home?"
"Hmm?" Wu Yuan looked up, slightly surprised. He quickly made his way to the courtyard.
"Senior Brother Xu?" Wu Yuan greeted him with a smile. The visitor was none other than Xu Hui [1].
They had first met at a public lecture half a month ago. Judging solely from their first meeting, Wu Yuan found Xu Hui to be a good man, open-hearted and magnanimous. Underneath his refined and scholarly appearance, was a heart full of heroism.
"Do I not get any tea?" Xu Hui jested.
"Senior Brother, please come in." Wu Yuan quickly called out, "Uncle Liu, serve the tea."
"Yes, Young Master." Uncle Liu was the oldest and most prudent out of Wu Yuan's four servants. Hence, Wu Yuan appointed him as the steward of the house.
Taking their seats in the reception room on the ground floor, Wu Yuan and Xu Hui were greeted with freshly prepared tea.
"Have you seen the latest ranking by the Starcom Consortium?" Xu Hui asked, cutting right to the chase.
"I have," Wu Yuan nodded.
"Like I'm in a dream," a faint hint of trepidation crossed Wu Yuan's face, just like a normal fourteen-year-old boy, "Senior Brother, I..."
"There's no need to say anything, I'm not here to blame you," Xu Hui laughed, "This is the Starcom Consortium's ranking, it has nothing to do with you. Moreover, your ability to make the list is a testament to your talent."
"Senior Brother, your abilities far surpass mine," Wu Yuan said solemnly.
"That's because I've cultivated far longer than you," Xu Hui said softly, "You have immense talent and a good nature. You are ten times better than me when I was your age."
Wu Yuan listened quietly.
"I'm here not to lecture you, but to give you a reminder as someone who has more experience." Xu Hui turned serious, "Don't lose yourself in the fame."
"Whether it’s securing the top position in the martial academy or claiming a spot on the Genius Rankings, it's all illusory! Only your strength is real."
"Do not get overly concerned with breaking the Skystride Pavilion's historical records. If you can break them, do so. If you cannot, do not let them weigh on you." Xu Hui smiled, his eyes twinkling as he continued, “What truly matters is this: hold onto your initial intentions, remain true to yourself, and diligently cultivate your skills."
"Consider that a final piece of advice from your senior brother before I depart. I hope I don't come across as being too naggy."
"Not at all, Senior Brother. Your willingness to offer me advice shows that you hold me in high regard." Wu Yuan's voice held a hint of concern as he asked, "You mentioned you're leaving? Is it for a field trial?" Senior academy disciples were often sent down the mountain on field trials.
"Ha! You may consider it a trial if you wish." Xu Hui replied with a grin, "Alright, Junior Brother Wu. Strive hard. I look forward to the day you surpass me."
"Senior Brother." Wu Yuan's youthful face beamed with energy and confidence. "I believe that one day, us martial brothers will stand side by side on the Land Rankings." His words were filled with the arrogance and pride of a young prodigy.
"Let's work hard together then." Xu Hui echoed with a warm smile.
Looking at Wu Yuan, he saw a reflection of himself when he first entered the martial academy, the same youthful confidence.
As the famous senior brother of the senior academy, everyone was expecting Xu Hui to host a grand ceremony upon his departure. But he left silently, without any fanfare.
It was not until the current records of the second and third levels of the Skystride Pavilion were erased, that the hundreds of disciples of the Cloud Martial Hall learned about it.
Senior Brother Xu has departed?
Several days went by before Wu Yuan received the news.
He left after passing the third level of the Skystride Pavilion, refusing to hold a graduation ceremony? Senior Brother Xu is a true martial artist indeed. Having completed the third level of the Skystride Pavilion, he should be eligible for a place on the Human Rankings.
A 24-year-old expert on the Human Rankings? That was someone who had a high chance of becoming a Grandmaster!
We can only meet again in the future. Wu Yuan had a good impression of Xu Hui. However, everyone had their own path, their own destiny.
Shaking off the swirling thoughts in his mind, he continued to cultivate according to his plan.
Even after Xu Hui's departure, the debate about the first place on the Genius Rankings didn't cease among the disciples of the Cloud Martial Hall.
But in the year 3225 of the Eastern Martial calendar, after the first wave of heavy snowfall, the debate abruptly ended.
During the junior academy's annual competition, Wu Yuan set a new record of nineteen consecutive victories, sweeping through all his senior brothers and sisters in the junior academy!
He claimed first place in the annual competition, becoming the new 'Great Senior Brother' of the junior academy.
At that time, he was just fifteen.
1. the Xu in Xu Hui is not the same as the Xu in General Xu ?