The teaching method of the divine feathers sect was similar to that of college. Not that Hong had actually gone full time to college, but the knew the gist of the things. It was not consecutive, rather, it provided time inbetween to practice what they had learned.
As they waited for the arrival of venerable red flame, Hong was engrossed in a dialogue with Gu Bei.
"You think so too?"
"Yeah, she's a real pretty witch."
"You guys are real pervs." Lu Piao commented from the side only to meet with the deadpan expression of all three of his friends.
"Like, you are the one to talk." Hong replied. " besides, unlike you, I'm looking at it from a clear mind. Like an artist looking at a scenery. If something looks pretty then I call it pretty things, pretty."
"You are only looking skin deep" Nei Li commented for the first time. "You keep looking at the outer shell, not knowing what darkness lies within. The true beauty stems from within. And unlike the skin, true beauty doesn't fade away. "
The three looked at him for a moment before bursting out laughting.
"Pahahaha"
"Did you hear what this guy just said?"
"I know right. He's gonna end up dying a virgin."
Hong placed his hand on Nei Li's shoulder. " Look here brother. I get what you mean. But if you keep sticking to that code, you are gonna end up alone unless you are the last man to walk on land. And even if you marry, you are gonna end up with just one kid for eternity. "
Nei Li's face flushed a little.
Hong continued speaking. " The thing is, you need to understand what's pretty and what is not. You don't need to have any other thoughts. But you need to understand and acknowledge beauty. Even if what's inside is completely rotten."
All four of them gazed at the pink haired girl in front of the class's before quickly turning back.
"I get what you mean." Gu Bei agreed as well. "She's like a flower. A beautiful flower that has a thorny stem and poisonous pollen. But you can't deny that the flower is pretty."
The three perverts nodded their heads in unison, while Nei Li shook his head in exasperation. But then they all fell silent as venerable red flame walked in.
"I already know some of you went to the training grounds."
He stated with a smile. "I know about your little martial exhibition."
The students grinned nervously. After Hong and Long Yu Yin fought, other students took the stage, testing each other and their skills.
"Most of you performed admirably. While some lacked in some areas. But I'm glad to see students show interest in combat. As for those who didn't participate, I won't prosecute you. But remember, the draconic ruins realm is a dangerous place. "
The instructor lowered his voice. " It is naturally unkind. And enemies of humanitywill try to remove you when ever they have the chance. If you want to protect yourself, your friends and possessions, you must be ready to fight at a moment's notice. If you aren't able to defend yourself, you might loose everything you care about. "
The students were silent for a moment.
"Of course, other than pure combat ability, cultivation is important as well. And how you perform this year will determine who gets selected to the east court. And the best way to improve both of these is to improve your body."
Thud
"These are mysterious armguards. Made from a lot of mysterious sand."
'Seriously? Mysterious armguards made from mysterious sand? ' Hong was baffled by the thoughtlessness of the man who named the stuff.
The armguards ranged from weights 500 to 2500 pounds. And students scrambled to one up eachother. After Nei Li walked away with 2000 pound Hong stood there, trying to select one for himself. The problem didn't lie in the armguards being too heavy, but them being too light!
Stepping aside and letting others pick their own weights, Hong tried to calculate the optimal weight he could pickup. He could deliver a force of about 900 kg in an instant when he was a silver rank spiritualist. But since explosive power didn't match with actual lifting ability, he believed himself to be able to handle at least 600 kg back then. That's close to 1200 pounds.
With each advancement, the spiritualists body grow stronger. And with his body training in the battle domain, tempering to initiate the body of unyielding bronze and his advancement in both cultivation and martial realm, he estimated that his weight limit must be at least close to six thousand pounds, without using the slightest amount of energy to enhance his body.
Hong took out his own weights and blocked all his acupoints. He didn't seal his internal energy like before because that was unnecessary at the moment. And walked up to the weights.
He checked the weights, and the weights were not as heavy as he expected. Hong thought for a little bit. Now he could do this two ways. Pick a normal weight and blend with the crowd, or just do whatever he wanted.
Well, since he was stuck in class, he might as well get a good workout. Hong picked up the heaviest weight he could find, and strapped them to his arms. And since the weight was still not enough, he took another pair, and strapped them on top of the first ones. He walked off, feeling the weight on his muscles.
'Still not enough' He thought but for now it would suffice. Shifting the weight around, he balanced himself and quickly walked off before nosey people started appearing.
Hong quickly found his own little corner and moved around training resistance with the help of the weighted gear. And thanks to the fact the armgurds were tucked under his clothes sleeves, no one appeared around waking or nosing around.
"After training for a few hours, you must've familiarised yourself with your strength " venerable red flame stated as he broke the training atmosphere. "Most of you should have come to understand your limits and your strengths. " He paused a little as he passed by. He probably knew I wore two pairs of armguards, but didn't comment.
"But still, pure power is wasted without proper application, and the best way to apply your strength into combat ability is by practical combat training." He smiled as he took his seat back in the front. "You can each find a partner, and then begin training. Its better to find someone with matching strength, so you both can learn from eachother. Of course this is just sparring, so don't take it too serious."
"Hey Nei Li_ " Hong turned to invite Nei Li for some long over due sparring, but was disappointed to see him already occupied. Not just him, Lu Piao and Gu Bei were preoccupied observing something behind him.
"Senior brother Xiao Long....." There was a tall blonde mature looking somewhat beautiful young lady talking to him. "I couldn't find a sparring partner either. Can you be my partner?"
From around, Hong could hear whispers. 'He Yin Yin, she's started.'
He knew what this type of woman was, and what her intention was before she spoke. And with absolute certainity he knew that he had no intention of being around people like that until the end of times.
"Move aside He Yin Yin. He's my opponent."
The voice was feminine, but much deeper than others. And it held a no nonsense tone that excited Hong. He turned right and a smile broke out of his face.
"Long Yu Yin"
"Then senior brother, I'll go first..." Hong waved his hand at He Yin Yin dismissively, his eyes focused on his challenger. The aura she was emitting was enough to simulate his battle instincts. And that glare that promised pain, the tensed muscles, ready to leap at his throat the moment she could.... this was better than he expected.
Long Yu Yin walked up to Hong, standing a few feet in front of him, her eyes not moving an inch from his.
Hong felt a hand on his shoulder interrupt his thoughts.
"Good luck, Xiao Long.." it was Gu Bei. "This woman has the blood of red dragon in her veins. I know you defeated her before, but don't underestimate her physical strength."
Hong patted the hand reassuringly without turning. "Don't worry Gu Bei. I'm plenty strong." He looked straight at Long Yu Yin. "I don't see myself loosing this match either."