Chapter 25: The Trials End
. Amidst this lively atmosphere, the Inner Court Trials proceeded smoothly.
As each match concluded, the time for Xiao Ling to take the stage drew nearer.
Xiao Xun'er also competed, stunning everyone with her prowess as a nine-year-old five-star fighter.
After the 100th round concluded, an elderly man emerged from the referee's booth, glanced at the roster, and announced, "Round 101: Xuan-level Class 1 Xiao Ling versus Xuan-level Class 4 Chen Anping."
With the referee's words, the bustling square quieted slightly.
Countless eyes converged on the square, anticipating the match of the "Inner Court's No. 1 Talent." From
the stands, Xiao Ling smiled at Xiao Xun'er, "Xun'er, it's my turn. I'll be back soon."
"Then, Brother Xiao Ling, do your best and don't be careless." Although Xiao Xun'er was incredibly confident in Xiao Ling, she still offered a warning.
Xiao Ling, wielding the Wind Chasing Step technique, landed on the side of the stage in an instant. His long, silvery blue hair fluttered in the wind, giving him a dashing presence.
Standing on the stage, though silent, he still drew cheers from the students on the sidelines.
"Xiao Ling, you're so handsome!"
"Xiao Ling, I love you!"
"Xiao Ling, do you want me to be your wife?"
It was clear that Xiao Ling was incredibly popular within the academy, especially among the girls.
Across from Xiao Ling, Chen Anping also slowly stepped onto the opposite platform. Tall and slender, with fair skin and sharp features, he exuded a handsome demeanor. However, his aura gave off a certain air of stubbornness, dullness, and single-mindedness.
Xiao Ling used his soul perception to scan him, and a faint, sharp edge struck him. Although only a five-star Dou Shi, Xiao Ling felt he was stronger than even a seven-star Dou Shi. He narrowed his eyes, his interest piqued.
The referee shouted, "Bout begins!"
The two men rushed toward each other. Xiao Ling only utilized the Dou Qi of a five-star Dou Master, intending to test the opponent's strength.
Their arms collided, sending a wave of energy radiating outward. Close combat ensued. Thanks to Chen Anping's keen spiritual perception, he couldn't touch Xiao Ling, while he easily inflicted damage. From the looks of the situation, Xiao Ling had a clear advantage, and the outcome seemed undecided.
After knocking Chen Anping back with a single punch, Xiao Ling tilted his head and said, "Your cultivation level is somewhat inferior to mine. Let's draw our swords and decide the outcome."
Chen Anping nodded slightly. He could see that Xiao Ling was giving him some respect by not relying on his cultivation to defeat him directly.
He extended his hand and shouted, "Sword!"
A longsword materialized in his hand, and he swung it toward Xiao Ling. The aura was so powerful that it even blew the hair of the nearby students.
Xiao Ling showed no fear. He extended his hand, a spear falling into his hand, and swept it across, meeting the sword energy.
Although he didn't use any fighting skills, the terrifying energy Xiao Ling unleashed with the spear caused even the air to ripple slightly. The piercing sonic boom, like the sound of muffled thunder, demonstrated the power of the attack.
Bang!
The two made contact, and instantly, a resounding roar echoed from the arena. The solid stone slab where they touched was shattered to dust with a resounding bang, cracks spreading like spiderwebs.
A crackling sound echoed through the air, and both men retreated. Xiao Ling landed safely with a casual backflip, while Chen Anping was sweating profusely, his fighting spirit clearly exhausted.
He bowed to Xiao Ling and said, "Xiao Ling, my skill is inferior to yours. I surrender."
Xiao Ling returned the greeting, and the two men left the arena.
Seeing this, the referee announced, "Xiao Ling from Xuanjie Class 1 versus Chen Anping from Xuanjie Class 4. Xiao Ling wins!"
The audience in the stands applauded and cheered.
Hu Qian, in the stands, couldn't help but exclaim, "To be able to compete with fighting skills with just his physical body—even though his opponent's cultivation isn't high—is truly astonishing."
Elder Huo echoed, "This kid's spiritual perception and physical strength are both exceptional. This talent is truly unique, and others can't envy it."
After the competition, Xiao Ling returned to his class area.
He sat down next to Xiao Xun'er, and the two chatted briefly before continuing to watch the competition.
In addition to Xiao Ling's companions, two other Grand Masters were also participating in the competition: Han Xian and Chu He, a figure not mentioned in the original novel.
After their matches concluded successfully, everyone returned to their dormitories and began their training.
Over the next few days, the Inner Court trials continued as usual. With the cultivation of a three-star Grand Master and a soul perception far superior to his peers, Xiao Ling was able to participate in the competition.
Xiao Ling triumphed in the Inner Court trials, securing first place. Lin Xiuya came in second, Liu Qing third, Lin Yan fourth, and Han Yue fifth. Xiao Xun'er finished in the top fifty. Her admission to the Inner Court at the age of nine set a new record for the youngest Outer Court student to enter Canaan Academy, earning her a new respect. Some students began to wonder what kind of family the Xiao family of Wutan City was, to produce such a pair of exceptionally gifted individuals.
If Xiao Ling had known their thoughts, he would have simply replied, "Do you understand the heritage of the Eight Ancient Clans?"
After all the competitions concluded, the top five took the stage.
Hu Qian, the Outer Court Vice Dean, began with a lengthy speech that reminded Xiao Ling of his own school days, when the old principal spoke from the podium, seemingly losing track of time.
Support me and read advanced chapters at for up to 50 advanced chapters at my Patreon patreon.com/Unknown7717
Special offers at my Patreon 30% of at my membership in Patreon patreon.com/Unknown7717 LIMITED TIME
After finishing his speech, Hu Qian looked around the square and announced loudly: "The inner courtyard selection competition has come to an end. After fierce battles, the top five have been decided. They are Xiao Ling, Lin Xiuya, Liu Qing, Lin Yan, and Han Yue. Let us give them a round of applause."
As soon as his voice fell, the square suddenly erupted in cheers like a tidal wave. In this torrent of sound, the entire square was shaking. Countless people stood up from the stands and looked at the five people on the stage, their eyes full of envy, admiration, and yearning.
Everyone also waved to the people around them and walked away from the competition stage together.
Under the gaze of countless eyes, they slowly walked out of the noisy square.
The annual Canaan College inner courtyard selection competition came to an end with the final departure of several people.
(End of this chapter)