Chapter 28 - Discrimination

When the gates fully opened in parallel lines facing towards the applicants, two men wearing black garments and blue sashes appeared on the edge of the gate doors. Many people were shocked to see them, especially since they were nowhere to be seen any time before this.

These two men clearly looked like they were in their early 20s as noted by their charming features and robust figure. However, that became a main note of contrast to the oppressive aura that they forced on everyone.

Instantly, many people began fainting. Some of them even produced a slight rancid scent. Those who had not fainted were still having quite a hard time coping with the domineering aura.

There were obvious exceptions to this though. The instructors looking on at the applicants were pleasantly surprised that 16 people were completely unaffected. Even more surprising is that 10 of them were commoners.

On the other hand, the men in black were not pleased to see such a vast majority of commoners were doing so well, so they signaled to each other and began incrementing the pressure of their aura.

Soon enough, the instructors noticed that the same commoners seemed to be having trouble to keep up all of a sudden. But they were not as blind or dumb to not realize that it was the work of the black-clothed men.

These men in black clothes are core disciples of Tang Fei Martial Academy and represented some of the best disciples on the whole continent. However, more importantly, they are from noble families.

Given this, they felt irritated that so many commoners were able to withstand their aura.

The instructors felt that the core disciples were being a bit impulsive and thought of stopping the unnecessary bullying. However, none of the instructors really moved from their positions.

This was because Instructor Qin came on the scene and stopped them. This was not because Instructor Qin was immature and classist like the core disciples. Instructor Qin simply did not have the time or care for any of that foolishness.

The only reason he kept this farce up so long was because of the words of the Third Elder. Instructor Qin was not one to care about the opening examinations but he could not help but to be stirred by the elder's words, so he wanted to test this proclamation for himself.

He wanted to see the resolve of these commoners that the Third Elder gave his word and approval for to see if they are worthy of his praise.

10 breaths of time passed and Instructor Qin stepped up to put an end to this and get on with the opening examinations, seeing that the commoners have proven themselves by persisting despite the overwhelming pressure.

However, Instructor Qin hesitated mid-step because he noticed one commoner who was perfectly undisturbed by anything happening around them, including the crushing pressure. This was Tian Longmeng who, amusingly, was still standing in the same spot with his eyes closed and focused on cultivating.

It seemed that the core disciples also noticed Tian Longmeng and became furious at the impudence of this commoner who dared to completely ignore their pressure.

Remember, these men are core disciples and are considered to be one of the best in the martial academy. For some little upstart commoner child to be able to perfectly resist them was like a giant slap to their faces.

"Tch, this little shit. I will ruin that pretty little face of his." The core disciple on the right gate door sneered while looking scornfully at Tian Longmeng.

"I'm with you on that. Let's cripple him." The core disciple on the left agreed.

All of a sudden, all of the commoners who were being persecuted became suddenly relieved. Even the nobles and everyone else who were being pressured felt significantly less burden. This was because almost all the pressure was concentrated on Tian Longmeng's shoulders.

Instructor Qin freaked out because this was clearly crossing every line for acceptable behaviour. Tian Longmeng will most definitely die if this level of pressure was directed at him for too long. Then, since he is the most experienced instructor on the scene, he will be held highly accountable for this blunder.

Even though Tian Longmeng is a commoner, and Instructor Qin is a highly esteemed instructor on top of being of noble descent, Instructor Qin would face heavy judgement from the elders for allowing someone, especially a great talent, to die unjustifiably.

This was because it broke one of the foundational laws of Tang Fei Martial Academy which stated that the academy and its members must serve as a power of security and defense in the city and must not cause harm or public unrest to its citizens. Breaking this rule, especially in consideration that this was a potentially excellent talent, meant that Instructor Qin will be punished with ten thousand lashes, and stripped of nobility.

For these reasons, Instructor Qin rushed as fast as he could to the entrance so that he can negate the crippling pressure put on Tian Longmeng.