Forty Thousand, No One Dares to Challenge

"The score is simply terrifying."

"Yeah, I've never seen such high scores before, and each subject is just as high. Can this really be humanly possible?"

"The key is, he's just a freshman. If he were a senior, I could almost accept it, but he's a freshman. How is he so monstrous already?"

"Monstrous? I'd say 'genius' is the only way to describe him. He's even taken the top spot on the leaderboard. Such a performance—'talented' doesn't even begin to do it justice."

"Right, it should be described as 'unprecedented'."

"I still can't get over it. It feels like a dream. He's a once-in-a-lifetime genius, the pride of the heavens."

"Kent truly lives up to his name. He's probably favored by the heavens, the child of glory, his future is limitless. He could become a king or even an emperor."

The scene on the arena left the spectators utterly stunned, muttering among themselves with expressions as if they'd seen something divine.

Hearing the endless discussions around him, even the school leaders seated on the high platform couldn't help but exchange approving glances. At that moment, Ye Qiugao felt his strength drain away, his hands went limp, and he collapsed to the ground, looking utterly dejected.

"Good. Now you finally understand the gap between us," Kent said, his tone still condescending. He didn't even bother to look at him again as he turned to leave the arena.

As Kent walked toward his seat, countless eyes turned to follow him, their gazes filled with respect—a rare sight only afforded to true power.

"Kent... I don't even know what to say..."

Cai Wensheng, the class president of Class A, stared at him like he was some sort of monster for a full seven or eight seconds before speaking.

Perhaps this would be the last time they spoke as equals.

After all, Kent had shown such a dazzling display of talent that it instantly elevated him to a position of the "heavenly favored." From now on, their status and positions would be worlds apart.

Kent nodded slightly. He had originally planned to graduate quietly and leave the school unnoticed.

But now, this whole spectacle had spread like wildfire. By tomorrow, the news about him would be everywhere in Earthstar's network, overwhelming all other trending topics and grabbing the attention of every corner of the world.

But there was nothing wrong with that; it was essentially free advertising for him.

"Ah, too bad. Due to the rules of the school's Wind and Cloud Tournament, I still have to sit here for two more days. It's so boring."

Kent had already met all the conditions for early graduation set by the school. He only had to wait a few more days, and the graduation certificate would be his.

At this final juncture, he truly didn't want to make waves or challenge the authority of the school. He would quietly wait for someone to challenge him. Though, he guessed no one would dare challenge him now.

However, while the rules couldn't be broken, they could still be used to his advantage.

An idea flashed across Kent's mind, and he looked at Cai Wensheng with a raised eyebrow. "Cai, could you do me a favor?"

In Kent's presence, Cai Wensheng had completely lost his air of authority. All that was left was genuine respect and a desire to please Kent. He immediately agreed. "Kent... no, Kent, the Inspector, whatever you need, just say the word."

"Since it's still the challenge period for our Inspection College, I don't want to stay here any longer. So, can you challenge me now? That way, I can use up my quota of accepting challenges."

Cai Wensheng understood immediately. After a brief moment of thought, he said, "No problem. It's a small matter."

He stood up, facing Kent, and declared loudly, "Kent, I want to challenge you. Please accept, so I can see just how big the gap is between us."

This caught the attention of the nearby staff, and just then, a match ended on another arena.

"Alright, I'll do as you wish," Kent said with a faint smile.

The staff nodded and directed them to Arena 3.

The two walked casually toward Arena 3, surrounded by countless eyes. Though it was just a favor, they couldn't be too obvious about it. Otherwise, the school leaders might see through it and be displeased.

"I'm starting now," Cai Wensheng said, unburdened by pressure. He knew Kent wouldn't treat him like he had treated Huang Jintian or Ye Qiugao. Kent would never hurt him. The duel between them would be more of a teaching moment.

Cai Wensheng summoned his beast, a Golden-tier, 42nd-grade Purple Blood War Horse. This beast was relatively strong for a first-year student, a formidable match compared to others in his year.

However, against Kent, this beast was practically insignificant.

Kent didn't even summon his own beast or use his beast-sharing ability. He intended to win purely through his personal strength.

"Be careful," Kent said, holding his black blade in his right hand and black shield in his left, charging forward.

Cai Wensheng also urged his Purple Blood War Horse into action, speeding toward Kent.

With the force of his Dragon Breath Sword skill and the first two layers of his Storm Battle Method enhancing his agility, Kent engaged the war horse head-on. The two exchanged attacks, each countering the other.

"Let's end it here."

Kent tested his strength for a few rounds and, seeing Cai Wensheng's true capabilities, decided not to waste any more time. He moved like a shadow, delivering a powerful kick to the war horse's back, nearly knocking it over. Then, with a brutal swing of his shield, he struck the war horse's head, flipping it onto the ground with ease.

Cai Wensheng's face fell, his expression reflecting a quiet sense of defeat. Kent's power far exceeded his expectations. Kent had defeated his beast using only his warrior skills, and Cai Wensheng realized that in his lifetime, he would never reach that level.

The spectators gasped, recognizing that Kent's strength wasn't just in his beast's power. His personal combat prowess was also remarkable.

It was clear now: Kent had pulled away from all the students in Earthstar. His exam results were based on his true strength and incredible skill.

"I admit defeat." Cai Wensheng said, gracefully conceding. He had given it his all, but the difference in their levels of power was undeniable. He accepted his loss without hesitation.

"I declare that Kent is the winner again." The referee, maintaining impartiality, couldn't help but smirk at the situation.

Kent nodded calmly but didn't immediately leave the arena. Instead, he surveyed the crowd and spoke loudly:

"Everyone, I still have one challenge slot left. If anyone here wants to challenge me, just raise your hand, and I'll take you on. After that, I can finally leave and rest. Don't be shy."

His voice, bolstered by the mighty bloodline of the Immortal Stone Beast, was thunderous and crystal clear, echoing through the arena.

However, after nearly ten seconds of silence, no one raised their hand. The entire arena, filled with forty thousand spectators, was silent. No one dared to challenge him.

Such a sight was truly unprecedented.

"Very well. Since no one wants to challenge me, I'll take my leave."

Kent said, turning to face the school leaders on the high platform. He gave them a slight bow, a gesture of respect, and a way to signal his exit.