Chapter 107: This Time... The Advantage Is Mine!

Chapter 107: This Time... The Advantage Is Mine!

After Lu Bu's last deal a few days ago, he hadn't witnessed any new entertaining drama. Whenever Lu Bu was around, Xiao Xun'er managed to perfectly balance the relationships between the three of them. She treated Nalan Yanran with warmth and friendliness, which Lu Bu suspected had to do with Nalan Yanran's sincere attitude toward the Tou She Ancient Emperor's Jade. He could sense that Xiao Xun'er's feelings toward Nalan Yanran had grown more genuine.

This irritated Lu Bu. If the two women were so close, how was he supposed to watch the enticing drama unfold? What happened to his 52 episode family soap opera? Where was his prime time melodrama?

The only consolation Lu Bu had was the two women's treatment of Xiao Yan. They were both cold and distant toward him, their aloofness leaving Xiao Yan exasperated. Whenever the three were alone, Xiao Yan was often scratching his head awkwardly, reduced from being the "family emperor" to the "family underling."

And this wasn't just an act. Xiao Yan, frustrated by his situation, frequently came to Lu Bu to chat. These conversations, often lasting an entire day, had two purposes: one, to try to glean information about Lu Bu's intentions at Jia Nan Academy, and two, because Xiao Yan genuinely felt neglected and needed someone to talk to.

Lu Bu, however, had no patience for him. He would kick Xiao Yan out of the room and lock the door to focus on his cultivation. You're not a pretty young lady, nor do you want to trade anything. Why should I waste my time with you?

Time passed quickly, and the last day of the Inner Academy Selection Tournament arrived a day that marked the most excitement in the Outer Academy each year.

Over the past few days, Lu Bu had participated in two or three matches, all of which he won effortlessly. But what annoyed him most was that many students still believed his earlier victory over Bai Shan was a fluke. They thought his strength wasn't genuine and assumed defeating him would solidify their superiority over Bai Shan.

Yet the most frustrated of all was Bai Shan himself. After recovering from his injuries, Bai Shan had tried multiple times to reclaim his dignity by challenging Lu Bu. But each time, Lu Bu had already disappeared into the mountains, busy refining puppets and ignoring Bai Shan altogether.

With repeated failed challenges, Bai Shan's anger only grew. He vowed to exact revenge during the finals, unleashing his full power to utterly defeat Lu Bu and restore his pride. Not only that, but Bai Shan also aimed to crush Xiao Yan, whom he considered nothing more than trash who had stolen his beloved Xun'er.

Lu Bu didn't matter. He was just a cowardly nobody. Xiao Yan was the real target!

...

Under the bright blue sky, the mid morning sun shone energetically, mirroring the lively enthusiasm of the students gathered below. On the spacious square, excited chatter filled the air as the students eagerly anticipated the final match of the Inner Academy Selection Tournament.

Though the top fifty contestants had already been decided in the previous matches, today's finals would determine the top five. These top five would be granted access to the prestigious Book Collection Pavilion a tremendous honor coveted by all Jia Nan Academy students.

Lu Bu smacked his lips indifferently. He wasn't interested in such trivial rewards. What truly mattered to him was entering the Inner Academy after the tournament. But how should he approach Zi Yan? And how would he convince her to give him her essence blood?

Magical beast essence blood was incredibly precious. Asking her for it… that fiery tempered little girl would probably blow up on the spot.

Sigh… What a headache, Lu Bu thought, scratching his head. Just then, he felt a malicious gaze directed at him. Turning to look, he saw Bai Shan glaring at him with a sinister smirk. Holding his spear tightly, Bai Shan's lips moved silently as he mouthed, "The humiliation you caused me I'll repay it a hundred, a thousand times over!"

"I'll make you lose face in front of the entire academy! You'll never hold your head up again!"

Lu Bu rolled his eyes. Why blame me for your fragile pride? I'm a victim too, okay?

But before Bai Shan's gaze faded, Lu Bu felt another intense stare. Unlike Bai Shan's cold hostility, this one was filled with scorching determination. Turning to face it, Lu Bu found Xiao Yan.

Their eyes met, and Xiao Yan grinned, his calm face brimming with fighting spirit. His gaze was steady, fixed on Lu Bu like a predator eyeing its prey.

In the past, Xiao Yan had been no match for Lu Bu. But in front of such a large audience, Lu Bu couldn't possibly use his full strength. He would have to rely solely on his Dou Qi.

"We're both Dou Grandmasters. Why should I be any weaker than you? I've been waiting for the chance to stomp your face into the dirt!" Xiao Yan murmured, clenching his fists. His blood surged, and crimson Dou Qi coursed through his veins as traces of his Flame Mantra began to manifest.

"How interesting…" Lu Bu chuckled softly. Just don't cry for your mom after you lose, alright?

"That's the guy who made Bai Shan cry? Hmm, not bad looking… hehe," a girl in a red dress muttered, her gaze briefly lingering on Lu Bu before shifting to Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er. Tch, what's so special about these men? Xun'er is much more appealing, though it's a shame she's hung up on Xiao Yan, that ugly little brat…

Nearby, another figure radiating intense killing intent swept his gaze across the field. Unlike the others, he ignored Lu Bu entirely. A mere opportunist with a bit of strength. Not worth mentioning. Today's real opponents are Bai Shan, Hu Jia, and Xiao Yan.

Dong!

The sound of a bell rang out, silencing the noisy crowd. A solemn atmosphere settled over the venue as everyone instinctively turned their attention to the high platform where several elders were seated.

Vice Principal Hu Qian rose to his feet, his deep, thunderous voice booming across the square:

"Congratulations to the fifty students who have advanced to the finals. You have earned the right to train in the Inner Academy. But just like in the Outer Academy, to obtain the best resources in the Inner Academy, you must prove your worth through strength."

"This year, after much deliberation, we've decided to change the format of the finals: a fifty man free for all! Whoever remains standing at the end will claim first place!"

"Now, all participants, please enter the arena!"

At his command, the fifty contestants leaped into the arena simultaneously. The space was vast, providing more than enough room for everyone.

"In this match, you may use any method you see fit ambushes, group fights, or head on combat. As long as you defeat your opponents, anything goes," Hu Qian announced with a smile.

The fifty contestants displayed a mix of emotions. Some were excited, others nervous, and a few… eager to unleash their strength.

Bai Shan gripped his steel spear tightly, his eyes shining with sharp determination. He relished this kind of battle. This time… the advantage is mine!

"It seems you're all ready. Then… let the match begin!"

Boom!

At Hu Qian's signal, the arena erupted in a flurry of colorful Dou Qi. The sound of collisions filled the air as students clashed fiercely. Within minutes, several participants were defeated and eliminated from the match.

Bai Shan let out a roar, his spear sweeping through weaker opponents. Though his reputation had taken a hit, many still rallied to his side. Clearing out weaker students, he bided his time, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Within half a cup of tea's time, only about twenty participants remained.

It's time! Bai Shan thought, his eyes flashing. Twirling his spear, he pointed it directly at Lu Bu and shouted, "Lu Bu! Your time has come! I swore I'd return the humiliation you caused me a thousandfold!"

With a furious roar, he charged forward, his spear crackling with blue and white lightning, striking straight for Lu Bu's throat like a venomous snake.

Clang!

Lu Bu caught the spear's sharp tip with his fingers, lightly pushing off with his feet to leap back gracefully. With a faint smile, he said, "Oh my, Bai Shan, you almost got me there!"

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