Chapter 141: Chapter 135: Exchange

Xu Lingyun was feeling very irritated, and he was already quite angry. The other party dared to speak disrespectfully about his goddess; it was polite enough that he didn’t punch him to death immediately.

He thought to himself, “I don’t even dare to covet Yun Qingshang, and now you bunch of fools think you can.”

Xu Lingyun was tall with long arms, and his movements were quick and fierce.

The other guy, though skilled in martial arts, couldn’t resist at all and was lifted by Xu Lingyun by the collar.

Xu Lingyun’s eyes were burning like fire, looking just like a man-eating tiger.

The guy was so scared that his legs went weak, and he stuttered, “Wha-what are you doing?”

The people around were not as timid as the guy; they all surrounded him. Someone even opened a sword box and took out a sword.

The leader, a handsome guy, shouted, “Put him down quickly, or we won’t be polite.”

This guy was also tall and handsome, just half a head shorter than Xu Lingyun. However, he had sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, quite charming.

Facing the imposing Xu Lingyun, this guy was not afraid either.

Xu Lingyun glanced at him, “And who do you think you are?”

The guy sneered, “I’m Hai Yunfei from Haijing University, class of ’08.”

“Haijing University?”

Xu Lingyun sneered disdainfully, “This is Mingjing University, you can’t be unruly here.”

“So this is how Mingjing University treats guests, got it.”

Hai Yunfei also reckoned that Xu Lingyun wouldn’t dare act recklessly, so he didn’t rush to rescue his companion.

“We treat polite guests with courtesy. For those who lack manners, I will teach them how to behave.”

Xu Lingyun grew up on the streets, not good at reasoning but never lost in an argument.

The drill instructor walked over with a stern face, “Xu Lingyun, what are you doing, rebelling?”

Xu Lingyun quickly smiled apologetically, tossed away the guy in his hand, “Instructor, they insulted us. I’m someone with a strong sense of honor, couldn’t put up with it.”

The new students in the formation burst into low laughter. Everyone heard clearly, Xu Lingyun was obviously saying they couldn’t insult his godmother.

These days, through training, everyone knew that Yun Qingshang was Xu Lingyun’s godmother.

The news that Xu Lingyun took Gao Xuan as his godfather had also spread quickly.

Now seeing Xu Lingyun like this, it turned out he really considered himself a godson. That was even funnier to the group.

Hai Yunfei’s group was confused, not knowing what others were laughing about.

The supervising teacher also came over, and immediately scolded Xu Lingyun, “What are you doing? Didn’t you see that this is a visiting delegation from another school? You’ve brought shame to our school by acting impulsively.”

Xu Lingyun was displeased, “A visiting delegation can speak freely? I’m maintaining our school’s dignity and honor, and you scold me instead. I think you’re just a spineless sycophant.”

The teacher had never encountered someone as audacious as Xu Lingyun and was left red-faced, almost exploding on the spot.

“Just get back over there.”

The instructor scolded Xu Lingyun away, then said to Hai Yunfei, “Our Mingjing University welcomes guests from all sides. However, what my student said is not wrong. As guests, you should also adhere to etiquette and respect the host.”

Hai Yunfei smiled slightly, “My companion merely admired a beautiful woman, with no other intentions. If he was impolite, it was just youthful ignorance. I apologize on his behalf.”

Seeing how sensible Hai Yunfei was, the instructor nodded. After all, it was a minor issue not worth fussing over.

Yet Hai Yunfei added, “However, it’s impolite for your side to act without hesitation.”

The instructor frowned slightly, “What do you mean?”

Hai Yunfei gestured with his hand, “I don’t mean anything else. But this classmate seems to enjoy fighting; I’d like to spar with him a bit, does he dare?”

Back in the formation, Xu Lingyun raised his thick eyebrows, “Looking for trouble, huh? I’m game. If I don’t beat you until you pee your pants, I lose.”

Hai Yunfei wasn’t annoyed, “Alright, I’ve prepared diapers for you. Don’t disappoint me.”

The crowd buzzed; this Hai Yunfei appeared humble, yet his words were aggressive. But he behaved with great poise.

By contrast, Xu Lingyun seemed too rough and unlikable.

“Damn, let’s go to the sword dojo right now.”

Xu Lingyun also realized Hai Yunfei wasn’t easy to deal with, but he couldn’t swallow the insult.

“That suits me fine.”

Hai Yunfei smiled and said, “I came here to learn from Mingjing University’s Sword Dao. There’s no time like the present; let’s start now.”

Seeing this, the instructor couldn’t back down. He gestured, “Alright, we’ll meet at the sword dojo.”

The students in training were excited, as it was both entertaining and a break from training, a great thing indeed.

Xu Lingyun eagerly ran to Yun Qingshang and said, “Godmother, watch me avenge you.”

Yun Qingshang ignored him, and Xu Lingyun laughed sheepishly, not minding at all.

A group surrounded the proud Xu Lingyun and went to the sword dojo together.

Qingyi Fei Niao following beside Yun Qingshang watched the group leave and worriedly said, “That guy is very skilled; Xu Lingyun probably can’t win.”

Qingyi Fei Niao had a keen eye for Sword Dao; just by observing Hai Yunfei’s demeanor, she knew his cultivation was above Xu Lingyun’s.

Additionally, there were even stronger individuals on the Haijing University team.

Xu Lingyun was likely going to get beaten up.

Yun Qingshang nodded slightly, “He’s no match.”

Qingyi Fei Niao asked, “Aren’t we going to help?”

“Boring.”

Yun Qingshang shook her head slightly, not interested in competing.

For her, fighting was not a game; she disliked comparing swords with others. It had little meaning.

She would only make exceptions when it involved Gao Xuan.

Yun Qingshang didn’t explain further; she just went on her own way.

Qingyi Fei Niao was hesitant; she wanted to follow Yun Qingshang back but was also worried about Xu Lingyun.

Xu Lingyun, though somewhat showy, slick, and aggressive, wasn’t a bad person.

Moreover, this battle essentially represented Mingjing University.

Qingyi Fei Niao valued collective honor very much. She hesitated for a moment before stepping toward the sword dojo.

At the sword dojo, Xu Lingyun had already changed into his swordsmanship attire. He and Hai Yunfei stood opposite each other, each holding a wooden sword.

Due to using wooden swords, neither wore protective gear.

The Sword Dojo is a training hall, actually without spectator seating. However, the dojo is spacious enough, so even if the entire class rushes in, it doesn’t feel crowded.

Qingyi Fei Niao also took off her shoes at the entrance, stepping lightly to the side to watch the match.

Xu Lingyun wore a black kendo outfit, the expression on his face full of self-satisfaction, “Kid, don’t say we bully outsiders. I’ll let you make the first move.”

Though Xu Lingyun was arrogant, he wouldn’t go as far as to say he’d let someone have three moves.

Hai Yunfei smiled, “Then I won’t stand on ceremony.”

After both sides saluted with their swords, they began circling each other, probing for openings.

Hai Yunfei remained motionless, while Xu Lingyun appeared to keep his word and refrained from striking first.

After a standoff lasting nearly a minute, Hai Yunfei finally stepped forward, approaching Xu Lingyun diagonally.

Xu Lingyun’s shoulder feinted, pretending to retreat, but then suddenly leapt forward to thrust his sword.

Despite having promised to let Hai Yunfei make the first move, he broke his word and attacked first, surprising the audience. A gasp arose.

Especially among Haijing University people, some of whom began cursing.

Xu Lingyun paid no heed to this, believing firmly in the principle of “the winner is king.” As long as he won, the means didn’t matter.

If Hai Yunfei naively believed in his words, then he deserved to lose.

Hai Yunfei, though, was far more experienced than Xu Lingyun imagined. Prepared for the ambush, he parried with a horizontal sword, continually stepping back.

Xu Lingyun released a furious assault, cutting left and right with his wooden sword, fiercely and with great force.

His tall stature, long arms, and strong power made these simple swordsmanship moves appear grand and imposing.

Hai Yunfei was retreating step by step, and this greatly boosted the morale of the class members.

Some people from Haijing University also looked worried, fearing Hai Yunfei might lose at this rate.

Indeed, Xu Lingyun’s mightiness was beyond their group’s expectations.

At this moment, everyone from Haijing University looked towards Hai Yunxi and Shen Ning. Both had calm and composed expressions, which reassured the group.

Even though Hai Yunfei was a genius, he was still just a freshman.

Hai Yunxi and Shen Ning were their seniors and the core of Haijing University’s Sword Dao.

Especially Shen Ning, who, after three years of restraint, suddenly shined brightly this year, sweeping through Haijing University. Even Hai Yunxi had lost to Shen Ning by one move.

Haijing University’s visit was, in fact, an attempt to gauge the situation of other universities.

With Shen Ning, Haijing University harbored many ambitions for this year’s Sword Dao League.

Global championship seemed too far-fetched, but they could at least aim for the East Continent District championship.

With this in mind, Haijing University first chose Mingjing University.

Among the ten mega metropolises of East Continent, each has its best university named after the city. Together with two other super universities, there are a total of twelve top universities.

Among the twelve universities, Mingjing University ranks towards the lower-middle tier, consistently lagging behind. It is considered a soft target.

Choosing Mingjing University as the first stop helped boost Haijing University’s confidence.

Historically comparing the two, Haijing University clearly stood out over Mingjing University.

Before the visit, the Haijing University delegation was full of confidence, believing that Hai Yunfei alone could sweep Mingjing University.

Unexpectedly, even a random freshman showcased advanced swordsmanship.

Hai Yunxi said to Shen Ning, “Mingjing University can’t be underestimated either. This Xu Lingyun is very well-grounded, though his swordsmanship is mediocre.”

Hai Yunxi and Hai Yunfei looked quite similar; they were cousins, sharing close blood ties, both possessing the typical features of the Hai family.

Hai Yunxi appeared more mature and stable, and his short hairstyle made him look more competent. His broader shoulders and sturdier build were apparent.

As a seventh-level swordsman, Hai Yunxi had been the pillar of Haijing University for the past two years until Shen Ning emerged dramatically.

Shen Ning confidently said to Hai Yunxi, “Yunfei can win within ten moves.”

Shen Ning had a gentle appearance, wearing a neat navy blue uniform, giving off an air of quiet elegance. She wasn’t very tall, standing a head shorter than Hai Yunxi beside her.

But her eyes were sparkling, full of vitality. Just those bright eyes alone made her come alive, filled with charm.

Shen Ning’s judgment was precise, barely spoken when Hai Yunfei, who had been steadily holding, suddenly counterattacked.

Xu Lingyun exposed a gap after overextending a move. Hai Yunfei, with a series of cunning quick swords, forced him to retreat continuously.

Seizing the flaw, Hai Yunfei stabbed Xu Lingyun’s soft ribs below his chest.

The soft ribs are weak, and even with Xu Lingyun hastily activating the Tiger Roar Iron Cloth Shirt, he couldn’t block the sword.

The sword tip pierced through, causing acute pain in Xu Lingyun’s soft ribs, briefly stunning him.

At this point, Hai Yunfei had already won, but he didn’t stop, rotating his wooden sword to strike Xu Lingyun’s shin.

This time, Hai Yunfei applied full Source Power, the wooden sword breaking upon impact, and Xu Lingyun’s shin snapped, visibly bending out of shape.

Xu Lingyun screamed, stumbling back several steps, sweat instantly pouring from his face.

The instructor hurried to intervene, “You won.”

Hai Yunfei smiled and clasped his fist to Xu Lingyun, “Mingjing University’s swordsmanship is indeed impressive. I’ve learned from it.”

Xu Lingyun was in both pain and anger, thinking this kid wasn’t just deceitful but had a sharp tongue. He wished he could jump up and tear the kid apart.

But in his current state, rushing forward would only result in a beating. The more he thought about it, the angrier he got, yet he was helpless.

The surrounding classmates also wore grim expressions. Winning and losing was common, but Hai Yunfei breaking Xu Lingyun’s leg in the process seemed too ruthless.

Hai Yunfei’s open taunting of Mingjing University further fueled their anger.

Yet, these people were self-aware, with no one daring to challenge him.

Hai Yunfei continued smugly, “Is there anyone else who wishes to give guidance?”

The Sword Dojo fell into an awkward silence. Head Coach Jiang Yuan wasn’t there, nor was Jiang Xuejun. Others in the Sword Dojo were self-conscious, not daring to step forward.

The students of Class 1 were even more reluctant to step up and embarrass themselves.

“I would like to learn from your excellence.”

A sweet voice broke the awkwardness. Qingyi Fei Niao stepped forward.

The students of Class 1 saw Qingyi Fei Niao emerge, unexpected yet concerned.

Qingyi Fei Niao had once fought valiantly against a Quick Blade Mantis in Cloud Wood Mountain, possessing formidable swordsmanship. However, she seemed not quite as skilled as Xu Lingyun. Could she win?

Even Hai Yunfei was slightly surprised; Qingyi Fei Niao looked adorable but didn’t have much swordsman aura.

Hai Yunfei smiled and said, “I wouldn’t want to harm a beautiful lady. Has Mingjing University run out of men?”