Chapter 144: Chapter 138: A Sword to Determine Victory

The grand auditorium of Mingjing University is luxurious and majestic, with a nearly hundred-meter-high transparent dome emitting a soft, bright light, illuminating the hall in opulent splendor.

The auditorium is packed to capacity for tonight’s freshmen gala. The number of people attending easily exceeds ten thousand.

The president, Luo Dongcheng, Vice President Xu Jin, and almost all the senior officials of the university are in attendance.

This is also a tradition of the school.

The freshmen gala has been meticulously arranged, with dozens of programs guided by professionals, and even a professional director and lighting crew working together.

The freshmen showcased various talents, demonstrating a very high standard. The audience erupted in thunderous applause.

The entire gala was very successful, and the atmosphere was extremely lively.

Sitting in the second row, Jiang Xuejun, however, was starting to get a bit impatient.

The classical dance on stage, with its splendid costumes, could not hold her attention at all.

“Why isn’t it over yet?” Jiang Xuejun muttered.

Beside her, Xu Yin smiled and reassured her, “Yun Shangqu is the last program, only two more minutes. Be patient.”

Jiang Xuejun turned to Yun Qingshang and muttered, “I wonder if Gao Xuan has arrived?”

Yun Qingshang seemed not to hear; she looked at the song and dance on stage with a calm expression.

Jiang Xuejun knew she wouldn’t get an answer, so she glanced at Qingyi Fei Niao.

Qingyi Fei Niao shook her little head, “I don’t know, I haven’t seen Gao Monarch.”

“This guy won’t stand me up, will he?”

Jiang Xuejun was a bit worried. Gao Xuan was free and uninhibited, and he might just decide not to come on a whim.

Qingyi Fei Niao consoled her, “No, Gao Monarch is always true to his word. He will do what he promised.”

Yun Qingshang couldn’t help but glance at Qingyi Fei Niao; this little girl did know Gao Xuan quite well.

Gao Xuan likes to joke around, which gives the impression of being unreliable. In fact, he always accomplishes what he promises.

Being true to his word is a basic principle for Gao Xuan.

Ironically, Jiang Xuejun, who has known Gao Xuan longer, only understood him on the surface.

Jiang Xuejun wasn’t too worried, even if Gao Xuan didn’t come, wasn’t Yun Qingshang here?

Xu Yin also comforted her, “Don’t worry, Gao Xuan will seek revenge for you.”

“It’s not for myself; I want to uphold the school’s honor.”

Jiang Xuejun said, “I am not so petty. Besides, Gao Xuan wouldn’t do anything just for me. He’s always tangled up with that old woman, not noticing anyone else.”

Thinking about the relationship between Gao Xuan and Bai Yutang, Jiang Xuejun felt it was very strange.

After all, Bai Yutang had once been her father’s girlfriend but now was cozy with Gao Xuan. The way they were intimate, it wouldn’t be surprising if they got married tomorrow.

Xu Yin was a bit curious, “Are they serious?”

Given Bai Yutang’s status, being with Gao Xuan was a bit odd. It’s almost like Wei Yue being with Gao Xuan.

Xu Yin actually had a bit of an indescribable feeling about it; had she known earlier, she might have given it a try too.

“I can’t understand Gao Xuan’s thoughts, but Bai Yutang must be very serious.”

When Gao Xuan was missing, Bai Yutang was extremely anxious, and it was definitely not an act. Now Bai Yutang’s face and eyes are filled with happiness and sweetness, which can’t be faked.

Even Jiang Xuejun had to admit that in this state, Bai Yutang seemed to glow, dazzlingly beautiful and indescribably stunning.

The former Bai Yutang was beautiful too, but not as much as she is now.

As a woman, Jiang Xuejun sincerely envied Bai Yutang. Regardless of her partner, she seemed to have attained the best love and life.

Jiang Xuejun saw Xu Yin’s expression, which was slightly lost and reminiscent, and couldn’t help but whisper to her, “Sister Yin, you’re not worse than Bai Yutang. You could give it a try too.”

Xu Yin didn’t expect Jiang Xuejun to say this and smiled awkwardly, “Don’t say nonsense.”

“I’m not talking nonsense.”

Jiang Xuejun said, “I’ve figured it out now. Gao Xuan is right; there’s nothing complicated about male-female relationships. Gao Xuan is so handsome, there’s no loss in having some fun with him…”

“Don’t talk nonsense.”

Xu Yin glared at Jiang Xuejun, “Don’t let Gao Xuan lead you astray.”

As they were talking, the song and dance on stage had already ended.

At this moment, Gao Xuan walked to the center of the stage.

He had an unparalleled handsome face, and his posture was as straight as a spear, his white clothes like snow, holding a long sword still sheathed.

Just by standing on stage, Gao Xuan was like a blazing sun, radiating dazzling brilliance, immediately becoming the focal point of everyone’s attention.

The huge virtual screen at the back of the stage presented Gao Xuan’s nearly perfect charm and demeanor to everyone.

Sitting in the front row, Hai Yunfei, Hai Yunxi, Shen Ning, and other members of Haijing University were also stunned.

They had seen videos and knew what Gao Xuan looked like. But in those videos, Gao Xuan was always wearing sunglasses, completely different from his current state.

Only by facing Gao Xuan up close can one feel that nearly perfect charisma emanating from him. That kind of captivating presence.

Even if Gao Xuan had his eyes closed, it wouldn’t diminish his charm. On the contrary, it would only add a layer of indescribable mystery.

“Is this Gao Xuan?”

Fang Yumei couldn’t help but shake her head, “This child is exceptionally good-looking.”

Jiang Yuan, who was accompanying her, smiled without saying a word. Gao Xuan had told him beforehand that he planned to defend the school’s reputation at the gala and give the Haijing University visiting group a little lesson.

“So this is Gao Xuan.”

Shen Ning was also sighing. She was only two years older than Gao Xuan and was, of course, too embarrassed to directly praise his looks.

Still, she was greatly shocked that a real human could be so perfect; it was beyond her imagination.

A large part of human aesthetics comes from acquired learning and living. There is also a small part that stems from the deepest part of our genetic instincts.

For example, someone who has never seen the ocean would still feel joy upon seeing the vast blue sea. This almost unreasonable joy mostly comes from deep genetic instincts.

Gao Xuan’s handsomeness is that kind of power, transcending human post-aesthetic habits, directly touching the innermost depths of mankind.

Therefore, seeing Gao Xuan standing with his sword, everyone could feel his unparalleled handsomeness, possessing a soul-stirring charm.

Gao Xuan raised his voice and said, “Hello everyone, my name is Gao Xuan, a freshman of the 08-level Sword Dao Academy. I know that the students from Haijing Academy’s visiting group are also present here. On this occasion today, I, on behalf of the 08-level Sword Dao Academy freshmen, wish to ask the students of Haijing Academy for guidance in swordsmanship. I wonder who would be willing to give me advice?”

These past few days, the Haijing University visiting group has been swaggering around, and everyone at Mingjing University has been holding back their anger.

Many people were hoping that Gao Xuan would step forward and knock the arrogance off Haijing University.

Seeing Gao Xuan suddenly take the stage, everyone had already guessed what he was going to do. Gao Xuan issuing a challenge made the atmosphere on-site abruptly become heated.

Although Gao Xuan is a freshman, he is already considered a legend at Mingjing University.

Jiang Xuejun and Xu Lingyun were both defeated by a single stroke from him. Such a swordsmanship prodigy hasn’t appeared at Mingjing University for many years. Everyone is extremely focused on Gao Xuan.

Initially, many students were dissatisfied because Gao Xuan had not shown up, and their hearts were filled with resentment. On forums, there were even voices insulting Gao Xuan.

Many believed that Gao Xuan was just all talk, merely using his looks to get by.

Gao Xuan’s active challenge today has dispelled all doubts with actual actions.

The atmosphere at the scene abruptly became heated, and all eyes were turned towards Haijing Academy.

The director on-site also switched the camera to the people of Haijing University.

Fang Yumei was very calm and said, “The students of Mingjing University are so enthusiastic in their invitation. Which one of you is going?”

Hai Yunfei eagerly raised his hand and said, “I’ll go.”

Hai Yunxi frowned, “Why are you going?”

It was obvious Gao Xuan was the strongest swordsman at Mingjing University, much stronger than Qingyi Fei Niao. Hai Yunfei going up was asking for a thrashing.

Hai Yunfei nonchalantly said, “Even if I can’t win, I can probe his sword path and exhaust his strength, laying the groundwork for your victory.”

Although his personality is arrogant and flashy, he is not stupid. He won’t naively think he could win against Gao Xuan.

However, he is not afraid of losing in such a sparring competition.

In such a public setting, Gao Xuan would not dare do anything to him. If by chance he were to win one move, it would boost his reputation greatly.

Fang Yumei nodded, “Boldly attempting without fearing failure, that’s good. Go on.”

Because Jiang Xuejun had informed them early on, the people from Haijing University were well-prepared, carrying protective gear, sword artifacts, and other equipment with them.

With the assistance of his classmates, Hai Yunfei donned a full set of armor and quickly stepped onto the platform, holding his sword.

Hai Yunfei clasped his hands towards Gao Xuan, “I am Hai Yunfei from Haijing University, here to learn.”

He looked Gao Xuan up and down and said, “Where is your armor?”

Gao Xuan grasped the hilt of his sword, “Just go ahead, you can’t hurt me.”

Hai Yunfei hesitated a bit; he was truly afraid of accidentally killing Gao Xuan with one strike, creating a very awkward scene.

The audience below was in an uproar; Gao Xuan was quite posturing…

Everyone had learned swordsmanship from a young age and understood well the nature of swordsmanship competitions.

Fighting with real swords without armor was extremely dangerous. Only illegal underground fighting rings would not use protective gear.

Luo Dong City even glanced at Jiang Yuan; they actually did not understand Gao Xuan, so it was Jiang Yuan’s opinion that mattered.

Jiang Yuan couldn’t help but smile wryly; he certainly did not agree with Gao Xuan taking such a risk. However, Gao Xuan always acted so high-profile, and yet he always manages to win.

At this moment, Jiang Yuan couldn’t dampen Gao Xuan’s spirit. He explained, “Gao Xuan uses a Quick Sword; it’s more effective without armor.”

This reasoning made sense, and Luo Dong City and Xu Jin both nodded slightly.

However, doing this was still too risky. Both school leaders actually did not approve, but since Gao Xuan had already said so, if they commented further, it would make them seem petty.

Gao Xuan’s life was his own, and if he was not afraid, no one else would be either.

Hai Yunfei felt a bit indignant; the other side not even wearing armor really underestimated him.

No matter what, he needed to land a strike on Gao Xuan later, to teach him a deep lesson.

Hai Yunfei, despite harboring malicious intentions, kept a calm face. He clasped his sword and saluted, “In that case, I will not hold back.”

Gao Xuan returned the salute with his sword.

Hai Yunfei knew the terrifying speed of Gao Xuan’s Quick Sword, so he cautiously posed in a defensive stance, with his sword edge slanting downward and his feet moving slowly.

But as soon as his feet moved, Gao Xuan drew his sword and stabbed straight at him.

A flash of cold sword light shimmered, instantly reaching Hai Yunfei’s eyes.

Hai Yunfei was shocked and hurriedly raised his sword to parry. However, Gao Xuan’s sword had already pierced through Hai Yunfei’s face armor, with the cold tip resting precisely on his forehead.

Hai Yunfei didn’t have time to react as his vision went black and he passed out.

The surrounding spectators, all wide-eyed and prepared for a show, were shocked to find the battle already over.

The vast majority saw only a flash of sword light and nothing else.

By this time, Gao Xuan had already sheathed his sword and bowed to the stunned Hai Yunfei, “Great swordsmanship, I have learned.”

The audience was a bit dumbfounded; it seemed Gao Xuan had won, but had he really?

A few masters understood; Gao Xuan settled it with one move, instantly defeating Hai Yunfei.

Shen Ning and Hai Yunxi exchanged awe-struck glances.

Even Fang Yumei showed a look of astonishment; such a quick sword was truly terrifying.

The high-ranking leaders of Luo Dong City, Xu Jin, and others also displayed some expressions of delight on their faces.

They knew Gao Xuan was formidable, but to this extent was still surprising.

After a few seconds, Hai Yunfei, who had passed out, finally couldn’t hold on and fell straight back onto the stage with a clang.

This sound was also what awakened the public below from their stupor, and the audience, realizing what happened, burst into wild applause.

The grand auditorium resounded with waves of applause, which lingered for a long time.