Chapter 84: Chapter 84: Xu Lizhi and Ye Xinglan
"Please! Anyone!"
Who...?
"Anyone, please! Is anyone alive!? Are-Oh thank god. You're alive!"
Me...?
A middle aged man with black messy hair, blank teary black eyes, dirtied, tired and weary expression soon came into sight. His opened mouth of disbelief soon widened into a smile, a smile of relief, gratitude, hope, appreciation and joy.
Despite the ominous black, with a tinge of red, halo, looking as big as the sun or moon, floating silently in the sky above the man, my eyes was still set on his face.
And his smile.
'That smile... it's so beautiful.'
'Could I smile like that someday?' That was the last thought I had before my 'vision' went black.
....
"-up..."
'What, was that?'
"-wake up..."
'A dream?'
"-Ye, wake up." Xiu Ye groaned as a familiar voice filtered into his ears. Stifling a yawn, he cracked his left eyelid open to see Mu Xi looking down at him. That was weird. Until he glanced down to see that he was sleeping on her right shoulder.
He quickly rose off of her shoulder and sat up straight in his seat, it earned him a giggle from the older blacksmith next to him. His cheeks flushed red in embarrassment of unconsciously having to fall asleep on her shoulder like that.
"Sorry about that."
"No worries. Come on sleepyhead, we just entered the city so we're about to get off soon," she said as she pointed to the window next to him. "See?"
Xiu Ye turned his head around, curious as to see what the city looked and changing the subject, he was treated to a sight of new structures and people but similar atmosphere.
'It's just like when I first got to Eastsea City.'
Skysea City and Eastsea City were similar in that they both were situated on the coast, boasting a beautiful landscape and the continent's largest harbors and docks. The Federation's navy was stationed right outside of Skysea City. The silhouette of a gigantic cruiser anchored out at sea entered the eyes of some.
Because of the great military forces stationed there, Skysea City was considered the top ranked city on the east coast. The area was of utmost strategic importance comparable to major cities inland.
Ordinary people would enter military service once they turned eighteen, and for those within Skysea Alliance's domain, Skysea City's navy was the first pick.
Skysea City was situated in an area surrounded by much more mountains than Eastsea City and many buildings were built into the slopes, adding to their high-low appearance. Some skyscrapers even seemed to pierce right through the clouds.
The official delegation from Eastsea City had already been in contact with the representatives from Skysea City.
The six students of class zero were the youngest amongst the competitors from Eastsea City and naturally weren't too attentive to their surroundings, simply following the group.
They were led to a luxurious hotel that was rather special; half of it was within the ocean and each room had a breathtaking view that truly emphasized to all the guests that they were by the ocean.
The boys shared a room while the girls were placed in another room.
Tomorrow was the opening ceremony of the tournament and lots to decide the matches would be drawn. Wu Zhangkong had given the bare minimum explanation which had lacked any sort of warnings or advice.
The doorbell rang.
Xiu Ye quickly opened the door, revealing the charming Mu Xi.
"Come with me!" Mu Xi grabbed both of their hands and dragged them out.
"Hey wait a minute! Xie Xie, we'll he going out for bit with senior sister!" Tang Wulin hurriedly called out to Xie Xie.
Xie Xie merely waved his hand as he rested on his bed, feeling slightly sluggish from sitting entirely still in the bus for hours.
"Xi, where are going exactly?" Xiu Ye asked.
"To our association members, to discuss about the tournament."
Mu Xi lead them to a certain room and let them in after knocking.
Over a dozen people were present in the room, each wearing the familiar badge of a blacksmith.
The leader of the delegation from the Blacksmith's Association was someone Xiu Ye and Tang Wulin knew—Cen Yue. Aside from Cen Yue, the others were unfamiliar faces that ranged from their late teens to their early twenties.
Cen Yue's stern expression transformed into a beaming smile the moment Xiu Ye, Tang Wulin and Mu Xi walked in.
"Ye, Wulin? Good. Come, I'll introduce you two to the other outstanding blacksmiths of your generation."
There were a couple people that stood out to Tang Wulin—a youth around eighteen years old named Zheng Tianlin and a young man a little over twenty named Tang Wenhao.
They both had their own peculiarities. Zheng Tianlin had a pair of extraordinarily long arms that reached just past his knees and wore a third rank blacksmith badge while Tang Wenhao wore a fourth rank badge. They were the most skilled individuals in the room after Cen Yue, Xiu Ye, Tang Wulin and Mu Xi, in that order.
They were just background characters.
"Now that everyone is present, I'll begin. I believe you're all aware that although Eastsea City hasn't achieved any exemplary results in the Skysea Alliance Tournaments of late, our Eastsea Blacksmith's Association is an exception to that. We managed to attain third place in the junior division, and first in the youth division last year. Wenhao, do your best this time to bring us glory in the adult division."
Tang Wenhao had an average appearance and a sturdy body. A calm light twinkled in his eyes as he said, "Yes, teacher."
A satisfied smile formed on Cen Yue's lips. "You will definitely receive excellent results as long as you perform your usual best."
Cen Yue then turned to Zheng Tianlin. "Tianlin, you've made a lot of progress in these last two years and have stabilized your foundation. If you're able to forge at your personal best, then you should do well too. I hope you'll breakthrough soon and reach fourth rank."
"Yes, Master Cen." Zheng Tianlin nodded but not only was his attitude disrespectful, it was filled with disdain and arrogance.
Finally, Cen Yue turned to Xiu Ye, Tang Wulin and Mu Xi. "Last of all are you three. If you were to ask me who I was most confident in with regards to the adult, youth, and juvenile division, I would definitely have said it would be you three brats. I don't think I need to give either of you any advice. Just perform as you always do and you'll surely bring back the title of champion, which is certain for you Xiu Ye. I'll be waiting to celebrate."
Everyone in the room eyed the three at these words. They could accept it if it had only been directed to Mu Xi, but Xiu Ye and Tang Wulin were unknown.
The matter of Xiu Ye and Tang Wulin becoming President Mu Chen's disciple, with the latter being his direct disciple heir, had been kept confidential and the only ones who knew this were Mu Chen himself, Cen Yue, Mu Xi, Yu Fei and Hua Wei. It was for this reason that none of the other blacksmiths recognized them.
Xiu Ye's lips curled up into a smile. Being praised by someone would always make anyone happy, much less himself.
Tang Wenhao was shocked that his teacher had praised these newcomers. He glanced at Xiu Ye and Tang Wulin he gave them a nod of acknowledgment, it was much deeper to the former however. He heard his master crystal clear after all. Cen Yue had certainty that he would bring the title of champion after all.
His master is many things, a fool he is not.
Unfortunately however, not everyone shared the same feeling.
Zheng Tianlin frowned. "Master Cen, forgive me for being rude, but why would a nobody like him could possibly bring the title? Junior sister Mu Xi should be the one that would bring the title; she is a fourth rank blacksmith now after all." In his tone was filled with envy, jealousness and greed.
Mu Xi would have accepted such praise before having met Xiu Ye since she truly was one of the greatest of her generation. Now, however, a two monsters stood beside her and one of them help guide her in her path. How could she accept such praise knowing full well the gap between her and Xiu Ye? He was already a fifth rank blacksmith despite being four years younger than her.
"Don't say such nonsense. There's no way I can become the champion," Mu Xi quickly said.
Zheng Tianlin thought she was being modest and laughed. "How could you not? Being able to reach the fourth rank is an amazing feat for your age. You have broken the record for the youngest fourth rank blacksmith!" He hadn't even thought of acknowledging Xiu Ye and Tang Wulin since the beginning.
Although they were taller than their peers, at most, they could only be considered a thirteen-year-old child. Apart from Tang Wenhao who noted Cen Yue's expectant gaze towards Xiu Ye, everyone else held the same assumptions as Zheng Tianlin. They thought Xiu Ye and Tang Wulin was merely present to create a contrast for Mu Xi's brilliance.
Mu Xi gritted her teeth as she took a step forward and was about to tell them off when Xiu Ye's hand appeared in her vision.
She glanced to the side and saw him subtlety shaking his head. He mouthed to her, 'They're not worth it,' and lowered his hand.
Mu Xi frowned, feeling conflicted, but decided to follow her teacher's silent command. Not understanding why he didn't reveal his blacksmith rank to these pricks and metaphorically face slap them.
Xiu Ye actually did want to but decided that they were just a waste of time. He wanted to finish up this meeting so he can go back and cultivate than participate in some drama. Besides, actions speaks louder after all.
Cen Yue said, "Now I'll explain how the competition will be run this time. Let's start with the junior division. You can leave after hearing the information relevant to you." He still prioritized Xiu Ye and Tang Wulin in the end. These two were this generation's greatest blacksmiths, with the potential of becoming a Divine Craftsmen. Of course, in the eyes of the other blacksmiths, it was simply Cen Yue showing consideration for Mu Xi.
"The three divisions aren't that different; it's just that the junior division focuses on blacksmithing fundamentals. The first round disqualifies contestants who cannot hundred refine. No one knows what metal you will be asked to forge. The top sixty-four participants from the first round will then compete in the second round where you freely display your ability with the same metal from before. You will be awarded points based on the grade of the final product. As for the third round, you will be shaping the metal you forged in the second round. That's it. There are only three rounds. To secure a good position, however, you will need to surprise everyone. When that time comes, just do you best and you should be fine. The association will grant you an additional award if you place within the top eight, and an amazing award if it's the top three. You'll even have the opportunity to participate in other blacksmithing competitions. I hope you'll keep this in mind and do you best because the spots for other competitions isn't up to me. If you place in the top three, the medal awarded will be your ticket into the upper levels of the world of blacksmithing, understand?"
"Ha!" They all proclaimed loudly, hard determination set on their faces.
After talking about some other stuff about the blacksmith competition, they all then retreated back into their respective rooms.
Xiu Ye sat in a meditation position on his bed and activated Soul God Cultivation Method.
He opened his eyes to a land of limitless swords and a bright strange sun.
Schwing
There was sound of familiar steel unsheathed. Xiu Ye didn't even need to turn around to know who was behind him, having gone through this scenario a lot.
"Well then, shall we start?" Ryūjin Jakka asked.
"Oh? You actually asked me if I'm ready? How honorable." Xiu Ye chuckled as he stood up and turned around to face Ryūjin Jakka, his sword form in his hands, and so his as well appeared in the latter's hands.
Ryūjin Jakka shrugged. "Well we got ourselves an audience." They both turned their heads up.
"Fight! Fight! Fight!" Yelling excitedly in the air between them was Tiangou, her eyes sparkling.
"...Might as well give her a show, huh?" Xiu Ye dryly said. He then turned back towards Ryūjin Jakka, shared the same feeling.
Their eyes however, soon turned hard. Their feet and body positioned into a certain stance, yet they continued to locked eyes.
It was quite for a moment before steel met steel, and fire burned fire.
It was another restless night and another life-death battle to do to get stronger for Xiu Ye.
The opening ceremony of the Skysea Alliance Tournament was held in Skysea Stadium. It was the largest stadium in the Skysea Alliance, boasting a maximum seating capacity of eighty-thousand people.
For the economic block that was Eastsea Alliance, the Skysea Alliance Tournament was a grand occasion that the entire federation paid attention to. Outstanding geniuses would emerge each time the tournament was held.
In reality, the Skysea Alliance Tournament's original goal was to filter through the masses for geniuses to raise. Then they would be groomed into pillars of the alliance.
Within the Federation existed a myriad of factions, with the Skysea Alliance being one of the greater ones. Economic-wise, though, it stood as one of the Federation's major players.
In spite of its economic power, the Skysea Alliance was not satisfied. Although it was easy to jumpstart the economy, building a sturdy foundation was a different story. Not to mention, they had started developing later than other regions. The continent's mainland was filled with major cities, each possessing thousands to tens of thousands of years of history. These cities were littered with countless ancient clans that raised powerful geniuses with profound backgrounds.
Due to its difference in history, the Skysea Alliance was woefully deficient in talents. In fact, the quality and quantity of its geniuses were beginning to decline.
All of the powerful experts were found inland. Only able to boast of its economic might, the Skysea Alliance could not be considered powerful by any means and hovered around the continent's middle levels of prominence.
But how could the Skysea Alliance resign itself to lose in power and prestige? In a bid to select and grow talents, the Alliance established the Skysea Alliance Tournament roughly two hundred years ago. They offered not only a generous amount of prize money but some unique prizes as well. This way, the talents would receive the support needed to further pursue their paths, which would bolster the Alliance's strength.
At the crack of dawn, representatives from the various cities flooded into the stadium.
The arena was gigantic, hordes of people teeming within as far as the eye could see. The terrace had long since been filled with spectators. It was Xiu Ye's first time in such a grand stadium. Excitement permeated the air as the opening ceremony proceeded. Surrounded by so many taller people, Xiu Ye could hardly see what was happening. He could only hear a few encouraging words that marked the end of the ceremony.
Next came the drawing of lots for the various competitions.
This matter was handled by the teachers, leaving class zero twiddling their thumbs.
The stadium erupted with joy as a platform was rapidly built in the center.
"What are they doing?" Tang Wulin asked Xie Xie.
Xie Xie answered, "Right, you wouldn't know about this. They're about to hold an exhibition match. I heard they paid an enormous sum to invite some powerful people from Shrek Academy this time. Their opponents will be the champions of the seven-man team competition from the last tournament. The Alliance is doing this to show everyone the gap between our strengths. Though, I'm not sure if this is the best decision."
'Shrek Academy huh...' Xiu Ye's interest was instantly up.
Gu Yue cut in from the side, "Why do you think so?"
Xie Xie simply shrugged. "Isn't it obvious? Within a certain range, the gap in strength can be encouraging, but once the gap surpasses a certain level, it transforms into a chasm. It'll be an insurmountable reminder that only discourages people."
A giggle escaped from Xu Xiaoyan's lips. "You sure know how to explain things. You're just a child and you've already thought it out. Don't you think the Alliance's higher-ups would have come to the same conclusion? I bet they have some plan in place on how to handle this."
"I'm starving. Does anyone have anything to eat?" A voice sounded out suddenly.
They turned toward the source of the noise and saw a little fatty scurrying about the crowd, asking random strangers for food as they passed by.
"Huh. Another glutton has appeared." Xu Xiaoyan absentmindedly said.
Xie Xie coughed. "Xiaoyan! You really have a way with words."
Xu Xiaoyan realized her indiscretion. She hastily pursed her cherry-red lips and stuck out her tongue.
Tang Wulin didn't mind the quip since there was no denying he was a glutton. He walked toward the little fatty.
"Here, eat this." Tang Wulin handed him a small bag of cookies.
Due to his high energy consumption, Tang Wulin always carried some snacks on him and food, and they're mostly made by Xiu Ye.
"Thank you, thank you." The little fatty's eyes lit up at the sight of the snack. He immediately began devouring it before he froze, his eyes slowly widened comically.
He stood like that for several more seconds before he immediately devoured the entire bag of cookies, yes the small plastic bag included, into his mouth. The class zero students watched all these with wide eyes and gaping mouths.
"H-He ate the entire thing in one gulp..." Mu Xi stammered, shocked.
"Including the plastic wrap as well..." Xu Xiaoyan said.
"Even I wouldn't be that... crazed about food? Maybe." Tang Wulin said with a frown, uncertain. Xiu Ye and the others snickered to the side, clearly they heard his internal crisis.
Faster than their eyes can track, the little fatty practically shot towards Tang Wulin like cannonball! It caused the latter to stumble for a moment before stabilizing himself.
"Oh my god! That was so delicious! The texture, the taste, the smell, the crunchiness; everything! It was perfect! Those cookies were the most delicious that I have ever eaten, big brother!" The little fatty looked around Tang Wulin's age and a half a head shorter than him.
"You don't need to call me big brother. My name is Tang Wulin. You might even be a bit older than me. How old are you?" Tang Wulin asked, sweat dropped.
The little fatty said, "I just turned ten. How much older than me are you? There's no way you're younger, right? No, wait! Nevermind that. I want to know where you get those cookies big bro!"
Tang Wulin turned towards Xiu Ye, "From my cousin over there. His name is Xiu Ye, he's a few months older than me and the greatest cook to have ever grace this world." There was pride in his tone as he said that, almost as if he was the person he was talking about.
The little fatty's eyes turned immediately turned towards the Xiu Ye.
Xiu Ye chuckled. "Oh, don't listen to that glutton. I just love to cook is all." Everyone who tasted his cooking would say otherwise however.
Nonetheless, the little fatty stood in front of him with sparkling eyes.
The little fatty said, "My name is Xu Lizhi, but everyone just calls me Little Glutton. You can call me by that nickname too. Big brother, could you give me some food?"
Xiu Ye blinked his eyes and giggled, finding the little fatty funny. "Alright little glutton, I'll make you some food but later when I have time, as you can see, we're participating in the tournament."
Xu Lizhi deflated in disappointment for a moment before he squealed in excitement, "Oh thank you, thank you big brother! I can wait!"
Tang Wulin pouted, "Hey, no fair bro!"
The others laughed seeing his expression, Xiu Ye included.
They then talked a bit for a while before Tang Wulin said about some sea food restaurants he wanted to visit.
Xu Lizhi's eyes grew brighter as he listened to Tang Wulin's summary, swallowing down a gulp of saliva. "Great! This is great! So, after today's competition is finished, do you mind showing me around? I'm already itching to try them all."
Tang Wulin said helplessly, "It'll depend on the time, but here's my communicator number. You can call me about this later."
Xu Lizhi turned towards Xiu Ye, "You come along as well big brother! Oh and let's exchange numbers as well!"
Xiu Ye shrugged, "Alright. It sounds kinda fun."
Just as they finished exchanging soul communicator numbers, an icy but pleasant voice called out. "Little Glutton, how did you run all the way over here? All you know is how to eat. Hurry up and come back."
Xiu Ye, Tang Wulin and the Little Glutton, Xu Lizhi, turned toward the voice. The speaker was a girl around Xu Lizhi's age, dressed in the same green exercise clothes as him. In comparison to Xu Lizhi's fat-filled form, her clean-cut silhouette brought out the best in the clothes. Her golden hair was combed up into a ponytail, accentuating her large, bright, blue eyes framed by long eyelashes. They were nearly on par with Tang Wulin's. Her skin glistened under the light, tender, and white.
Although she was likely Xiu Ye's age, her face was a mask of stone compared to his, as if she were a little adult.
But it soon cracked however, as her eyes met with Xiu Ye's. In fact, they froze, both of their eyes widened at the sight of one another as they felt they'd been struck by lightning.
Upon the sight of her, Xu Lizhi was like a mouse facing a cat. He stood straight and said earnestly, "Big Sister Xinglan, I know I made a mistake but I'm still starving! You know right? If I don't eat enough, then I won't have any strength–"
He wasn't able to finish saying what he was about to say as Xinglan took a large stride forward, cutting him off, and stand inches away in front of Xiu Ye, her head tilted back to stare into his golden eyes.
Xiu Ye stared fearlessly straight into her baby blue eyes, expecting her to do something.
A tense silence appeared between them, causing Tang Wulin and his friends and Xu Lizhi to stare at each other in nervousness; expecting like a fight to happen between the two.
Xiu Ye was the first to speak up, he raised an eyebrow. "Can I help you?"
"You."
"Me." Xiu Ye raised his second eyebrow.
"You're strong." The blonde girl said.
"I am." Xiu Ye stated honestly.
The girl nodded, satisfied. "Un. My name is Ye Xinglan and I want to fight you." What she said caused Tang Wulin and co to freeze.
"I see..." Xiu Ye nodded. "Well, I refuse."
Ye Xinglan frowned. "Why?"
"Because me and my friends here are participants in the Skysea Alliance Tournament. And well, as you can see," Xiu Ye pointed behind him; to the crowd of people and the stadium. "it looks like it's about to start. I'm sorry but I don't have the time to fight you right now."
"...Okay." Ye Xinglan nodded, her features softening. "Which competitions will you be in?"
"The individual, three-man, five-man and blacksmith competitions." Xiu Ye said.
Ye Xinglan's eyebrow raised. "That's a lot of competitions you'll be joining. Wouldn't you be tired from participating so many? Wouldn't you fail in one or all of them from being tired by joining so many?"
Xiu Ye smirked. "Well, I'm strong. Tired and fail doesn't enter my mindset."
The girl went silent before she nodded, "Alright." and turned around and started walking away. "Let's go, you little glutton."
Xu Lizhi's chubby face twitched for a moment before he turned back to face Xiu Ye and Tang Wulin, gesturing that he would call them later. He swiftly ran off, obediently following the girl.
Xiu Ye watched them walk away with straight face.
'They really are here huh... Two of the future Shrek Seven Devils.'
Tang Wulin, wiping off the cold sweat on his forehead, said. "That was one strange girl, and brave too. Wanting to fight you..."
Xiu Ye shrugged his shoulders. "Well, maybe it's because she sensed that I'm a strong sword user."
"Huh? How did she sensed that you're a sword user and why would she fight you because you are one?" Tang Wulin tilted his head to the side, confused.
"That's because she's a sword user as well, a very skilled one at that and a battle maniac as well. She finds strong opponents to fight and improve herself; that was why she wanted to fight me." Xiu Ye said.
Tang Wulin raised an eyebrow. "And you know this...how?"
Xiu Ye smiled, an air of mysteriousness radiated around him.
"Because I know the future."
Tang Wulin and their friends rolled their eyes. Not believing him.
Suddenly, an announcement was broadcasted.
"Today marks the start of the Skysea Alliance Tournament. We have invited a team specially from Shrek Academy to exchange pointers with last year's champions. Accounting for the gap in strength, this match will be held between different age groups. The contenders are last year's youth division champions of the seven-man team competition and Shrek Academy's seven-man team from the junior division. Now, will both sides please come on stage."
The representatives of the Skysea Alliance arrived on the platform. Since they were the winners of the previous tournament, they were now all over twenty years old and should be placed in the adult division.
There were five men and two women clad in silver team uniforms, standing with confidence and valiance imbued in their hearts. Their synchronous movements illustrated their rigorous training while their eyes shined with excitement.
'Oh?' Xiu Ye raised an eyebrow, spotting two familiar faces in the Shrek Academy representatives; the same two who he just met: Xu Lizhi and Ye Xinglan, enter the stage facing the other team. He was surprised to find that, the oldest person in their group had looked about fifteen or sixteen years old male.
'From the soul power he's emitting he should be a soul ancestor, and not just an average either. He should probably have a ten thousand year old soul ring. Fifteen years old, soul ancestor, and he already has a ten thousand year old soul ring? Heh, Shrek Academy truly does deserve its reputation of creating monsters.'
As the crowd cried out in excitement as the battle between the two teams began, Xiu Ye watched in complete indifference. He already knew, not from meta knowledge, but from his analysis of both team's qualitative strength, abilities and teamwork that Shrek Academy's team would win.
A minute later, he was proven correct.
Shrek Academy's representative team had won, in a total one-sided fight in their favor.
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