Chapter 80: I Refuse to Yield to You

He had barely transcribed a few lines before being interrupted again. This time, Tianming felt bitter inside, but when he saw that it was Elder Elm, he couldn’t say much, and so he once more put down his pen. Tianming raised his head, his gaze somewhat surprised as it fell upon Elder Elm.

Seeing that Tianming seemed unaware of the intricacies involved, Elder Elm nodded slightly and continued, his voice floating uncertainly through the Heavenly Pavilion: “This Heaven-tier Origin Technique is exceedingly difficult to master, young friend. Are you sure you want to choose this one?”

Hiss!

Heng Cheng, who was transcribing beside him, also stopped his pen. Hearing Elder Elm’s words, Heng Cheng’s mouth gaped in disbelief. He hadn’t expected Tianming to choose that particular Origin Technique. Though Heng Cheng wasn’t deeply versed in these techniques, he’d heard from Sikong Shi that some were not to be selected.

Previously, Xun Qing had been somewhat displeased, but now she rested her chin on her hand, watching with genuine interest.

Strangely, Xun Qing did not speak to interrupt.

“Of course. Since I’ve taken it, I intend to train in it!” Noticing everyone’s attention on him, Tianming answered with unshakable confidence.

As for the source of his confidence, it owed everything to Almighty Dora.

Truly worthy of the title “Almighty.” In fact, Tianming didn’t need to rely solely on himself to train in these techniques. After transcribing two scrolls earlier, Almighty Dora had indicated he could comprehend them directly. Direct comprehension meant instantly integrating the Origin Technique into his soul and memory, akin to sudden enlightenment.

In other words, though Tianming had just learned the techniques, his understanding could easily surpass several months, even a year’s worth of study.

...

Seeing his confidence, Elder Elm said no more, and Tianming immersed himself in the act of transcribing.

Before long, under the scrutiny of three intense gazes, Tianming completed the transcription of three Origin Techniques. The reason for three gazes was simple: Heng Cheng had only two scrolls, so he finished faster and waited patiently for Tianming.

Clang!

“Congratulations, master, on acquiring three Origin Techniques: Heaven-tier Origin Technique—Nine Heavens Violet Lightning Immortal-Slaying Slash; Earth-tier Origin Techniques—Plum Blossom Overlord Flash and Traceless Overlord Finger. As this is your first mastery of Origin Techniques, you are awarded one lottery chance and three thousand experience points.”

As soon as he put down the pen, Tianming heard festive voices in his mind. Truly a moment to celebrate.

But now was not the time for excitement; having finished transcribing, it was time for Tianming to leave the Heavenly Pavilion.

“Tian Brother, are you done transcribing?” Seeing Tianming put down his pen, the waiting Heng Cheng hurried forward to ask.

Tianming smiled and nodded at Heng Cheng, then quickly turned his gaze elsewhere. Every action of Heng Cheng was noted in Tianming’s heart.

“I wonder how powerful these Origin Techniques are!” Tianming mused quietly, probing his mind.

His first time mastering Origin Techniques, Tianming was eager—barely able to contain himself. As he prepared to bid farewell to Xun Qing and Elder Elm—

He discovered...

Elm Qing seemed drowsy, resting her head on the table. Elder Elm was still absorbed in his scrolls, seemingly oblivious to Tianming’s movements.

Tianming had no intention of drawing attention. He turned and winked at Heng Cheng, then strode out without looking back.

“Tian Brother, wait for me!” Heng Cheng quickly followed.

Yet, just as they’d walked a few steps, Elder Elm and Xun Qing raised their heads with meaningful smiles.

The two seemed to have witnessed something, and burst into laughter.

...

“What’s going on?!”

As Tianming stepped out of the Heavenly Pavilion, he found the entrance crowded with outer disciples. Leading them were more than a dozen middle-aged male disciples, their Qi notably robust. But the highlight was the banner they held: “I Am Not Convinced!”

“Tian Brother, what’s happening here?” Heng Cheng was dumbfounded by the sight.

It wasn’t just Heng Cheng; even Tianming was utterly confused. It certainly didn’t look like a welcome. As Tianming inspected the crowd below, they lifted their heads, gazing at Tianming and Heng Cheng with envy in their eyes.

...

Suddenly, the air was filled with noisy, clamorous voices.

“What are you doing here? Don’t you know this is the Heavenly Pavilion? How dare you gather and cause trouble—disperse at once!” Tianming shook his head, stepping forward helplessly.

As the saying goes, “If I do not descend into hell, who will?” Since no one else intervened, Tianming had to take charge.

At his words, the crowd instantly quieted. No one wanted such a grave accusation pinned on them. Tianming’s experience with dramas paid off; he knew how to speak with authority. As an inner disciple, he needed to establish some dignity with these outer disciples.

“I want to challenge you!”

Just then, a middle-aged man with sword-like brows strode forward. His face taut, his brows upright, and his eyes, inflamed with anger, glinted coldly. His cracked lips moved incessantly, the lower already bitten through.

His voice was gloomy. Tianming shifted his gaze to the man, noting the barely concealed jealousy etched on his face.

“Why should I accept your challenge? And may I ask—do I know you?” Tianming shook his head, puzzled.

He wondered to himself: he hadn’t offended anyone, so why did so many have grievances against him? He was thoroughly perplexed.

“Quan Ruixin, Tenth Grade Foundation Establishment!”

The man paused, sneered, then cupped his hands and spoke in a deep voice.

“Tian Brother, let me handle this!” Heng Cheng stepped in front of Quan Ruixin.

“Heng Cheng! Second Grade Spirit Void, please advise.”

The sharp whistle of his spear, coupled with Heng Cheng’s confident voice, echoed beautifully across the open ground. Soon, Heng Cheng’s Spirit Void aura surged forth like a tide.

“Heh, some people only know how to hide behind others,” Quan Ruixin mocked.

Quan Ruixin, pressured by Heng Cheng’s aura, took several steps back, his face darkening as he looked past Heng Cheng to Tianming.

“Looking for a beating, are you?”

Quan Ruixin’s mocking tone made it hard for Heng Cheng to contain his anger; his spear almost slipped from his grip.

“Heng Cheng! Calm down, no fighting here.” Tianming quickly stepped in front of Heng Cheng, shaking his head. Once Heng Cheng’s aura stabilized, he realized he’d been too riled. Under Tianming’s gaze, he retreated awkwardly.

“What’s the matter? Lost your nerve? Go on, fight!” Quan Ruixin shouted in frustration.

“I admire your courage! But I wonder where you get the nerve to challenge me. It’s not just you—even the dozen behind you, I don’t fear!” Tianming strode up to Quan Ruixin, unmoved by his words.

“Hmph! Anyone can talk big. If you have the guts, let’s settle this in the Martial Duel Arena!” Veins bulged on Quan Ruixin’s hand as he snorted coldly.

He showed no fear despite his embarrassment. Quan Ruixin stared at Tianming with unspeakable jealousy and resentment.

“Yes, yes!”

“If you have the guts, fight! What’s the point of bullying with status?”

“With your Tenth Grade Foundation Establishment, don’t embarrass yourself—how dare you challenge Senior Quan?”

...

Suddenly, the dozen men began to stir up the crowd. Hundreds of onlookers scrutinized Tianming, anticipation clear in their eyes for the impending duel.