Chapter 269 The Wind Rises! All the Academy's Prodigies Arrive!

The speed at which news spread...

...was faster than Jiang Yun's footsteps toward the Colosseum.

While the figures of Jiang Yun and Chu Yunfei were still traversing the mountain paths, that earth-shattering declaration—

"Anyone below amethyst rank! You are all welcome to challenge me!"

—had already turned into countless invisible ripples, centered on the Heaven Pillar Peak mountain gate and frantically spreading toward the entire Sky Dome Academy!

"What?!"

"That newly promoted Heavenly Saint Student, Jiang Yun, is challenging all the academy's prodigies at the Colosseum?!"

"below amethyst rank, all may come and fight?! Is he insane?!"

Shocked cries exploded across the various branch institutes.

Students flipping through records in the Library Pavilion suddenly looked up.

Ancient texts slipped from their hands.

Even some students who were in secluded cultivation in quiet rooms were disturbed by the clamor coming from outside, frowning as they emerged to inquire.

"Arrogant! Too arrogant!"

A student from the Beast Taming Institute, wearing a crimson uniform, slammed the table and stood up, his face full of resentment.

"A newly enrolled Low-tier Gold Rank, even if he has an SSS-Rank Talent, how dare he make such a wild boast? Does he think the thousands of prodigies in our Sky Dome Academy are just for show?!"

"Let's go! Let's go see!"

His companion's eyes flashed with a light of excitement and defiance.

"I want to see with my own eyes exactly what kind of Prodigy this Legendary Heavenly Saint Student is, to dare be so insolent!"

Similar scenes were playing out in every corner.

Curiosity, doubt, defiance, anger, and the simple desire to watch the spectacle intertwined, forming a surging tide of people.

Countless figures left their original positions.

From all directions.

They flocked toward the Colosseum on the eastern side of the academy.

It wasn't just students.

Some teaching instructors and deacon Elders responsible for managing various areas also showed looks of shock after hearing the news.

"Challenging all the students in the academy?"

The Formation Plate in the hand of a white-bearded old man, who was currently teaching several students the basics of Formations, trembled slightly, nearly disrupting the spiritual runes he was sketching.

He looked up, gazing toward the Colosseum.

Surprise and deep thought flashed in his eyes.

"This Heavenly Saint Student has quite a fierce temperament. Only... where does this confidence come from?"

"Interesting."

Inside the Pill Institute.

In the corridor filled with the fragrance of medicinal herbs.

A female teacher with a gentle face...

...but a deep Aura, had a slight curve at the corner of her mouth.

"The Heavenly Saint Student personally appointed by the Head Dean is stirring up a storm on his first day. Dean Medicine Dust Son seemed to mention it just now... Oh well, this furnace of Mind-Clearing Pills has just reached the nurturing stage; it won't hurt to take a moment to watch the fun."

Even the various Inner Court Deans who had just returned from the plaza.

Before their seats were even warm.

They once again swept their Divine Sense across the academy.

Sensing the abnormal convergence of people and the clamor.

They couldn't help but cast a bit of attention.

Deep within the Beast Taming Institute.

Zhan Qiong's burly body stood like a mountain by the Training Ground, watching several rare tamed beasts engaged in fierce combat. There wasn't much expression on his rugged face, but a sharp light flickered in his eyes.

"below amethyst rank, all may come and fight? Heh, the kid has quite a mouth."

He did not move.

But a vast Divine Sense had already spread out quietly.

Enveloping the area of the Colosseum.

The Artifact Institute.

Dean Tie Kuang was standing bare-chested before a scorching Artifact Refining furnace, sparks flying as he swung a giant hammer, striking a red-hot metal ingot.

Hearing the low-voiced report from an Elder beside him.

The movements of his hands didn't stop for a moment.

Only his booming laughter caused the furnace fire to flicker slightly.

"Haha! This Heavenly Saint Student is wild enough! He has a bit of the spirit I had back in the day! I love this kind of temperament where if you're not satisfied, you just fight! It's much better than those shady bastards who plot and calculate all day! Fight! Fight hard! Fight to make a name for yourself! Status and position are all fought for!"

Although he didn't leave the Artifact Refining room.

He had clearly diverted a thread of his mind.

The Formation Institute.

Dean Dean of Array Department Xuan Jizi sat cross-legged in the center of a massive Formation diagram circulating with countless points of light, his fingers unconsciously calculating.

Dao charms flowed around him.

As if he were one with the Formation diagram beneath him.

"A variable... indeed, a massive variable."

He whispered to himself, his eyes reflecting the complex and changing Formation patterns.

"This move seems arrogant and impulsive, but in reality... it aligns with some sort of unstoppable momentum? Interesting, let us watch how it unfolds."

The Rune Institute, the Appraisal Institute... one after another, gazes—some open, some hidden, some carrying curiosity, some scrutiny, and some with deep-seated calculations—all turned toward the Colosseum that was about to become the focus.

At the same time.

Deep within the academy, atop a hidden mountain peak where mist swirled and Spiritual Qi turned into a literal spring flowing gurglingly.

A simple octagonal pavilion stood quietly.

By the stone table in the pavilion.

Dean Ming Jing, in a plain robe, was leisurely sipping tea.

Opposite him stood Jiang Yun's deacon Elder, respectfully.

Si Bo.

"Dean, all affairs for the Heavenly Saint Student have been arranged according to the highest specifications. The Restrictions of the Holy Son Courtyard on Heaven Pillar Peak have all been activated. The permission Jade Slip, the 'Tianqiong Myriad Phenomenon Map,' and the relevant resource quota list have also been delivered."

Si Bo reported in a steady voice.

But there was a hint of imperceptible worry between his brows.

"However... just now, the Sacred Student publicly declared at the mountain gate, challenging all the academy's prodigies... He is currently heading to the Colosseum. This matter has caused a sensation throughout the academy, and it is feared that the gathering of students will exceed several thousand. Chu Yunfei is at Gold Rank Six, and his tamed beast, the Sky-Swallowing Sun Moon Wolf, is exceptionally fierce. Moreover, with this challenge, there are fears that other Earth Rank or even stronger students will follow with successive challenges... This subordinate is worried whether we need to step in and intervene slightly to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control or affecting the Sacred Student's safety?"

Hearing this, Dean Ming Jing...

...the white jade teacup in his hand paused slightly.

Then, a knowing smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

He slowly set down the teacup.

He waved his hand, his tone indifferent but unquestionable.

"No need."

He looked out at the churning sea of clouds outside the pavilion.

As if he could pierce through space.

To see that boisterous Colosseum.

"The Head Dean has already given clear instructions."

Dean Ming Jing said slowly.

There was a hint of deep meaning in his voice.

"As long as it does not threaten his life, and does not violate the fundamental iron laws of the academy, we must not arbitrarily interfere in any of Jiang Yun's actions within the academy as a Heavenly Saint Student."

"His path needs to be walked by himself. His prestige needs to be established by himself. The protection of others will only dull his edge and constrain his growth."

Dean Ming Jing looked at Si Bo.

"Moreover, do you really think a little fellow who could make the Testing Stone explode repeatedly and be personally granted the title of Heavenly Saint by the Head Dean would be a reckless man with courage but no wisdom? Since he dares to make such a statement, he must have something to rely on. We need only watch the situation unfold."

Si Bo's heart shook slightly, and he quickly bowed.

"This subordinate understands."

"Mhm, you may go. Just monitor from the shadows; unless it is a life-or-death moment, you must not intervene."

Dean Ming Jing instructed.

"Yes."

Si Bo bowed respectfully.

His figure slowly receded into the mist and vanished.

Tranquility returned to the pavilion once more.

Dean Ming Jing poured himself a fresh cup of tea. Amidst the curling tea fragrance, he whispered to himself, his eyes flashing with a light of expectation and curiosity.

"Since the recorded history of the Human Race, those with SSS-Rank Talents can be counted on one's fingers. Every single one, as long as they did not perish midway, almost all reached the absolute peak of the Human Race, becoming pillars of their regions and leading an era."

"This little fellow named Jiang Yun..."

He picked up the teacup and took a small sip.

"Just what kind of thing is your SSS-Rank Talent? Is it beast strengthening? Is it rule affinity? Or is it some even more bizarre and unpredictable ability? And what exactly gives you the confidence to say such shocking words as 'anyone below amethyst rank is welcome to challenge me'?"

"I... am actually quite curious."

As the words fell.

Dean Ming Jing closed his eyes. An invisible and intangible, yet vast-as-the-ocean Divine Sense power silently spread out, crossing space and steadily covering the boiling Colosseum on the eastern side of the academy.

He wanted to see with his own eyes.

This beacon fire ignited by the new Heavenly Saint Student.

Exactly what kind of world it would burn into existence!

...Sky Dome Academy occupied a vast area.

Palaces, pavilions, mountain maples, and lakes were scattered everywhere.

But Jiang Yun already had the complete imprint of the Tianqiong Myriad Phenomenon Map in his mind, and the path to the Colosseum was crystal clear.

He walked with a composed pace.

Neither fast nor slow, he walked along the wide bluestone main road.

Behind him.

Followed the dark-faced, fierce-eyed Chu Yunfei and his several lackeys.

Further back.

Was a grand, ever-growing tide of people!

Like a rolling snowball, it grew from hundreds to over a thousand, and then to nearly two thousand!

The clamor, the discussions, and the shouts merged into a massive wave of sound, sweeping over every building and road along the way.

Many students and handymen who were originally unaware were attracted by this earth-shaking commotion. They poked their heads out to look, and after a little inquiry, were immediately dumbfounded, subsequently joining this flood without hesitation.

"My god! So many people? Are they all going to watch the Heavenly Saint Student fight?"

"Nonsense! The first battle of an SSS-Rank Talent, and a public challenge to the whole academy at that! This kind of spectacle is a once-in-a-century event!"

"Hurry, hurry! If we're late, I'm afraid all the good spots will be gone!"

The flow of people was surging, their momentum startling.

When Jiang Yun finally saw the Colosseum ahead, a circular structure built of massive black rocks that looked like an ancient giant beast crouching...

The crowd following behind him had reached a terrifying number, a dark mass of moving heads and sky-shaking clamor.

The massive entrance of the Colosseum was like an open beast's mouth.

Constantly swallowing the surging crowd.

Jiang Yun's expression was calm as he took the lead and stepped inside.

Chu Yunfei gave a cold snort and followed closely behind.

As this massive flow of people poured into the interior of the Colosseum, this giant venue, capable of holding thousands, had its stands filled at a speed visible to the naked eye!

The noisy waves of sound echoed and layered within the circular venue, becoming increasingly deafening.

Almost half the scholars in the academy, as long as they had no urgent business, seemed to have gathered here!

Dense crowds of heads moved about.

Various colors of institute uniforms were mixed together.

Forming a boiling ocean.

The air was filled with a hot atmosphere of excitement, expectation, doubt, and curiosity.

Throughout the stands.

Some figures with Auras clearly stronger than Common scholars, either sitting or standing in various poses, also quietly appeared.

Some occupied a small area alone, with no one daring to approach.

Some were in groups of three or five, talking in low voices, their sharp gazes directed toward the arena.

These.

These were the true elites of Sky Dome Academy, experts at the top of the Earth Rankings, and there might even be hidden Amethyst Rank Prodigies who had yet to challenge the Heaven Rankings!

In a somewhat remote corner of the stands at the very edge of the Colosseum, near the entrance.

Several youths, travel-worn and with faces still carrying some of the restraint and curiosity of newcomers to a large Provincial City academy, were squeezed together.

Their clothing was not luxurious, and their Auras were mostly at the Bronze Rank. Compared to the provincial Tianqiong scholars around them, who were at least at the Bronze Peak, mostly Silver Rank, and many at Gold Rank, they seemed somewhat out of place.

If Jiang Yun were to see them, he would certainly be surprised.

Because these few were exactly those who came with Jiang Yun from C City.

Zhao Tiezhu, Lin Kuo, Xiao Yutian, and other C City Geniuses who had obtained admission qualifications through the competition.

Being newcomers.

Unfamiliar with the place and deeply feeling the gap between themselves and the provincial Geniuses, the few from the same place naturally stayed close to each other for mutual warmth.

Hearing today that the SSS-Rank Talent Heavenly Saint Student, who had caused a sensation throughout the academy, would publicly accept a challenge at the Colosseum, they were both shocked and filled with infinite curiosity and yearning. Thinking they could witness the style of a top Genius and perhaps gain some insight, they followed the crowd here.

After finally finding a few empty seats in a peripheral corner, they sat down with a sigh of relief, craning their necks and looking with anticipation at the empty but pressure-filled center of the Colosseum, discussing in low voices.

"Heavenly Saint Student... SSS-Rank Talent... a Prodigy who can cause a sensation in the entire academy... it's truly unimaginable."

Xiao Yutian sighed, his eyes full of longing.

"I wonder what kind of battle it will be; it's sure to be spectacular!"

Lin Kuo clenched his fists.

Zhao Tiezhu scratched his head honestly.

"I wonder what this Heavenly Saint Student looks like; he must be very imposing!"

However.

Before their words had even faded.

An extremely impatient, contemptuous, and arrogant voice splashed over their heads like cold water.

"Hey! You guys! Where did you hicks come from? Don't you know the rules? Get out of here! Is this a place where trash like you can sit?!"

The group was stunned by the sound and turned their heads in shock.

They saw three figures standing beside them at some point.

Leading them was a youth about seventeen or eighteen years old. His face still looked immature, but his brow was full of arrogance.

He wore a blue brocade robe made of high-quality material and embroidered with dark gold cloud patterns. The jade pendant at his waist shimmered with spiritual light, showing at a glance that he had an extraordinary status and great wealth.

The Aura fluctuations emanating from him.

Had impressively reached the High-tier Gold Rank level!

Although he seemed to have just been promoted and his Aura fluctuated slightly, that Gold Rank pressure was already as heavy as a mountain to Zhao Tiezhu and the others, who were only at the Silver Rank.

Behind the youth.

Followed two young men in their early twenties.

Their attitude was respectful but tinged with flattery.

Clearly, they were followers.

The Auras of the two were also around Low-tier Gold Rank. At this moment, they were crossing their arms, staring unkindly at Zhao Tiezhu and the others, their eyes as if looking at some eyesore ants.

Zhao Tiezhu's face flushed, and a surge of hot blood rushed to his head.

They had clearly found this spot first, and there were other scattered empty seats around. The other party was clearly looking for trouble on purpose.

He was honest by nature.

He couldn't help but stiffen his neck and say.

"This... this classmate, we came to this spot first. Over there, there are still empty seats over there, you guys..."

"Shut up!"

The brocade-robed youth frowned and interrupted sharply.

He didn't even bother to look in the direction Zhao Tiezhu was pointing.

The look of disgust on his face grew stronger.

"Who is your classmate? Don't try to act familiar with this young master! Here first? So what? The spot this young master takes an interest in is mine! Didn't you hear me tell you to get lost?"

A follower with triangular eyes beside him immediately stepped forward, pointing at Zhao Tiezhu's nose, his spit almost spraying onto his face.

"Kid, keep your eyes open! Do you know who this is? Young Master Qianyuan of the Feng Family's direct line! Is he someone you hicks from some backwater can talk back to? If you don't get lost, believe it or not, we'll make it so you can't stay in Sky Dome Academy?"

Feng Qianyuan! A member of the Feng Family!

When Zhao Tiezhu, Lin Kuo, and the others heard this.

Their faces instantly turned pale.

Although they hadn't been in the Provincial City for long, they had heard of the Feng Family's name; it was one of the true giants and behemoths of the Provincial City!

Far beyond what any Family in C City could compare to.

This youth before them was actually from the Feng Family's direct line.

No wonder he was so arrogant and overbearing.

A huge sense of humiliation and powerlessness gripped their hearts.

In C City.

They were also sought-after Geniuses.

When had they ever suffered such face-to-face humiliation?

But here.

In the Provincial City, in Sky Dome Academy.

Their bit of strength and background.

Meant absolutely nothing.

Xiao Yutian tugged at Zhao Tiezhu's sleeve.

"Iron Pillar, forget it... let's go."

His voice trembled, full of fear.

Lin Kuo also bit his lip hard.

But didn't dare to lash out.

Seeing their angry but fearful, shivering appearance, a flash of pleasure and disdain crossed Feng Qianyuan's face.

"Hmph, trash is trash."

Feng Qianyuan sneered.

He waved his hand as if shooing away flies.

"Hurry up and get lost! Don't be an eyesore here! Say one more word and I'll break your legs!"

As his voice fell.

As if to completely intimidate them, or perhaps purely to show off his superiority, he suddenly took half a step forward!

Boom!!!

A powerful Aura belonging to the High-tier Gold Rank exploded without reservation, like an invisible heavy hammer, ruthlessly smashing into Zhao Tiezhu and the others!

Pfft!

Zhao Tiezhu bore the brunt of it. His chest felt as if it had been hit by a heavy blow; he let out a muffled groan, and a sweet taste rose in his throat. He forcibly suppressed the surging blood and Qi, but his face was already deathly pale. He staggered back two steps, bumping into the railing of the stands.

Lin Kuo, Xiao Yutian, and the others were even worse off. Struck by this Aura, they felt their blood and Qi flow backward, their Spiritual Qi fall into chaos, and their vision go black. They were almost unable to stand, collapsing miserably into their seats or against them, looking wretched.

The surrounding scholars were attracted by the commotion.

They looked over.

But seeing it was Feng Qianyuan, most eyes showed wariness or understanding, and they immediately looked away as if they had seen nothing. No one was willing to offend a young master of the Feng Family for a few strange scholars.

Moreover, he was a Prodigy in the top fifty of the Earth Rankings.

Feeling the surrounding indifferent or implicitly mocking gazes, Zhao Tiezhu and the others were filled with shame and indignation. Their faces burned with pain, which was even harder to bear than the impact of the Aura just now.

It was the pain of having one's dignity completely trampled and crushed underfoot.

Looking at their wretched appearance, a cruel and proud curve hooked the corner of Feng Qianyuan's mouth, as if he were admiring his own masterpiece.

He tilted his chin slightly.

Coldly spat out one last word from between his teeth.

"Scram!"

This one word.

Was like a red-hot iron.

Searing into the hearts of Zhao Tiezhu and the others.

In the end.

Under the pressure of the absolute gap in strength and the prominent background, the last flicker of resistance was extinguished.

Zhao Tiezhu gritted his teeth tightly. He reached out to help up the pale-faced Lin Kuo and Xiao Yutian, while the others also supported each other. They bowed their heads and, amidst the mocking gazes of Feng Qianyuan and his followers and the faint whispers around them, they left that corner of the stands as miserably and staggeringly as stray dogs.

They had originally come with expectations and yearnings for the battle of Geniuses, but now they were left only with hearts full of humiliation, resentment, and a deep awareness of their own weakness.