Chapter 191: Two Nobodies Turn into Madmen
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation
Wu Yao Zu whispered, “Bro, that woman in black is staring at me again!”
Qin Ming also sensed something and replied, “I already told you, it’s just your imagination. When this happens, do you know what to do? Ignore her.”
Wu Yao Zu shot him a glance and muttered, “Bro, I think you’re destined to stay single forever.”
He then took a sharp breath of fiery mist and continued, “Wait, I concentrated more this time. What if she’s looking at your back instead? I take back what I said earlier.”
Excitement sparked in Yao Zu’s eyes as he added, “Bro, do you secretly know her and are just pretending not to? Is there some hidden history between you two?”
Yao Zu’s sharp instincts were unusual, as very few could notice that Master Wu and Tang Jin, masters of their caliber, were secretly observing them.
“Let’s go!” Qin Ming urged, quickly moving forward to stop Yao Zu from spouting nonsense. The boy had just emerged from a life-and-death ordeal and was particularly zealous when focused on something.
Yao Zu nodded, following along as he mused, “Is this what my grandma meant by the colorful world of mortals? Gatherings and separations, fleeting glances… even amidst a vast sea of people, one can find a gaze from the past unchanged. Such a meeting surpasses countless days and nights together.”
Qin Ming wanted to gag him, hastily pulling him into the crowd. He worried that Tang Jin and Master Wu’s heightened awareness might catch their conversation amidst the surrounding noise.
“Two boys with extraordinary perception, to notice even this,” remarked the Purple-Eyed Crow, breaking into cackling laughter as if hearing something amusing.
Beside it, Tang Jin, her graceful figure cloaked in flowing black robes, darkened her expression and muttered, “What are you laughing at? That’s awful!”
The crow only laughed harder, “Caw, caw, truly an unexpected encounter!”
“Shut up!” Tang Jin snapped.
Under the night sky, Mountain and River Academy buzzed with activity, teeming with people like a grand festival.
When Qin Ming spotted a vibrant, youthful “Yellow Bull Chicken,” he grinned and asked, “Senior Sister, what’s the price of tickets now?”
“Skyrocketing!” crowed Sister Crow from a treetop at a fork in the road. She was smug, though her business was booming, as she replied, “You’ll regret it now. The price has doubled.”
“Seriously?” Yao Zu’s eyes widened. He regretted not stockpiling tickets earlier—he and Qin Ming could’ve sold them today and covered their tuition fees.
Sister Crow turned her back disdainfully. “It’s true. Even I can only secure a few tickets for VIP clients through special means.”
Surrounded by buyers, she added, “Think about it—a showdown between a Quasi-Ancestor’s last disciple and an extraordinary genius who’s swept through 81 cities. It’s causing a sensation in Kun Lun City. Everyone knows about it.”
Yao Zu rubbed his hands eagerly. “Sister Crow, what if you sold tickets for me and my bro sparring instead?”
Sister Crow rolled her eyes. “You two nobodies? Even if you offered free gold with each ticket, no one would show up.”
People nearby buying tickets nodded in agreement.
“Yeah, kid, not to burst your bubble, but even if you promoted for two weeks, no one would care,” someone added.
Half-seriously, half-joking, Yao Zu boasted, “Hey, I’m not kidding. I could crush tonight’s famed geniuses into the dirt.”
“Kid, you’ve got guts!” another laughed. “Alright, I’ll wait for the day you make the headlines in the Night Report.”
“Ha! This kid talks bigger than my drunk grandpa in a wheelchair!” joked another, earning a round of laughter.
Sister Crow interjected, “Why don’t you two spend some money and buy tickets to see what a world-class prodigy looks like? Even if you don’t reach their level, just observing their aura and presence will improve you.”
Yao Zu scoffed, “Am I crazy? Spending money to watch two people who might not even be better than me fight? No way. But if you gift me tickets, I might consider it.”
Sister Crow snorted, “Then I must be insane!”
A commotion broke out nearby as a group of women passed by, sparking whispers. The lead woman carried herself with elegance, her figure alluring.
Sister Crow whispered, “See that? That’s Liu Han Ya, the most beautiful senior sister at Mountain and River Academy. She’s immensely talented and has caught the eye of the Elders of the Immortal Lands. Even she’s attending the match. If you two ever attract someone like her, then maybe I’ll sell tickets to your fights.”
“Hey, isn’t that Liu Ming Zhe and Tang Jun? Even those reclusive experts have come out to watch!”
“Look! That’s Luo Lian Qing from Flying Immortal Academy. The group with her are all formidable too, each possessing deep cultivation.”
Standing at a crossroads, Qin Ming and Yao Zu listened to the chatter, learning about numerous notable figures.
Kun Lun City was alive with excitement. The various academies and training grounds had brought their most illustrious students, stirring fervent discussions. Mountain and River Academy was abuzz like never before.
The fiery glow of the springs illuminated every corner, even the dim woods near Qin Ming and Yao Zu’s dormitories, now brightly lit.
After wandering the academy for a while, their initial excitement wore off. With no tickets, they returned to their residence, only to find it crowded with visitors, making it impossible to find peace.
“I think it’s time we stopped being so low-profile and found a better place to live,” Wu Yao Zu suggested.
Both Qin Ming and Yao Zu agreed. Their current residence had become unlivable: too noisy with all the visitors roaming around, and though they were immune to the buzzing mosquitoes, the environment was still unpleasant. Compared to this, the serene, picturesque area near the flowing Fire Spring seemed far superior. That area, reserved primarily for Immortal Path and Secret Sect disciples, was peaceful, off-limits to outsiders, and filled with scenic beauty. Although the residences were mostly taken, it wasn’t unheard of for someone to challenge a current occupant and take their place.
“Let’s go!” Without hesitation, the two packed their belongings and left, confident they wouldn’t need to return.
Ahead, the landscape unfolded like a dream. Majestic peaks adorned with Fire Spring waterfalls towered above shimmering lakes where colorful dragon carps swam. Mist swirled through bamboo groves, while the scent of ancient herbs wafted from cliffs shrouded in violet energy.
“This place is incredible!” Yao Zu exclaimed, thoroughly impressed.
Night had fallen, enhancing the area’s tranquility. The only sounds were the melodic calls of birds perched on fiery vines and the distant steps of cranes meandering across wetlands.
As they approached, a guard stepped forward to block their path. “You two, stop right there. This isn’t a place for just anyone to enter.”
“We’re here to choose a new residence,” Yao Zu stated bluntly.
The guard stared at them, momentarily stunned by their confidence. They even had their luggage with them, showing no doubt about their intentions. With a shrug, the guard allowed them through after ensuring they registered.
Walking deeper into the area, Qin Ming and Yao Zu marveled at the options. Houses nestled by the lake and residences built into the spiritual mountains were mostly occupied by Mountain and River Academy’s most famous students. Not wanting to cause unnecessary trouble, the pair decided to focus on homes currently occupied by this year’s freshmen, avoiding conflicts with senior students.
Unfortunately, their timing was less than ideal. Nearly all the students had gone to watch the much-anticipated duel, even those without tickets, eager to discuss the event and catch the results firsthand.
“There’s still over half an hour before it starts. Why is everyone so eager?” Yao Zu grumbled.
“Those two by the lake still have people in them,” Qin Ming noted, pointing ahead. A senior student, who had been guiding them, hesitated briefly, a flicker of unease crossing his face before he concealed it.
“Those houses are indeed occupied by this year’s freshmen,” the guide confirmed. “But they’re exceptionally strong.”
“As long as the place meets our requirements, nothing else matters,” Yao Zu declared.
They approached the two residences, but before they could reach them, a group of more than ten people emerged from one of the houses. Their expressions were far from welcoming as they fixed their gazes on the intruders.
The senior student escorting Qin Ming and Yao Zu quickly bowed apologetically. “They insisted on coming. My apologies for the disturbance.”
A striking young woman in yellow stepped forward, her voice sharp and laced with disdain. “Are you two joking? Are you ignorant, or just foolish? Do you even know where you are? How dare you challenge this place!”
Yao Zu bristled at her tone. “Junior Sister, your words are a bit much. Little Wu doesn’t appreciate this. Let me ask you one thing—are the residents here this year’s freshmen? If so, I’m only being polite because of Senior Brother and Senior Sister. If they’re from our class, why should I back down?”
The group, initially angry, burst into laughter. However, their amusement carried a mocking edge.
“You two must be crazy. Desperate for fame, huh? Don’t you know that not stirring trouble is the way to stay alive?”
“Kid, have you even heard about the caliber of this year’s freshmen at Mountain and River Academy? Yet here you are, running your mouth like you own the place.”
Yao Zu’s face darkened. “Enough talk. I’m not superstitious. If the owners of these houses are here, let’s settle it according to the rules. Come out and face me. My brother and I are on a tight schedule.”
The mocking laughter died instantly, replaced by cold, hostile glares. Even the woman in yellow clenched her fists tightly. To her astonishment, Yao Zu had included her house in his challenge.
The senior student who had brought them there wiped his forehead nervously. He regretted not sending the two troublemakers away earlier, but it was too late now.
A young man dressed in pristine white stepped forward. His black hair fell like a cascade, and his star-like eyes gleamed with confidence. Hands clasped behind his back, he radiated calm authority as he regarded Qin Ming and Yao Zu with a faint smile.
“There’s still some time before the duel starts,” he said. “Might as well warm up. Having sparring partners isn’t a bad idea.”
His tone was polite, but the confidence in his words bordered on arrogance. He studied the pair as though everything was within his control.
“You two can attack together,” he continued. “If you manage to beat me, these two houses will be yours.”
Yao Zu frowned. “Brother, don’t get too cocky. Talking like this makes you seem a bit arrogant. Who in our class dares to ask my brother and me to team up? Tone it down a notch. I’m just talking about our freshmen.”
The group’s expressions froze in disbelief.
“Who are these maniacs?”
“Two nobodies causing trouble here? I swear, I want to step in and slap them myself!”
The crowd’s irritation was palpable.
Yao Zu rolled his eyes, feeling wronged. Who was really being arrogant here? Hadn’t this young man been the one to underestimate him and Qin Ming first?
The white-clad youth spoke again, his tone steady. “Fine. If one of you wants to fight alone, that’s acceptable. If both of you want to come at me together, that works too. Your choice.”
Yao Zu grinned and cracked his knuckles. “I’ll handle this myself. My brother doesn’t need to step in. But Junior Sister,” he added, glancing at the woman in yellow, “since your house is involved too, feel free to team up with him against me.”
“Arrogant fool!” the crowd roared, their anger reaching its peak.
Yao Zu sighed, feeling aggrieved. He was only mimicking the white-clad youth’s tone—why was everyone acting like he was the outrageous one? Fine, then. He had nothing more to say. The only thing left was to defeat them.