Chapter 126: The Arrogant Genius

On the spectator stand, Tie Xinsheng had already arrived. To his left sat the renowned Duke Poshan, Ning Gaowu, of the Great Ren Kingdom, and beside Ning sat a young man with a swarthy complexion. To Tie Xinsheng’s right was Zhou Pulu of the Great Luo Kingdom’s Cold Armor Legion, and next to him sat Wu Qiushen, an envoy from the Great Xi Kingdom. These three envoys were of similar age, around forty—in the golden prime of their lives—and all were illustrious generals.

The Poshan Army of Ning Gaowu, the Cold Armor Legion of Zhou Pulu, and the Long Snake Army of Wu Qiushen were all qualified to be ranked among the top ten legendary armies.

Ten years ago, the foremost of these was Ye Guanhai’s Sky Wolf Legion. The Boundless Sky Wolves were, after all, high-level ferocious beasts with peerless mobility. Although Ye Xin believed his father had squandered their natural gifts by never utilizing their speed to its absolute limit, they were still terrifying enough to other armies.

Of course, the Sky Wolf Legion had never gained a significant advantage against Xiao Mozhi’s Demon Army. However, it must be understood that the Demon Army was specifically forged to counter the Sky Wolf Legion. Xiao Mozhi had exhausted his efforts, obsessed with suppressing Ye Guanhai, which was the only reason he could withstand the Sky Wolf Legion’s charge; any other army would likely have been crushed in a direct confrontation.

Tie Xinsheng was in high spirits. Ning Gaowu and the others were famous foreign generals who nonetheless paid him the homage of a subject, satisfying his vanity and pride.

At that moment, he saw a young man walk into the arena, followed slowly by Qiu Xiang. He couldn't help but be startled, then immediately realized: "That is..."

"It is indeed him," replied Shen Wangji, who was sitting behind him.

Tie Xinsheng’s eyes gleamed. He felt a deep sense of anticipation, hoping that Ye Xin would provide another surprise during the grand competition.

Only one platform was used for today’s matches. The thirty-two students who passed the preliminary round were divided according to whether their rankings were odd or even, lining up on either side of the platform, which was partitioned in the center by a massive curtain.

This time, there were familiar faces. Wei Qingfan, Tie Renhao, and Tie Huizhen were all assigned odd numbers. Tie Renhao, as expected, pretended not to see him, while Wei Qingfan and Tie Huizhen both nodded and smiled at him in greeting.

Wei Qingfan was one thing, but Tie Huizhen actually smiled at him? And so naturally and kindly? Anyone else might have been left utterly bewildered, but Ye Xin guessed Tie Xinsheng’s intentions within a moment, a trace of mockery flickering in the depths of his eyes.

Though there were royals present, Ye Xin was not the highest in status, yet his attitude remained as arrogant as ever. He had Xie En bring over a lounge chair and lay down on it comfortably, even though Tie Renhao and Tie Huizhen were standing obediently by.

Ye Xin’s actions immediately drew the attention of the spectator stand. Ning Gaowu pointed from afar toward Ye Xin: "Your Majesty, who is that?"

"Him?" Tie Xinsheng smiled, truly feeling proud of Ye Xin at that moment: "That is Ye Xin."

"The Ye Xin who killed Zhuang Buxiu of the Tiger Head Army in battle?" Ning Gaowu was greatly astonished.

"The very same," Tie Xinsheng nodded.

"This child is somewhat arrogant," Zhou Pulu frowned.

"He has the right to be arrogant," Tie Xinsheng smiled slightly. "I still possess enough magnanimity to tolerate that."

Zhou Pulu laughed. Seeing Tie Xinsheng’s protectiveness, he saw no need to argue. A mere child who managed to kill Zhuang Buxiu owed it entirely to the formidable combat power of the remnants of the Sky Wolf Legion, and Zhuang Buxiu was old besides. He was not worth his attention.

The preliminary rounds officially began. Pair after pair of students leaped onto the platform, the curtain pulled back again and again as victories and defeats were decided—some joyous, some sorrowful, repeating in cycles. The audience on the stands was enthusiastic, and with every intense burst of elemental energy on the platform, thunderous cheers erupted.

However, none of this could affect Ye Xin. He had fallen asleep again.

Strictly speaking, this was actually a superior ability, representing complete control over one’s emotions. The elites of the Heaven’s Sin Battalion could almost all do this. Sleeping on a galloping warhorse or resting before battle—even if an attack was about to be launched—they could steal a few minutes of sleep.

"Ye Xin, it’s your turn." A small hand rested on Ye Xin’s shoulder, patting it lightly.

Ye Xin opened his eyes and saw Tie Huizhen’s brilliant smile. He smiled back, then rose and headed for the platform.

Seeing Ye Xin climb the wooden ladder to the platform, Ye Ling, Wen Rong, and Shen Miao on the stands widened their eyes in shock.

"It can't be... such a coincidence, can it?" Ye Ling said with difficulty.

On the other side of the curtain, Shao Xue was rapidly spinning the chain-blades in her hands. Each blade sliced through the air with a piercing shriek; she was preparing to strike first and break her opponent’s spirit before the fight even began.

Shao Xue was conveying a message: these chain-blades were difficult to control, so he should know when to stop and not fight to the death, lest he not blame her for any injuries.

The curtain was pulled back. Catching sight of Ye Xin, Shao Xue wore an expression of disbelief. Her blade technique faltered, nearly striking herself. Fortunately, she retreated two steps just in time to barely avoid the blades.

"Why is it you..." Shao Xue’s question was identical to Shen Miao’s from the day before.

"I didn't expect it either," Ye Xin sighed.

"I don't accept this!" Shao Xue roared: "This is cheating!!"

Shao Xue’s voice echoed throughout the entire arena. The spectator stand was silent for a moment, then exploded with noise.

She was truly a model of heroic spirit! In the entire Longteng Martial Arts Academy, who didn't know Ye Xin was cheating? But no one had ever dared to say it openly! Only today, after someone posted a notice at the entrance, did someone like Shao Xue dare to uprightly accuse the academy of cheating and favoritism toward Ye Xin, which was truly worthy of admiration!

According to the rules, the Main Academy was responsible for overseeing the finals. Qiu Xiang’s face turned grim. He wanted to say something, but the noise from the stands was too great, so he had the guards beat the war drums to drown out the clamor. Once the crowd quieted down, he said slowly: "Shao Xue, who are you accusing of cheating? Do you have any evidence?"

Qiu Xiang held Ye Xin in high regard, so he had learned about Ye Xin’s small circles, and he knew Shao Xue’s name.

Everyone held their breath, waiting for Shao Xue’s earth-shattering accusation.

"Why are all of Brother Xin’s opponents members of our Fifth Battalion?" Shao Xue said loudly: "How can it be such a coincidence? Are you making us slaughter each other?!"

The eyes of those in the stands almost fell out. What kind of earth-shattering accusation was this?

Qiu Xiang was also left between laughter and tears: "Shao Xue, the order of the matches is decided by drawing lots, which all the deans can testify to. Furthermore, the draws were held separately. You are the sixth student from the Left Battalion to take the stage; are you suggesting we could force Ye Xin to also draw the sixth-place lot? Besides... this is just a normal competition at the academy. 'Slaughtering each other'... your choice of words is somewhat inappropriate, don't you think?"

"I don't care, I don't accept it!" Shao Xue still refused to yield; the coincidences were simply too excessive!

"Can we begin?" Qiu Xiang didn't want to waste any more words.

"I concede," Shao Xue said indignantly, then turned and jumped off the platform.

The spectator stand ignited once more. Those who had just felt admiration for Shao Xue now became incredibly angry. You have the nerve to say the word 'cheating'? You yourself are a party to the cheating!

"Cheating? What is going on?" Tie Xinsheng felt puzzled.

Shen Wangji recounted the events of the previous day, then added: "My Lord, it is likely because Ye Xin’s path has been too smooth, causing dissatisfaction among the other students."

"Hmph! A person not envied is a mediocre one!" Tie Xinsheng snorted coldly: "All of Ye Xin’s opponents conceded, which only proves that he truly possesses the strength to lead the troops! These young people don't think about improving themselves, but instead try their best to slander others. They are truly beyond saving!"

Tie Xinsheng had already set the tone for the matter. While other parts of the stands remained noisy, the central area was silent; no one would dare oppose Tie Xinsheng.

By noon, today’s finals had all concluded. Aside from the turmoil in Ye Xin’s group, everything else was normal, no different from previous competitions.

However, by evening, dozens more notices appeared at the Longteng Martial Arts Academy, all condemning the academy authorities and Ye Xin. At first, the students posting them were sneaky, afraid of being caught, but when one group of students accidentally bumped into some guards, the guards simply acted as if they hadn't seen them and walked away.

The students were both shocked and deeply moved. Justice truly resided in the hearts of the people! The academy leadership favored Ye Xin so heavily that even the guards couldn't stand it and let them off the hook!

After the initial emotion, the students became even more agitated, posting more notices until midnight before leaving the academy.

The guards ignored them because Qiu Xiang had already given the word. He was firm in his belief that he hadn't misjudged the man; Ye Xin would definitely win the championship. Therefore, let the children make their noise; in a few days, reality would give them a lesson they would never forget!

However, the events at the academy also alarmed Tie Xinsheng. He specifically summoned Qiu Xiang to the palace, where Qiu Xiang reported Ye Xin’s words in full detail. Tie Xinsheng laughed heartily and ceased to worry about the matter.

On the third day, the competition continued to determine the final eight. Ye Xin had no opportunity to display his arrogance; just as he had asked Xie En to bring his lounge chair, he was called to the platform first.

The curtain opened, and Tie Shudeng stood on the other side. Their eyes met, and after a moment of silence, both men laughed simultaneously.

"Third Brother, want to have a match?" Ye Xin said with a smile. He truly wanted to fight; what was the point of always winning without a battle? To him, defeating Tie Shudeng was a small matter that wouldn't expose his true capabilities.

"Not in the mood," Tie Shudeng shook his head: "There have been affairs in the palace these past few days, and I’ve been too busy to get away. You know how it is, hehehe... I am very happy, though. Shall we find a place to celebrate tonight?" Tie Shudeng was implicitly referring to the matter of the Crown Prince; he knew Ye Xin would understand.

"Alright," Ye Xin said: "If you’re paying, I’ll be there."

The people on the stands were left bewildered, and even Qiu Xiang was at a loss. Was this a friendly tea party or a grand competition? Had the two brothers come onto the platform just to reminisce?