Chapter 374: Quarter-Final Battle
There were certain differences in the way branch and direct descendants were treated. For example, if Chu Yunfan was on the same side as Chu Xuelian and was willing to be roped in, the Chus would definitely arrange a good instructor for him. But there was a gap between him and Chu Xuelian.
Therefore, Chu Yunfan was not willing to accept the Chus’ help in this matter. He could rely on himself and did not need help from others. To him, the Chus was a place he could take shelter from the wind and rain, but he did not want to get too involved with them. A large family had the advantages of a large family, but there were too many twists and turns.
Therefore, Chu Yunfan would rather maintain an ambiguous relationship with them. He could use the face of the Chu family as a banner without getting too involved. This was for the best.
Before coming to Federation University, Chu Yunfan heard that the Jiangs had withdrawn the bounty they had placed on him. It was due to pressure from the Chu family. Although he was no longer afraid of the Jiangs’ bounty, there were others who would continue to offer a reward for him. This would continue to be a rather troublesome matter.
Moreover, Shanhe Alchemy had also received some help from the Chu family’s forces in Calm Ocean City. Everything was proceeding even smoother now. It could be said that he had the green light in all the governmental departments. These were the benefits that the Chu family could offer him from the shadows.
Of course, there was no such thing as a free lunch in this world. After taking these benefits, Chu Yunfan would inevitably have to return them in the future. But compared to the care that he was receiving at his current stage of development, those were nothing.
“Students!”
As a voice rang out, a figure appeared in the ring. All the students in the stadium stood up, bowed, and chorused, “Greetings, Chancellor!”
Chu Yunfan and the other seven also bowed and greeted the man.
This person was none other than the chancellor of Federation University, Zhang Wuji.
Different from the last time, the projection of Zhang Wuji gave Chu Yunfan the feeling of an ordinary old man next door. But it was because of this that Chu Yunfan felt the chancellor was extraordinary.
All of one’s strengths in the real world could be projected into the virtual world, and Zhang Wuji was one of the top experts in the entire human society. Although he did not dare to say that he was the number one, everyone acknowledged that he at very least was ranked in the top ten. How could a person of this level be as ordinary as an old man next door? This did not make sense.
Even with Chu Yunfan’s current perceptive ability, he could not sense the slightest fluctuation of True Energy. Zhang Wuji’s strength had probably already broken through the horizon and was above the Innate Stage. He was an expert with supernatural powers.
“Everyone, please take a seat. Today, I’m here to observe the students of Federation University. Each generation proves to be stronger than the last. Today, all of you can take pride in having secured a place here. Tomorrow, the university will take pride in having students such as yourselves,” Zhang Wuji said.
Zhang Wuji continued to encourage the students, but he did not stay for long. After all, he was the chancellor of Federation University and occupied a high position and authority. He had a lot on his plate and would naturally not be able to stay long.
And with Zhang Wuji’s words, the battle for the top eight in the competition for instructors finally began.
The eight were sent to their matches. Chu Yunfan’s vision blurred and he appeared inside one of the rings. Almost immediately, his opponent appeared in front of him as well. He too was a swordsman who wielded a saber and was dressed in all black. He looked to be about eighteen or nineteen and was slightly taller than Chu Yunfan.
“My name is Wang Lin. You should be Chu Yunfan,” the swordsman said as he cupped his hands in greeting.
“That’s right.” Chu Yunfan nodded.
“I’ve heard about you. It’s a miracle for an eighth-level Energy Refinement Stage cultivator to reach this stage. However, your miracle is about to come to an end in my hands. What a pity,” Wang Lin said. His words were filled with pity for Chu Yunfan.
“Many people said the same thing before, but they still lost to me in the end,” said Chu Yunfan with a faint smile.
“I’m different from them.” Wang Lin shook his head.
“I don’t think there’s any difference between you and them,” Chu Yunfan retorted.
“You’re very arrogant. What a pity. In front of me, all your arrogance is meaningless,” Wang Lin said as he pointed his saber at Chu Yunfan, “You’re a martial artist. You are not a swordsman. You’re not a swordsman, yet you use a saber. You don’t understand the subtleties of saber techniques.”
“Indeed, I’m not a swordsman. To me, saber techniques are just a way to explore martial arts. They’re just tools,” Chu Yunfan said calmly, “Humans are different from animals because humans employ the use of tools.”
When Wang Lin heard Chu Yunfan’s words, he frowned. “What a pity. I’ve watched your battles. You have exquisite saber techniques, but you’re not a swordsman. Such a pity, such a pity!”
“There’s nothing to pity. Let’s begin!” Chu Yunfan said. He knew that it was useless to say more. Between the two of them, there was nothing to say.
Boom!
Wang Lin’s body emitted an aura that was as terrifying as a mountain or the sea. The saber in his hand instantly struck out. At this moment, he seemed to have changed somehow. He was no longer a human but was like a saber instead.
The path of swordsmen was different from ordinary martial artists. Ordinary martial artists only treated their swords as tools. However, these swordsmen treated their swords as if it was their whole world. And because they were sincere in their swordplay, they were often able to unleash power far beyond the hands of those of the same cultivation level.
And Wang Lin was undoubtedly a genius who had learned the arts of swords. His strength was much more terrifying compared to Yuan Fei which Chu Yunfan had previously defeated. Wang Lin was already close to the peak of the ninth level of the Energy Refinement Stage.
When Wang Lin’s saber was about to land a strike on Chu Yunfan’s body, Chu Yunfan made his move. He unsheathed his saber and instantly blocked Wang Lin’s attack.
Clang!
With a loud clang, Chu Yunfan blocked Wang Lin’s saber. But Wang Lin was not repelled by Chu Yunfan’s monstrous strength like his previous enemies. Chu Yunfan’s terrifying energy did not freeze him to the spot. Chu Yunfan could not gain an advantage.
“I’ve said before that I’m different from them. Pity. Your monstrous strength is indeed terrifying. I reckon that even an Acquire Stage expert would have some trouble with you. However, I’m different. You can’t defeat me with this level of strength alone!”
Wang Lin roared. At this moment, his aura rose to the extreme. He had dominated the entire ring. Among the experts of the ninth level of the Energy Refinement Stage, there was no doubt that he was one of the best.