C98 The Rules of the Death Match

Just moments ago, Ying Zhi swiftly reached out and batted away Dean Wang's extended hand.

Dean Wang, feeling slighted by Ying Zhi's dismissive gesture, left without a word, turning on his heel.

Once Dean Wang had departed, Ying Zhi turned to Qin Buyi and said, "That was Wang Chengfeng, one of the three esteemed deans of the College of Ming Dynasty."

"His cultivation has reached the Middle Period of the Mahayana Stage. Even my father treats him with the utmost respect."

"It's surprising that he's now considering an alliance with my elder brother."

Watching Wang Chengfeng's retreating figure, Qin Buyi remarked, "The prowess of someone in the Middle Period of the Mahayana Stage is truly immeasurable."

Qin Buyi sensed an overwhelming sense of danger emanating from Wang Chengfeng, as if a mere action from him could cause cataclysmic destruction.

As Qin Buyi and his companions waited, a new group entered the martial arts field.

Ying Zhi's gaze sharpened at the sight of them, and he quickly looked away.

Nan Tianlong gestured toward the newcomers and informed Qin Buyi, "Young Master Qin, these are the followers of the First Prince, Ying Ye."

Qin Buyi observed them with a hint of curiosity.

The First Prince, whose countenance should have been radiant, was instead shrouded in shadows.

Ignoring Ying Zhi's indifference, Ying Ye had his entourage sit down before approaching Qin Buyi alone, smiling at Ying Zhi, "Little brother, it's been too long."

Ying Zhi responded with a cold snort, offering no words in return.

Ying Ye's tone was deceptively calm yet laced with sarcasm, "Little brother, not even a greeting for your elder brother? It's no wonder those who once supported you are now flocking to others."

Ying Zhi let out a scornful laugh, "Elder brother, why speak in riddles? If they've switched sides, say it plainly—they've joined you."

Ying Ye, caught off guard by Ying Zhi's bluntness, was inwardly surprised but maintained his composure, replying smoothly:

"Birds choose the best trees for roosting, and people are no different."

Turning his attention to Qin Buyi, Ying Ye added, "This gentleman here is the one who will be undergoing the test next."

Reflecting on Qin Buyi's impressive cultivation and combat prowess, Ying Ye felt a surge of admiration for such talent and remarked:

"Young Master Qin, with your youth and skills, you're destined for greatness. Why linger on a doomed vessel?"

"Once the ship goes down, I fear even you may not escape unscathed."

"Come join me instead. I assure you, under my wing, you'll soar to new heights, commanding the elements at your will."

Ying Zhi, witnessing Ying Ye's brazen attempt to sway Qin Buyi, seethed with fury, his voice a low growl:

"Brother, this overt act is hardly fitting."

Ying Ye scoffed, "What's amiss, little brother? I'm merely guiding the gentleman towards a brighter path. Is that not so?"

Ying Zhi rose, his anger palpable, "You..."

But before Ying Zhi could finish, Qin Buyi stood, locking eyes with First Prince Ying Ye:

"Perhaps, Your Highness, you might consider joining Mr. Zhi's ranks. That too would be a step towards the light."

A flash of murderous intent crossed Ying Ye's gaze as he huffed:

"If you insist on being so unappreciative, the fault is not mine."

With that, Ying Ye turned and settled back into his seat.

Qin Buyi's refusal of Ying Ye's generous offers touched Ying Zhi deeply.

"Mr. Qin..." Ying Zhi began, moved.

"There's no need for words between us, Mr. Zhi. Our acquaintance speaks for itself," replied Qin Buyi.

...

Time flew swiftly, and before long, the moment for the test had arrived.

The arena was now packed with onlookers, both students and teachers.

Dean Wang Chengfeng ascended to the platform, surveying the contenders, and announced, "We are here to determine if Qin Buyi has what it takes to be a high-level mentor at the College of Ming Dynasty."

"The test is straightforward: Qin Buyi must defeat three high-level mentors in succession. Achieve this, and he passes."

Dean Wang then cast a seemingly concerned glance at Qin Buyi, "In combat, blades are blind, so there will be no forbearance of lethal force, nor can one concede defeat. The battle rages until one's opponent is incapacitated, ensuring both fighters give their utmost."

As Dean Wang Chengfeng's words fell, the crowd below erupted as if a pot had been violently stirred:

"There's no prohibition on killing, no surrendering—how is this any different from a fight to the death?"

"I never imagined the rules for this trial would be so brutal."

"They say the challenger, Qin Buyi, is only at the Combination Stage in his cultivation."

"What? Combination Stage? Our college's senior mentors are at least at the early phase of Tribulation Crossing. How can there be a fight with a whole stage difference?"

"My God, it's inconceivable. A Combination Stage facing a Tribulation Crossing, and under such merciless rules at that."

"This isn't a duel; it's a death sentence."

Ying Zhi's complexion soured upon hearing these murmurs. He had never anticipated Wang Chengfeng pulling such a move.

He glanced over at Ying Ye and caught him looking back, a smug smile playing at the corners of his mouth, as if he held all the cards.

Ying Zhi's fists clenched as he rose to his feet and addressed Dean Wang:

"Dean Wang, don't you think this is a bit excessive?"

Feigning surprise, Wang Chengfeng responded, "Excessive? I don't see it that way at all."

"We can't have just anyone waltzing into a Senior Mentor position at the College of Ming Dynasty."

"Therefore, the test must be stringent. If you think you're outmatched, it's not too late to concede."

Wang Chengfeng's remarks were like putting Ying Zhi on the hot seat.

Conceding now would severely damage Ying Zhi's reputation.

Yet, if he didn't concede, it was clear under these rules that they had no intention of letting Qin Buyi walk out alive.

After a moment of contemplation, Ying Zhi began with a raspy voice, "We concede..."

But before he could finish, Qin Buyi interjected, pressing down on Ying Zhi's arm, "I will face the challenge. Dean Wang, may I inquire who will determine if the opponent has lost their ability to fight?"

Wang Chengfeng answered confidently, "That would be me. Do you doubt my impartiality?"

With that, Qin Buyi instantly grasped Wang Chengfeng's intent. The man had prepared for every eventuality.

If I prove too strong, the opponent would promptly concede defeat on behalf of the senior instructor.

Should I sustain grave injuries, I fear they wouldn't let me withdraw, even at the brink of death.

Qin Buyi's brow furrowed as he spoke, "Having Dean Wang as the sole judge seems somewhat improper. Perhaps we should amend the rule?"

Wang Chengfeng's voice carried a note of displeasure, "Are you questioning my impartiality?"

Ying Zhi spared no feelings in his retort, "Indeed, I am questioning your impartiality."

Wang Chengfeng's complexion paled at Ying Zhi's blunt words, but he restrained himself from reacting openly, managing only to ask, "Young Master Qin Buyi, how would you propose we modify the rule?"

Qin Buyi suggested, "Let's have Dean Wang, Mr. Zhi, and the First Prince serve as joint arbiters."

No sooner had he spoken than the First Prince, Ying Ye, expressed his curiosity, "And how would this joint arbitration work?"

Qin Buyi elaborated, "Among the three, if even one disagrees to halt the fight, then the battle must go on."

"Until one party is utterly vanquished."

The First Prince, Ying Ye, endorsed the idea, "I like it. I'm in. Dean Wang, your thoughts?"