Supreme Sword Exalt

The crowd’s hearts skipped a beat. Seventh Brother? That has to be the Seventh Prince!

For a moment, many regretted not realizing his identity earlier. If they had, they could’ve tried to curry favor with him. However, those from the capital who knew the inside story shook their heads secretly. Do they really think the princes were all brotherly and harmonious? That couldn’t be further from the truth!

Jiang Feng clasped his fists. “Eldest Brother, I just returned and haven’t had the chance to pay my respects to you...”

Jiang Hong waved his hand dismissively. “It doesn’t matter. I heard your Extreme Cold Disease has been cured? And you’ve officially begun cultivating?”

Jiang Feng naturally wouldn’t reveal the truth. “Thanks to Elder Xue.”

Jiang Hong nodded. “Good. If the opportunity arises, I’ll personally thank him!”

“He has already left Great Qi.”

Jiang Hong didn’t seem bothered. “Is that so? However, since you’ve started cultivating, coming to the martial academy was the right choice. The path of cultivation is treacherous and full of pitfalls. As a newcomer, you naturally need guidance from a master.”

Gu Han frowned, realizing Jiang Hong’s words carried hidden meanings. He was definitely not a good person.

Jiang Hong’s smile deepened. “How about this... As your eldest brother, let me choose an instructor for you. What do you say?”

Jiang Feng was taken aback. “Eldest Brother, what—”

Ignoring his hesitation, Jiang Hong swept his gaze across the room. “In my opinion, Instructor Mei would be perfect!”

The crowd was stunned. What?! Mei... Mei Yun? That Jinx? Is the eldest prince joking?!

At that moment, the only one overjoyed was Mei Yun.

He could barely contain his grin. “What... How could this be... The Seventh Prince is of noble stature. Ah, how could I possibly have the confidence to teach him properly...”

The crowd inwardly scoffed. Get a grip! This isn’t about teaching well or not. This is about whether or not the Seventh Prince will keep his life!

In the distance, the old janitor leaned on his broom and shook his head. “Tsk... Brothers scheming against each other... what a bunch of scoundrels!”

Jiang Feng’s face flushed red. “Eldest Brother, why...”

He actually understood the situation. Given Jiang Hong’s influence, the other nine instructors would outwardly defer to him regardless of their personal thoughts. In other words, Jiang Feng no longer had a choice.

The smile on Jiang Hong’s face faded. “Seventh Brother, I heard you’ve been mingling with unsavory characters during your travels. Given your status, how could you tarnish the imperial family’s dignity like this? How unacceptable!”

The crowd was confused, but Gu Han understood. So, Jiang Hong’s real target is me!

Realizing the same, Jiang Feng protested urgently, “Eldest Brother, Brother Gu isn’t—”

Jiang Hong’s tone sharpened, cutting him off. “Seventh Brother, if you admit your mistake, I’ll give you a chance. Aside from Instructor Mei, you may choose any of the other nine instructors, or even one of the three deputy deans!”

The crowd was shocked, but more than that, they were tempted. What?! The deputy deans have never taken on students before! To receive their guidance would be an extraordinary honor!

Hearing this, Elders Wu and Feng’s brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. However, Commander Zhou remained expressionless, his thoughts unreadable.

Mei Yun froze, his face twisting into a bitter expression again. Huh? Wait... Weren’t they just saying the Seventh Prince would be my student? How can they go back on their words now?

Gu Han fell silent for a moment. He knew this wasn’t just about choosing an instructor for Jiang Feng. If he offended Jiang Hong, his future would be fraught with difficulties. Moreover, for someone who just started cultivating like Jiang Feng, the temptation of being under the three deputy deans would be immense.

He said, “Brother Jiang, you don’t have to—”

To Gu Han’s surprise, Jiang Feng didn’t hesitate. He took a deep breath and bowed respectfully to Mei Yun. “Instructor Mei, I’ll be in your care from now on!”

“Huh?” Mei Yun was overjoyed.

This whole affair had been a rollercoaster, but at least the result was perfect. For the Jinx, anyway.

He hurried over and helped Jiang Feng up. “Ah! You flatter me, Seventh Prince! Don’t worry, I swear to the heavens I’ll hold nothing back. I’ll teach you everything I know.”

The crowd winced. Everything he knows? If the prince even lived long enough to learn it!

Gu Han couldn’t help but feel touched. “Brother Jiang, I appreciate this.”

Having made his choice, Jiang Feng felt a weight lift from his shoulders and smiled. “Brother Gu, You saved my life. If I betrayed you now, how would I be any better than a beast? Besides, we’re friends, aren’t we?”

Gu Han smiled too. “Friends... Yes, we’re friends!”

With that, he suddenly clasped his fists and bowed to Mei Yun. “Instructor Mei!”

Mei Yun was stunned. “What? You too...?”

“From now on, I’ll also be under your guidance!”

Mei Yun was so excited he didn’t know where to put his hands. “Hahaha... Get up, get up! No need for such formalities between us. None at all!”

His politeness was purely out of fear that Gu Han would change his mind.

Whether it was an illusion or not, hearing Mei Yun’s hearty laughter made Gu Han feel as if a shadow passed over him. A sense of impending doom?

In the distance, Jiang Hong’s face was expressionless, then turned his gaze away, ignoring the two entirely.

As for Liu Tong and Yu Hua, their delight was unmistakable. They are digging their own graves... They have no one else to blame for their choices!

By now, the instructor selection was nearly over. Han Fu, of course, couldn’t take everyone. After picking the nine most talented and highest-level candidates, he closed his eyes indifferently.

The other instructors had groups ranging from over twenty to at least a dozen. Again, except for Mei Yun. He stared alternately between Jiang Feng and Gu Han, his face brimming with satisfaction. This is enough. A man shouldn’t be too greedy!

Commander Zhou said calmly, “In that case, let us—”

Suddenly, Elder Wu pointed to a distant corner. “Wait! There’s one more.”

Hm? The crowd turned and spotted the fatty standing far away, appearing distracted and lost in thought.

Noticing everyone’s stares, the fatty snapped back to reality. “Eh? What’s up?”

Elder Wu, ever patient, explained the situation without anger. “Young man...”

The fatty was stunned. “Selection?”

Then, he noticed Gu Han standing beside Instructor Mei. After thinking for so long, he seemed to have finally made a decision. That bastard is shameless and ruthless. I absolutely can’t afford to be his enemy. To be safe, I’ll stick close for now and observe.

So, under the crowd’s bewildered gazes, he swaggered up to Mei Yun and declared, “You’re an instructor, right? I choose you!”

Mei Yun was dumbfounded.

The crowd inhaled sharply. This fatty has a death wish too.

Gu Han explained the fatty’s identity to Jiang Feng, sighing with emotion. “Fatty, you’ve got great taste!”

The oblivious fatty scowled. “Nonsense! My taste has always been impeccable! Hey... do you agree or not? Give me an answer!”

Mei Yun was nearly delirious with joy. “I agree! I agree! But no take-backs!”

The fatty waved a hand. “I wouldn’t dream of it! My word is my bond!”

Mei Yun grinned from ear to ear, glancing at the other instructors, suddenly emboldened. “Excellent! Then, it’s settled! Who said I only bring bad luck? Step forward if you dare!”

It was only then that the fatty realized something was off. “Wait! You’re... named Mei Yun?”

“Young man, I am your instructor. Show some respect! Though...” Mei Yun feigned displeasure, but quickly backpedaled, afraid the fatty might change his mind. “If you prefer, you can call me Brother Mei.”

The fatty stood frozen, blinking rapidly. “I’m doomed!”

Although he didn’t know Mei Yun’s reputation, the name alone sent chills to his bones. I knew it! That bastard only brings bad luck!

Mei Yun babbled on. “You promised! No take-backs...”

The fatty nearly cried.

Nearby, Jiang Feng studied the fatty curiously. So this was the lucky fatty? If his luck can offset Instructor Mei’s curse...

Commander Zhou said again, silencing the murmurs. “Enough! Since the enrollment is complete, then—”

Jiang Hong, who had been silent until now, interrupted. “Wait.”

Commander Zhou showed no annoyance at being cut off. “Your Highness, what are your orders?”

Jiang Hong’s gaze swept the crowd. “I think this is all rather dull.”

“Dull?”

Jiang Hong smiled. “Indeed. The martial academy’s rule is ‘the strong are revered.’ Since we’re welcoming new students—who are all elites of Great Qi—why not let them spar? The instructors can then identify the best for focused training. This’ll also give us an edge in future competitions against the other nine nations.”

Elder Wu frowned. “The academy trial is in half a month. A competition seems unnecessary right now.”

Elder Feng nodded. “Agreed. And there’s no precedent...”

Commander Zhou shook his head. “It’s fine. His Highness makes a valid point. The academy’s resources are plentiful, but not for the weak. The strong deserve priority. What do all of you say?”

The instructors readily agreed as they also wanted to gauge their new students’ abilities. Upon seeing their approval, Elders Wu and Feng’s expressions darkened, but they didn’t object further.

Commander Zhou asked again. “Your Highness, how shall the matches proceed?”

Jiang Hong said coolly, “It’s simple. Ten instructors, ten groups. Their students will challenge each other. The one with the most wins takes first place!”

Every eye turned to Instructor Mei. Even a blind man could see that this was targeted.

However, Jiang Hong wasn’t finished. “Of course, a competition needs stakes! The top winner may select a low-grade Earth-tier technique from the academy’s archives. I’ll also personally award them a supreme-grade spirit item. What do you think?”

A supreme-grade spirit item was worth at least tens of thousands of essence crystals, and a low-grade Earth-tier technique was among the best in Great Qi. The already eager crowd’s eyes burned with desire.

Unlike the others’ excitement, Mei Yun looked miserable. “Your Highness, this isn’t fair.”

He’d finally gathered three precious students. If they got hurt, he’d be heartbroken.

Jiang Hong shot him a glance. “Instructor Mei, a cultivator must never fear battle. If they shy from competition, why join the martial academy? They might as well leave now and spare Great Qi the embarrassment!”

Mei Yun was rendered speechless. “I...”

The fatty couldn’t hold back. Fuming, he unleashed his full fury at Jiang Hong’s provocation. “Oh? Who’s this redhead?”

Silence.

Red... head?

Gu Han said casually, “Fatty, watch your words. He’s the eldest prince, born with the Fire Spirit Physique. He’s very powerful.”

The fatty feigned shock. “Powerful? Says who?”

“I don’t know. Maybe himself?”

“Tsk. Would you call yourself powerful?”

“I wouldn’t. You?”

The fatty deliberately eyed Jiang Hong. “Definitely not. So who goes around boasting they’re powerful?”

In perfect sync, Gu Han and the fatty declared, “A shameless bastard!”