Master of Nine Stars

Rong Taotao: ???

’Are you really just going to throw me to the wolves, Old Ghost Xia?’

’I fucking slept for a full 16 days, was stuck in bed for another 3, and I just got out of the hospital today!!!’

Xia Fangran chuckled, and said with a tone full of Yin-Yang Strange Qi, ”Speaking of which, wasn’t Rong Taotao ranked second in the whole grade during the entrance exams? I’m guessing the school just thought he was too strong, so he didn’t need to compete against a bunch of small fry, right?”

A buzz swept through the edges of the Martial Arts Arena as the crowd erupted, voices rising from all sides!

The upperclassmen who had come to watch the competition had priceless expressions on their faces as they lapped up the drama. They suddenly realized that what was happening off the stage was far more exciting than the competition itself...

”Of course I know he’s ranked second!” The buzz-cut youth, Ji Qingmei, seized the opportunity and said, ”We may have lost to Shilou and Shilan, but that was just a bit of bad luck. Our overall strength isn’t any weaker than theirs!

”If we can take down the second-ranked student, it’ll prove we have the strength to enter the Soul Class too! We’ll also be able to be based in the Martial Arts Arena and enjoy the training benefits!

”If we win, the teachers should give us another chance to prove ourselves! Instead of making us wait until the end of next semester!”

Ji Qingmei’s words made the other students understand his actions. The Martial Arts Arena was only open at scheduled times, but the students of the Soul Class, who studied and rested inside the Martial Arts Hall, had an unspoken advantage over everyone else.

It was somewhat understandable that this youth would resort to any means to be based in the Martial Arts Arena. After all, he was doing it for his training, for his future.

By violating school rules and publicly challenging the system like this, who knew what kind of trouble Ji Qingmei was stirring up for himself down the road.

But one thing was certain: at this moment, Ji Qingmei couldn’t care about anything else. In his young heart, the only thing on his mind was this sacred ground for training!

”Well now? Not bad, kid. You’ve got guts, I like it!” Xia Fangran chuckled, then turned to Rong Taotao, fanning the flames. ”Say something. What’s wrong... did your internet die? Or are you on mute?”

A million questions flooded Rong Taotao’s mind. ’Xia Fangran knows I have a Lotus petal. Isn’t he obviously playing with fire?’

’What if someone gets hurt?’

’Is Xia Fangran banking on me being able to control myself and not release the Lotus? This...’

Under everyone’s watchful gaze, Rong Taotao frowned deeply and had no choice but to speak up. ”A one-on-one?”

Ji Qingmei: ”A one-on-one? On what grounds? The school’s assessment is based on team battles!”

Rong Taotao: ”My teammate isn’t here.”

Ji Qingmei immediately shot back, ”Like I said, that’s your problem! You should take responsibility for it, not try to bend the rules the school already established!”

’You...’

Rong Taotao suddenly looked up at the relentless Ji Qingmei, his anger flaring. ”Fine. It’s my problem!”

Ji Qingmei: ”You’re damn right! It is your problem. Any questions? Don’t go blaming everyone else for your own issues!”

Rong Taotao’s expression darkened, a rare sight, and he nodded. ”Alright! Everything is my problem!

”But you better remember this!

”After the fight, if you end up seriously injured in the hospital, that’s going to be *your* problem!”

Ji Qingmei shrugged. ”Fine by me. I’m not like you. I take responsibility!”

”Cut the crap. I’ll see you in the arena! And I’m telling you right now, if I don’t send you to see Dong Dongdong today, I’ll quit the Soul Class myself!” Rong Taotao swore, sounding just like a certain famous teacher. ”While I was out there saving lives for the Soul School, you were still in your dorm sleeping soundly in your little boxers!”

Nearby, Xia Fangran, who had been avidly enjoying the drama, felt his expression stiffen slightly...

...

There will be another Chapter at 8 PM. I’m more than halfway through writing it. From the looks of it, it’s projected to be 5,500-6,000 characters. I’m working hard on it and trying to make it as exciting as possible.