Chapter 186: Ye Beixuan: Has Little Junior Brother Been Reading Too Many Books?

Words : 1570 Updated : Oct 1st, 2025

“How is this possible? How could that guy possibly qualify as one of the top ten seeded disciples for the Outer Academy Grand Competition?” Under the Sword Dao Institute’s bulletin board at Wendao Academy, Suqing stared at the list of top ten seeds, her tone and gaze filled with disbelief at seeing Ye Beixuan’s name standing out among them. A male disciple standing beside her noticed her doubt and kindly asked, “Junior Sister, who do you think doesn’t deserve a spot on this list? Tell us, so we can discuss it together.” Feeling the warmth in his gaze, Suqing pursed her lips and said confidently, “It’s Ye Beixuan from the Miscellaneous Dao Institute. The other nine seeds, all chosen by the seven major institutes, are famous disciples. Even if we haven’t seen them in person, we’ve heard of their feats. But this Ye Beixuan has no record at all—how could he possibly be one of the top seeds?” With that, she swept her eyes over her fellow disciples nearby, hoping for their agreement. To her surprise, everyone looked at her with a strange expression. Even that kind senior brother looked a little embarrassed. “Junior Sister, you’re only in your third year at Wendao Academy, right?” Suqing nodded slightly. “That’s right.” “No wonder,” The kind senior brother said, “You probably haven’t heard about the last Three Academies Competition. The Miscellaneous Dao Institute took first place in both the True Disciple and Inner Academy divisions. Even though Senior Brother Wang only got third in the Outer Academy, their overall performance was the best by far. And Senior Brother Cao, who didn’t get an Inner Academy seed last time, swept through all opponents to take the championship. So the Miscellaneous Dao Institute having a seed spot for this Outer Academy competition is only natural. In fact, I think one spot is too few.” As he spoke, the others chimed in as well. “That’s right. I think the Miscellaneous Dao Institute should have two seeded disciples.” “We just don’t want to be like the Inner Academy seniors, who have no real competition experience.” “...” ??? Suqing was full of confusion. “But those two from the Miscellaneous Dao Institute also joined Wendao Academy just three years ago, like me.” The kind senior brother didn’t get upset. He replied with envy, “But the moment they joined the Miscellaneous Dao Institute, they were taught by a Half-Saint. The ones teaching us are only elders at the Path Union Realm, or at most, stewards at the Spirit Nurturing Realm, and it’s always one-on-one guidance. From the moment we became disciples, we were already on a completely different level compared to those in the Miscellaneous Dao Institute.” Others around them echoed his words. “Yeah, I really envy the disciples of the Miscellaneous Dao Institute. If I can get into the top ten this time, I’ll definitely try to join them.” “Don’t dream—you belong in the External Affairs Institute.” “How dare you underestimate me! Take my sword!” Listening to everyone’s discussion, Suqing felt bitter but had nowhere to vent her frustration. Staring at the name “Ye Beixuan” on the notice, her eyes burned with anger. She thought to herself: ‘Ye Beixuan, I will definitely make it into the top hundred and challenge you. I’ll show everyone you’re just a worthless nobody who trails behind me.’ ‘I am the real genius here!’ ——— The Outer Academy Grand Competition was held as scheduled. Early that morning, Chu Feng, for once, rose early. Looking at the bleary-eyed Xu Caichen and the fighting-spirit-filled Ye Beixuan, he said, “I’m not going to set any targets for you this time. Just make sure to show the style of our Miscellaneous Dao Institute.” The two cupped their hands and replied, “We will not disappoint your trust, Master.” Chu Feng nodded slightly and called over Nie Xiuyuan, who was nearby. “Xiuyuan, you’ll represent our Miscellaneous Dao Institute at the opening of the Outer Academy Grand Competition this time.” Hearing this, Nie Xiuyuan sobered up instantly and respectfully said, “Master, is that really appropriate?” Chu Feng smiled and replied, “What’s inappropriate about it? The heads of the other nine institutes are mostly in seclusion, so most of those attending are elders. At least you’re the steward of our Miscellaneous Dao Institute. Why can’t you represent us at the Grand Competition?” Seeing that his master had made up his mind, Nie Xiuyuan nodded. “Don’t worry, Master. I won’t embarrass you.” “Go on, then,” Chu Feng said, waving his hand. “Yes, Master.” The three brothers acknowledged in unison, then turned and left together. Elder Bing watched the three disappear, then turned to Chu Feng and asked, “Sir, aren’t you the least bit worried about Xu Caichen?” Chu Feng smiled. “That kid’s already grasped over half of the Meaning of the Classics. He might lack actual combat experience, but once he uses the Ritual Sword, ordinary opponents won’t stand a chance.” “The Ritual Sword?” Elder Bing looked puzzled. Chu Feng explained, “In the Analects, the word ‘ritual’ refers to the skill of concealing a sickle or other weapon within one’s sleeve. For this competition, Caichen bought a sleeve sword and practiced for two and a half months.” Elder Bing: “...” Ye Beixuan and his two senior brothers flew on their swords toward the square where the Outer Academy Grand Competition was being held. The square was already packed with people. Although Xu Caichen had only ever been an ordinary scholar before, he had participated in the county-level exams. So, faced with such a grand scene, he wasn’t the least bit fazed. He turned to the other two and said, “Senior Brother Ye, Uncle-Master Nie, I’ll go wait below for the draw ceremony.” Ye Beixuan nodded. “Go ahead, we’ll head to the stands first.” “Alright.” After responding, Xu Caichen made his way into the crowd. Half an hour later, the draw ceremony began. Xu Caichen drew platform nine, number five. Looking at the token in his hand, he murmured, “That’s really quite a lucky number.” With the draw complete, the competition officially began. On platform nine, a steward announced loudly: “Next match, Xu Caichen from the Miscellaneous Dao Institute versus Chen Zhuang from the Body Refining Institute!” Hearing his name, Xu Caichen immediately jumped onto the platform. At the same time, a burly, muscular young man strode up with a swaggering gait. The moment he appeared, cheers erupted from below. “Senior Brother Chen Zhuang, mighty!” “Senior Brother Chen Zhuang, so domineering!” “...” Chen Zhuang didn’t underestimate his opponent just because he looked like a frail scholar—just the three words “Miscellaneous Dao Institute” were enough to make him take this fight seriously. “Chen Zhuang.” “Xu Caichen.” After greeting each other, Chen Zhuang placed his hands on his hips and smiled. “Brother Xu, everyone wants to see the Miscellaneous Dao Institute’s techniques. Why don’t you make the first move?” Xu Caichen replied with a smile, “Brother Chen, I’ve only learned a little of the basics in the Miscellaneous Dao Institute, nothing much, really. But this Ritual Sword technique of mine—when drawn from the sleeve, it’s all about speed, accuracy, and ruthlessness. The moment I strike, you won’t get a chance to attack. So, Brother Chen, why don’t you take the first move instead?” Their friendly exchange instantly silenced the onlookers. The crowd around platform nine looked at Xu Caichen like he was a fool—who reveals their own moves so openly in a major competition? This isn’t a friendly spar, you know. Even Ye Beixuan, watching from the stands, was stunned. He turned to Steward Nie. “Uncle-Master, has Little Junior Brother been reading too many books?” Although Nie Xiuyuan usually looked muddle-headed, when it came to serious matters he was sharper than anyone. Of course he understood Ye Beixuan’s hidden meaning. “Don’t worry. Just keep watching.” ??? Ye Beixuan was full of question marks. Uncle-Master Nie, when did you turn into a riddle-slinger too? On the platform, Chen Zhuang was surprised by Xu Caichen’s words, but his face grew serious. “Since you’re so forthright, Brother Xu, I won’t hide anything either. What I cultivate is the Heavenly Gang Boy Technique. If your sword can break my Gang Shield, I’ll admit defeat. But before that, you’ll have to take a punch from me—Heavenly Gang Fist!” With that, he hurled a punch at Xu Caichen. The force of that punch condensed into a blast, carrying an unstoppable momentum. “Ritual!” Facing the attack, Xu Caichen remained calm. He shouted, and with a casual wave of his sleeve— A character appeared! A seven-foot-tall character for “ritual” instantly appeared on the platform. The seemingly fierce punch blast froze in midair. Clang! A barely audible sword hum rang out. Before the audience could even react, a flash of sword light shot out from Xu Caichen’s sleeve. The sword strike was as fast as lightning, breaking through the punch’s force, and like piercing a sheet of paper, effortlessly pierced through Chen Zhuang’s Gang Shield—the sword tip stopping at his throat... ==================================================================================== Get access to 20 chapters in advance and enjoy 2 daily updates by supporting the series. 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Chapter 186: Ye Beixuan: Has Little Junior Brother Been Reading Too Many Books?

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