As the clock gradually approached nine o'clock, Zhao Mu finished warming up and looked at Shao Han.
"It's almost time. Let's begin."
However, Shao Han shook his head without hesitation.
"No. We wait a little longer."
Zhao Mu narrowed his eyes.
"Why? Who are you waiting for?"
Shao Han took a deep breath before replying,
"There are still some very important people who haven't arrived."
The moment his words fell, another gate inside the Martial Arts Arena slowly opened.
This time, it wasn't the main entrance but a smaller door leading to the elevated VIP section.
Those seats were normally reserved for the academy's highest-ranking officials and distinguished guests.
No one expected that a simple duel between two Primary Camp recruits would attract such influential figures.
Principal Liu Weiguo entered first, leaning on his cane as his sharp eyes swept across the arena.
Behind him followed the academy's two Vice Principals.
The audience immediately erupted into whispers.
"Why are all three principals here?"
"Is it because of Shao Han? His father is the Deputy Commander of Lujiang City's Garrison."
"Even then, the Principal usually doesn't show that much respect to the deputy commander. Why would he come personally for a duel between two new recruits?"
Everyone wore expressions of disbelief.
Soon, however, they understood the reason.
After the three principals took their seats, several unfamiliar young men entered the VIP area.
Although nobody recognized them, their clothing, bearing, and natural confidence immediately revealed that they came from extraordinary backgrounds.
Many students present were descendants of influential families.
Yet compared to these newcomers, they instinctively felt inferior.
That calm yet noble arrogance could only belong to members of one of the Empire's greatest families.
A trace of excitement flashed across Shao Han's face.
Only then did Zhao Mu realize that these were the people Shao Han had been waiting for.
Looking upward, his gaze met that of a silver-haired young man wearing a snake-shaped earring.
The young man glanced at Zhao Mu for only a moment before casually looking away, as though Zhao Mu didn't even exist.
It was complete disregard.
Following behind a tall and handsome young man, the silver-haired youth entered the VIP section and sat in seats even more prestigious than those occupied by the principals.
Only after noticing the Black Tortoise Clan emblem embroidered across their chests did Zhao Mu understand their identities.
The Beitang Royal Clan.
The ruling family that guarded Iron Ridge City.
A cold killing intent flashed through Zhao Mu's eyes before disappearing just as quickly.
His mind was usually calm and composed, but the sight of that emblem caused his blood to boil.
"Turtle Breathing Technique."
He immediately activated the technique, suppressing the turbulent emotions within his heart.
Now was not the time.
The appearance of the Beitang Royal Clan instantly stirred the audience.
Several people who had previously encountered members of the Royal Clan recognized them and were left speechless.
"Why would members of the Royal Clan come here just to watch two new recruits fight?"
"Isn't it obvious? They're here to recruit talented students."
Meng Qiuqiu quietly explained the situation to those around him.
This wasn't unusual.
After finishing their recruitment activities in Qingzhou, the capital of Jiangnan Province, the Royal Clan naturally continued visiting other regions.
Their arrival at Qingfeng Camp today was simply a coincidence.
Watching this duel was merely another stop during their journey.
As for the three principals, they were naturally present to accompany these honored guests.
Zhao Mu looked calmly at Shao Han.
"So you've planned everything perfectly."
"You wanted to use this duel against me to display your strength and gain the favor of the Beitang Royal Clan."
Shao Han looked slightly surprised before smiling proudly.
"I didn't expect someone from such a poor background to know about the Beitang Royal Clan."
"You're right."
"I've spent a great deal of effort and money preparing for this battle."
"Did you really think I only wanted to defeat you?"
Iron Ridge City was one of the Empire's major cities.
Its cultivation resources and Military Martial Academy far surpassed those of Qingfeng Camp.
By defeating Zhao Mu before the Royal Clan, Shao Han hoped to attract their attention, swear loyalty to them, and secure a brilliant future.
Zhao Mu merely smiled coldly.
"Unfortunately..."
"You're going to be disappointed."
"You can't defeat me."
Shao Han laughed.
"You're still as confident as ever."
"But you have no idea how powerful I've become."
"And you certainly have no idea what you're about to face."
Zhao Mu replied indifferently,
"Finished talking?"
"Then let's begin."
Instructor Xie Yingxue stepped into the arena to officiate the duel.
Shao Han nodded respectfully.
"Instructor Xie, we're both ready."
Standing between the two contestants, she announced the rules.
"The rules are simple."
"There are no rules."
"You may use any method to defeat your opponent."
"If either of you intends to kill the other, that is also permitted."
"Once this duel begins, you are responsible for your own lives."
"If possible, I will intervene before a fatal accident occurs."
"But don't rely on that."
"Battlefields change in an instant."
"No one can guarantee your safety."
She stepped backward.
"I now declare..."
"Shao Han versus Zhao Mu."
"The duel begins!"
The arena immediately fell silent.
In the VIP section, the silver-haired youth, Beitang Qiushui, rested his chin on one hand while staring lazily at the arena below.
He showed absolutely no interest.
"Brother, is there really anything worth watching here?"
"Isn't this just a complete waste of time?"
"I heard Qingfeng Camp has two A-Rank recruits this year, including a rare Space Element user."
"Why don't we simply recruit them directly?"
Ignoring the principals entirely, Beitang Qiushui spoke openly without any restraint.
His intention was obvious.
He wanted to recruit Qingfeng Camp's greatest talents.
Beside him, the refined and elegant Beitang Yihai smiled gently.
"Never underestimate people."
"Among those who survive countless rounds of selection, true geniuses occasionally emerge."
"When we visited Sharp Metal Camp, we also discovered several talented individuals worthy of cultivation."
"Unfortunately, Qingzhou possessed greater resources and managed to keep them."
"It was a pity for our Royal Clan."
He continued calmly,
"Although Qingfeng Camp is only a middle-ranked academy within Jiangnan Province, it's located in the northern region."
"And there's someone here we're particularly interested in."
"That's why we came before leaving Jiangnan."
Beitang Qiushui sighed impatiently.
"If you insist."
"Still..."
"A Battle Rank Six challenging a Battle Rank Ten?"
"They both look like fools to me."
"One is reckless."
"The other is completely shameless."
Beitang Yihai chuckled softly.
"At least Shao Han is the son of Lujiang City's Deputy Commander, Shao Tianyi."
"Shao Tianyi is one of the Empire's fiercest generals."
"Perhaps..."
"His son will surprise us."
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)