Swallowing the Heavens with a Single Breath - Chapter 9

Xu Yi slowly retracted his hand.

With this second encounter, he had once again absorbed a portion of the Flame Mountain True Bear’s power.

Unfortunately, Xu Chi was too weak. He couldn’t even withstand a single slap before being sent flying off the platform. To fully extract the remaining strength of the Flame Mountain True Bear, Xu Yi would have to find another opportunity.

At this moment, the entire arena fell silent.

Everyone stared at Xu Yi in shock, their jaws practically dropping.

A second defeat, and it was another one-hit knockout!

This was Xu Chi, augmented with a seventh-level martial soul, known for his remarkable combat abilities in the same rank. Yet, he was effortlessly defeated by Xu Yi, who was supposedly at the second level of Martial Disciple and without a martial soul.

It didn’t make sense; it defied common logic.

Some people began to suspect—was Xu Yi’s supposed lack of a martial soul just a cover-up? Could he actually be a hidden genius?

Otherwise, how could one explain Xu Yi’s extraordinary capabilities?

Xu Weiheng was stunned for a long while before snapping out of it. He wasn’t pleased with Xu Yi’s victory; instead, his expression turned sour as he quickly leaped down from the high platform to check on Xu Chi’s condition.

Seeing his beloved grandson’s face swollen like a steamed bun, Xu Weiheng hurriedly retrieved healing pills to treat him, his heart filled with both anger and distress.

Then, as he looked at the medicine in his hand, a thought suddenly crossed his mind. He stood up abruptly and shouted at Xu Minghai, “You ungrateful son! How dare you secretly hoard the Vitality Pill!”

Xu Minghai, who had been thrilled with his son’s success, was taken aback, confused by the accusation.

“Father, what are you talking about? When did I ever hoard pills?”

Xu Mingqing immediately grasped Xu Weiheng’s insinuation and furiously chimed in, “Second Brother, I never thought you would stoop so low! The family entrusted you with the task of procuring Vitality Pills, and you embezzled them to give your useless son a boost!”

“How else could a martial soul-less waste improve so quickly?”

“It all makes sense now! That’s why your son dared to challenge Chi’er. You were behind this all along! Xu Minghai, you’ve betrayed the family for your personal revenge against us!”

Xu Minghai was dumbfounded by the accusations, and a deep sense of disappointment set in. His son’s sudden strength was indeed puzzling, but to be accused of betraying the family and misappropriating resources was heartbreaking.

Xu Minghai stood tall, his expression solemn. “Father, Brother, I have always acted with integrity. I would never stoop to such despicable acts!”

“Xu Yi’s strength is all his own doing. If you continue to slander us, don’t blame me for taking action!”

“Insolent! How dare you talk back!” Xu Weiheng’s hands trembled in anger, his elderly face seething with rage.

Just as he was about to lash out, Teacher Wang suddenly descended from the high platform.

To everyone’s surprise, he walked over to Xu Yi and kindly asked, “Young man, did you truly reach the second level of Martial Disciple in just seven days without taking any pills?”

Xu Yi nodded.

Teacher Wang’s smile softened. “Many claim you’re a martial soul-less waste, but I don’t think that’s the case. Your talent may be greater than anyone imagined. May I examine you?”

“Perhaps you don’t lack a martial soul but instead possess a powerful one that hasn’t manifested.”

Teacher Wang’s words immediately captured everyone’s attention.

Xu Weiheng frowned. “Teacher Wang, I don’t think it’s worth it. Xu Yi’s aptitude was already tested, confirming he’s a rare martial soul-less waste. There’s no need to waste your time.”

He was deeply skeptical of Xu Yi’s potential.

Xu Minghai and Li Shuzhen, however, were filled with hope at the possibility of their son’s hidden talents.

Li Shuzhen urged, “Xu Yi, let Teacher Wang examine you. Don’t resist!”

Xu Yi hesitated, recalling Fairy Sister’s advice not to reveal his Chaos Physique or Chaos Martial Soul.

At that moment, Fairy Sister reassured him, “Don’t worry. Let him check. With his abilities, he won’t detect anything.”

Calmed by her words, Xu Yi nodded at Teacher Wang.

Teacher Wang placed his hand on Xu Yi’s wrist, sending his profound energy throughout Xu Yi’s body.

He examined closely but gradually furrowed his brow, the expectation fading from his eyes.

Xu Minghai anxiously asked, “Teacher Wang, what did you find? Does my son have a hidden martial soul?”

Teacher Wang shook his head. “I found no signs of a martial soul within him. It seems he truly has none.”

However, he also couldn’t detect any evidence that Xu Yi had consumed medicinal pills. How this boy had managed to reach the second level of Martial Disciple remained a mystery.

The hopeful gleam in Xu Minghai and Li Shuzhen’s eyes dimmed once more.

Xu Weiheng’s disdain for Xu Yi deepened, becoming more convinced that Xu Yi’s progress was due to secretly using the Vitality Pill.

But he refrained from making further accusations in this setting, instead forcing a smile as he approached Teacher Wang. “Teacher Wang, although Chi’er’s performance today was less than ideal, his talent and character are top-notch. What do you think…?”

Teacher Wang nodded. “Xu Chi’s abilities were clear to me. Achieving this level in seven days is indeed commendable.”

He approached the recently recovered Xu Chi and asked solemnly, “Xu Chi, would you like to become my disciple and join Green Vine Academy?”

Xu Chi, still somewhat dazed, perked up immediately at the offer, eagerly nodding. “Yes! I’m willing! Greetings, Master!”

He quickly knelt before Teacher Wang.

Teacher Wang nodded in satisfaction. “Very well. Rest now, and tomorrow we will head to the capital for your enrollment at Green Vine Academy.”

“Thank you, Master. I’ll arrange my things right away.”

Xu Chi was overjoyed, and Xu Weiheng and Xu Mingqing were equally pleased. Despite the twists and turns, the outcome was a good one.

City Lord Huangfu Linzhu came forward to offer congratulations. “Congratulations, Teacher Wang, on accepting a fine disciple. It is an honor for Qingshuang City to have a prodigy join your ranks.”

Teacher Wang, in high spirits, nodded and began conversing with the city lord.

Seeing that the two distinguished figures were no longer paying attention, Xu Chi arrogantly strode over to Xu Yi, sneering, “So, what if you beat me? Teacher Wang still accepted me as his disciple. The gap between us will only widen!”

Xu Yi didn’t get angry. Instead, he responded sincerely, “Cousin, would you like me to hit you again? Don’t get me wrong; I mean no harm. I’m doing this for your own good.”

Xu Chi’s whole body trembled. His face burned, and he quickly backed away.

Xu Yi was far too strange and powerful for him to challenge again.

However, desperate to save face, Xu Chi retorted, “Don’t get cocky, Xu Yi! I wasn’t at my best today. Just wait; when I return from Green Vine Academy, I’ll make you taste defeat!”

With that, he turned and strode off.

Yet, as he left, Xu Chi couldn’t shake an odd feeling.

After fighting Xu Yi, it seemed as though something within him was missing, yet at the same time, his body felt much lighter, as if a great burden had been lifted.

This realization made Xu Chi shudder.

Could it be… that he liked getting hit?

Impossible! He quickly dismissed the thought and quickened his pace to leave.

Xu Yi sighed in disappointment. Xu Chi would soon depart Qingshuang City, and he wouldn’t get another chance to hit him eight more times. It seemed he’d have to leave the Flame Mountain True Bear’s martial soul with Xu Chi for a while longer.