Chapter 213: Freeze Three People! eighth transition PeakExpert Appears!
These words were like the sharpest blade, fiercely slashing through the air, completely tearing apart Xiao Junnuo's remaining restraint and pulling off his layer of hypocritical mask.
"Since it has come to this, don't blame us for being impolite!"
His expression was ferocious, veins bulging on his temples, teeth grinding loudly, and his angry roar made the surrounding air vibrate slightly.
Before his voice faded, Xiao Junnuo abruptly raised the purple staff in his hand.
Rich fire elements surged and jumped crazily on the staff body. Purple light and crimson firelight intertwined and wrapped around each other, condensing into a majestic and heavy energy, resembling a heavy dark iron giant hammer, carrying a whistling gale to smash straight at Jiang Yuan's head fiercely.
No one expected that this seemingly gentle and refined orthodox mage's profession was actually of the melee mage lineage.
Balancing majestic spells and fierce physical attacks, integration of offense and defense, its explosive power was several times more terrifying than ordinary pure spell-type mages.
This staff strike was fast and fierce. The scorching heat of the elemental energy and the heavy weight of the staff itself intertwined and overlapped, and the wind generated by the strike was as sharp as a blade, actually splitting the air and making a piercing screech.
Furthermore, the distance between the two sides was extremely close, and Xiao Junnuo struck suddenly without any warning in his moves, leaving Jiang Yuan no room to dodge at all.
After all, Xiao Junnuo was a Peak mage whose rank far exceeded 120. Whether it was rank suppression, equipment superiority, or the depth of Class Holderfoundation, he far surpassed Jiang Yuan.
Even if Jiang Yuan was a peerless Genius invincible at the same Cultivation Realm.
At this moment, he was only a Second-Rank Class Holder, with a rank difference of as much as sixty ranks, and his tier even spanned two major grades.
In the eyes of ordinary people, such a gap was already an uncrossable chasm.
In everyone's eyes, no matter how heaven-defying Jiang Yuan was, he could never be Xiao Junnuo's opponent.
From the very beginning, this duel was labeled as "without any suspense". Among the onlookers, reactions instantly polarized.
Some frowned, showing disdain, lowering their voices to mock Xiao Junnuo for using his power to oppress others, bullying the small with the big, and carrying out a surprise sneak attack, behaving despicably.
Others showed sympathy, secretly feeling regret for Jiang Yuan, feeling that this super dark horse coming out of the inconspicuous Shanhai City was probably going to take a devastating tumble here and completely suffer a setback at Nanjiang Academy.
Yet not a single person would step forward to stop it!
This had long been an unwritten "tradition" of Nanjiang Academy.
Every year after the Federal Unified Examination ended and new students enrolled, there would always be some Senior students who, relying on their high ranks and Clanbacking behind them, wantonly oppressed new students and snatched the cultivation resources in the hands of the new students.
The Academy had long been accustomed to this. As long as it didn't result in human lives, it would not excessively interfere, and even tacitly approved of this rule of "the weak are prey to the strong".
However, this year's situation was somewhat special.
In the past, those who were oppressed were only ordinary students.
And now, the one being oppressed was the highly anticipated Federal Unified Examination Champion of this batch.
The target being snatched was even more extremely rare, a Mythical Grade Profession Inheritance.
Everyone was clear that Jiang Yuan, the Federal Unified Examination Champion of this batch, was too special.
He came from the inconspicuous small base of Shanhai City, without any top Clan or powerful forces backing him, and his background was as ordinary as dust.
His profession was also only Elite-grade, yet relying on a fierce drive, he broke through all obstacles along the way, overthrowing top Geniuses possessing Mythical Grade and Legendary-grade professions, and forcefully seized the throne of the champion, worthy of being a super dark horse that shocked the entire federation.
When the news first came out, many people thought it was a false report.
It wasn't until the federal officials repeatedly reported and confirmed it that everyone had to accept this cognition-subverting fact.
In previous years, the Federal Unified ExaminationChampions either came from top wealthy families or had powerful forces blessing them behind their backs. With noble identities, no one dared to provoke them easily.
Yet Jiang Yuan had nothing, no background, and no backing. Just like a child carrying heavy gold through a busy market, he naturally became a thorn in the eye and food in the mouth of people like Xiao Junnuo.
"Soft persimmons are always pinched!"
This sentence was equally applicable in Nanjiang Academy.
Looking at the purple staff smashing over at high speed, there was not the slightest panic in Jiang Yuan's eyes. Instead, a sharp flash of light flickered across them, and he had already quickly calculated his plan in his heart.
"As long as no one dies, it's fine, right?"
He had long figured out the rules of Nanjiang Academy.
The Academy did not prohibit private fights between students. As long as it didn't result in human lives, any fight was regarded as "benign competition", which was reasonable, legal, and without interference from anyone.
Jiang Yuan was even clearer about his current situation.
The Mythical Grade Inheritance on his body and the top-tier benefits given by the Academy were treasures coveted by everyone. Those eyeing him were definitely not just Xiao Junnuo, Qin Boci, and a few others.
Among the onlookers and in every corner of the Academy, there were no knowing how many tiger-eyed gazes hidden, waiting to see him make a fool of himself and waiting to reap the fisherman's profits.
If he chose to back down today, yielding to the might of the Xiao Family and handing over a Mythic-grade ProfessionInheritance.
Then he wouldn't even have to wait until the next day, or even an hour later, before a second or third batch of people would come knocking on his door, frantically seizing his cultivation resources.
There might even be people who would directly make a move, wanting to snatch away his remaining Mythic-grade Profession Inheritance.
By then, he would only fall into endless trouble with not a moment of peace. Not to mention leveling up and becoming stronger, whether he could establish a stable foothold would become a problem.
Therefore, today's battle was one he had to win!
Not only must he win, but he must win thoroughly and decisively.
He wanted to let everyone know that he, Jiang Yuan, even without a background and with a low rank, was definitely not a soft persimmon to be manipulated by anyone!
Watching Jiang Yuan standing motionlessly on the spot, Xiao Junnuo thought he was scared silly by his aura, and his face instantly revealed a ferocious smile, his tone full of cruelty and mockery.
"I will not only beat you into serious injuries, but I will also spread the word that no one is allowed to treat you!"
"You can just wait to lie in bed recovering from injuries for a few months, unable to level up even once, watching people of the same age surpass your rank, surpass your tier, watching your proud talent be worn away bit by bit, and finally degenerating into a mediocre person!"
"Until the day you kneel in front of me, obediently hand over the Mythical Grade Inheritance, and tearfully surrender and beg me for mercy!"
The moment the words fell, the purple staff in Xiao Junnuo's hand had already smashed in front of Jiang Yuan's head.
There was less than a centimeter between them, and the rich flame energy was almost about to scorch Jiang Yuan's hair strands. The scorching aura rushed over, making the surrounding air become sultry.
Yet at this critical moment, that unstoppable purple staff was as if firmly pinned down by an invisible force, motionless, unable to advance even a fraction of a millimeter further.
Everyone's pupils shrank abruptly, and they looked at the purple staff in unison with astonished expressions, their faces written with disbelief.
The purple flame brilliance originally lingering on the staff body was surprisingly and rapidly covered by a layer of bone-chilling ice and snow. The speed at which the ice and snow spread was astonishingly fast, wrapping around the entire staff in a flash and completely suppressing the scorching flames.
Immediately afterward, the ice and snow followed Xiao Junnuo's arms, rapidly spreading to his limbs and torso until it covered his entire body.
The eerie chill instantly swept across the entire audience, and the air that still carried a scorching aura instantly dropped below zero degrees.
Even the surrounding air was frozen into tiny ice particles, fluttering down one after another, landing on everyone's clothes and bringing a bone-chilling coldness.
The surrounding crowd subconsciously wrapped their clothes tightly around themselves and retreated backwards, their faces full of horror, and even their breathing became cautious.
The flame mage, who was violent, scorching, and irrepressible just a moment ago, was frozen into a lifelike ice sculpture in the blink of an eye. Even the ferocious expression on his face was frozen in place. The huge contrast completely exceeded everyone's expectations!
"How is this possible? How could Xiao Junnuo be directly frozen?!"
Qin Boci and Zhou Manqing's expressions changed drastically. They abruptly stepped forward one step, their bodies trembling slightly, and their eyes were filled with shock and disbelief. Zhou Manqing even uncontrollably cried out in shock.
They knew Xiao Junnuo's strength too well.
A fourth-turn Peak melee mage whose strongest profession even reached Legendary-grade, whose physical body strength far exceeded that of a shield warrior, and whose flame element was even his natal attribute. Water and fire opposed each other; how could he be easily frozen?
Furthermore, Jiang Yuan was only a Second-Rank Class Holder; how could he cast such a terrifying and domineering ice-type power?
Jiang Yuan slowly raised his hand, his fingertips glowing with a trace of faint ice-blue cold Qi, his expression calm and waveless.
Although his strongest attack skill was the Fireball Spell, this did not mean that his other skills and abilities were weak!
Especially the Ice Seal Technique, its amplification multiple had already exceeded two million times. Dealing with a so-called fourth-turn Peak Class Holder like Xiao Junnuo was simply effortless.
Even, if it weren't for the fact that killing people within the Academy's scope would cause a not-insignificant impact on himself, Jiang Yuan could completely annihilate Xiao Junnuo with a casual move.
Of course, Jiang Yuan felt that killing him directly would be letting him off too easily!
Sometimes, death was not the most cruel punishment; living was an endless torment!
"I said before, a bunch of good-for-nothings relying on the remaining shade of their ancestors are not worth my compromise."
Jiang Yuan looked at Xiao Junnuo, who was frozen into an ice sculpture with a still ferocious expression. The corners of his mouth curved into a cold arc, and his tone was flat, yet filled with a full sense of oppression. Word by word, it clearly entered everyone's ears.
The surrounding crowd completely exploded into a frenzy, with discussions rising one after another. Everyone was shocked by the scene before them, and their tones were filled with exclamation and disbelief.
"Oh my god! Jiang Yuan actually froze Xiao Junnuo?"
"As a Second-Rank Class Holder, how could he possibly do this? This simply defies common sense!"
"What kind of ice-type spell is that? It's simply too terrifying!"
"Even a fourth-turn Peak flame mage can be instantly frozen; this is definitely not an ordinary ice-type spell!"
"It seems we all underestimated him. This Federal Unified Examination Champion truly lives up to his reputation and is simply not something we can arbitrarily speculate about!"
Those people who originally had greedy eyes and were waiting to reap the fisherman's profits now retracted their thoughts one after another, a trace of deep dread flashing across the depths of their eyes.
Even Xiao Junnuo was not Jiang Yuan's opponent; if they rashly made a move, they would probably only end up with the same fate as Xiao Junnuo, reduced to a cold ice sculpture.
And those observing instructors' expressions were no longer calm. The inquiry in the depths of their eyes completely turned into shock, and their gazes locked tightly onto Jiang Yuan, obviously full of thick curiosity towards this unfathomable new student.
"Crack... crack crack..."
Xiao Junnuo's voice was difficultly transmitted from the ice sculpture, vague and unclear. His face had faded from the previous ferocity, leaving only bone-chilling shock and disbelief.
Those eyes, which were originally filled with anger, were now filled with bewilderment and fear.
He tried his best to mobilize the flame energy within his body, wanting to break through this eerie layer of ice.
But as soon as he urged it, the energy inside his body was firmly imprisoned by the ice layer, unable to even stir up a trace of ripples. The minor cracks that had just appeared on the surface of the ice layer also healed instantly.
Even thicker, colder silence-ice spread from the surface of the ice layer, completely sealing his mouth and nose. The whole person was tightly ice-sealed, becoming a sharp-edged ice sculpture with an expression frozen in panic.
Even more terrifyingly, the surging flame energy within his body, the operating mana energy, and even the blood Qi fluctuations around his body were completely imprisoned and frozen by this layer of silence-ice.
No matter how he urged his Divine Soul or tried his best, he couldn't mobilize a single bit. His whole body felt as though all his strength had been sucked away, leaving only boundless coldness and stiffness. Only his perception remained completely intact and lingering.
He could clearly hear the exclamation of the surrounding onlookers, could feel that cold and domineering aura on Jiang Yuan, could see the panic of Qin Boci and Zhou Manqing, and could even clearly feel the suffocation and bone-chilling coldness of the ice layer wrapping around his body.
This was also intentionally left by Jiang Yuan.
Jiang Yuan knew clearly in his heart that within the scope of Nanjiang Academy, he could not directly kill people.
Although Xiao Junnuo was an evildoer who came to snatch the Inheritance and stir up trouble, he was ultimately a registered student of Nanjiang Academy.
If he killed him publicly, it would inevitably attract accountability from the Academy.
Even if he was the Federal Unified Examination Champion and a specially recruited student, he could not override the rules of the Academy.
Just like when Xiao Junnuo made a move just now, he didn't plan to beat Jiang Yuan to death directly; he only dared to threaten to beat him into serious injuries so that he couldn't get out of bed for a few months and couldn't fight monsters to level up.
Jiang Yuan also chose to treat others according to their own way!
Using the Ice Seal Technique to freeze Xiao Junnuo for a few months, making him completely lose the possibility of action, and letting him properly experience the taste of "being unable to move and powerless".
And during this period, intentionally not stripping away his perception was undoubtedly the most purgatorial torment.
Imagine being stiff all over, unable to move, unable to mobilize a shred of power, deeply trapped in endless darkness and coldness.
Yet being able to clearly perceive everything around, only being able to watch others level up and become stronger, watching oneself being mocked and forgotten by others—this despair and torment were far more painful than being seriously injured and bedridden.
Moreover, Jiang Yuan's Ice Seal Technique—let alone a mere fourth-turn Peak mage like Xiao Junnuo—even some High-Tier Experts, if trapped in this kind of silence-ice, might not necessarily be able to easily break it.
Furthermore, the Ice Seal Technique Jiang Yuan was using at this moment had only been driven by an amplification of tens of thousands of times. It was more than enough to trap Xiao Junnuo, and could even be said to be using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.
"Jiang Yuan, how dare you hurt Brother Xiao! You're courting death!"
Qin Boci at the side had a complexion so gloomy it seemed water could drip from it. The aura around him surged violently, and the dark golden dagger in his hand flashed with a piercing cold light. A faint dark element lingered on the blade as he stared fixedly at Jiang Yuan, his eyes filled with killing intent.
"As a mere freshman, you actually dare to attack a Senior, and with such heavy blows. Aren't you afraid of facing retaliation from the Xiao Family, Qin Family, and Zhou Family?"
Zhou Manqing also recovered her senses, her eyes filled with anger and apprehension. The jade pendant in her hand emitted a dense water-type Spiritual Qi, and the energy around her was already activated, yet hindered by the strength Jiang Yuan had just displayed, she did not dare to step forward easily.
"Retaliation?"
"When you joined forces to threaten me and seize my Inheritance just now, why didn't you think there would be such a day?"
Jiang Yuan glanced indifferently at the two of them, his tone full of disdain. "Since you want to avenge him, then come up together, saving me from dealing with you one by one and wasting time."
He took a step forward, and the extreme cold energy around his body surged once more. An oppressive feeling even stronger than when he froze Xiao Junnuo earlier swept out, like an invisible giant wave, enveloping Qin Bociand Zhou Manqing.
Qin Boci and Zhou Manqing turned pale, subconsciously taking a step back as their hearts shook violently!
They could clearly feel that the aura on Jiang Yuan was far more terrifying than before. Even if the two of them joined forces, they were probably no match for Jiang Yuan.
But if they retreated just like that, they would not only lose their own face, but also the face of the Qin Family and Zhou Family. From then on, they would never be able to hold their heads high in Nanjiang Academy, and might even become the laughingstock of the entire academy.
Just as the two of them were caught in a dilemma with struggling expressions, a subtle cracking sound suddenly came from Xiao Junnuo, who had been frozen into an ice sculpture.
The layer of tranquil ice wrapping around him actually began to show cracks, and faint flame energy vaguely surged out from the cracks, as if making a final struggle.
But just as there were signs of breaking the Seal, Jiang Yuan shot out another even stronger Ice Seal Technique, completely sealing him once again.
"What should we do? We can only fight it out!"
Qin Boci gritted his teeth and said in a low voice to Zhou Manqing.
They had come together with Xiao Junnuo. With Xiao Junnuo meeting such an end, upon returning, they would inevitably face blame from the Xiao Family and might even be punished by their families.
Yet they never expected that Jiang Yuan, a mere Second-Rank Mage, could wield ice-type spells of such terrifying power, which even a fourth-turn Peak Xiao Junnuo could not resist.
Doubt and fear instantly swept over the two of them, but they simply didn't have time to think so much.
Xiao Junnuo was a direct descendant of the Xiao Family. If he were severely injured right under their noses, they would definitely have no way to explain themselves upon returning.
Matters having reached this point, they could only bite the bullet and launch an attack on Jiang Yuan.
One close and one distant, one attacking and one defending, the two cooperated with extreme tacit understanding, clearly being partners who had fought together for years.
Holding a dark gold short blade, Qin Boci moved with agility, focusing primarily on close-combat surprise attacks.
Zhou Manqing activated water-type spells to provide long-range restraint. Every move she made was a fatal strike without holding back at all, clearly intending to do her utmost to severely injure Jiang Yuan and rescue Xiao Junnuo.
Yet facing the full-strength attacks of the two, Jiang Yuan's expression still remained completely calm, without even moving his footsteps an inch. He merely raised his hand slightly, and the ice-blue tranquil ice chill lingering at his fingertips surged once more.
Two tiny ice threads flew out from his fingertips at lightning speed, instantly meeting the attacks of the two.
"Crack!"
"Crack!"
Two crisp cracking sounds rang out one after another. The several-zhang-long dark Saber Qi slashed out by Qin Bociwas frozen the instant it touched the ice threads, turning into a crystal-clear ice blade that shattered with a boom, scattering into countless tiny ice particles.
Meanwhile, the dense wind-fire blades unleashed by Zhou Manqing were also completely frozen the moment they touched the ice threads, halting in mid-air like suspended ice crystals before falling one after another, crashing to the ground, shattering into powder, and dissipating without a trace.
Before Qin Boci and Zhou Manqing could react, two streams of ice-blue chill swept over and instantly enveloped their entire bodies.
Just like Xiao Junnuo, their bodies were rapidly frozen, and the energy inside them was completely locked down, leaving only lingering perception. Their faces were still frozen in expressions of panic and disbelief, and the killing intent in their eyes hadn't even had time to fade.
In the blink of an eye, three lifelike ice sculptures appeared on the open ground at the entrance of the villa, standing neatly there with different expressions, yet all exuding a terror that penetrated deep into the bone marrow.
Not only did Xiao Junnuo and the others who attacked not expect this outcome, but everyone watching from the sidelines felt the same way.
Since they were able to enter Nanjiang Academy, they themselves were geniuses from all over, among whom there was no lack of Fifth-Turn and Sixth-Turn experts who were well-traveled and knowledgeable.
Yet they never seen a Second-Rank Mage crush three fourth-turn Mages with such ease.
Furthermore, it was defeating the enemy in a single movewithout even giving them a chance to resist. Such strength had already subverted their understanding of ranks and tiers.
"No wonder yesterday's federal news said that Jiang Yuanis a peerless Genius rarely seen in the Federation in a millennium!"
"Completely different from the past champions of the Federal Unified Examination, no matter how high their talent was, those people could never achieve this kind of feat during the Second-Rank period!"
"I see! Indeed, he cannot be viewed with ordinary Geniusstandards; this strength is truly terrifyingly absurd!"
"Fighting a fourth-turn Peak while at the Second-Rank is so effortless that he doesn't even furrow a brow. Just how strong is his true strength? I'm afraid he can already rival a Fifth-Turn Professional!"
Amidst the crowd of onlookers, sounds of exclamation and discussion rose and fell one after another.
Everyone's gaze towards Jiang Yuan transformed from initial curiosity and covetousness into deep awe, along with a trace of hard-to-conceal fear.
This freshman from Shanhai City was far more terrifying than they had imagined; from now on, no one would dare to easily provoke him anymore.
Those who initially had greedy eyes and waited to reap the spoils were so frightened at this moment that they didn't even dare to draw a full breath, quickly reigning in their thoughts and secretly rejoicing that they hadn't acted rashly.
Otherwise, the ones frozen at this moment would be themselves.
And those observing instructors could finally no longer sit still, their gazes locked tightly onto Jiang Yuan, their eyes full of shock and exploration.
A trace of wild joy even flashed in the eyes of a few instructors.
If such a talented disciple could be taken under their wing, they would definitely become their capable assistant, and could even elevate their own Inheritance to a higher level, bringing glory to their Clan name.
Yet just as everyone was marveling, sighing, and discussing animatedly, Jiang Yuan made a move once more.
He ignored the surrounding gazes. With a slight movement of his fingertips, a few fist-sized dark red fireballs quietly emerged, their surfaces lingering with a faint power of Burning Heaven Annihilation.
Looking ordinary, they actually contained a destructive power that could not be underestimated, causing even the surrounding air to be slightly distorted by the scorching heat.
Following that, Jiang Yuan waved his hand, and those small fireballs flew towards the limbs and trunks of the three ice sculptures like precise artillery shells. Their speed was not fast, but they were extremely precise without the slightest deviation.
"Bang, bang, bang!"
Several muffled explosion sounds rang out consecutively. There was no earth-shattering roar, but carrying an ultimate scorching heat, it instantly swept across the entire scene.
One could see those small fireballs landing on the limbs of the ice sculptures, instantly melting the ice layer wrapped on the outside.
Immediately after, the scorching power of the fireballs swept upward. Under the burning of the fireballs, the limbs of Xiao Junnuo and the other two rapidly carbonized and turned black, making a sizzling sound.
Accompanied by a pungent burnt smell permeating the air, it was nauseating.
The burning speed of the flames was extremely fast. In the blink of an eye, the limbs of the three were completely burned until they were charred black and crispy, turning into powder with a gentle touch and drifting away with the wind, leaving not even a trace behind.
Next, the power of the fireballs spread to their torsos.
Under the scorching flames, the ice layer on the originally frozen torsos rapidly melted, their flesh instantly carbonized, and their bones crackled under the burning, being incinerated bit by bit.
In the end, only a mass of black charcoal remained. Once burned by the flames again, it completely turned into flying ash, dissipating into the air without leaving anything behind.
Throughout the entire process, there was not the slightest drag. The scorching of the flames and the chill of the tranquil ice formed an extreme contrast.
It made everyone present feel their scalps go numb and their backs grow cold, their breathing even becoming cautious, fearing that the next one to be attacked would be themselves.
Finally, of the three ice sculptures on the open ground, only three lonely heads remained, still wrapped in tranquil ice and suspended in mid-air. The ice layer on the surface of the heads was crystal-clear, clearly showing the terrified and desperate expressions of the three inside.
Their eyes were wide open, and unfinished words still lingered at the corners of their mouths. Their faces were written with full unwillingness and fear, clearly unable to accept that they had fallen into such a plight.
But miraculously, even with only a head left, Xiao Junnuoand the other three were still alive and hadn't truly died.
They could even use their remaining perception to clearly feel the pain of their bodies being burned to ashes, experiencing that torment where death would be better than life.
This was the powerful aspect of Jiang Yuan's Ice Seal Technique; it could not only Seal away energy and physical bodies, but also firmly Seal the vitality of a Class Holder.
Even if most of the body was destroyed, as long as the head was still there and the ice sculpture was not broken, the Class Holder would not truly die.
Of course, the state of Xiao Junnuo and the others was merely being temporarily undead.
Jiang Yuan knew very well in his heart that if someone forcibly removed the Ice Seal Technique on them without possessing top-tier secret arts like limb regeneration or bringing the dead back to life,
then the moment the ice Seal was lifted, Xiao Junnuo and the three would lose all vitality and die instantly. Going from breaking free of the ice Seal to complete death would be a matter of a split second, not even leaving them time to feel the pain.
Even with top-tier healing skills, they might not necessarily be able to save them.
Because their bodies had suffered the destruction of the power of Burning Heaven Annihilation, and such powerful power of laws still lingered at their wounds, continuously eroding their vitality. Wanting to save them would inevitably require paying an extremely heavy price.
The magnitude of that price was no less than curing the three people including Dongque City's Dragon Language Emperor Jiang Heng.
Only because Jiang Heng and the other two were high-ranking officials and meritorious ministers of Dongque Citycould they manage to survive for three hundred years relying on massive amounts of top-tier healing resources, finally waiting until Jiang Yuan arrived to fully recover.
As for Xiao Junnuo and the other three?
Would the Xiao Family, Qin Family, and Zhou FamilyChamber of Commerce behind them pay a price equivalent to saving a Ninth-Turn Mage Emperor just to preserve their lives?
Jiang Yuan did not think there was any such possibility.
Not saving them would inevitably lose them a portion of public support.
Saving them would require immense costs and resources, and in the end, they might not even be saved successfully.
This was precisely the real reason why Jiang Yuan did not kill them directly.
Sometimes, living is more cruel than dying.
Living also has more "value" than dying.
Negative value is still value!
Furthermore, Jiang Yuan cleverly utilized the rule within the academy: "Private fights between students will not be interfered with as long as no one dies."
No matter who comes, they cannot find a single flaw to pick on.
"This is the end of coveting my Inheritance and bullying the people around me."
Jiang Yuan's gaze swept across the entire audience like a cold blade. He didn't deliberately utter harsh words, yet that tyranny and resoluteness emanating from his bones made the hundreds of people present fall silent like cicadas in winter.
The previously rising and falling discussions instantly dissipated, and even the air seemed to be frozen once again.
Only the suppressed breathing sounds of the crowd remained, along with the faint, hard-to-detect whimpers coming from the three floating heads.
That was the ultimate fear and despair of Xiao Junnuo and the other three, faintly transmitting outward through the ice layer.
In the front row of the crowd, several upper-class students who were originally restless subconsciously shrank their necks and quickly retreated behind the crowd, not even daring to raise their heads.
They had originally also coveted Jiang Yuan's Mythical Grade Inheritance, but restricted by Xiao Junnuo and the other three acting first, they only planned to reap the fisherman's profits.
Yet seeing how ruthless Jiang Yuan's methods were at this moment, tormenting even the fourth-turn Peak Xiao Junnuo until life was worse than death, that tiny bit of greed in their hearts was instantly swallowed up entirely by fear, never daring to harbor any improper thoughts again.
"What a tit-for-tat response, what an iron-fisted method!"
An aged yet booming voice suddenly rang out, breaking the dead silence of the entire audience.
Everyone looked toward the source of the sound, only to see an elderly man dressed in a grey Daoist robe walking out slowly from the crowd. The old man had white hair and a beard, his face was lined with gullies, but his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's. A faint aura of a Ninth-Turn expert lingered around his body, and his presence was so powerful that people didn't dare to look directly at him.
He was precisely Nanjiang Academy's Senior emperor-level instructor, Lin Xuanzi, Imperial Tutor.
His gaze landed on Jiang Yuan, with not the slightest displeasure in the depths of his eyes, but instead full of appreciation and approval.
"Nanjiang Academy never raises flowers in a greenhouse, nor does it condone bullies. Your actions today both defended your own bottom line and deterred scoundrels. Well done!"
With Lin Xuanzi, Imperial Tutor taking the lead, the remaining observing instructors also stepped forward one after another, their gazes looking at Jiang Yuan full of eagerness and favor.
"Your Ice Seal Technique is not an ordinary ice-type spell; it contains a dense power of tranquil ice, and even a trace of the embryonic form of the Law. Such talent, even in the academy's elite classes, can be considered top-tier."
AI Model: gemini-3.5-flash
One of the female mentors, dressed in a bright red cheongsam with an alluring face, spoke with a hint of inquiry before extending an olive branch. "Student Jiang Yuan, have you chosen a Class Holder mentor yet? Why not choose me? I will definitely teach you with all my heart and make you one of the top experts in Nanjiang, or even the entire Federation!"
"Jiang Yuan, I can teach you the secrets of the Battle Mage, allowing you to master both physical and spell damage. With both ranged and melee capabilities, you will break through your Cultivation Realm even faster!"
"I specialize in the Element Fusion Technique, which can help you further enhance the power of your ice and spellsystems. Choosing me is definitely the right move!"
Several other mentors also eagerly extended olive branches, their voices filled with urgency, fearing that a single step too slow would cost them this peerless Genius.
They were all people of discernment; Jiang Yuan, at the Second-Rank Cultivation Realm, had utterly crushed three at the Peak of the fourth-turn.
Not only was he exceptionally talented, but he also possessed a mind and ruthlessness far exceeding his peers.
Once such a disciple was nurtured, they would surely become a top expert of the Federation in the future.
Whoever could take him under their wing would gain immense glory and a powerful ally.
Looking at the mentors crowding around him, Jiang Yuan's face remained calm and unruffled. He bowed slightly in greeting, his tone humble yet not subservient.
"Thank you for your appreciation, mentors. However, I have just entered the academy and would like to first familiarize myself with its environment and rules. The matter of choosing a master can be discussed later."
This was merely an excuse; from beginning to end, Jiang Yuan had no intention of taking a master.
Moreover, Nanjiang Academy was divided into many factions, with various mentors backed by different forces. Taking sides too early by choosing any faction would only bring him unnecessary trouble.
As for the notion that lacking a background or backing made one easy to bully, just like today...
But if anyone dared to come looking for trouble in the future, Jiang Yuan would surely repay them a hundredfold, using his strength to back up his confidence.
Seeing his firm attitude, the mentors did not push him. They simply left behind their tokens and contact information, repeatedly reminding him that if he changed his mind, he could look them up at any time.
"Rest assured, the academy will not hold you responsible for today's events. Xiao Junnuo and the other two provoked you first; you were merely acting in self-defense."
Lin Xuanzi patted Jiang Yuan on the shoulder, his tone deepening as he warned him earnestly, "But you must also remember that Nanjiang Academy is a place of hidden dragons and crouching tigers. There are many who are stronger than Xiao Junnuo. Do not become arrogant and complacent, or close yourself off."
"This student will keep Senior's teachings in mind."
Jiang Yuan nodded slightly, his tone respectful.
Just then, a rapid rushing sound suddenly came from the distance, accompanied by an extremely furious roar of anger that caused the surrounding air to tremble slightly.
"Who dares to harm the disciples of my Qin Family?!"
Everyone looked toward the source of the sound and saw a group of people dressed in tight black outfits, flying rapidly toward the entrance of the villa like arrows released from a bow. Each possessed a chilling aura and a cold expression—clearly members of the Qin Family.
Leading them was a middle-aged man with a sinister face, his brow carrying the authority of a high-ranking figure. He was surrounded by the dense aura of a High-Tier Expert, and his eyes, sharp as knives, stared fixedly at the three heads floating in the open space, his killing intent almost overflowing.
Upon seeing the head belonging to Qin Boci, the middle-aged man's aura surged violently. The surrounding air warped, and a monstrous rage erupted in his eyes. His fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white, and his teeth ground together with a clicking sound.
"It's Qin Zhuangxu! Qin Boci's father, and the current head of the academy's Combat Department!"
Someone whispered in shock, instinctively stepping back for fear of being caught up in this storm.
Qin Zhuangxu's strength was considered top-tier even among the academy's mentors, and he was a core figure of the Qin Family within the academy. Offending him was undoubtedly equivalent to offending the entire Qin Family.
Qin Zhuangxu quickly walked over to the three heads. His eyes locked onto the terrified and desperate expression of Qin Boci, as well as the faintly visible charred marks on his neck. The rage in his heart nearly consumed him.
"Was it you who harmed Boci?"
He turned his head abruptly, gnashing his teeth as he glared at Jiang Yuan, his voice bone-chillingly cold.
"He provoked me first, teaming up with others to snatch my Mythical Grade Inheritance. I was merely acting in self-defense and did not violate the academy's rules."
Jiang Yuan raised his eyes, calmly meeting Qin Zhuangxu's gaze without the slightest fear, his tone composed.
"Self-defense?"
Qin Zhuangxu sneered, his eyes filled with killing intent and mockery. "Reducing someone to such a state, making them wish they were dead—and you call that self-defense?"
"And what do you intend to do about it?"
Jiang Yuan's expression remained unchanged. A dark red flame faintly flickered in his hand, and his surrounding auraquietly became sharp.
Qin Zhuangxu's aura was very strong, at least that of a High-Tier Expert. Given his position as the Combat Department Head, his Cultivation Realm was at least at the Eighth-turn Emperor Rank.
If it had been before, Jiang Yuan might have been somewhat wary.
But now, as long as Qin Zhuangxu dared to make the first move, he would absolutely dare to make Qin Zhuangxu die on the spot.
After all, the academy might ignore conflicts between students, but for a mentor or department head-level expert to attack a student was an open violation of the academy's rules.
Since Qin Zhuangxu dared to break the rules, then Jiang Yuan had no need to abide by them either!
"Jiang Yuan, I don't care if you're the overall champion of the Federal Unified Examination, nor do I care what talent you have! For hurting a child of my Qin Family and insulting our face, I will make you pay a painful price!"
Before his voice could fade, Qin Zhuangxu abruptly raised his hand, the vitality in his body and dark elements surging wildly.
A pitch-black long saber materialized out of thin air. A dense black mist swirled around the blade, interspersed with sharp Saber Qi, creating a terrifying aura.
His profession was precisely Nanjiang Academy's most distinctive Melee Battle Mage. Although he used a long saber as a weapon, he could simultaneously release sharp black Saber Qi and overbearing dark elemental energy, allowing for both physical and spell attacks.
This shared a similar beauty with Xiao Junnuo's Melee Fire Mage.
This was also a characteristic of Nanjiang Academy. Many spell-based Class Holders did not just possess a single magic attack capability; most would also incorporate physical attacks, forming a unique melee magic school.
From the members of the Blazing Sun Battle Team before, to Xiao Junnuo just now, and now to Qin Zhuangxu, it was the same for all of them.
The onlookers went into an uproar once more, retreating one after another, their faces filled with shock and disbelief.
No one expected that Qin Zhuangxu would actually dare to attack a freshman within the academy grounds, right in front of numerous mentors.
Although the academy did not forbid private duels, those rules only applied between students; mentors were absolutely forbidden from attacking students.
That was a blatant case of the strong bullying the weak, and an open provocation of the academy's authority!
Bang!
The spectating Emperor-level Mentor, Lin Xuanzi, flickered and appeared in front of Qin Zhuangxu as if teleporting. Rich elemental energy glowed in his hand, forming a solid barrier that completely blocked Qin Zhuangxu's aura and saber momentum.
"Qin Zhuangxu, do not break the academy's rules!"
Lin Xuanzi barked coldly, his tone carrying a hint of majesty. "Your Qin Family does not rule the academy. Even if the Xiao, Qin, and Zhou families team up, they are still not qualified!"
"Elder Lin, this is a personal grudge between this kid Jiang Yuan and my Qin Family. Please step aside, and my Qin Family will owe you a favor!"
Qin Zhuangxu's face changed, and the long saber in his hand instantly came to a halt.
Although he was the Combat Department Head, the Lin Xuanzi before him was a veteran Emperor-level Mentor. His status was no lower than his own, and his strength was far more formidable. If they truly fought, he would be no match at all.
"Qin Zhuangxu, the academy has its rules. Jiang Yuan acted in self-defense and is not at fault. If you dare to take action without authorization again, do not blame me for punishing you in my capacity as an academy mentor and an Orderly Elder!"
Lin Xuanzi's tone was firm, without the slightest concession, and a hint of warning flashed in his eyes.
He had already taken a liking to Jiang Yuan's talent, so he naturally would not allow him to be harmed by Qin Zhuangxu.
Seeing this, Qin Zhuangxu had to consider Lin Xuanzi's attitude, and even more so the consequences of breaking the academy's rules.
Those who broke the rules would inevitably face severe punishment.
Moreover, Jiang Yuan was still the overall champion of the Federal Unified Examination, giving him a special status.
If he truly harmed Jiang Yuan, he would not only be stopped by Lin Xuanzi, but would also draw backlash from the Order Faction represented by Lin Xuanzi.
He might even have his weakness seized by competitors, costing him his position as the Combat Department Head.
Of course, it was not as if he had no backing. The Qin, Xiao, and Zhou families had intermarried for generations, forming a natural alliance of interests.
But even with the support of two major forces, in the faceof the academy's rules and Lin Xuanzi's obstruction, he did not dare to act rashly.
"Letting him off is fine!"
Qin Zhuangxu pondered for a moment, then said in a gloomy tone, "As long as he releases Boci and the other two, and restores their injuries to how they were, then I, as a magnanimous person, will overlook his faults and no longer pursue today's matter."
Lin Xuanzi hesitated for a moment, casting his gaze down toward Jiang Yuan, clearly asking for his opinion.
Although he wanted to protect Jiang Yuan, he did not want to completely burn bridges with the Qin Family.
"Impossible!"
A cold sneer played at the corner of Jiang Yuan's mouth, his tone resolute, leaving absolutely no room for negotiation.
At the same time, he lifted his foot and walked toward the three ice spheres sealing the heads, then kicked them gently like soccer balls, sending the three ice spheres rolling to the entrance of his villa.
The action was casual, yet filled with utter provocation.
This action caused little physical harm, but was extremely insulting.
One had to know that Xiao Junnuo and the other two were no ordinary people.
They were direct descendants of the three great families of Xiao, Qin, and Zhou.
Their coming to find trouble with Jiang Yuan this time was likely authorized by the families behind them, representing the face of the three major forces.
What Jiang Yuan kicked was never just some frozen heads.
It was the face of the Xiao, Qin, and Zhou families—a blatant provocation to the three major forces.
"These are my spoils of war!"
"I can dispose of them however I want!"
Jiang Yuan raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping over Qin Zhuangxu as he said with a face full of provocation, "Since when can any random nobody just demand them?"
Everyone present was shocked, sucking in cold breaths, their faces filled with disbelief.
Lin Xuanzi had already stepped forward to persuade Qin Zhuangxu to take a step back, giving both sides an out. Yet no one expected that Jiang Yuan would be so unyielding, not giving an inch.
One had to know that he was not facing a student like Xiao Junnuo, but Qin Zhuangxu, the Combat Department Head at the Peak of the eighth transition, a true High-Tier Expert. To be so unyielding was undoubtedly like plucking whiskers from a tiger's mouth!
"You... you are courting death!"
Qin Zhuangxu's face instantly turned ashen with rage. His entire aura surged violently once more, and on his pitch-black long saber, the black Saber Qi and dark elements surged crazily, almost breaking free from his control.
In all his years, he had never suffered such a humiliating disgrace. Jiang Yuan had not only harmed his son, but had also publicly insulted the face of the Qin Family in front of so many people!
If this can be tolerated, what cannot?!
Completely blinded by rage, Qin Zhuangxu ignored Lin Xuanzi's obstruction and the academy's rules. With a flicker of his body, he charged straight at Jiang Yuan to kill him.
His speed was incredibly fast, fast enough to leave afterimages.
Even Lin Xuanzi could not react in time, only able to instinctively reach out to stop him, but he was still a step too slow.
Qin Zhuangxu had already charged right in front of Jiang Yuan, his pitch-black long saber carrying a world-destroying momentum as it slashed toward Jiang Yuan's head.
"Die!"
Qin Zhuangxu's eyes cracked with rage as he roared.
With this slash, he held absolutely nothing back.
Unlike Xiao Junnuo and the others before who only wanted to heavily injure Jiang Yuan, he truly intended to kill Jiang Yuan.
Even if he would face severe punishment from the academy afterward, even if he would be stripped of his position as the Combat Department Head, and even if he would be sentenced to serve in the Chaotic Demon Realmfor decades or even a century, he would not hesitate.
He could not back down. Jiang Yuan had insulted the faceof the Qin Family in front of everyone.
As a member of the Qin Family and as Qin Boci's father, he absolutely could not remain indifferent.
Otherwise, who would ever take the Qin Family seriously in the future, and who would still fear him, Qin Zhuangxu?
"The one who should die is you!"
Standing tall on the spot, Jiang Yuan stared straight at Qin Zhuangxu. There was not a trace of fear in his eyes, only icy killing intent.
Having reached this point, both sides were riding a tiger and found it hard to get off; neither could afford to take a single step back.
Either Jiang Yuan died, or Qin Zhuangxu perished.
This battle was unavoidable, and no one could stop it!
Jiang Yuan just hadn't expected that so soon after obtaining the ten-million-fold Fireball Spell special effect, Burning Heaven Ash Path: Myriad Fires Return to Silence, he would actually have to put it to use.
He had to win this battle. Not only did he have to win, but he also had to win completely to thoroughly deter anyone who harbored designs on him, even if his opponent was Qin Zhuangxu at the Peak of the eighth transition!