Chapter 46: A Slap

The entire hall was plunged into silence. Only the thunderous roar of Nangong Tianxuan echoed far and wide, leaving everyone shaken. In every mind, a massive question mark appeared.

Who was Jun Wushuang?

Jiangning was but a remote, insignificant city in the vast Dryan Dynasty. The news of Nangong Lei’s death was known to only a handful. Thus, for most present, the name Jun Wushuang was heard for the first time today.

But after today, Jun Wushuang’s name would surely resound throughout the imperial capital.

“Master, that is Nangong Tianxuan!” Master Wu sent a mental message, reminding Jun Wushuang.

On their journey, Master Wu had already briefed Jun Wushuang about the general situation within the capital, analyzing several formidable adversaries. Nangong Tianxuan was among the most dangerous.

Nangong Tianxuan—the heir to the Nangong family. Though only twenty, he was already a powerhouse at the Celestial Realm, possessing the Wild Thunder Imperial Body, and an elite student of the Imperial Martial Academy at the highest tier. Gifted, noble, with few rivals among his peers.

Compared to Nangong Lei, Nangong Tianxuan was leagues ahead.

Yet Jun Wushuang’s attention was not on Nangong Tianxuan at this moment, but rather on the graceful figure beside him.

“Ji Qingchen, at last we meet again!” Jun Wushuang’s gaze sharpened suddenly.

The hatred for Ji Qingchen was a thorn, perpetually lodged in his heart, causing unbearable agony. He could never forget the cold, dark dungeons of the Ji family, nor Ji Qingchen’s venomous demeanor.

Pain! Excruciating pain!
Hatred! Hatred bordering on madness!

Ji Qingchen, you’ve brought me such suffering. How could I not repay you in kind? I have crossed thousands of miles to the capital for the sole purpose of killing you with my own hands.

Now, at last, we meet.

Are you ready to die?

“Jun! Wu! Shuang!” Thunder roared, fury unbridled. Nangong Tianxuan charged directly toward Jun Wushuang.

He did not recognize Jun Wushuang, but Ji Qingchen did. With a single glance, Ji Qingchen spotted Jun Wushuang in the crowd, and pointed him out to Nangong Tianxuan.

“No!” Seeing Nangong Tianxuan approach, Master Wu’s expression changed and he moved to shield Jun Wushuang. Lin Mengyao also drew her sword, prepared to fight to the death.

“You are Jun Wushuang?” Nangong Tianxuan ignored Master Wu and Lin Mengyao, his burning gaze fixed on Jun Wushuang, his aura oppressive like thunder.

Blood spurted. Master Wu and Lin Mengyao could not withstand the pressure, their faces pale, blood seeping from their lips. Before Nangong Tianxuan, they were but insects before a storm.

Yet both gritted their teeth, resolutely defending Jun Wushuang.

Now all eyes turned toward Jun Wushuang.

“So this is the one the heir of the Nangong family seeks?”

“A mere sixth level of the Myriad Phenomena Realm—barely enough to qualify as a Yellow grade student. How could he possibly have killed Nangong Lei, a Xuan grade student?”

“Indeed, and judging by his appearance, Jun Wushuang’s background is unremarkable, else he wouldn’t be so poorly dressed.”

The crowd stared at Jun Wushuang, perplexed.

Every candidate here was a renowned genius in their own right. Many were sons of regional governors, with impressive status and strength. Jun Wushuang’s abilities and background were average at best.

Yet he had drawn the direct attention of Nangong Tianxuan.

This astonished them.

Jun Wushuang, however, ignored Nangong Tianxuan, his gaze shifting to Zhao Qiming.

“Sir, may I ask, when did the Imperial Martial Academy’s admissions assessment become a venue for troublemaking?”

Zhao Qiming’s brows furrowed. He hadn’t expected Jun Wushuang to focus on the admissions process in such a tense situation.

“Our academy values character above all else,” Zhao Qiming replied coldly. “First, you show no respect for your elders. Second, your bloodlust is extreme—you killed one of our Xuan grade students even before entering. Third, you question the admissions process, which is tantamount to questioning the academy itself. Therefore, you need not participate; I now declare you failed. The Imperial Martial Academy will never admit you. Return whence you came!”

His voice was indifferent, rejecting Jun Wushuang outright.

Zhao Qiming had long known that Jun Wushuang had slain Nangong Lei, thereby offending one of the four great families. A bumpkin from a remote city versus the Nangong family—he knew which side to stand on.

Jun Wushuang laughed.

“Truly worthy of the Imperial Martial Academy—so domineering, so despicable.”

“And so shameless,” he added.

Because of Nangong Lei and Dongfang Ming, Jun Wushuang’s opinion of the academy was already soured. Meeting Nangong Tianxuan and hearing Zhao Qiming’s words today chilled him even further.

This was the Imperial Martial Academy—a paradise for the privileged. Those with power ruled; those without were crushed.

He had once thought Nangong Lei and Dongfang Ming were exceptions, but now saw that arrogance and corruption pervaded the academy from top to bottom.

“How dare you insult the Imperial Martial Academy!” Zhao Qiming’s face darkened.

The crowd gasped, astonished by Jun Wushuang’s recklessness in uttering such bold words. He was doomed. The academy would never admit him; indeed, it was doubtful he would leave alive today.

“Jun Wushuang, you are indeed audacious, daring even to insult the academy,” Nangong Tianxuan was also taken aback. He had been searching for ways to provoke Jun Wushuang, but the latter had dug his own grave.

To insult the Imperial Martial Academy was a grave offense.

“Jun Wushuang, don’t think that the King of Southtown’s favor allows you to act without regard. This is the capital, not Jiangning. Here, whether dragon or tiger, you must bow; and you, you are but a lowly ant.”

“You killed my brother—I will never forgive you. I will make your life a living hell and ensure that those around you die wretched deaths!”

Nangong Tianxuan stared coldly at Jun Wushuang, his gaze icy and murderous.

Were it not for the King of Southtown’s order, he would have killed Jun Wushuang with a single blow.

“You’re trying to provoke me?” Jun Wushuang looked at Nangong Tianxuan, seeing through his intent.

“Indeed. If I don’t anger you, how else can I justify attacking you?” Nangong Tianxuan moved closer, grinning with sinister intent.

He made no effort to conceal his motives. Holding absolute advantage, even if Jun Wushuang saw through the provocation, what could he do?

This was his domain. He could play with Jun Wushuang as he pleased.

What could Jun Wushuang do?

“In that case, I shall grant your wish,” Jun Wushuang suddenly smiled.

He raised his right hand and slapped.

A sharp crack echoed as Nangong Tianxuan was sent flying.