Chapter Twenty-Seven: Looking Down

Liu Feng turned his head to look at the speaker.

He saw a boy of about fifteen, of average build and slender features. His eyes darted restlessly, betraying a sly and cunning nature.

Liu Feng frowned slightly and said, “Who are you? I don’t know you at all. Why should I agree to your request?”

“I’m from Class Three. I’ve heard your abilities are quite impressive, so our leader wants to exchange a few words with you,” the boy replied.

“Class Three? Please leave. I have many things to tend to and no time for your exchange,” Liu Feng said.

The boy was momentarily taken aback by Liu Feng’s blunt refusal. His eyes flickered as he retorted, “It seems rumors really are unreliable. I thought you were capable, someone worth noticing, but it turns out you’re just a coward.”

Liu Feng’s expression remained calm. “Whether I am someone of note or a coward is for others to judge. I won’t concern myself with it.”

“So it seems Class One’s strength is lacking, not even daring to face Class Three.”

“Yes, last time at the class competition, Class One ranked last while Class Three came in second. The gap is obvious.”

Some students, whose class allegiance was unclear, jeered from the side. It was hard to fathom their motives for saying such things.

Yet Liu Feng faced their comments with tranquil composure.

But some members of Class One were present and could not bear it any longer.

Someone stepped forward and said, “The class tournament is about to begin. You must be afraid Liu Feng’s strength is rising too quickly, so you’re trying to dampen his spirits in advance.”

“That’s right, you fear that if Liu Feng becomes stronger, he’ll stand out in the upcoming tournament and push Class Three’s ranking down.”

“I think that’s it. You want to defeat Liu Feng early, plant the seed of failure in him, and halt his progress—eliminating a major threat ahead of time.”

Two more from Class One stepped forward to speak for Liu Feng.

“You’re overthinking it. Our Class Three’s strength is well-known. There’s no need for such tricks,” said the slender boy from Class Three.

“With Liu Feng’s insignificant strength, Class Three wouldn’t bother resorting to such tactics,” another Class Three student chimed in.

Liu Feng looked at the Class Three students, watching their coordinated act, and merely shook his head. Such ordinary schemes could never fool him.

Though Liu Feng had remained indifferent throughout, some Class One students cherished their honor deeply.

Seeing Liu Feng mocked by Class Three, they felt the honor of their entire class was tarnished. Some glared angrily at the Class Three students who belittled Liu Feng.

The slender boy from Class Three observed the expressions of the Class One students and quickly devised his next move.

He suddenly said, “Sorry, my previous words were mistaken.”

“It’s good that you know you were wrong,” said a Class One student.

“Liu Feng’s strength isn’t impressive at all—it’s downright terrible,” the slender boy said disdainfully.

“Not only is he weak, he’s as timid as a mouse,” someone echoed.

“You... That’s utter nonsense!” A Class One student who knew Liu Feng’s abilities was incensed by these words.

“In my opinion, all of Class One are just like Liu Feng—weak and lacking courage.”

“Looks like Class One will be last again in this competition. Truly hopeless.”

The slender boy and his companions disparaged Liu Feng and the Class One students, leaving them worthless in their eyes.

“Liu Feng, are you really afraid of Class Three? Are you unwilling to spar with them?”

“You mustn’t disgrace our class. With your ability, I think you can handle this match.”

Some Class One students could bear it no longer and urged Liu Feng, hoping he’d accept the challenge.

Upon hearing this, Liu Feng sighed inwardly: “Fame and honor truly cause people much harm. Such trivial pride—some value it so highly.”

He hadn’t expected that a few casual remarks from Class Three would have such an effect. He himself felt nothing, yet some in Class One could not stand it and wanted to force him into a duel.

A gleam of satisfaction flashed in the slender boy’s eyes as he said to Liu Feng, “Well, in this situation, you probably have no choice but to accept.”

Liu Feng considered for a moment and said calmly, “I’ll accept your challenge, but only if we add a wager.”

The slender boy asked, “What kind of wager do you want?”

“One hundred spirit stones. Do you dare accept?” Liu Feng replied, his tone unruffled.

The slender boy’s expression changed slightly. One hundred spirit stones was no small sum, given their great utility.

“What, are you afraid?”

“If you lack the guts, don’t act so arrogant.”

Seeing the slender boy’s uneasy look, the Class One students felt secretly pleased and taunted him.

“Liu Feng truly has some courage. I accept your terms.”

At that moment, a figure approached from the east side of the training ground—a tall, upright youth with handsome features and extraordinary bearing. His gaze was bright and clear, marking him as someone out of the ordinary.

He walked straight up to Liu Feng.

“Boss, you’re here,” said the slender boy.

“Zhang Chuang, I heard everything you said just now. It was rather unpleasant. Hurry and apologize to Liu Feng,” the newcomer said to the slender boy.

The slender boy’s eyes flickered. After a moment, he said, “Liu Feng, I’m sorry. My words earlier were excessive. Please forgive me.”

Liu Feng looked at the newcomer, then turned his gaze to the slender boy. “It’s nothing. I didn’t take your words to heart.”

The tall, handsome youth said, “My name is Wang Jun. I’ve heard your strength is formidable and would like to spar with you.”

Liu Feng replied, “That’s just idle gossip. I’m new to the academy, and my ability is merely average.”

Wang Jun said, “I’ve heard that shortly after arriving, you defeated Yang Dong from Class Two and fought Zhao Yang from your own class to a draw. With such achievements, how can you claim your strength is average?”

“So, it was you who sent him to find me, seeking a match,” Liu Feng remarked.

Wang Jun replied, “That’s right. Zhao Yang is ranked third in Class One, and you, so new, managed to fight him to a draw. I’m very curious just how strong you truly are.”

Liu Feng said, “You’re already aware of the wager I proposed.”

Wang Jun said, “I’ve already agreed.”

“So, when do you want to compete?” Liu Feng asked.

“Tomorrow afternoon, right here,” Wang Jun replied.

“Very well,” said Liu Feng.

“I hope we can become friends.” With these words, Wang Jun extended his hand.

Liu Feng looked at Wang Jun and extended his own hand. Their palms met.

Liu Feng felt a strong force from Wang Jun’s palm and exerted his own strength to match it.

After a moment, their hands parted. Wang Jun smiled. “Liu Feng, I hope you won’t disappoint me tomorrow.”

Liu Feng replied calmly, “We’ll know the result come tomorrow.”