CHAPTER 216: CHAPTER 202: FIRST SHOWING OF TALENT

The Sword Dao Academy at Golden Bull University has its own independent Sword Dojo.

The Sword Dojo, with its all-glass exterior walls, boasts a practice hall over a hundred thousand square meters. The spacious area is bright and open, with pale yellow rattan mats covering the floor.

Over a thousand swordsmen, donned in loose golden sword robes, practice barefoot on the rattan mats.

"Golden Bull University’s Sword Dao Academy has tens of thousands of students. Among them, more than a thousand are at Level 5 and above."

Xiao Wan, hailing from the Sword Dao Academy at Golden Bull University, was quite attached to the place. She spoke of the academy with pride.

"Impressive indeed."

Gao Xuan nodded in praise, acknowledging the excellent Source Power environment on Taurus, along with superior educational resources.

Moreover, it gathered elite talents from the Twelve Star Domain. Such accumulated advantages over generations have greatly enhanced their genetic superiority.

At a place like Mingjing University, one Level 5 swordsman is enough to dominate. Yet here, there are over a thousand Level 5 swordsmen. This starkly highlights the gap between Mingjing University and Golden Bull University.

Even if all the experts from Pegasus Star were gathered, they would not qualify to compare with Golden Bull University.

This is the strength of the top-tier universities in the Twelve Star Domain.

Before Gao Xuan arrived, he had researched Golden Bull University and had some understanding of its basic situation.

However, even such a university in the Central Star Realm would be considered merely second-tier.

If Golden Bull University showed any inclination to win the championship, it might not withstand the pressure from top universities in the Central Star Realm and beyond.

After learning a lesson in Zhongjing, Gao Xuan gained a firsthand understanding of the harshness of the university Sword Dao League.

With this benchmark, he could objectively assess the difficulty of winning the championship.

Without a doubt, Golden Bull University is not quite up to championship standards. Right now, this is his only path forward.

Currently, regional discrimination between Star Realms is severe. The noble families hold a firm grip on university entry. Even if he went to the Central Star Realm without a guide, it would be hard to enter a top university.

Even entering Golden Bull University would have been challenging without Xiao Wan’s introduction. Such is the harsh reality.

"This is Dean Tong Chuan of the Sword Dao Academy, and this is Head Coach Lu Xiuying of the Sword Dojo..."

Xiao Wan introduced Gao Xuan and Yun Qingshang. Both Gao Xuan and Yun Qingshang politely greeted them.

Tong Chuan, with sparse hair and a kindly face, wore casual Tang-style clothes and appeared affably approachable.

Lu Xiuying, a slender middle-aged woman with high cheekbones and small but piercing eyes, had a stern and harsh demeanor.

"The Taihua Sword Immortal, I’ve heard of you. Meeting you in person surpasses rumors; you truly have the bearing of an immortal. Very well..."

Tong Chuan had long heard of Gao Xuan’s name. After all, it’s rare for a genius to emerge from a place like Pegasus Star. Moreover, Gao Xuan had once killed Han Peng with a single sword strike. That was quite remarkable.

Though Golden Bull University is a top-tier university in the Twelve Star Domain, even its best students are only at Level 10. There’s no way they could kill Han Peng with one strike.

Of course, Gao Xuan clearly used special powers to kill Han Peng. Yet, his swordsmanship was nearly perfect, and given his young age and limited cultivation, there was nothing to criticize.

Tong Chuan was quite pleased to bring Gao Xuan into the academy. As for Yun Qingshang, having her join as well was fine.

However, Lu Xiuying staunchly opposed it, making it difficult for Tong Chuan to insist.

Gao Xuan smiled at Tong Chuan and said, "The dean praises me too highly."

Lu Xiuying looked at Gao Xuan and said, "Why don’t you take off your sunglasses? It seems a bit impolite."

"I’m blind and usually wear sunglasses to conceal my defect."

Gao Xuan politely said, "I apologize for any misunderstanding, Head Coach Lu."

Despite his words, he made no move to remove his sunglasses.

Feeling slightly displeased, Lu Xiuying couldn’t press the matter since Gao Xuan claimed to be blind and kept his eyes closed. Persisting would make her seem petty.

"Gao Xuan, your swordsmanship is excellent, and we welcome you to join the academy. However, this young lady must pass an assessment to join."

Lu Xiuying said, "In the Sword Dao Academy, having talent in swordsmanship is all that matters. The assessment is simple; she just needs to defeat three students."

Gao Xuan nodded, "That’s easy."

Lu Xiuying felt even more displeased, disliking ostentatious people.

Gao Xuan wasn’t just extremely handsome; his words were flamboyant, and his behavior was too ostentatious for her liking.

She gestured to some nearby students, "A few of you, come over here."

Gao Xuan and his group had already attracted a lot of attention upon entering.

After all, Gao Xuan stood out too much.

Many well-informed people had heard about the Taihua Sword Immortal from Pegasus Star coming.

In the Sword Dao League, a contestant was killed with a single sword strike, making Gao Xuan renowned across the Twelve Star Domain.

With advancements in armor technology, it’s rare to see opponents killed on the spot in university Sword Dao Leagues.

Especially in the Twelve Star Domain, where Source Power levels are low. The participants’ skills are even lower.

The swordsmen from Golden Bull University had all watched the match video.

No matter if Gao Xuan’s method was questionable, his swordsmanship was indeed strong. Yuan Hao, at Level 7, was killed with a single strike without any reaction.

The helmet was like a thin piece of paper, offering no protection. Gao Xuan’s displayed ferocity and intensity left a deep impression on many.

Seeing Gao Xuan today, many swordsmen were surreptitiously observing him.

Gao Xuan’s appearance was striking and distinctive. Even wearing sunglasses, everyone recognized him at a glance.

As Head Coach Lu Xiuying gestured, a group of young men and women immediately came over.

Each of them was dashing and attractive, with outstanding physical appearances.

To become elites of the Sword Dao Academy, they certainly couldn’t be unattractive. Nor could they be weak.

This group of young men and women were around Levels 7 or 8. The leading young man had a jade-like face, with gentle and bright eyes, exuding a dignified air.

Xiao Wan glanced at the young man leading the group and whispered to Gao Xuan, "That’s Lan Tianshou, the genius of the Lan Family’s generation. It’s said that he’s already a Tenth-level Swordsman."

On Taurus, there are several noble families standing like three legs of a tripod. Among them, the Lan Family is a powerful noble family on par with the Xiao Family.

The Xiao Family is very strong in the military, while the Lan Family has enormous influence in the government system.

The resources of the two families could complement each other, and there’s no direct competition. They should have been great partners, but due to historical reasons, their relationship has always been poor.

Xiao Wan is actually a bit jealous of Lan Tianshou. This guy is only twenty and already a Level 10 swordsman. His talent might be a lot stronger than hers.

"Lan Tianshou is our family’s rival. You don’t need to be polite to him in the future. Suppress him as much as possible," Xiao Wan whispered a reminder.

"Don’t worry, as long as I’m around, no one will get to shine."

Gao Xuan didn’t need to deliberately suppress anyone. Any genius wouldn’t have a good time around him.

Lan Tianshou was also particularly interested in Gao Xuan, keeping his eyes on him the whole time.

A group of men and women nearby were whispering, "That guy is really handsome!"

"He’s a hundred times more handsome in person than in the videos. Damn, it’s unscientific how he looks like that..."

"He’s really handsome, I really like him!"

The men were all envious and jealous, while the women were filled with joy and admiration.

Of course, not all the women liked Gao Xuan.

Lan Tiange disdainfully said, "Brother, that guy looks more like a woman than I do."

She lowered her voice, "I heard Gao Xuan is a gigolo who relies on women to climb up."

"Don’t talk nonsense." Lan Tianshou, however, displayed magnanimity, acknowledging that Gao Xuan was more handsome than him, with an air of carefree elegance. He couldn’t compare.

"I’m not talking nonsense, look at him clinging to Xiao Wan’s thigh."

Lan Tiange clicked her tongue, "These lowly born commoners are disgusting."

Lan Tianshou glared at Lan Tiange, "Use your brain a little. Regardless of where Gao Xuan comes from, he’s a master. You wouldn’t last a single sword strike against him."

"He wouldn’t dare!" Lan Tiange looked unconvinced, not believing Gao Xuan would dare touch her.

"That’s how Yuan Hao died."

Lan Tianshou’s face grew somber, "When facing the sword’s edge, it is about swordsmanship’s strength. Family background isn’t always useful. My dear sister, don’t act foolishly."

Seeing Lan Tianshou’s scary expression, Lan Tiange pouted and ultimately didn’t dare to retort.

While the two of them were talking, Lu Xiuying had already appointed a swordsman to enter the field.

The swordsman put on the armor, fully armed and ready.

Yun Qingshang also went to the dressing room and changed into a set of blue armor she brought with her. She selected the longest, heaviest sword, similar in weight and length to the Po Jun Sword.

Such heavy swords are mostly used for strength training; few people use them in actual combat.

The power of a heavy sword is immense, but its weight is too much. A swing of a heavy sword is enough time for the opponent to strike thrice.

Swordsmanship duels are very fast, and swordsman choices generally lean towards speed. The heavy sword is equipped for exoskeleton armor warfare and not suitable for Sword Dao duels.

The opposing swordsman, seeing Yun Qingshang holding a heavy sword, couldn’t help but show a contemptuous smile.

The crowd of onlooking swordsmen were also amused. It’s rare to see a swordsman use a heavy sword.

Using a heavy sword in a nimble and swift swordsmanship duel looks foolish.

Tong Chuan also worriedly glanced at Gao Xuan. If Yun Qingshang lost too badly, he couldn’t speak up for her.

Lu Xiuying remained expressionless, not agreeing with Yun Qingshang’s choice. But as a Silver-level Sword Hero, she cared more about the result.

Yun Qingshang’s breath was deep and refined, and she couldn’t tell Yun Qingshang’s exact level. However, seeing Yun Qingshang’s calm and steady demeanor, she thought Yun Qingshang had a better chance of winning.

The most worried was, of course, Xiao Wan. She asked Gao Xuan confusedly, "Did you arrange this?"

Gao Xuan shook his head, "Qingshang excels with the heavy sword. Don’t worry, she’s very strong."

Xiao Wan was about to speak when Yun Qingshang raised her heavy sword.

The opponent sensed an opportunity and stepped forward to stab without hesitation. He assumed the opponent’s swinging speed couldn’t match his.

As long as he landed the first strike, he’d win.

Of course, under competition rules, landing the first hit meant victory. Such a tactic would be very risky in real combat; he might land a hit but could also be chopped by the opponent in one blow.

The swordsman believed he had seized the opportunity yet underestimated Yun Qingshang’s strength.

A heavy sword weighing dozens of kilograms was as light as a feather in her hands, slashing swiftly ahead of him.

The swordsman, terrified, hastily raised his sword to block while trying to sidestep.

But with a flick of the heavy sword, the swordsman’s longsword was directly cut in half. Waiting for the heavy sword to flash down, the swordsman felt despair.

The armor on his body couldn’t withstand such a speedy slash from a sword weighing dozens of kilograms. He’d be split in two by this stroke.

Even the onlooking Lu Xiuying’s face shifted slightly, yet she did not intervene.

Their swordsman was too foolish, sending himself onto the sword. He deserved to die.

With his eyes shut, waiting for death, the swordsman suddenly felt a heavy strike on his head, blacking out immediately.

In the final moment, Yun Qingshang turned her sword away, striking the swordsman’s head with the smooth blade ridge, sparing his life.

The students from Golden Bull University, who had been watching for fun, originally wore contemptuous smiles on their faces.

Now, that group of people had their smiles frozen.

They looked at Yun Qingshang with a newfound respect.

Even the proud and arrogant Lan Tiange lost her smile.