Master of Science and Technology - Chapter 35

Translator: Darling | Editor: Darling

In a blink of an eye, the pair on the stage had already fought for several rounds. Suddenly, Hu Changsheng noticeably revealed a weak point, and his originally swift sword movements began to appear rushed and disorderly. 

This mistake was too obvious. Even many of the students sitting under the stage noticed; not to mention the several Gold Core Masters. Nonetheless, as Luo Miao looked over, the members of the Jin Guang Sect did not appear to be anxious. On the contrary, the corners of their mouths were raised to a light smile.

As Hu Changsheng’s opponent, Bai Lian obviously detected his slip up. The movement of his sword changed. Without a second of hesitation, her sword flew towards the weak point.

The anxiety on Hu Changsheng’s face suddenly disappeared; fading to reveal a slightly prideful expression. Such a noticeable weakness, how could such appear on one of the Jin Guang Sect’s most elite students. This “mistake” was just a move to bait the enemy and turn the direction of the fight. And now, his opponent was caught on the hook.

“She’s a girl, after all. No wonder she lacks patience.” Beneath the stage, some saw Bai Lian’s performance and could not resist shaking their heads. Originally, they had thought that this female student from the Yu Qing Sect had exhibited blinding excellence, but now, looking back, her performance was most disappointing. 

“That’s the performance expected of Brother Hu! That woman had only gained some advantage from when Brother Hu was speaking. Now, she’s going to learn her own place!” The students of Jin Guang Sect all held delighted and prideful expressions; as if the person exchanging moves on the stage were themselves.

Yet, only near the Yu Qing Sect, regardless of the victory of the Jin Guang Sect, or the calls of the students, was a calm expression maintained as they observed the movements on the stage. There was not a hint on anxiety seen. No, actually, there were exceptions. Those four Secular Warriors seemed a bit more anxious than the rest; strung to the point of almost shouting out.

On the stage, Hu Changsheng took the opportunity to counterattack. His body moved in a flash of blinding light. His sword was like a thunderstorm in all its glory. Truly, at this moment, was his full potential finally revealed.

But, who would think, as Hu Changsheng had just begun his offensive, it would suddenly stop. A honed sword, a sharp blade in the hand of his opponent, had, unknowingly, found its place against his neck.

Hu Chansheng had used a weakness as a bait, and Bai Lian had fallen for it. But, who was to say that this wasn’t a trap of her own?

There was not a single sliver of joy from her victory on Bai Lian’s face. It was as if this all was destined to occur for her. Her only move was to calmly ask, “Do you heed to your loss?”

“You…” Hu Changsheng’s expression was filled with disbelief and seemed to want to say something more. But, feeling the cold blade against his neck, he could do nothing more than harshly swallow, and state, “I heed.”

“Say it louder.” Bai Lian did not immediately remove her sword. On the contrary, she pressed harder. Immediately, a line of blood flowed down the body of her sword. In this word, she had seen many students who would heed to their loss, then immediately go back on their world. She had seen too much of humanity’s despicable nature, and now, would never easily let go of an opponent.

The training of this void realm consisted not only of consistent battling but also included many tests outside of fighting. This included reacting to when an opponent attacks after playing dead or counteracting an opponent that goes back on their word. It could be said that opponents on the stage would do anything for a victory.

In the beginning, when Yu Qing students had first begun fighting, they had lost terribly. Every time they witnessed the despicable acts of their opponents, they could only shout: Where is the righteousness in this world. Can there be a base of trust between people?

Over time, the students of Yu Qing had all come to a realization: you can choose to not use those despicable acts against your opponents, but you must know that they will use these tricks against you.

Heeding to a loss on the stage, but counterattacking at the sign of relief, maiming, or even killing an opponent; such acts were not uncommon in this realm. There were always those people that placed too much emphasis on victory/defeat. After defeat, being unable to accept the reality, they would act without thinking of consequences. Of course, there were also those who acted on other motives.

There is a saying, a genius does not fall from natural causes. Many people thought it worthwhile to use an ordinary student and exchange them for the life of an elite student.

Because of her experience, Bai Lian did not put down her sword at the quiet whisper of Hu Changsheng’s heed but ordered him to repeat it louder.

Hu Changsheng wanted to cry. He didn’t know what his opponent was thinking. Could she leave him some of his dignity? But, as his neck throbbed with pain, he did not dare say more. He could only close his eyes and loudly cry out: “I heed, I heed to my loss!”

At the sound of Hu Changsheng’s shameless cry, the students beneath the stage flew in an uproar. The students of the Jin Guang Sect all felt ashamed. If you’re going to heed, then just heed. Do you really need to take the roof off with this volume? Would your opponent really slit your neck if you spoke a little softer?

If he could hear the thoughts of his classmates, Hu Changsheng would say, she would!

“I concede.” Bai Lian said without an ounce of sincerity. She finally removed her sword, and let the fresh blood drip off her sword’s body, onto the ground. However, after that, she still stood with her sword unsheathed against Hu Changsheng. Although she lost her offensive posture, there was still not a weakness shown.

This was a scrimmage! What kind of students did the Yu Qing Sect teach? Looking at the acts of Bai Lian as she stood on the stage, the masters of the four sects could not help but feel a sliver of discomfort. This opponent did not act like a student in her teens or early twenties. She acted like an old master of the ways of the world. 

Hu Changsheng held his neck and walked off the stage desolately. Only now, did Bai Lian resheath her sword, and walk back towards her class.

Yu Qing Sect had won?

The pair had fought for several rounds, but the process was very fast. The sect members surrounding the platform had not fully processed the whole ordeal. In the beginning, they had thought that the two had a measurable difference in skill. Of course, this difference was present. However, it was the Yu Qing student that held the upper hand. It could be said that Bai Lian’s performance made many reconsider their view of the Yu Qing students.

But, little did they know, scrimmaging had already greatly restricted the Yu Qing students. Had this round been a true battle of life and death, Bai Lian could probably slit the throat of Hu Changsheng in no time.

Bai Lian walked off the stage and approached Jin Dasheng and Ye Zan. There was not an expression on her face. She calmly bowed and said:”(Master) Great Uncle, Uncle, your student has the honor of not disappointing your regards.”

Jin Dasheng could not hide the joy on his face. Not only due to this victory, but also because, due to Bai Lian’s performance, he could finally hold his head up high with pride.

Looking at Bai Lian, Jin Dasheng nodded, his eyes full of benevolence, and gently said: “Yes, you performed well. Now return to your class. When we return to our Sect, you shall be rewarded.” 

As for Ye Zan, he did not say much, as he was not surprised by the results of this round. However, regarding Bai Lian’s performance, he was rather pleased. Not only regarding her skill but more importantly, her attitude of neverending alertness. 

If you are not as skilled as your opponent, then there’s really no solution. However, if you are clearly stronger than your enemy, but lose your advantage due to a simple mistake, then that could not be forgiven. In this void realm, there were many tests set. The goal was to tell these students, what “even a lion must exert his whole strength when hunting a rabbit” meant. Even the strongest predator has to be fully engaged when fighting the weakest prey in order to prevent all possible mistakes and defeat. And Bai Lian noticeably understood this value. This was the point Ye Zan was most satisfied with.