Jiang Chen's cold voice caused countless eyes in the square to converge on him.
"Hey, isn't that the young master of our Jiang family? What's he doing here?"
"I heard that the opportunity for Jiang Yunhong to enter Lingyun Martial Academy was bought at all costs by the Patriarch for this so-called 'waste' young master. Could he have come for that?"
"Hah… Does he really think he can take it back?"
"Exactly. The Patriarch isn't here, and the elder holds the authority now. There's no way they'd let this waste have such an opportunity!"
"..."
As Jiang Chen stood in the square, many disciples of the Jiang family watched him with mocking expressions.
Both Jiang Qianhe and Jiang Yunhong's expressions changed upon seeing Jiang Chen appear.
"Jiang Chen, don't you dare spew nonsense here!" Jiang Yunhong sneered.
"I admit that this slot for entering Lingyun Martial Academy was indeed earned by the Patriarch. But even though you are his only son, you're a natural-born waste. Still stuck in the Body Tempering Second Stage—what qualifications do you have to claim this opportunity?"
Jiang Yunhong stared at Jiang Chen with open disdain, his words dripping with sarcasm.
Three months ago, Jiang Yunhong had failed the entrance assessment for Lingyun Martial Academy. At sixteen, this was his last chance, and this coveted slot was his only ticket to train there. He would not allow the so-called "waste" before him to ruin it.
"I'm not qualified? You failed the Lingyun Martial Academy assessment. It doesn't seem like you're much better than me, are you?" Jiang Chen calmly retorted, ignoring Jiang Yunhong's mocking tone.
Jiang Yunhong's face darkened instantly.
The Great Xia Kingdom was vast, divided into nine prefectures, each with its own Martial Academy. These academies not only governed their regions but also recruited and trained martial artists to cultivate talents for the kingdom. Lingyun Martial Academy was the pinnacle of cultivation in Lingyun Prefecture—every martial artist's dream.
However, its assessment process was rigorous, with only one in a thousand passing. Three months ago, Jiang Yunhong had failed this very assessment. Now, with Jiang Chen publicly exposing this humiliation, Jiang Yunhong's anger flared.
"Jiang Chen, even if I failed the Lingyun Martial Academy assessment, I am still far better than a waste who has been stuck in the Body Tempering Second Stage for two years!" Jiang Yunhong spat.
"The slot to enter Lingyun Martial Academy is too precious. For the future of the Jiang family, it must go to the most promising young disciple.
"Jiang Chen, I'm not heartless. I'll give you a chance. If you can defeat me, I'll hand over the slot to you willingly!"
"Your words almost sound fair," Jiang Chen replied coolly, glancing at Jiang Yunhong before turning to Jiang Qianhe.
"Elder, what do you say?"
"The slot to enter Lingyun Martial Academy must indeed go to the most promising junior in the Jiang family." Jiang Qianhe frowned slightly. Something felt off, but he nodded.
Among the younger generation, Jiang Yunhong was the most talented candidate, and this so-called "waste" posed no threat to him.
"The Great Elder always considers the family's interests. I admire that," Jiang Chen smirked. Then, he raised his hand and motioned at Jiang Yunhong.
"Jiang Yunhong, get out and fight me!"