The ten coveted spots for recommendation into the Tyrant Sect were swiftly confirmed.
Five were granted to fourth-year students.
Three to those in their third year.
And the remaining two—undoubtedly—belonged to Wei Yi and Zhu Ling'er, both second-year disciples.
Considering the academy's thousands-strong student body, a mere ten slots represented an almost infinitesimal fraction—barely one in a thousand.
Among the chosen few, apart from a handful of preordained candidates such as Zhu Ling'er—whose selection came directly from the Tyrant Sect itself—the rest were unequivocally the most gifted talents of True Martial Academy.
Of course, this was not to say Zhu Ling'er lacked aptitude. Rather, due to her youth and shorter cultivation span, her strength naturally fell slightly behind those third- and fourth-year prodigies.
Fortunately, everyone was aware of her unique status—her place could not be contested.
But the same could not be said for Wei Yi.
Despite the rapid rise of his reputation, in an academy brimming with brilliance, who among the renowned students was not a star in their own right?
Compared to such long-established figures, Wei Yi, with his meteoric ascent, appeared to some as an easier target.
Over the following days, challengers hounded him relentlessly—from second-years to even senior disciples from the third and fourth years—all with the same goal: to seize his hard-earned slot.
"The departure date for the Tyrant Sect hasn't been confirmed yet?"
"If they don't decide soon, I might have to find a place to hide…"
Slumped in the academy's library, Wei Yi sighed with exhaustion.
Zhu Ling'er and Yang Qingqing, seated nearby, couldn't help but giggle behind their hands.
They were well aware of his recent torment.
A few challenges might be tolerable—but being besieged day and night by a seemingly endless stream of opponents was another matter entirely.
"It should be settled soon. Probably in the next few days," Zhu Ling'er offered after a moment's thought.
"Sigh… Once you're all gone, I'll be left alone here," Yang Qingqing murmured wistfully.
Though her words weren't directed at Zhu Ling'er, her gaze lingered meaningfully on Wei Yi.
He offered an awkward cough in response. Perhaps it was the gratitude from saving her life earlier, but Yang Qingqing seemed to harbor a faint affection for him.
"Well, there's still Lu Xing." Wei Yi turned to the boy beside him, hoping to change the subject.
"Yeah! I'm still here," Lu Xing replied with a clueless grin.
Yang Qingqing rolled her eyes in exasperation.
"Wei Yi, I might have a solution to your current predicament," Lu Xing suddenly proposed.
"Oh? Let's hear it."
"You should place a wager. For example, demand a thousand taels of silver per duel. Only those willing to bet may challenge you. That way, you'll fend off most opponents and collect their wagers—provided, of course, that you win."
"That's actually a great idea!"
Wei Yi's eyes lit up.
"But a thousand per match is too little. Ten thousand sounds more reasonable… Anyone without the coin can get lost!"
He clapped his hands with glee.
"One bout nets ten thousand taels. Ten bouts equals a hundred thousand. A hundred matches would make me a millionaire…"
"This is even faster than robbing a bank!"
His eyes widened in astonishment. Why hadn't he thought of this before? It was the perfect scheme to amass wealth!
…
"You're sure you want to challenge me?"
"You heard the rules I just set, didn't you?"
Wei Yi eyed the fourth-year challenger across the training field with a bemused expression.
To be honest, he had considered that ten thousand taels was quite the steep price for a duel.
After all, most students were still teenagers, and even with powerful backgrounds, few would have such wealth at their disposal.
Yet he had still underestimated the allure of a Tyrant Sect recommendation.
No sooner had his challenge been posted than opponents began to appear—eager to gamble both coin and honor.
"Ten thousand taels isn't a big deal."
"But are you really willing to give up your slot in the Tyrant Sect if you lose?" the fourth-year student asked with a frown.
To him, the silver meant little compared to the sect's opportunity.
"Of course."
"But only if you can defeat me."
Wei Yi smiled coolly.
Not even the formidable Instructor Xu, a Tier-4 Grand Martial Master, had been able to best him. How could a fellow student stand a chance?
And truth be told—if someone could defeat him, they would hardly need to steal his spot.
"In that case, let's begin."
Clearly a scion of wealth, his opponent had no qualms about staking ten thousand taels. Compared to a Tyrant Sect recommendation, the sum was trivial.
"Prepare yourself!"
With a roar, he unleashed his qi, and his longsword shot forward like lightning toward Wei Yi.
His strikes were swift and well-practiced—certainly the mark of a seasoned seventh-rank Martial Master.
Among academy students, he was indeed a first-class talent.
But to Wei Yi, it was all too pedestrian.
"Well then… a little theatrics won't hurt."
A faint smirk curved Wei Yi's lips as an idea took shape.
Though he could win easily—even in a single move—he deliberately suppressed his power, maintaining just enough superiority to secure victory by a narrow margin.
The result: a fierce exchange of dozens of moves, ending with Wei Yi's narrow triumph.
"Here's your ten thousand."
His opponent's face turned pale with regret. Though the loss was slight, it was defeat nonetheless. He threw down the silver note and departed, deeply unwilling.
"Thanks for the match."
Wei Yi smiled as he pocketed the winnings.
Ten thousand wasn't a small sum. His total fortune until now had only amounted to several tens of thousands. This one duel had made him a great deal richer.
"Anyone else wish to challenge me?"
"Defeat me, and you'll earn your place in the Tyrant Sect. Opportunities like this don't come often—don't let it slip by!"
Wei Yi's voice rang out, tempting the crowd.
Many were visibly stirred.
They had just watched the match—and Wei Yi's strength hadn't seemed too overwhelming.
Perhaps… they had a chance.
"I'll go!"
"Here's ten thousand!"
Another wealthy heir stepped forward, ready to try his luck.
"Excellent!"
Wei Yi's grin deepened.
Once again, he held back his full power, battled for dozens of rounds, and then narrowly won.
One by one, more challengers came, convinced they had "seen through" his limits—and each time, Wei Yi reaped silver and success alike.
…
"That boy… so many tricks up his sleeve. He's even suppressing his strength on purpose…"
From a distance, the old dean observed with knowing amusement.
Beside him stood the academy's vice-dean, Zhu Yuanhe—Zhu Ling'er's uncle—who chuckled softly.
"Well, at least he knows how to turn a profit."
"A thousand taels per match—he's making money faster than I can count. Even I'm tempted to try it."
"Hmph, that rascal. Let's see what he does if he actually loses!" the old dean scoffed, half-laughing.
But deep down, he knew that scenario was nearly impossible.
Based on his assessment, very few—even among the academy's instructors—could truly best Wei Yi now.
"If he really loses," Zhu Yuanhe sighed quietly, "we'll still give him a spot. He must enter the Tyrant Sect."
The old dean blinked, then offered a wry smile. "True… Our academy's reputation has been fading in recent years. Compared to the other top institutions, we're falling behind. Hopefully this boy can turn things around…"
"Real gold fears no fire. Whether he is a dragon or a snake, this shallow pond of ours can't reveal it."
"The Tyrant Sect will be the true test."
Both men fell silent for a moment, anticipation flickering in their eyes.
"Oh, right… why the rush to send Ling'er to the Tyrant Sect? With her age, wouldn't it be better to wait a few more years?" the dean asked, suddenly curious.
Zhu Yuanhe's expression shifted. A trace of guilt clouded his eyes.
"There are some things beyond my control. Ling'er… she's a child burdened by fate."
"Your father… is it his health?"
The dean's face darkened slightly, as if sensing the truth.
Zhu Yuanhe nodded faintly.
"If not for his condition, Ling'er wouldn't need to leave so soon."
"From now on, her path will be hers to walk alone."