Chapter 185: Huo Yuanlong (2/2)

The use of Spiderweb Iron Pellets was uncommon because spider webs weren’t particularly tough. They wouldn’t be so cheap if they had more restraining power.

Ai Hui didn’t really care about this since he only intended to use them to confuse the enemy.

“I can only provide you with two quivers of Wolftooth Heavy Arrows,” said the officer, then swiftly continued upon seeing Ai Hui’s intention to retort, “A lot of people still need these. I’m already looking out for you guys by giving two quivers’ worth, the others are only being given one.”

“Alright, I’ll take whatever I can get.” Having seen the long line at the door, Ai Hui accepted his explanation.

“We don’t have any chillies in the warehouse.” The officer was a bit puzzled by the request. “Why do you need chillies? What a strange request! I’d suggest that you buy some from the spice shops since it’s rare for people to stock up on chillies. I’m sorry, but the mayor prefers sweet foods over spicy ones.”

Ai Hui was disappointed that he couldn’t get the chillies.

The officer had already left to tend to others. Knowing that he couldn’t get anything more, Ai Hui dragged the huge wine vat out of the warehouse.

Those who were still queueing up cast sidelong glances at Ai Hui.

The students gathered in the Vanguard Training Hall had just undertaken one round of gruelling training and were enjoying a well-deserved break.

Shi Xueman was the one leading the training since Ai Hui had no interest in looking after this group of students.

Her power and prestige were common knowledge among the students, allowing her to quickly win over their trust.

She had secretly read many of her father’s books from a tender age and was, as such, better versed in military tactics than the others.

When Ai Hui had handed them over to her, Shi Xueman had felt a hint of excitement. She finally had the chance to practice what she had been learning since she was young.

The only thing that she was slightly unhappy about was her assistant. She’d wanted Duanmu Huanghun to be her assistant, but Ai Hui assigned Jiang Wei to the role instead.

Stealing a glance at Jiang Wei, she had no choice but to admit that Ai Hui was a better judge of people than her.

Jiang Wei wasn’t as outstanding as Duanmu Huanghun, but he was calm, dependable, patient, and meticulous. Without Jiang Wei’s help, Shi Xueman would have been flustered.

Duanmu Huanghun was completely immersed in his own practice.

He wasn’t particularly willing to help out with the students’ training; his dream was, after all, to become a Grandmaster.

In the past, he hadn’t been sure of his aim in life. Experiencing these cruel battles and facing death had made it much clearer to him – he wanted to become a Grandmaster, and not just any grandmaster, but the strongest grandmaster ever!

A depressed mood pervaded the atmosphere during the break. Everyone was apprehensive about the future and a little terrified of the battles to come.

Fear and confusion made the students restless.

“Why do we have to listen to Ai Hui’s orders?” Huo Yuanlong asked, just loud enough for everyone around to hear.

He had done it on purpose. Having consistently been among the top ten students in the academy, he was unhappy that he had to listen to the orders of a first-year student. It was fine if someone like Duanmu Huanghun was the one in charge, but not if the leader was an unknown like Ai Hui.

Huo Yuanlong had secretly observed Ai Hui earlier while the dean had been speaking. He didn’t see anything special about Ai Hui.

The only thing that had left an impression on him was Ai Hui’s cold gaze. This gaze was, however, also the reason why Huo Yuanlong was so annoyed. Huo Yuanlong simply couldn’t stand being sized up by an unknown junior with such an indifferent gaze.

Shi Xueman furrowed her brows, Jiang Wei was roused from his rest, and Sang Zhijun shot a glance over upon hearing this. A grin crept onto her lips as she strummed her bowstring like an instrument.

The atmosphere was heavy.

Some of the students urged, “Yuanlong, mind your words!”

Huo Yuanlong stiffened his neck and raised his voice. “Did I say something wrong?”

Duanmu Huanghun’s was displeased that his practice was interrupted.

“I’m willing to listen to Miss Shi and Huanghun’s orders, but who is Ai Hui to command us?” Huo Yuanlong exclaimed.

His words resonated with the thoughts of many others, causing an uproar.

“Yes, only Miss Shi and Huanghun are qualified!”

“Who is this Ai Hui? Where did he come from?”

……

“Enough!” Shi Xueman commanded. She walked towards Huo Yuanlong with Cirrus in hand, her expression solemn. “You, fall out. Fifty strokes for causing trouble!”

Huo Yuanlong’s face completely drained of color. He couldn’t understand why Shi Xueman was siding with Ai Hui.

Fifty strokes… He trembled and hurriedly called out to Duanmu Huanghun for help. “Huanghun, don’t you have anything to say?”

“I do,” Duanmu Huanghun replied as he walked over.

Huo Yuanlong was filled with relief upon hearing Duanmu Huanghun’s words. “Exactly! Tell them what you think, Huanghun. Everyone will listen to you.”

“It’s really quite simple.” Duanmu Huanghun sneered, revealing a set of snow-white teeth. “I’ll personally mete out these fifty strokes.”