151 Ascending the Mountain (2/2)
Rumors had spread about the incident at Victory House. Many have heard of how Prince Longqing, who held much power in the Judicial Department of the Divine hall had lost to some ordinary student of the Academy. However, those who truly knew what had happened knew that this was a small matter that had to do with words and alcohol. It would not affect the place Prince Long Qing had in their hearts. As long as he had never been truly defeated, he was still a perfect god to them.
There were several young cultivators who had walked towards the back of the Academy since the announcement. However, Prince Long Qing had kept silent and focused on the air before him.
”Long Qing, when have you ever been so affected by the common people?”
Prince Long Qing's mouth twitched upwards and muttered something in his heart. He turned his emotionless gaze towards a lad tucked in the corner outside of the crowd and stood up slowly.
It was a simple movement but excited those around him. The conversations around him got louder.
”Prince Long Qing is about to ascend the mountain!”
”Is he going to be the one to reach the highest spot?”
”Of course! He is one of the strongest in the Seethrough state. I believe he will reach the peak!”
”He is already a bigwig in the Judicial Department of the Divine Hall and he still had to participate in the examination to enter the Second floor. The committee of the Academy really thinks too highly of themselves. Can't they just give him a place?”
”I suspect the Academy and the Tang Empire would use this opportunity to shake up the West-Hill Divine Palace.”
”There are so many eyes looking, would they dare try anything?”
”Why would they try anything when the Headmaster of the Academy is accepting disciples?! Some people really are beyond stupid!”
...
...
Prince Long Qing heard every conversation around him but did not reveal anything on his face as if he had heard nothing.
Under the numerous gazes, he raised his right hand and tapped the middle of his forehead slightly before looking at the sun in the middle of the sky. The sincerity and benevolence on his face turned calm and he walked towards the back of the Academy.
”I don't like how you're trying to gain attention. Everyone knows you're strong and practically undefeatable. They want to see how you're going to do that. But you're waiting to go last when everyone has become impatient. You're going to stand up and make your way there slowly, flicking dust off your sleeves, pulling up your pants and posing with your sword. Do you think you're making your way to the bathroom?”
Chu Youxian appeared beside Ning Que and gave him a shock. Ning Que who was tickled by his sarcasm smiled and shook his head, ”This is too sour. Too sour.”
”Thank you.” Chu Youxian looked at him with a happy grin, ”I did not enter the Victory House the other day, but I heard of what happened. That was true sourness. I'm just being direct.”
”There isn't much of a difference.” Ning Que laughed and said.
Chu Youxian looked at the disappearing backs of his classmates and Prince Long Qing before sighing, ”It's a pity that you cannot shame the prince further in a situation like his today... Our classmates are indeed narrow-minded. You've done much for the reputation of the Academy before the people of West-Hill and Yan Kingdom, but Zhong Dajun is still uttering nonsense. I think they're asking for it.”
”It takes a form of courage to ascend the mountain together with Prince Long Qing.” Ning Que looked at the bamboo forests at the foot of the mountain.
The weather was good today, the air was especially clean and the skies were clear blue. One could clearly make out the path before him. The path on the large mountain behind the Academy could be clearly seen.
Those staying in the Academy could see the people walking up the mountain path past the horizon. The young monk was leading and behind him, there were more people walking along the stone path. Xie Chengyun and the other six students of the course of magic skills were in the middle, followed by Prince Long Qing at the back.
While the mountain was treacherous, there were no true obstacles to these young cultivators. This examination seemed simple to many, but in truth, the search for a disciple of the Headmaster of the Academy would not be simple. As such, the path up the mountain would not be easy.
The young cultivators finally slowed down as they reached the steep mountain path. To those watching, they looked as if they were carrying an extremely heavy rock on their bodies. Every step they took was painful and toiling. It looked as if they were fighting against the entire world.
The young monk from Yuelun Kingdom looked as if he was having an easier time. Only one person seemed not to be affected by the steep mountain path. He walked as if he was on flat ground and surpassed the others. With his sleeves slightly behind his back, he did not look as if he was participating in a difficult challenge but was admiring the scenery instead.
That was Prince Long Qing.