Chapter 45 You Killed My Brother, So I Must Kill You

The Imperial Capital stood in all its majesty, grand and imposing. Yet Jun Wushuang's expression remained calm, unruffled by the spectacle. He had gazed upon rivers and mountains spanning ten thousand miles, traversed the Three Realms and Six Paths, and even witnessed the vastness of the universe itself. Compared to those wonders, the capital before him seemed as insignificant as dust.

Meanwhile, Lin Mengyao was wide-eyed with amazement, exclaiming in wonder at every sight, her horizons broadened immeasurably.

“Master, where shall we go first?” Master Wu inquired respectfully. Now that they had arrived in the capital, they could head to the Prince of Zhen Nan’s residence or the Royal Martial Institute.

“Today is the entrance examination. Let us go to the Royal Martial Institute first,” Jun Wushuang replied. His purpose in coming to the capital was to seek vengeance against Ji Qingchen, and naturally, the Royal Martial Institute was the place to begin.

“Yes, sir!” Master Wu directed the carriage, carrying Jun Wushuang and Lin Mengyao toward the Royal Martial Institute.

The Royal Martial Institute was situated in the eastern quarter of the capital, the district of the powerful and wealthy where every inch of land was priceless. The Institute itself occupied a fifth of this prestigious area. Even from afar, its golden rooftops and opulent splendor dazzled the eye.

Founded a thousand years ago at the very establishment of the Great Qian Dynasty, the Royal Martial Institute was created by the imperial family to gather the nation’s most gifted youths. For a millennium, it had produced countless heroes and champions, securing the dynasty’s enduring legacy.

When Jun Wushuang and his companions arrived, the entrance was already thronged with people. Although admission was by recommendation, the Great Qian Dynasty comprised eighteen prefectures, each with hundreds or even thousands of cities. Even if each city recommended only one person, there would still be over ten thousand candidates. Upon arrival in the capital, these aspirants still had to face the entrance examination. Only those who passed all stages would be admitted.

“So many heads!” Lin Mengyao gasped in shock, her face paling. At the right of the Institute’s grand gate stood an ominous tower over a hundred meters high—a Skull Tower.

A Skull Tower was a grim monument, built to flaunt military achievements by stacking the severed heads of enemies. This one soared over a hundred meters, crowned with more than ten thousand skulls, striking terror into every onlooker. Its morbid presence clashed starkly with the Institute’s gilded splendor.

“Master Wu, what is that?” Jun Wushuang asked.

“That is from the Azure Cloud Martial Institute,” Master Wu replied with a heavy sigh.

Jun Wushuang frowned, unfamiliar with the name.

“Master, it’s not surprising you haven’t heard of it. The Azure Cloud Martial Institute declined a century ago,” Master Wu explained.

“The Royal Martial Institute, founded by the royal family, gathers gifted youths from across the land. But most of its places are monopolized by the offspring of the elite, leaving little room for those from humble backgrounds. Five hundred years ago, a youth from obscurity rose to become the most powerful person in the dynasty. He advocated for equality in the Royal Martial Institute, but his efforts failed. Thus, he established the Azure Cloud Martial Institute, dedicated to those of humble birth, openly challenging the Royal Martial Institute.

“While that champion lived, the Azure Cloud Institute surpassed the Royal, becoming the preeminent academy of the Great Qian Dynasty. But when he passed, and no worthy successor emerged, Azure Cloud gradually declined, finally collapsing a century ago. Now, only a handful remain.

“As for the Skull Tower, it originated from a pact between the two institutes. Every three years, they held a duel to the death. The skulls atop this tower are the remains of humble youths who perished in those deadly contests.”

Master Wu recounted the history of the Azure Cloud Martial Institute and the origin of the grim tower. It was shocking, and inspiring as well.

The conflict between commoners and the nobility—such strife was eternal. That champion from humble origins had founded the Azure Cloud Martial Institute to win opportunities for those like him. For that alone, he was worthy of respect.

Yet the struggle was brutal. In the end, the Azure Cloud Institute could not overcome the Royal Martial Institute, leaving behind only this chilling monument of skulls.

Suddenly, a mighty toll of the bell rang out, its resonance sweeping through heaven and earth.

“The entrance examination is about to begin,” Master Wu whispered.

At once, the crowd fell silent; every candidate steeled themselves. After all, this trial would determine their destinies.

Three figures soared from within the Royal Martial Institute. Leading them was an elder with white hair and the face of a child, exuding immense power—a master of the ninth level of the Celestial Human Realm. The other two were also Celestial Human Realm experts: one a Silver Mentor, the others Bronze Mentors.

“Welcome to the entrance examination of the Royal Martial Institute. I am Zhao Qiming, chief examiner for this year. These are Mentor Yun and Mentor Chu,” the silver-haired old man announced simply.

“The entrance examination consists of three rounds: the first tests talent, the second tests cultivation, and the third tests combat ability.

“Only those who pass all three rounds may be admitted to the Royal Martial Institute,” Zhao Qiming declared.

But the crowd already knew these rules by heart, so there was little surprise. Soon, the examination began.

“Wait!” Suddenly, a voice interrupted.

A pale golden flash of lightning shot from within the Institute, slicing through the sky and landing before the crowd.

Within the lightning stood a man and a woman. The man radiated an aura of thunderous might and dominance; the woman was stunningly beautiful, captivating all who saw her.

They were none other than Nangong Tianxuan and Ji Qingchen.

“That’s the Heir of the Nangong family! What is he doing here?”

Nangong Tianxuan’s reputation was immense; he was recognized at a glance.

“The Heir is not only one of the top students, he possesses the Tyrannical Thunder Emperor Body, making him one of the Royal Martial Institute’s greatest prodigies.”

“But today is the entrance exam—why is he here? And it seems he means to intervene!”

“The woman beside him is a profound-level student—she’s breathtaking!”

The arrival of Nangong Tianxuan and Ji Qingchen instantly set the crowd ablaze. Hungry, worshipful gazes fixed on them, and the atmosphere reached a fever pitch.

Yet Nangong Tianxuan remained unmoved by the adulation.

“Mentor Zhao, I apologize for interrupting the examination, but there is something I must do. I ask your understanding,” he said, bowing to Zhao Qiming and the other two mentors.

The three mentors, clearly forewarned, showed no anger.

“Do not delay for long,” Zhao Qiming said, granting Nangong Tianxuan face.

Nangong Tianxuan nodded, then turned. His gaze swept the crowd like that of a fierce beast, making all shudder.

“My younger brother Nangong Lei was killed in Jiangning City. He was my only brother. I cannot let his death go unavenged.

“Whoever killed my brother must pay in blood!”

He roared in fury.

“Jun Wushuang, I know you’re here!

“You killed my brother, and I will kill you!

“Come out and face your death!”