Chapter 54: Meticulous Planning, Victory Within Grasp

When Yu Shang awoke, opening his eyes to the gentle light of dawn, it was already the next morning. He was still groggy, but as if suddenly remembering something, he sprang to his feet, checking his body for any unusual changes. Aside from his pale violet hair, which now appeared even darker, nothing else seemed different from before. Yet, he refused to give up and sat cross-legged to meditate, circulating his internal energy relentlessly. To his surprise, everything operated as it always had, with no alteration. The luminous pearl continued to send its faint violet essence through the gate within him, the energy deliberately circling his heart before obediently entering the gate. The restlessness he felt last night was gone, perhaps simply because he had grown accustomed to it.

After thoroughly examining himself, Yu Shang slowly opened his eyes and muttered in disappointment, "It seems the Elder’s cultivation hasn’t helped me much. Though my body feels tougher than before, there’s no improvement in other aspects. If I want to unlock all the gates, I must first gather the fragments of the Divine Blade and restore it." Some things truly must be done step by step; cunning alone would not suffice. Yu Shang had hoped to use the Elder’s years of cultivation to break through his own limits and force open some gates, so he could rely on their power in today’s competition and avoid defeat. Now it seemed his hopes were dashed. He needed a foolproof plan to secure his victory. "I wonder how the others are preparing," he thought anxiously.

"You rascal, what are you mumbling about so early in the morning? Hurry up and get ready to come with me— the Dean is waiting for you!" Xiao Yin burst in, fiery and impatient, seeing Yu Shang still sitting calmly on his bed. Annoyed, he scolded him, but then paused to reflect, "Isn’t this brat usually the most diligent? Every day, he’s up before dawn, yet today he’s lazing about. Maybe he’s possessed! But he was out all night yesterday— could it be he was meeting a beauty?" The thought made Xiao Yin grin mischievously, pressing, "Come on, confess! Where were you gallivanting last night? Why did you only return just before sunrise?"

"Even if I did indulge in some revelry, it’s none of your business. Don’t forget, you belong to someone now. If I took you along and your woman found out, she’d tear me apart and feed me to the fish!" Yu Shang teased, deliberately concealing last night’s events. He had no intention of telling Xiao Yin yet; they were in a critical period, and his mind needed to stay focused. If this matter distracted him and affected the competition, it would be disastrous. Besides, the situation was complicated—the fewer who knew, the better. Otherwise, it might endanger them all.

"Sigh… so much for brotherhood! You never share the good stuff, always worried about this and that. Makes me lose heart!" Xiao Yin caught Yu Shang’s drift and didn’t press further, instead bantering with him. He knew Yu Shang well—what could be said and what couldn’t, Yu Shang always understood. If he chose to keep something secret, he must have his reasons. Xiao Yin respected that and wouldn’t force him.

"Weren’t you saying everyone’s waiting for me outside? How do you still have the leisure to tease me? Let’s go—making them wait like this isn’t right!" Yu Shang smiled at Xiao Yin’s mischievous face and strode out, ignoring him. Xiao Yin hurried after him. As soon as they entered the hall, they found the others deep in lively discussion, the room abuzz.

"What are you all talking about? The noise is about to lift the roof," Yu Shang joked. These people certainly had boundless energy, chatting so vigorously first thing in the morning.

"Yu Shang, you’re finally here! We’ve been waiting for you a long time," Meng Youyuan called out, her voice tinged with inexplicable worry. Yu Shang sensed that her concern was entirely for him.

"I didn’t rest well last night, so I got up late today. Please forgive me," Yu Shang apologized, still careful to hide his whereabouts.

"It doesn’t matter if you’re late. Right now, we need to discuss the matter of guarding the gates!" Yu Xiaoran’s expression was off—rarely did he seem so unsettled.

Their troubled faces puzzled Yu Shang. He asked, bewildered, "Why are you all so anxious? Has something happened?" He couldn’t understand why everyone was so dispirited before the battle even began. Could something have changed about the mysterious region, or was the crafty Dean plotting yet another scheme to trouble them?

"It’s nothing serious. They’re just overly worried, but I believe you won’t disappoint us," the Dean said mysteriously, patting Yu Shang’s shoulder with a smile. But Yu Shang saw no promise of good fortune in that smile—only calculation gleamed in the Dean’s eyes.

"Please speak plainly, Elder. Your words are so vague, I’m confused," Yu Shang replied, unwilling to circle around any longer. After these days, he was convinced that Yanlan Academy was not the gentle, peaceful place it appeared. Hidden dangers and scheming lurked everywhere; this was a land where the wicked devoured the innocent. His trust in the people here was waning, especially towards the Dean and the Elder.

"I’ve discussed with the Academy’s elders. For everyone’s sake and to increase our odds, we’ve decided on the following plan. You’ll be divided into five groups to compete against the strongest challengers. This not only saves time but increases efficiency. The five pairs are: Xiao Yin and Lan Wu, Yu Xiaoran and Yan Xue Su, Lan Bingxian and Meng Youyuan, Leng Huaiyi and Yin Boxuan. The last group, for whom I have very high expectations, faces the most formidable opponent—namely, you, Yu Shang," the Dean announced blandly, glancing nonchalantly at the group.

"It seems reasonable enough. I don’t see what you’re all worried about," Yu Shang observed. Aside from his own increased difficulty, the other groups were well matched. Yet the others felt differently—their faces were growing grim.

"Reasonable? Do you even understand the crux of the issue? It’s not about us—it’s about you! Those who emerge victorious from among these elites are already tough to beat. At least we’re paired and have mutual understanding, able to support each other. But you? You’ll be alone, facing the strongest opponent. Don’t you sense the danger closing in? How can you be so unconcerned?" Yin Boxuan suddenly shouted in anger, frustrated that Yu Shang remained so calm even when pushed into a corner, failing to seek escape and letting others manipulate him. He couldn’t understand why the elders would make Yu Shang take such a risk. It wasn’t that he doubted Yu Shang’s strength, but he didn’t trust the morality of those outside. He’d seen some competitors use any means necessary to win, employing vicious tricks. He couldn’t bear to watch his upright friend fall prey to such unscrupulous foes.

"Relax, children. I have complete faith in Yu Shang’s strength and ability. He hasn't spent years cultivating for nothing. Besides, he has plenty of valuable treasures—more than enough to deal with those outside. Today you won’t need to fight; just observe their moves. This way, you can study your opponents and have time to strategize," the Dean assured them confidently. Clearly, the old men had planned to set them up like this all along. Indeed, age brings cunning, and Yu Shang hadn’t anticipated this move.

"But this approach is risky. If Yu Shang slips in the competition, it could be disastrous. Perhaps another outstanding student from the Academy could take my place, and I could join Yu Shang to face the strongest challenger together?" Leng Huaiyi suggested anxiously. The allure of the mysterious region to outsiders was immense, and he feared someone might secretly harm Yu Shang or even try to eliminate him.

"Who else in the Academy could stand alone like you? Should I shamelessly take the stage and pose as a student myself?" the Dean retorted, annoyed that his usually obedient disciples now questioned his decisions.

"Of course, that’s not what we meant. They’re just too worried about me, and it slipped out. Rest assured, Dean, I’ll do my utmost to win and protect Yanlan Academy!" Seeing the Dean’s firm stance, Yu Shang could only acquiesce, helplessly. He had anticipated a fierce showdown when he had agreed to guard the Academy, but he hadn’t expected it to come so soon. But there was still an opportunity to observe from the sidelines. He trusted his keen eye to spot his opponent’s flaws and seize victory, earning fame across the land. Yu Shang was no coward; he had awaited this chance for a long time. He wasn’t sure he could completely defeat his adversary, but he wouldn’t let fear of losing rob him of the opportunity. This time, he would be bold and proud. At this moment, he had only one thought: to win, no matter what.

"Heh, I knew you’d agree without hesitation, you rascal. I won’t try to persuade you; you wouldn’t listen anyway. I just hope you win safely. Let me make it clear—I’m not concerned about your life or death, it's just that if you die, I’ll lose my best healing cauldron!" Xiao Yin joked, half-serious. He was worried, for Yu Shang hadn’t spent enough time wandering the world. Though his cultivation and wit surpassed others, this world was full of formidable figures—none weak or foolish. Still, he knew Yu Shang’s character; persuading him to give up was impossible. He could only hope Yu Shang would pass through this ordeal unharmed. Sometimes, letting this brat taste a bit of hardship was no bad thing—it might temper him. And if real danger arose, Xiao Yin would never stand by idly.