Chapter 50: The Most Ridiculous in History, the Penniless Ninth Institute

"Get down!" Hearing such ignorant and laughable words, Jiang Qingyang erupted in fury, sending the teacher flying off the platform with a single palm strike.

The Ninth Supreme Order—how could it possibly be stolen? If they used such ridiculous reasoning to suppress Xia Jiuxuan, the thousand-year prestige of the Supreme Academy would be ruined in an instant.

Moreover, the entire Supreme Academy was imbued with the soul and will of its founder. No one dared to easily defy that mysterious intent—not even the Headmaster!

"I ask you, where did you obtain your token?" Before Jiang Qingyang could speak, Master Lu beside him could no longer restrain himself, interjecting with an interrogative tone.

Xia Jiuxuan raised an eyebrow and suddenly slapped at him. However, Master Lu was at the eighth level of the Sealing Spirit realm and easily dodged Xia Jiuxuan's strike.

"Mind your place. Are you even qualified to speak to me like that?" Xia Jiuxuan looked at Master Lu with disdain.

"You!" Master Lu was so enraged his chest ached, yet he had no way to retort. The ancestor's spirit had just personally announced this young man as the head of the Ninth Institute, equal in status to the Headmaster.

As an ordinary institute head, he truly could do nothing to Xia Jiuxuan.

"All of you, get out of my way. I have an announcement to make." Xia Jiuxuan treated the other institute heads like dogs, berating them without the slightest regard for their murderous glares.

Humiliated by such scorn, they all turned to Jiang Qingyang.

Jiang Qingyang's face was grim, his eyes flashing with murderous intent. "You so blatantly disregard the heads of the institutes—aren't you afraid I'll challenge you?"

At these words, everyone rejoiced! They suddenly realized they'd neglected a crucial rule—there existed a challenge protocol within the Supreme Academy.

Disciples could challenge one another, but the challenged party had the right to refuse. Challenges among teachers and higher-ups were different: when someone of equal status issued a challenge, the other must accept, choosing between "sparring to the point" or a "battle to the death."

Earlier, when Yao Yunya had angrily declared she would challenge Yang Yi, it was precisely because of this rule.

Now, Xia Jiuxuan's status was equal to the Headmaster! That meant Jiang Qingyang could, by academy regulation, challenge Xia Jiuxuan.

One was the academy's strongest, his realm terrifyingly transcendent. The other, a youth from a small town, whose realm was only at the sixth or seventh palace level.

The disparity was vast. If the Headmaster were to issue a challenge, even if Xia Jiuxuan chose "sparring to the point," he would likely end up crippled.

Xia Jiuxuan frowned slightly. He hadn't considered this; if Jiang Qingyang truly challenged him, it would be difficult to handle. The gap in realms was too great, and even superior martial skills could not bridge it.

"If Senior Qingyang wishes to spar, I am happy to oblige." At this moment, Su Hongde's figure descended from the sky.

"What powerful sword aura!"

"Who is that man—how can his presence be so terrifying!"

"His aura rivals the Headmaster's!"

Everyone looked up. To their eyes, it seemed not a man but a murderous sword descending!

"That's... that's Uncle Su, Headmaster Su!"

Others did not recognize Su Hongde, but the institute heads identified him immediately.

He was the former head of the Nirvana Institute.

Jiang Qingyang saw Su Hongde and was surprised, especially sensing the deep, abyssal sword intent emanating from him, which unsettled his heart.

Twenty years had passed—had he finally succeeded? Emerging from seclusion and coming straight here, his intentions seemed far from friendly.

"So, it's Junior Su. It seems your twenty years in seclusion bore some fruit. Congratulations." Jiang Qingyang offered a false smile, then said, "What, Junior Su, do you intend to challenge me upon leaving seclusion?"

Su Hongde landed beside Xia Jiuxuan. "That is my intention. I wonder if Senior Jiang will grant me the honor?"

As he spoke, Su Hongde subtly released a strand of sword intent.

A sword intent so strong it was frightening!

Feeling this, everyone was shaken. Su Hongde was surely not what he once was, his divine skill now perfected!

Jiang Qingyang was shocked, his face darkened. He looked at Su Hongde, then at Xia Jiuxuan, as if understanding something.

"Junior Su, so you were the one who opened the ninth inheritance cave, and you gave the Supreme Order to this youth?"

Su Hongde did not answer, but looked at Xia Jiuxuan.

Xia Jiuxuan gave a slight nod, and Su Hongde knew how to reply.

"So what if I did?"

Now, everyone finally understood. It was Su Hongde working behind the scenes—no wonder this Xia boy was so outrageously arrogant!

He had backing!

Jiang Qingyang believed he understood as well; it seemed Su Hongde came prepared, and this youth was likely deliberately arranged by him.

"Junior Su, such boldness! You even gave away the Ninth Supreme Order. Clearly, you are determined to oppose me!"

Su Hongde laughed coldly. "I wouldn't dare. But let me be clear: this youth is fated to me. Whoever dares harm him must first get past me—make me a corpse, then you'll have the right to touch him!"

Boom!

As Su Hongde finished speaking, a storm of sword intent swept across the platform.

It was meant to intimidate.

Jiang Qingyang felt the surge of murderous sword intent and roared angrily, "You are outrageous! Do you really think I dare not act against you?"

Su Hongde did not yield, intensifying his sword intent. "If Senior Jiang doubts me, I don't mind challenging you right here."

Jiang Qingyang was furious but, after considering, held back. Su Hongde had broken open the ninth inheritance cave and his sword intent had soared. Without knowing his true strength, Jiang Qingyang dared not act rashly, lest the consequences be dire.

He was a cunning old fox and would not act on impulse for mere pride.

"Hahaha."

After a moment's silence, Jiang Qingyang laughed aloud and said, "Junior Su, your temper is the same as ever, unchanged after all these years. Fine, this youth is your disciple and now the Ninth Institute Head, equal to myself. What happened earlier was just a misunderstanding—no need for us brothers to draw swords over it."

Conceded?

The disciples of the Azure Lotus Sword Institute were all stunned.

Even the Headmaster had conceded! This was likely the first time in the academy's history such a thing had happened.

At this moment, all eyes were on Xia Jiuxuan standing atop the platform.

He was no longer a joke, but someone all looked up to.

"That youth is so lucky, to be favored by that elder."

"Ah, comparing oneself to others is maddening. I thought he was a lunatic making trouble, but he has powerful backing."

"To become the new institute head at just a teenager—I wouldn't dare dream of it."

"Don't be foolish. He's only at the palace realm. So what if he's head? Does he have resources? Can he recruit students? Wait until the institute competitions and see if he's still so arrogant."

"Exactly, what's he showing off for? Luck is temporary; he might end up worse than a dog."

The disciples of the Azure Lotus Sword Institute had mixed feelings—envy, jealousy, disdain.

On the platform, Su Hongde stopped while he was ahead, for the master had not yet signaled to act.

"Hahaha, thank you for your consideration, Senior Jiang."

Jiang Qingyang smiled mildly. "Not at all. We follow the founder's instructions; no need for thanks."

"Um..."

The other eight institute heads exchanged bewildered glances.

They could not have imagined, even in death, that today's events would unfold like this.

"Why are you all standing around? Hurry and congratulate Institute Head Xia," Jiang Qingyang said indifferently.

"Hahaha, congratulations, Brother Xia."

"Our Supreme Academy has gained a new institute. Under Head Xia's leadership, we will surely reach new heights!"

"Yes, yes, we are all heirs of the founder. Together, we will carry on the founder's legacy and elevate his teachings."

Empty flattery—Xia Jiuxuan ignored it.

"In that case... Institute Head Xia, your niece is exceptionally gifted and wishes to join our Azure Lotus Sword Institute. It would be an honor if..." Master Lu, thinking the matter settled, approached with a smile, hoping to recruit Xia Ran.

"Get lost."

Xia Jiuxuan replied with a single word.

Master Lu's smile froze, feeling utterly humiliated.

He wanted to lash out, but seeing Su Hongde's stern face, he could only force a laugh and withdraw.

Stifled—deeply stifled! The seed of resentment took root even deeper within him.

Xia Jiuxuan ignored him, turning to the crowd, "I now announce: Xia Ran is officially a disciple of the Ninth Institute of the Supreme Academy. Any objections?"

Just moments ago, when Xia Jiuxuan made this announcement, everyone thought him foolish, insane.

Now?

Silence. No one dared speak.

"Second Father is amazing! Second Father is invincible, hehe!"

Xia Ran was overjoyed—not only joining the Supreme Academy, but also her father's institute. It was wonderful.

But as she glanced at Yao Yunya, her eyes showed a hint of disappointment, which Xia Jiuxuan keenly noticed.

Immediately, Xia Jiuxuan stepped forward and said to Yao Yunya, "Teacher Yao, as the Head of the Ninth Institute, I formally invite you to join as Chief Teacher. Will you accept?"

Yao Yunya felt as if she were dreaming.

She had come to recruit disciples, yet now a youth was recruiting her as teacher? Her mind was a muddle, unable to make sense of it.

"Thank you for the invitation, Head Xia. I accept."

Though her thoughts were jumbled, Yao Yunya instinctively accepted.

"Teacher Yao, think carefully. You can choose to stay in a brand-new, impoverished institute or remain here. You must choose wisely," Master Lu interjected.

"Hmph." Yao Yunya snorted. "So what if it's poor? I like it!"

Master Lu was incensed, his eyelids twitching, unable to reply.

"Second Father, does your institute only have me and Teacher?"

Xia Ran pondered, then realized something was wrong. Although she had joined the academy, there were no other senior students—only herself and the teacher...

Even little Xia Ran felt it was a bit shabby.

"Hahaha."

Hearing Xia Ran's childish words, the institute heads laughed.

So what if a Ninth Institute was founded? It was still just a one-man show.

No reason for arrogance.

Xia Jiuxuan himself felt uneasy—without other disciples, little Ran might not be happy.

So, Xia Jiuxuan faced the crowd again, preparing to offer a great opportunity: recruiting disciples!

"Anyone willing to join the Ninth Institute may sign up now. All are welcome."

His voice echoed clearly across the plaza.

This prompted whispered laughter—no one stepped forward.

They were not fools. A newly established institute with no resources or good teachers—joining would be idiotic.

Even those who failed the selection quietly shook their heads, not interested.

Seeing the awkward scene, the other institute heads smirked.

"I ask again, is anyone willing to join the Ninth Institute? Don't miss this opportunity."

Xia Jiuxuan was unfazed. A great fate had arrived—if they missed it, so be it.

At last, a youth raised his hand.

"Very well, you may join."

Xia Jiuxuan didn't check qualifications—anyone could join.

"No, Head Xia, I just wanted to ask—does the Ninth Institute even have an official name?" The youth, feigning timidity, asked—clearly trying to stir the crowd.

A few chuckled quietly.

"I'll name it now. The Ninth Institute shall be 'Tianji Institute.' I'll give you a chance: will you join?"

"Uh..." The youth hesitated, then said, "I think I'll pass. The name is a bit unpleasant, sorry Head Xia."

Another burst of laughter.

Xia Jiuxuan ignored the nobody, continuing, "This is the last time. If no one joins now, Tianji Institute will never recruit disciples again—even if you beg later, it will be too late."

This sparked another round of laughter.

A made-up name for a ragtag institute—who would beg to join? Ridiculous.

"Head Xia, my name is Han Yu. Please show mercy and accept me as your disciple."

A thin, scholarly youth stepped forward and knelt before Xia Jiuxuan.

"Ah? I know him—he only managed ten steps in the selection before tumbling down."

"Haha, I saw him yesterday clinging to a woman's leg, crying on the ground. He must have been dumped."

"Don't be fooled by Han's shabby appearance; he's supposedly from a scholarly family, a noble lineage."

"Pah! Bookworms—what nobility? That's outdated."

Xia Jiuxuan appraised Han Yu, discerning his uniqueness.

"Han Yu, very well. You may join Tianji Institute, but there's one condition," Xia Jiuxuan said calmly.

Han Yu looked up with a bitter smile.

He thought to himself—he really was a failure. Even a poor, empty institute wouldn't accept him without conditions.

In that moment, his heart was ashes, hope utterly gone.

Still, he bowed politely. "Please instruct me, Head Xia."

Xia Jiuxuan considered briefly, then announced, "I want you to immediately challenge the leader of the new disciples of the academy."

Han Yu was utterly stunned: "..."