Chapter 50 - The World Favours the Strong

Inside the pagoda, Tian Longmeng straightway encountered 10 Late Mortal Apprentices. They were all armed and positioned like a formation.

Tian Longmeng's eyes lit up as he assumed a low stance, ready for battle. "It seems like they really are not underestimating me. Except, they totally did."

Based on his skeletal age and cultivation, it would be natural to think that these opponents would be a good starting ground for Tian Longmeng. However, all of this went through the window thanks to his accomplishments in the body.

Tian Longmeng did not want to waste any time as Elder Canglong requested that he consult him after the ranking test. As a result, it only took one second for him to sweep through all of his opponents.

The moment more came was the moment Tian Longmeng destroyed them. Even when it was Mortal Grand-Apprentices, they all fell like rain.

This was natural because Tian Longmeng was using both paths of cultivation and even his cultivation skills. Any less than carnage would indicate that something was seriously wrong with him.

The speed slowed down drastically when he encountered Mortal Enforcers; however, they still died in only 2 breaths of time.

Finally, when the field was flooded with Mid and Late Mortal Enforcers, Tian Longmeng forfeited the test. He knew with certainty that he could tackle all of them but he had other things to do, so he could not stay long.

When he woke from his meditation he heard varying discussions outside, most of them about him and Qin Qingtian.

"Why were they together? Are they in a relationship?"

"How dare that commoner touch our princess like that."

"Was he not a pill boy? Why would she be interested in him?"

"Does this mean that they will get in the bedroom? After all, she was feeling him all over."

Some of the conversations gave Tian Longmeng the stiffest of faces while some slightly annoyed him. He quickly shook off these expressions and exited the pagoda.

.....

On the outside, the stone plaque shook and Tian Longmeng's original position on rank 186 disappeared.

Everyone glued their eyes to the plaque, eager to see where is name would appear. This was not only because of the rumours surrounding him being a pill boy who gained a slight advantage from consuming a treasure, but now also because of his sudden relationship with Qin Qingtian.

One person saw movement and shouted to indicate where it is. After the name emerged, all eyes became as round as meat buns. One of the disciples could not help but shout.

"Rank 142! He is the only first-year to pass the top 150."

The place went into turmoil. Even the instructors and elders were alerted of this. They instantly stopped what they were doing and sent people to observe Tian Longmeng.

This had never happened in the history of Tang Fei Martial Academy, so naturally they had to ensure they scoped his character so that they can appease him. They thought to themselves, "If we could get another Bai Xingyi or even the legendary Tang Dijun, then we could reclaim our position as the best in the entire Stardust Valley Continent."

Back at the Desolate Fang Pagoda, Tian Longmeng did not want to waste too much time so he quickly made his exit route to his home. Unfortunately, he was blocked by many third-years and even core disciples who were eager for him to join their faction.

"Wow, from a disliked pill boy to being flocked by many factions. Well, this is what the top 150 means." A disciple in the sidelines reminisced on the rumours and gossip that were not long ago being hurled about him.

Everyone once had a general dislike for Tian Longmeng for being so close to the princess of the four great noble families. However, when it resulted that he was quite powerful, all his haters became boot-lickers.

It was truly embarrassing to watch but this was the way of society. The strong is adored while the weak is scorned.

Tian Longmeng politely declined their requests and tried to escape from the area, but yet again he was stopped by another person. This time, all the faction people cleared the way in fear of angering him.

"He is Zhongwang Shi, one of the big shots in the Heaven Faction. Is he here to recruit Tian Longmeng?" The disciples began eagerly discussing what was before them; however, they did not dare to speak too openly about him.

Zhongwang Shi was known by everyone for his fickle temper and his arrogance. He is someone who almost crippled a third-year because he did not hand over the last medicinal pill. Granted, Zhongwang Shi never needed the pill, he just felt like having it.

This complemented the fact that he was in the Heaven Faction, the third best faction in Tang Fei Martial Academy which is also renowned for arrogance and bravado.

Now, someone like this was actually inviting Tian Longmeng to join the Heaven Faction.

Meanwhile, because everyone was too focused on Tian Longmeng and Zhongwang Shi, almost no one noticed when the others left the pagoda. They got their ranks in the 170's, Qin Qingtian's being in the 160's, but were also admiring Tian Longmeng's score.

"You were right Zhou Wei. He just keeps getting more monstrous as time passes. It is hard to believe that we were born in the same area." Lu Yan wiped some sweat off his face while turning his attention to the commotion.

Qin Qingtian, who already itched her gaze to Tian Longmeng, replied. "Except he is not from this city at all. Or any city as a matter of fact."

"Hmm, what did you say?" This time, Lu Yan and the others were wholly intrigued. If Tian Longmeng was not from a city then how could he be so strong? The villages on the outskirts of the continents are scrapped for talent so to see such a monster emerge from there is almost unheard of.

Qin Qingtian chuckled but refused to disclose his birthplace. If they knew that he lived by hunting in the horrific Desolate Wilderness then they would truly think that he was not human but a Desolate beast's child in disguise. She remembered all those nobles and boot-lickers who were so jealous as to call him a pill boy and could not help but to ridicule them in her thoughts.

People are called pill boys when they have nothing but luck and were able to find some precious medicinal pill or herb. These pills and herbs may increase their abilities far above others in their level but they will always slow down and fall in their place. Hence, they are often ridiculed when they try to behave like they have surpassed their status.

However, to someone who is hardened by hunting and war like Tian Longmeng, everybody in the cities might actually look like pill boys. After all, pills and herbs are essential parts for cultivation. There are even stages above the Earthen Realm that need specific medicines to achieve breakthrough.

Luckily, they all came out just in time to see another world shaking event.

Tian Longmeng merely glanced in Zhongwang Shi's direction and dismissed him while walking away. "No thanks, I have more important things to do."