The newly admitted disciples, who had just been about to leave, halted in their tracks at the tense standoff.
"Who's that guy?"
"No idea, but he's definitely a senior disciple of Yunmeng Martial Academy."
"His aura is cold as ice. And from the look in his eyes, it seems like he has a grudge against Su Ba."
"When did Su Ba offend a senior disciple?"
"You're asking me like I'd know, dumbass!"
"Shit!"
"…"
At that moment—
Nearby, a few older Yunmeng disciples who happened to be passing by spotted the handsome young man and instantly exclaimed in shock.
"Whoa—wait, isn't that Wang Hui? The number one expert of the outer court? Why is he here?!"
"Senior, who's Wang Hui?" a new disciple quickly asked.
"Oh, right. You guys are new. Makes sense; today's the start of the new disciples' admission."
The older disciple looked around and suddenly realized, then explained, "Wang Hui is the strongest in the Yunmeng outer court. I heard he's currently preparing to break through to the Five-Star realm and enter the inner court. Technically, he should still be in seclusion right now!"
"Huh? Then why would he suddenly show up here? Could it be… he has a grudge against that new guy? His expression looks pretty nasty."
"No clue…"
Everyone shook their heads.
By now, Wang Hui had already walked up to Su Ba and was staring down at him.
"You need something?"
Su Ba stood calmly, his tone unshaken as he met the man's gaze.
Wang Hui's lips curled into a cold smirk. "So you're Su Ba, huh? Perfect. I was wondering why my cousin Wang Quan hasn't shown up to report in."
"Turns out he's stuck at home with a severe concussion and several broken ribs. The doctor says it'll take over a month before he can walk again. That was your doing, wasn't it?"
"Oh, Wang Quan?" Su Ba immediately understood. Staring into Wang Hui's chilling eyes, he clasped his hands behind his back and said flatly,
"He came to provoke me—so he should've been ready to be crushed."
A flash of sharp light flickered through Wang Hui's eyes!
Suddenly, he gave a half-smile and said, "You've got guts. Fine, so what if I provoke you? Are you going to crush me too?"
"You're just a one-star mid-stage punk, but you managed to defeat a two-star peak—so let's see if you can leap across three whole realms and beat me. Come on, try it!"
The atmosphere instantly turned frigid.
Many around them swallowed nervously, a few casting sympathetic glances at Su Ba.
This guy had just passed the advancement trial with top marks, and now he'd already offended the number one expert in the outer court?
That luck was seriously terrible!
Wang Hui was on the verge of breaking through to the Five-Star realm and entering the inner court. Anyone with half a brain could guess how powerful he was.
Even if Su Ba was strong, could a one-star mid-stage really fight a four-star peak-level martial artist?
That was just impossible.
You wouldn't find anyone on the entire continent who could manage that.
Seeing Su Ba go momentarily silent, many assumed he was about to eat this one quietly.
Wang Hui's lips curled into a sneer. He was just about to deliver a few choice threats—
When suddenly—
A calm, indifferent voice came from Su Ba's mouth.
"Sure. Since you're so eager to die—after the Outer Court Cultivation Tower Ranking Battle in a month, I'll deal with you."
Su Ba looked at Wang Hui with composed eyes, his voice still light.
What?!
The crowd couldn't believe what they were hearing.
Su Ba had actually declared a challenge to Wang Hui!
He said that in one month, he'd stomp Wang Hui underfoot?!
Was he insane?!
"You punk, do you even know the gap between us?"
Wang Hui was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing. He had never met someone so eager to die.
"Wash your neck and wait for me."
Su Ba gave him a lazy glance, said nothing more, and walked off with steady strides.
"Heh, arrogant little bastard. Enjoy your last month of peaceful days while you can!"
Wang Hui watched Su Ba retreating back with a cruel smirk on his face.
The entire square erupted into a clamor!
And very quickly—
News spread like wildfire throughout Yunmeng Martial Academy:
The top newcomer, Su Ba, had publicly challenged the number one outer court disciple, Wang Hui!
And the battle would take place one month later at the Tower Ranking Battle!