Against Heaven's Will

"Impossible!" 

Shorty Bai didn't seem to believe it even after the trainer confirmed it, but the Trainer didn't stop there. 

"As I said before, the wall could withstand ten million Units of strength, so I will use that as the final result," the Trainer announced. 

"I really thought this wall will be more sturdy. I even used my weakest Art," Xuefeng commented with a sigh and turned to the Shorty Bai with a smile. "I won the bet. Pay up, bitch." 

Xuefeng knew he wouldn't be a friend with a shorty who was so adamant on going against him, so he didn't mind offending him. Even if he didn't have the strength to actually break the wall, no one needed to know that. 

Only he could see what exactly happened. 

When his sword was closing, golden lines spread throughout the wall. It was caused by Fate Qi which exploded in ten different spots. Weakened by Ming, Xuefeng could break the wall with just a bit of force. He used his strongest offensive Sword Art yet he still only managed to reach a million Unit of strength. Just this alone showed how important Qi Refining was. 

Not only that, how strong was a person who reached eight million Units? If even his Judgment Vine which was known for its offensive properties could only reach ten million Units, does that mean this person also used one of the Forbidden Arts?

Shorty Bai opened his mouth to speak but the Trainer cut him off, reminding, "I am a witness of this bet. If Young Master Bai doesn't respect the deal, I will use my ability and remove him from the Tournament."

Shorty Bai finally showed frustration on his face, a noticeable difference from his calm attitude. 

He forcefully swallowed his anger and called out, "Of course, I will respect the bet! I just don't like the way he speaks with curses. It doesn't suit the disciple of Sect Master Liu. Even if he won, it doesn't mean he can curse people freely." 

"Who cares? Just give me my Upgrade Fragments. We don't have all day to listen to your bullshit," Xuefeng countered before gazing at the crowd. "Who likes to listen to the shit he says? Raise your hand for me." 

"…" 

Xuefeng waited five seconds and seeing no one raised their hand, he pointed at the crowd. 

"See? No one cares." 

Who would dare to side with the loser after Xuefeng just destroyed the wall and showed why he was the Sect Master Liu's personal disciple? Shorty Bai wasn't worth enough to offend him and Xuefeng knew it very well. 

"Stop stalling!"

"You lost so give him the Fragments!" 

People from the crowd shouted to hurry Shorty Bai and he finally gave in after a simple hateful gaze. 

Thud. 

A sack full of round objects fell on the ground next to the stage. Shorty Bai simply threw it on the ground without even giving Xuefeng a Storage Ring. 

Thud. Thud. Thud. 

One by one, the sacks fell in front of everyone, and eventually, all ten sacks were stacked as if on display. How could the crowd resist staring at the Upgrade Fragments? For some, it was the most fragments they saw in their whole lives. 

Swoosh!

Xuefeng didn't mind at all and quickly collected the sacks from afar. As he expected, the Fragments were all mixed, almost even in number. He got a hundred plus of each element, which wouldn't allow him to improve any of his Elements to a high level. 

"Thanks! Now please, don't talk to me ever again. I don't like you," Xuefeng called out while waving goodbye. "And don't use my name so lightly or you will end up like that wall. Only my friends can call me by my name. For others, I'm a Young Master Liu." 

After the threat, Xuefeng no longer looked at the shorty and gazed at the Trainer while waiting patiently. He was shameless enough to ask for his won fragments, especially after knowing how much value they had. 

"Ehem," the Trainer cleared his throat and announced, "As the testing wall is broken, this stage will be closed. Please move on to the next stage. Remember, the Qualifier will end today. Whoever doesn't test himself will lose their chance to participate in the Tournament."

Ah!

Many exclaimed and suddenly, the crowd began to move. Although flying was possible, it was still forbidden so everyone had to move on foot. Even though he lost the bet, getting humiliated, Shorty Bai didn't follow the rest, staying on his spot while glaring at Xuefeng. 

They simply ignored him as the Trainer questioned, "What Element of Fragments you want? I can bet he gave you all different Elements so it won't help you much."

"Sir is right. If I can choose, I wish I receive Upgrade Fragments of Wind Element," Xuefeng replied, choosing to boost his strongest element first. If he could control Air Qi of higher refinement, not many would be able to stop him. 

"Sure," the Trainer nodded as if it was nothing and threw a Storage Ring at him right after, treating the Fragments so casually. 

'He is definitely not normal. He must be someone of high status,' Ling pointed out, confirming Xuefeng's guess. 

"I thought Upgrade Fragments were hard to come by but wherever I go, everyone has so many of them," Xuefeng probed and immediately saw a shake of the Trainer's head. 

"They are rare. Extremely rare. A thousand Upgrade Fragments per day in the whole Water Land is too little, knowing how much cultivators need them. I just have a few spare after my travels so I can allow myself to bet on talent," the Trainer explained with a shrug. "You are indeed skilled. If not for Sect Master Liu, I would ask you to be my disciple."

"You flatter me, Sir," Xuefeng replied humbly, bowing lightly.

Being done, the Trainer waved with his hand.

"Alright, go away. I need to clean up the mess you created." 

"Actually, my wife also wanted to get tested," Xuefeng mentioned and without calling for her, Tianshi flew onto the stage, greeting the Trainer. 

He seized her with his gaze before pointing behind them. 

"You need to use another Stage now. This one is broken." 

"Actually, she is not skilled in offense but instead a defense. She specializes in boosting the strength of others as well as defending them."

"Oh?" 

"Yes. How about she creates a defensive armor around me and Sir will try to break it, using about two million Units of strength? This way she can also qualify for the Tournament," Xuefeng proposed. 

"Sure. It shouldn't be allowed but I'm intrigued," the Trainer agreed, preparing to strike with his fist. "Whenever you are ready." 

At his call, Tianshi approached Xuefeng and placed her hand on his back, channeling Qi into his body. A moment later, a thick armor coated his body. Xuefeng could feel it was much stronger and sturdy than usual. 

After Tianshi stepped to the side, Xuefeng called out in readiness. 

"Ready." 

Bang!