Martial Cultivator

Third on the Latent Dragon List?!

These few words were like a huge boulder thrown into the South Lake, stirring up countless waves and echoing like a deafening thunderbolt!

The Latent Dragon List's update this time was not surprising for Xie Nandu, as she was a student of the academy and a genuine genius. But why Chen Chao? One had to know, the foreign land's Latent Dragon List had never included cultivators from Great Liang. No matter how outstanding or talented they were, the Latent Dragon Sect always excluded them. But this time was different. The foreign cultivators included Chen Chao in the Latent Dragon List's ranking update this time. This meant that perhaps from this time onwards, there might be changes in the Latent Dragon List, and cultivators from Great Liang might be able to make it onto the list, as long as they really had the ability.

However, what puzzled the students of the academy even more at this moment was why Chen Chao, in his first appearance on the list, could rank third. What did this indicate? Were the foreign cultivators trying to cause his demise by inflating his ego? Or were they showing sufficient respect? Or was it that Chen Chao truly deserved this third place on the Latent Dragon List?

The Latent Dragon List had always been a benchmark for young cultivators, a list that countless young geniuses aspired to enter. Undoubtedly, this list was the ultimate honor for young cultivators. Chen Chao was ranked third on his first appearance on the list, which truly shocked people.

Especially since Chen Chao was a martial artist, which was most despised by the cultivators on the mountains.

After saying this, the Dean had already quietly disappeared, and Wei Xu also walked out of the pavilion in the heart of the lake, slowly leaving as the crowd made way for him.

With Xie Nandu on his back, Chen Chao stood by the lakeside, feeling somewhat absent-minded after hearing Wei Xu's words. After a moment, he whispered, "Tenth, huh?"

Naturally, he was referring to Xie Nandu's ranking.

Xie Nandu whispered back, "Third huh."

Chen Chao chuckled and said, "Not bad."

"Among the cultivators from foreign lands, there are still some who understand the situation. They're not all fools. Your days are probably going to get tougher." Being such a clever person, Xie Nandu always had a clear understanding of the situation. Now that the foreign cultivators included Chen Chao and Xie Nandu in the ranking update, it sent at least two signals. The first was that the foreign cultivators truly began to take Great Liang seriously. The reason for this might be Chen Chao's outstanding performance, but it should also be the battle between the Great Liang Emperor and the Demon Emperor, which made all the foreign cultivators realize a truth: the top martial artists of the Great Liang Emperor could indeed enter the ranks of the world's strongest powerhouses. If they still did not take the martial artists from Great Liang seriously, then the cultivators from the foreign lands would really be hopeless.

As for the second reason why Chen Chao was being elevated so high, aside from Chen Chao's own strength, it could also be a way to set him up for trouble. Countless young cultivators from the foreign lands aspired to be on the Latent Dragon List. Now that a young martial artist from Great Liang could enter the top three, it would certainly lead to discontent among many young cultivators. Thus, Chen Chao's days were bound to become difficult, similar to what Xie Nandu said.

Chen Chao had an indifferent look. He already had enough troubles on his plate, this did not add much.

"Let's go," Xie Nandu said, feeling a bit tired. Although she found Chen Chao's scent comforting, being stared at in public like this was not ideal.

Chen Chao nodded. Under everyone's gazes, he did feel somewhat uncomfortable too.

Just as he took a few steps forward, a voice rang out by the lakeside, "What merits and abilities does Chen Chao possess to rank third on the Latent Dragon List?!"

It was a questioning voice, but obviously, it was not questioning Wei Xu nor those foreign cultivators either, it was directed at Chen Chao himself.

Chen Chao paid no attention and continued to move forward slowly, ignoring the voice.

But soon, another voice chimed in, "As the Dean's final disciple, how can you be so... lacking in self-respect!"

The person should have originally intended to say something more offensive, but out of apprehension for the Dean, they chose a different word. This was only after the Dean left; otherwise, these students clearly would not dare to speak like that in front of him.

Chen Chao stopped.

Xie Nandu said, "Arguing is a waste if time."

Chen Chao furrowed his brows.

Xie Nandu shook her head and said, "You'll be viewed as being unreasonable if you fight."

Chen Chao whispered, "They made impertinent remarks first, and I acted later. How can you say it's unreasonable?"

Xie Nandu did not say anything.

But Chen Chao sensed Xie Nandu's intention and continued walking.

To many students, Chen Chao's indifference seemed like he was avoiding facing the situation directly, feeling guilty about his third place on the Latent Dragon List. Which was why he left quietly. However, some students were disappointed, they originally wanted to witness the drama unfold at the academy.

Xie Nandu suddenly said, "If you want to fight, then fight."

For some unknown reason, she changed her mind again.

But Chen Chao shook his head and said, "Forget it, what's the point of arguing with them?"

……

……

Back at the small courtyard, Liu Ye hurried over to open the door upon hearing the commotion. However, in the instant the door opened, she saw her missus lying weakly on Chen Chao's back, and immediately asked angrily, "Chen Chao, what have you done to my miss?"

Chen Chao could not be bothered with her, sidestepped into the courtyard, and gently placed Xie Nandu under the eaves. Liu Ye was anxious and flustered as she asked, "Miss, what's wrong with you?"

Xie Nandu weakly shook her head, and then Chen Chao handed her a medicinal pill.

At this moment, Xie Nandu did not even have the strength to raise her hand, she could only look at him like that. Chen Chao simply stuffed the pill into her mouth. "I'll circulate my qi to help you digest the medicine; it'll make you feel better."

Xie Nandu opened her mouth with difficulty, "What about yourself?"

Chen Chao did not give an answer.

After Chen Chao helped Xie Nandu digest the medicinal effects of the pill, her complexion improved slightly. Liu Ye was pacing nearby anxiously, but dared not say much, though she furrowed her brows countless times during the process.

In the blink of an eye, the sky turned dark.

Chen Chao's complexion was pale as he asked Liu Ye to bring over a stove. After starting a fire, he sat down in front of it and warmed himself by the fire. Exhausted, Chen Chao finally said, "If every day in the future is like this, I'd rather hide in the Divine Capital for the rest of my life without ever stepping out."

Xie Nandu said, "Even if you hide in the Divine Capital and decide never to leave for the rest of your life, now that you've made it onto the Latent Dragon List, I don't know how many young cultivators will want to challenge you. When they come to the Divine Capital and ask for a fair fight, how can you hide? If you really hide, do you still want to show your face in our Great Liang Dynasty?"

Chen Chao retorted, "Are you implying that the reputation of the Great Liang Dynasty rests solely on me?"

Xie Nandu smiled but said nothing.

Chen Chao quickly became deflated, "You have a point. I can't avoid these things. It's best if I make sure they can't find me."

Xie Nandu shook her head, "There's no escaping it."

Chen Chao chuckled, "Then I'll steel my heart and kill a few of their so-called young geniuses. Let's see who dares to challenge me after that."

Xie Nandu did not say anything.

Chen Chao quickly remembered the situation outside the city.

So, he fell silent again.

Xie Nandu said, "Actually, you're not afraid. Why talk about these things?"

Chen Chao chuckled dryly, "Just warming up the atmosphere."