The Great Ruler: Raising From Liu Domain

After staying home for a few days, Liu Bai returned to the Northern Spiritual Academy.

What he didn't expect was that he was summoned by his instructor the moment he arrived.

"You were gone for so long this time. I thought you were going to miss the academy trial," Instructor Xi said with a puzzled expression as he looked at Liu Bai.

"Academy trial?"

Liu Bai was suddenly enlightened it was time for the once-every-three-months trial again.

The Northern Spiritual Academy encouraged competition among its students, believing that only through rivalry could more potential be stimulated, prompting students to cultivate even harder.

This was also the reason why even a relatively small Northern Spiritual Academy was divided into East and West Divisions.

Since its founding, the youths of the East and West Divisions had viewed each other as rivals, constantly striving to outshine the other.

After all, they were all around fifteen years old an age full of youthful pride no one wanted to be looked down upon.

In previous terms, the East Division had always held the upper hand. Whether among Earth Class or Heaven Class students, they consistently outperformed the West Division.

In the original work, it was due to Liu Mubai's emergence as the number one student in the entire academy that the West Division finally turned the tables, overpowering the East Division for several sessions in a row once the story began.

However, in this lifetime, the West Division's chance to rise seemed to be arriving a little earlier...

"Uh, Instructor Xi, do you think it's appropriate for me to take part in the academy trial with my current strength?" Liu Bai frowned slightly. Thinking about having to compete with a group of brats made him feel reluctant.

After all, the academy trial was only for Earth Class students. Across both divisions, there were only a handful at the Spiritual Movement Realm. Participating himself would be like bullying children...

More importantly, this was just an academy competition no killing, no EXP gain Liu Bai simply wasn't interested.

"You brat! Just broke through to the early Phase of the Spiritual Movement Realm and already acting so arrogant? Let me tell you, the East Division just produced two Spiritual Movement Realm breakthroughs in the last few days…"

Instructor Xi instantly felt that this student of his was getting too conceited he wasn't taking any of his peers seriously.

That wouldn't do. He needed to be warned before he suffered a setback later on...

But before he could finish, Liu Bai directly circulated his spiritual power, and Instructor Xi suddenly found himself speechless.

"Hm? What was that you were saying, Instructor Xi? The East Division produced what now?" Liu Bai asked with a teasing smile.

"The East Division… is full of crap!" Instructor Xi couldn't hold it in and cursed, grabbing Liu Bai's wrist.

"You little brat, what the heck did you do back home? It's only been a few days and you're already at the peak of the Spiritual Movement Realm? I'd say you're ready to break into the Spirit Wheel Realm any moment now!"

Liu Bai smiled faintly. He didn't blame him for being surprised his cultivation speed was indeed shockingly fast in the eyes of others. Even his old man back home had been startled.

"Nothing much, just benefited a bit from the family's support…" Liu Bai replied with a calm smile.

Instructor Xi was momentarily stunned, then quickly connected the dots. It was likely that Liu Bai's family had given him something good during those days perhaps a spiritual pill. These rare resources, even a Grade One Spirit Pill, were scarce in the Northern Spiritual Realm. But given the Liu Domain's power, obtaining one or two pills to aid cultivation wasn't out of the question.

Having figured that out, Instructor Xi didn't probe further.

However, he did say, "Even if your strength places you in the top three of the Heaven Class, you still have to participate in the academy trial. After all, the first-place winner gets a reward…"

Liu Bai remained indifferent. "A reward of some low-grade Spiritual Arts? I don't need that…"

The Northern Spiritual Academy's Spiritual Arts Hall was divided into Earth and Heaven levels. Earth Class students could only browse the lower level, while Heaven Class students could access the upper floor.

But most of the techniques stored there were only Common-Grade. Even on the upper floor, there were merely a few Spirit- Grade Arts none of which interested Liu Bai.

Looking at his stubborn student who seemed immune to any incentive, Instructor Xi felt a headache coming on.

It had been so long since the West Division produced such a monstrous talent. This was the perfect chance to finally surpass his long-time rival from the East Division. If Liu Bai refused to participate, he would feel completely unwilling to let this opportunity slip by.

Gritting his teeth, Instructor Xi suddenly took a bold stance. "How about this if you participate, I'll personally guarantee that you can choose any Spirit-Grade Spiritual Arts you want from the Spiritual Arts Hall. How's that?"

Liu Bai raised an eyebrow in surprise. It looked like the instructor was really going all in.

Though he was one of the top two mentors in the academy, granting Liu Bai permission to pick freely from the Spirit-Grade Spiritual Arts definitely wasn't something easily done. He'd surely have to pull some strings with the Headmaster to make it happen.

Since there were real benefits on the table, Liu Bai saw no reason to decline. After all, this wasn't a difficult task for him.

Seeing him agree, Instructor Xi's previously heartbroken face immediately vanished, replaced with a wide grin. He left beaming with joy so much so that Liu Bai even began to wonder if he'd just been tricked…

But he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he headed straight for the West Division's training field. After checking in on his younger brother, he went off to train alone.

After all, in this world with little entertainment, one could only cultivate, sleep, or daze off. Even if Liu Bai had a cheat-like advantage in cultivation, he still needed something to kill time.

In the western part of the Northern Spiritual Academy, there was a large open field that resembled a coliseum, with numerous battle platforms scattered throughout and tiered stone seating around them.

Although Liu Bai saw the academy trial as nothing more than a childish brawl, it was actually a very popular event in the academy. So on the day of the trial, the stone benches were already packed with students early in the morning.

All kinds of chatter and whispers filled the air, occasionally punctuated by the bell-like laughter of young girls, adding a sense of cheerful liveliness to the atmosphere.

Though the trial field was crowded, the students were clearly split into two groups the East and West Divisions. Due to their fierce rivalry, the students often taunted each other, making the atmosphere especially lively.

Naturally, Liu Bai had no interest in participating in such juvenile antics. But unfortunately, he was already considered the de facto leader of the Earth Class students in the West Division…

So now, he could only stand at the very front, watching his little underlings bicker with the East Division students over nonsense like "I'm stronger than you" and "You're weaker than me," all while blushing and shouting like fools.

However, in terms of overall strength, the East Division clearly had the upper hand in the top ten of the Earth Class. So during these quarrels, the West Division usually ended up being overwhelmed. At moments like that, his little brothers would inevitably cast hopeful glances at their "Big Bro" Liu Bai…

Sigh…

Liu Bai sighed inwardly.

Being a "Big Bro" wasn't as easy as it sounded. Even though he'd been assigned the role rather than choosing it, it still felt inappropriate not to step up and say something in moments like this.

"Alright, stop arguing with them. Let's settle it with real skill," Liu Bai shook his head and said.

On the opposing side stood a boy in black training robes named Tao Gu. He came from a small family in the Northern Spiritual Realm but had unexpectedly been found to possess a Spiritual Pulse. Because of that, he was highly regarded by the East Division's Mentor Mo and cultivated quite well he was already at the Initial Phase of the Spiritual Movement Realm.

But since he had broken through just a little later than Liu Bai, he missed the chance to be the first in their cohort to reach that level. As a result, he felt rather resentful toward Liu Bai for "stealing" the title of number one.

Moreover, Liu Bai didn't like to socialize with other youths, making him appear aloof in the eyes of others, which only worsened Tao Gu's impression of him. So after hearing Liu Bai's words, Tao Gu snorted coldly and said, "Let's just hope your West Division doesn't embarrass itself when it comes to real fighting…"

Liu Bai frowned slightly.

So this guy mistook his silence for cowardice…

"What's your name again…?" Liu Bai genuinely couldn't recall the boy's name and turned to his underlings for help.

"Tao Gu! Brother Bai, that guy's name is Tao Gu…" one of the little underling quickly and helpfully supplied.

"Oh, Tao Gu, huh? When the trial starts, how about you and I go up first? I'm curious to see how powerful the East Division's so-called top genius really is."

"You…!!" The black-clothed youth, Tao Gu, clenched his teeth so tightly they creaked, his fists trembling as they balled up in fury.

This was just too humiliating. The guy didn't even remember his name…

Tao Gu was sure that Liu Bai was doing this on purpose deliberately insulting him!

'So what if he was born into a better family and has a powerful father? Just wait, I'll defeat you in front of everyone and utterly humiliate you!'

Tao Gu's thoughts twisted with resentment.

…Alright, to be fair, he was actually misunderstanding Liu Bai because Liu Bai genuinely didn't remember his name. It wasn't an intentional slight.

After all, Liu Bai couldn't even remember the names of most of his own underlings let alone outsiders.

Dong!

A crisp bell chime suddenly echoed through the arena, and the crowd of students instantly perked up.

The academy trial was finally about to begin. Everyone obediently returned to their designated positions.

At the rear of the arena stood the Headmaster of the Northern Spiritual Academy, along with the mentors of both divisions. A middle-aged man stepped forward, and his deep, resonant voice boomed across the field, reaching the ears of every student.

"The time has come. The academy trial begins now. Sparring between peers only, lethal attacks are strictly forbidden. Remember that!"

"The rules have already been made clear. Everyone who enters the stage has one chance to challenge an opponent, only one so choose wisely."

The speaker was Mentor Mo of the East Division, who would later become Mu Chen's instructor. Overall, between the two leading mentors, Mo was the stronger one. He was also known for being stern and impartial—treating all students equally, unlike Xi, who preferred those from noble families.

Of course, none of that really concerned Liu Bai.

After the announcement from Mentor Mo, the crowd erupted into noise once again.

As another chime rang out, many eager students immediately dashed toward the platforms…

"Mi Hayou, get your ass down here! I've had it with you!"

"Wang Yi, you too! I'm settling the score from last time!"

And so on…

Watching the chaotic scene unfold, Liu Bai couldn't help but laugh. But then he caught sight of the black-clothed youth, Tao Gu, already standing atop one of the dueling platforms, loudly calling out in Liu Bai's direction.

"Liu Bai! Come up here! Let's see once and for all who the true number one of the Earth Class is!"

As soon as the words left his mouth, many students turned their attention toward him.

Even some of the Heaven Class students looked on with interest it seemed the battle for the so-called "number one" had caught their attention too.

"Oh? Tao Gu's directly challenging Liu Bai?" Instructor Xi glanced toward the platform and smiled faintly, then shot a sideways look at his old rival seated opposite him.

"They broke through to the Spiritual Movement Realm around the same time. While Liu Bai does have the backing of the Liu Domain, Tao Gu possesses a Spiritual Pulse. It's hard to say who will win," said Mentor Mo, face stern as always.

"Heh… That's not necessarily true," Xi replied casually, though he sneered inwardly.

A Spiritual Pulse? So what? It's just a Human-grade Pulse. That won't be enough to stop an overwhelming gap in power.

Liu Bai didn't waste any words. He walked straight to the edge of the platform, then leapt lightly into the air and landed gracefully atop it.

"Alright. You can make your move now." Liu Bai stood casually on the other side of the platform, as if the upcoming battle didn't concern him at all.

This scene caused several Heaven Class students to frown slightly. Liu Bai's attitude was a bit too arrogant for their taste.

"Damn, how cocky can you be?"

"Tao Gu, we're rooting for you! Teach that arrogant bastard a lesson!"

"Yeah, give that pretty-boy face a few good punches. Let's see how he seduces girls after that!"

Everyone: "…?"

The initially angry East Division students all turned to look in the direction of the voice.

And then… they saw a short, round, dark-skinned boy with a face like a burnt pancake glaring furiously.

Suddenly, everyone seemed to understand.

"Bro… did Liu Bai steal your girlfriend or something?"

"I didn't! No! Don't spout nonsense!" The short, chubby youth waved his hands in denial, even trying to hide his face. Unfortunately, his hands were too small to do the job…

On the platform, Liu Bai nearly collapsed from sheer exasperation after witnessing the scene.

By the heavens! I swear I've never done anything like that! I've spent the entire past year cultivating alone, when have I ever used my handsome face to flirt with girls?

Across from him, Tao Gu grew furious upon seeing Liu Bai distracted—even now, he was paying attention to the crowd?

His anger surged. Both of his arms stretched out as pale blue spiritual energy surged over them. The surrounding air began to chill, a thin layer of frost forming in its wake.

"Heavenly Frost Palm!"

With a furious roar, an overwhelming wave of icy energy surged forth!

.....

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