Chapter 35: Routing a Thousand Armies

Chapter 35: A Thousand Troops Flee Before Him

The martial arts test concluded, and the final, highest-scoring segment—the combat simulation—officially began.

The combat simulation was likewise divided into two parts.

The first part was the technique demonstration.

Students were required to perform a complete demonstration of the primary combat technique they had cultivated over the past month, with Professor Gu Yue personally grading them.

When Qin Feng took up his long spear and began to unfold the basic spear techniques of the *Thousand Troops Spear*, which had already been etched into his very bones, even Gu Yue, known for his strictness, could not help stroking his goatee and nodding repeatedly.

The seamless flow of the movements, the perfect control over the rhythm of offense and defense, and that restrained yet steady aura of slaughter honed on the battlefield—all earned Gu Yue’s genuine admiration.

Qin Feng’s technique demonstration earned a perfect score without any suspense.

The second part was the virtual battle.

All students would enter the Imperial Arena to engage in one-on-one combat with a teacher assigned by the school, under fair conditions where all life force indices were locked at 10.0.

Based on the skills, awareness, and adaptability the student displayed during the fight, the teacher would assign the final combat score.

“Next, Qin Feng.”

When Qin Feng’s name was called, Professor Gu Yue himself stood up.

“I’ll take this one.”

He looked at Qin Feng, and his usually half-closed eyes gleamed with interest.

The other teachers exchanged knowing smiles.

They understood that Professor Gu had taken a liking to the talented youth and wanted to personally gauge the measure of this spear genius.

Qin Feng and Professor Gu Yue simultaneously opened their sub-space network passes, which had transformed into wrist terminals.

[Connecting to the Imperial Arena…]

[Accepting friend invitation—]

[Connection successful.]

[Name: Qin Feng]

[ID: Qin]

[Rank: None]

[Record: 0 wins, 1 loss]

[Points: 0]

[Self-introduction: None]

[Enemy evaluation: None]

When Qin Feng opened his eyes again, he found himself standing on that familiar, enormous platform suspended above the nebula.

On the opposite side of the platform, Professor Gu Yue’s figure slowly materialized.

He wore no armor, only held a three-meter-long spear, standing as steady as a mountain, exuding the aura of a grandmaster.

Qin Feng focused slightly, and the Imperial Arena’s data appeared before him.

[ID: Gu Yue]

[Rank: Warrior]

[Points: 49,000]

[Record: 7,462,221 wins, 7,442,021 losses]

[Self-introduction: Skilled with the long spear.]

[Enemy evaluation (999+): Spear like a dragon; Silver spear treading snow; Decisive in killing; Old silver coin 666… Comments folded here]

“Warrior?!”

Qin Feng’s eyes widened.

If he remembered correctly, the arena had ranks from one to nine, and above nine were Warrior, Strongman, Expert, Master, Heavenly King, Martial Venerable…

Take the Star Cup, for example—countless geniuses emerged, but the highest rank ever achieved was only eighth.

The teaching staff at Qiming First High School was indeed formidable!

And this Teacher Gu Yue specialized in spear techniques!

[Please select your weapon]

Qin Feng unhesitatingly chose a standard alloy long spear, ready to learn by observation.

Such a real combat opportunity was rare and precious!

If he seized the chance, just like when Sun Chantang had given him a few pointers back then, his improvement would be swift, almost like defying fate!

[5, 4, 3, 2, 1…]

[Battle, begin!]

The moment the countdown ended, Qin Feng moved.

Without any probing, he immediately adjusted his state to its peak, and his spear turned into a silver lightning bolt, thrusting straight at Professor Gu Yue’s chest.

Facing this thunderous strike, Professor Gu Yue merely raised his spear calmly.

His movements seemed slow, yet they arrived before the attack, blocking Qin Feng’s spear tip at an almost impossible angle with effortless ease.

“Clang!”

A light sound.

Qin Feng felt an irresistible, pure force transmitted from the spear tip; his sure-hit strike was effortlessly neutralized.

“Good speed, and the force is condensed enough.”

Professor Gu Yue’s voice rang out calmly. “But your spear only has ‘form,’ not yet ‘soul.’”

He twisted his fingers slightly.

Qin Feng felt a spiral of hidden force surging wildly along the spear shaft, nearly causing him to lose his grip.

He quickly withdrew his spear and retreated, resetting his stance.

“The *Thousand Troops Spear* originates from the battlefield; its core lies in the concept of ‘momentum.’”

Professor Gu Yue spoke as he slowly walked toward Qin Feng. “In your previous battles, you have learned how to ‘borrow momentum’ and how to ‘create momentum.’ But you have not yet learned how to merge your own spirit, energy, and essence with the spear to form your own ‘spear momentum.’”

“Come, attack again. Forget the techniques, forget the skills. Use your heart to feel your spear.” Professor Gu Yue’s words struck Qin Feng’s mind like the morning drum and evening bell.

Qin Feng took a deep breath and launched another attack.

This time, he no longer clung to specific moves; instead, he poured all his understanding of spear techniques into every swing.

On the platform, spear shadows flew, and fierce winds howled.

Professor Gu Yue remained unarmed, strolling leisurely amidst Qin Feng’s storm-like assault as if taking a casual walk.

He always used the simplest, most direct methods to neutralize each of Qin Feng’s attacks, and while doing so, he pointed out the flaws in Qin Feng’s spear technique with incisive words.

"Your thrust had enough killing intent, but the force was scattered. The power of the spear tip should come from your waist and hips, not your arm."

"This sweep covers enough range, but you neglected the shift in your center of gravity. If the enemy seizes the chance to attack your lower body, you will surely lose."

"When defending, don't just passively block. Every contact with the enemy's weapon is a chance to probe, to feel their strength and intention. Your spear is your eyes, your tentacles, not merely a shield."

Under Professor Gu Yue's constant guidance, Qin Feng completely forgot this was an exam.

He immersed himself in this unprecedented, exhilarating combat and learning.

His spear technique was transforming at a visible pace.

From awkward to smooth, then to seamless.

[Under the guidance of a strong master, your understanding of 'Thousand Troops Spear' deepens. 'Thousand Troops Spear' proficiency +5]

[In actual combat, you comprehend the technique of power transmission. 'Thousand Troops Spear' proficiency +4]

...

The proficiency on the panel began to surge at an unprecedented rate.

A full hour passed.

When Qin Feng swept his spear again, he suddenly felt that the long spear in his hand was no longer a cold weapon, but had become part of his body, an extension of his will.

A sudden enlightenment surged in his heart.

"Ha!"

"Thousand Troops, Yield!"

He let out a low shout, gathering all his strength and spirit into the spear shaft, transmitting it to the tip, and swept fiercely, drawing a crescent-like streak of light.

This thrust did not aim at any vital point of Professor Gu Yue, but at the empty space before him.

Yet as the spear tip passed, the air let out a sharp, strained burst of airflow!

An invisible, condensed spear momentum burst forth!

"Not bad."

A hint of genuine approval finally appeared in Professor Gu Yue's eyes. "Comprehending a killing move means you've touched the threshold of 'spear momentum'."

"Since you've already used 'Thousand Troops, Yield', you may continue to observe."

Professor Gu Yue smiled. "Watch closely—the first killing move of 'Thousand Troops Spear': 'Thousand Troops, Yield'."

One sweep of the spear, and a thousand troops yield!

Qin Feng was stunned, feeling as if a thousand troops and horses were charging at him.

He strained to keep his eyes wide open, abandoning all defense, staring intently at every move of Professor Gu Yue, trying to engrave everything before him into his mind.

And Professor Gu Yue's figure stood before the charging horde, the long spear sweeping with an unmatched might that encompassed all directions, suddenly lashing out.

In that instant, Qin Feng felt as if his soul were about to be utterly crushed by that irresistible spear momentum.

[Observing a grandmaster's demonstration, you comprehend the true meaning of 'Thousand Troops, Yield'. 'Thousand Troops Spear' proficiency +3]

[Observing a grandmaster's demonstration, you comprehend the true meaning of 'Thousand Troops, Yield'. 'Thousand Troops Spear' proficiency +7]

[Proficiency +8]

[Proficiency +10]

[...]

['Thousand Troops Spear' proficiency reaches 100. Realm upgraded to 'Minor Achievement'!]

[Killing Art: Thousand Troops Spear (Minor Achievement)]

[Proficiency: 71/1000]

[Effect: At current realm, insight for spear training is slightly enhanced.]

When Qin Feng came back to his senses from that overwhelming spear intent, he found himself already out of the arena and back in the virtual connection pod.

This "exam" that had lasted a full hour was over.

He exited the Imperial Arena, his spirit returning from the subspace, and opened his eyes to see Professor Gu Yue already standing outside.

Without any hesitation, Qin Feng stepped forward and bowed deeply to this old man who had guided him for only an hour but had benefited him immensely.

"Thank you for your guidance, Professor Gu."

"Hmm."

Professor Gu Yue stroked his beard, his face bearing an undisguised smile of satisfaction. "Good insight. Not a waste of teaching."

Qin Feng bowed again in thanks.

When he returned to the team, he found all his classmates looking at him with a complex mix of envy, jealousy, and admiration.

They had waited quietly for an entire hour.

No one complained.

Because they all clearly knew that being able to have a figure like Professor Gu Yue personally step in and give an hour of private tutoring itself represented the highest form of recognition.

Qin Feng had earned this privilege with his insight.

As everyone knew, the number of sessions in the contract or spending merit points could secure guidance from a master.

But some geniuses were favored by the master, who willingly offered extra lessons—no one could say anything about that.

What else could they say but envy, jealousy, and admiration!

In yesterday's bloody battle with the greenskins, everyone had witnessed Qin Feng's spear technique. This hour, the classmates waited with full conviction!

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(End of chapter)