Ji Mo looked at Zhuang Changming and asked, "Oh, please tell me how I'm reneging. Today hasn't passed yet, has it?"
"In this situation, is delaying time meaningful? You know yourself that none of the academy students present would be willing to take you, a good-for-nothing, as their teacher.
Zhuang Changming said with a face full of mockery.
A large crowd of surrounding students, in perfect coordination, booed at Ji Mo.
"My students are all peerless dragons among men. Those on the field are too mediocre; I don't fancy them."
Ji Mo scanned the surroundings and said with a serious expression.
He truly didn't think highly of these students on the field.
Zhuang Changming sneered, "The fox trying to reach grapes it cannot eat declares them sour. Have you no shame?"
Ji Mo raised an eyebrow, "How about we make a bet? We'll bet on whether my third student is a genius."
"A bet? Where do you get your confidence?"
Zhuang Changming looked at Ji Mo as if he were an idiot. It was obvious that Ji Mo couldn't possibly find a third student and yet wanted to bet with him; it was clearly a sign of a troubled mind.
However, when he saw Lin Mengmeng, a plan formed in his mind. He said, "A bet it is. If you lose, this girl will become my student."
"You think you're worthy? You, like this, actually aspire to be Mengmeng's teacher? Dream on."
Ji Mo spat, unwilling to use his own student as a stake.
Song Wei Qian looked at Zhuang Changming with confusion. She knew the basic profiles of all students in the academy. Lin Mengmeng's aptitude was mediocre, and given Zhuang Changming's personality, he would never take an interest in her.
Her gaze fell upon Lin Mengmeng, and she vaguely felt something was amiss, though she couldn't pinpoint why.
A special physique, if not activated, could not be discerned by the naked eye or divine sense alone.
"This fellow seems to have figured out Lin Mengmeng's background and wants to snatch her away. But you, a mere Spirit Emperor, are not qualified to be a genius's teacher."
Song Zhen Wei, hidden in the shadows, observed the unfolding events.
He began to wonder where Ji Mo would find his third student to dare make a bet.
"Not qualified, you say? Then let's bet our reputation. Whoever loses will crawl around the academy, barking like a dog and calling themselves a failure."
Zhuang Changming's eyes were bloodshot as he roared through gritted teeth.
"I'll bet with you too. Whoever loses will slap the other ten times."
Cui Pei felt that the time for revenge had arrived and couldn't help but join in. This was the perfect opportunity to retaliate against Ji Mo.
"Heh heh, so you really like getting slapped. Since that's the case, I'll help you out again. I accept both of your bets. Anyone else who wants to bet with me, come join in."
Ji Mo said loudly, his expression unreadable.
Zhuang Changming, fearing Ji Mo might play tricks, said, "Let's be clear, it has to be a genius student. If they're not a genius, it doesn't count."
As far as he knew, there were no genius students in the entire Langya Academy. With this condition, he was invincible.
"Definitely a genius, a genius who can beat you up," Ji Mo said lightly, looking up at the setting sun in the sky again, a smile appearing in the depths of his pupils.
"There must be a time limit. Let's set it for when the sun completely sets."
Cui Pei, even more shameless, proposed a harsh condition.
At this moment, the sun had already descended to the horizon, and it was likely less than half an incense stick's time before it completely set.
"This is too much. You might as well let Mr. Ji concede defeat directly," Lin Mengmeng said indignantly.
Song Wei Qian also felt it was unbearable. Zhuang Changming and Cui Pei were truly going too far. She advised Ji Mo to give up.
"I'll agree to their conditions, but I'll say this beforehand: no one can go back on their word later."
A cold smile curved Ji Mo's lips.
With Song Wei Qian as a witness, the bet was made.
Soon, only a sliver of light remained in the west, and Ji Mo's so-called third student had still not appeared.
Zhuang Changming and Cui Pei exchanged smiles. They were certain to win this bet and could then thoroughly humiliate Ji Mo.
"Mr. Ji, would you be willing to take me as a student?"
An aged voice sounded. Song Zhen Wei no longer hid and walked out directly.
He thought of a way to help Ji Mo and wanted to lower his status to resolve Ji Mo's crisis. This way, Ji Mo would surely be deeply moved and perhaps serve the Langya Academy with unwavering loyalty.
The entire crowd fell silent as they watched Song Zhen Wei emerge.
Dean Song actually wanted to become Ji Mo's student? Was he mad?
The head of the academy, a noble Emperor-level expert, wanting to recognize a mortal as his teacher? It was too outrageous!
"You crazy old man, you've lost your mind."
Song Wei Qian grabbed Song Zhen Wei. With so many teachers and students watching, wouldn't saying such a thing completely undermine his authority? Did he not understand the severity of the consequences?
Many students cast meaningful glances, believing there was an unspeakable secret between the Dean and Ji Mo.
"I should barely be considered a genius. I am willing to recognize Ji Mo as my teacher."
Song Zhen Wei, ignoring his daughter's objection, was determined to help Ji Mo.
"You're so old, I don't want you."
To everyone's surprise, Ji Mo refused so directly.
This left everyone dumbfounded. How could one refuse a lifeline? This Ji Mo was truly an idiot.
Song Zhen Wei was also stunned, not understanding why Ji Mo would refuse his good intentions.
"You said it yourself," Zhuang Changming said eagerly.
Cui Pei also showed a look of relief.
At this moment, the last ray of sunset was about to be swallowed by darkness.
"Hahaha, Ji Mo, you lost. Hurry up and let me slap you ten times."
"And quickly crawl around the academy, barking like a dog and shouting that I am a failure."
Zhuang Changming and Cui Pei were so excited they almost embraced and wept, shouting loudly.
But the next second, their excited expressions froze instantly.
"Mr. Ji, where are you? I've arrived!"
In the west, a brilliant blade light illuminated the sky.
A young man, enveloped in a potent blade intent, transformed into a streak of rainbow light, speeding forward at an incredible pace.
His entire being emanated a fierce blade intent. Before he even arrived, the terrifying pressure surged like a tide.
Clearly, his comprehension of swordsmanship had reached an extremely high realm.
"It's Wang Wen Jian, that lucky fellow who obtained a heaven-defying opportunity in the Tongtian Mountain Range and comprehended the ultimate speed blade intent."
Many students exclaimed in surprise.
"So, the Mr. Ji who taught Wang Wen Jian the supreme sword techniques was you."
Song Zhen Wei murmured.
No wonder Ji Mo had been so confident all along. It turned out he had already found his third student, making him worry for nothing.
Song Wei Qian's face was filled with complex emotions. No wonder Ji Mo didn't fancy the students on the field; compared to Wang Wen Jian, these people were nothing.
Although Wang Wen Jian's aptitude was slightly inferior, his mastery of swordsmanship was that of a prodigy. His comprehended Swift Wind Sword Technique was astonishing.
"No, Wang Wen Jian would never recognize a mortal like you as his teacher."
Zhuang Changming and Cui Pei's faces turned ashen. A sliver of hope remained in their hearts.
But Wang Wen Jian's subsequent words plunged them into the abyss.
"Mr. Ji, I know everything. I, Wang Wen Jian, am willing to stay by your side and listen to your teachings. I am your third student."