Tales of Demons & Gods

3. The Wager

     Upon mentioning the name of Lord Ye Mo, most the children in the classroom who came from common families all lit up with smiles. They had forgotten that the wise and irreproachable elder was beyond even their teacher's criticism. She stood there like a statue, thinking of how to respond to the question that was just lobbed at her like a mystical fireball. Nie Li has definitely tossed her a contradiction that couldn't be repelled which means Chen Xiu could either deny the elder which would no doubt get to the ears of the rest of faculty and eventually to Lord Ye Mo himself, or try to gingerly back away from the previous comment she made in her attempt to save face. That was if the little brat tossing the question would give her any room to back away, something she seriously doubted.

     "You," She started, staring at the red haired boy who was grinning at her. "In the many centuries this city has existed, Lord Ye Mo is the only man that managed to climb the peak..."

     "But teacher," Nie Li said, interrupting her. "Didn't you state just moments ago that it was impossible? If one person can do it, no matter who that man is, then your previous statement is false. Lord Ye Mo is a very good example that regardless of a person's origin, everyone is capable of limitless potential. That nothing is impossible as you claim it to be as long as someone is willing to climb."

     "You have a smart mouth," the teacher countered, "Do you think that putting things off could change the harsh reality that awaits most of you? You only looked at Lord Ye Mo's glorious moment, but didn't look at how many people failed at even becoming a basic fighter. What is your name, little man?"

     "I am Nie Li," he replied, unfazed by her attention.

     "Nei Li," Chen Xui said as she pulled a parchment off the table behind her. "Let us look her and see what kind of talents you possess."

     She stood there for a moment, examining the parchment, and then looking back at the young man with a wicked smile on her face.

     "Ha!" she called out at him, mocking him. "With your talent, you can barely be able reach bronze rank fighter during your lifetime. You're even inferior compared to some of the commoners in this class. It's no wonder you speak in this way to me... you're just trying to hide away from what I assume is a very low self-esteem. It also appears that becoming a demon spiritist is simply not in the cards for you, Nie Li. That is simply impossible."

     Nie Li smiled. "There's that word again. I'd be careful about using it too much, teacher. It might get you into trouble."

     "You are not one to speak to me of trouble!" she roared at him, "Even in your own family, your talent is so low you wouldn't get much attention at home! Yet you acted so rampant, so rude to your elders! What do you have to say for yourself?"

     Nei Li remained standing and defiant of his teacher, unchanged in his mood. He looked back at her, with the same fire and passion he had when they started peaking with one another, unharmed by the barbs she lobbied his way. Her jab as his power, or lack thereof at the moment, has no effect on the young man's ego as he was ready to lobby his counterattack.

     "Teacher Chen Xui," Nei Li started, "You feel that the soul realm could decide a person's fate? With that despicable character of yours, all you choose to do with your time is defend the gifted and mock the mediocre! You try to stand here and talk about honor, discipline and even principles, while all this time you yourself at trying to mask your own despicable character; your own lack of honor and principles."

     "Silence!" Chen Xui called out, her face red with rage. "Who do you think you are to actually dare to discredit your teacher in such a manner?"