The atmosphere on the ceremony ground remained tense after the lightning-fast duel between Tianyu and Liu Feng. Some students hadn't even blinked before the fight was over. Liu Feng lay outside the arena, trying to get up with his face flushed in embarrassment, while Tianyu stood calmly as if nothing had happened.
Dai Huabin, watching from the sidelines, bit his lip until it nearly bled."He didn't even need to use his Martial Soul?" he thought with growing frustration. Yet behind his anger, a hint of doubt began to gnaw at his confidence.
The supervising teacher quickly called up the next pair, but most of the spectators still had their eyes on Tianyu.
After a few uneventful matches, it was Dai Huabin's turn. His opponent was a level 9 student with a Wind Sword Martial Soul.
Still seething with emotion, Dai Huabin gave his opponent no chance. As soon as the match began, he summoned his White Tiger Martial Soul. A blinding white aura enveloped his body, and the shadow of a giant tiger roared behind him.
"One strike. You're done," he said coldly.
With unexpected speed, Dai Huabin vanished from his spot and appeared right in front of his opponent. His energy-formed tiger claws slashed, disarming the sword and sending the opponent flying out of the arena.
"Winner: Dai Huabin!"
Cheers erupted from his supporters, but Dai Huabin didn't look satisfied. His eyes immediately sought out Tianyu, as if issuing a challenge.
Tianyu, leaning against a post by the arena, simply raised an eyebrow."Nice," he muttered, though his tone sounded more mocking than impressed.
After several more elimination matches, the long-awaited battle finally arrived.
"Final match of the exam! Long Tianyu versus Dai Huabin!"
The crowd instantly roared with excitement. Students pushed closer to the arena, and even some teachers looked eager.
Dai Huabin jumped onto the stage, rage burning in his eyes."Finally! I'll crush your arrogance!"
Tianyu stepped up calmly, his hands still in his pockets."You talk too much."
"Begin the match!"
Dai Huabin unleashed his full strength immediately. His White Tiger Martial Soul surged to its peak, and his aura tried to suppress Tianyu."You won't even have time to summon your Martial Soul!"
He dashed forward like lightning, tiger claws aimed straight for Tianyu's throat.
But unlike in his previous fights, Tianyu didn't dodge. Instead, he clenched his fist and struck forward. After putting up with Dai Huabin for so long, Tianyu had decided it was time to teach him a lesson.
Tianyu didn't use his full power, worried he might hurt Dai Huabin too badly. Even without his Martial Soul, Tianyu's physical strength alone matched that of a level 20 Spirit Grandmaster. Dai Huabin, being only level 11, stood no chance without overwhelming advantage—even with his best efforts.
Their fists collided.
"BOOM!!"
The deafening impact echoed through the air, the ground beneath them cracking to show the force behind the blow.
Dai Huabin's body was thrown backward, tumbling across the stage before skidding to a stop at the edge. He lay there gasping, eyes wide in disbelief at what had just happened.
Tianyu still stood where he was, casually dusting off his sleeve.
"Told you—you talk too much," he said flatly, showing no sign of pride or satisfaction.
The crowd fell silent, mouths agape, eyes fixed blankly on the arena. Even some of the teachers exchanged glances, realizing how unusual the strength of a new student like Tianyu was.
The supervising instructor cleared his throat, still stunned, before finally raising his hand and shouting loudly:
"The winner, Long Tianyu!"
Cheers erupted from the audience, but Tianyu didn't care. He simply stared at Dai Huabin, who now sat slumped on the ground, his empty eyes fixed on the floor.
"This... can't be..." he whispered. "I'm... the heir of the White Tiger Duke... how could I..."
Tianyu stepped closer, each of his footsteps pressing on Dai Huabin's chest like a heavy weight. "Titles don't make you strong. Only hard work does."
Dai Huabin tried to stand, but his body trembled violently. His Martial Soul began to fade, the white aura around him torn to shreds.
Tianyu walked away from the arena, leaving Dai Huabin still kneeling behind him.
That night, Tianyu was having dinner with Xu Jiujiu. The soft red glow of lanterns lit the dining room in the pavilion, creating a warm atmosphere against the chilly evening. Tianyu sat beside Xu Jiujiu, holding his third bowl of rice. A few grains and some vegetable broth clung to the corner of his lips, but he was too engrossed in his meal to notice.
Beside him, Xu Jiujiu sat with perfect posture, eating her food with graceful movements. Her sharp eyes occasionally glanced at Tianyu, watching him eat heartily, and her lips curved into a faint smile.
"Slow down, no one's going to steal it," she said, extending a white silk handkerchief.
Tianyu paused mid-chew as Xu Jiujiu gently wiped the broth from his cheek. "Sorry, Princess," he mumbled with his mouth still full.
Xu Jiujiu shook her head. "From now on, don't call me that formally."
Tianyu swallowed the food in his mouth. "Then… what should I call you?"
Xu Jiujiu shook her head again, a subtle smile playing on her rosy lips. "Just call me Sister Jiu," she said at last, her voice warmer than usual. "Like an older sister."
Tianyu furrowed his brow. "But—"
"No 'buts,'" Xu Jiujiu interrupted, handing him another bowl of soup. "I think we've already passed the stage of formalities."
Tianyu looked at the bowl, then raised his eyes to her. For the first time since they met, there was a faint glimmer of something different in his gaze. "Alright... Jiu-jie."
Xu Jiujiu smiled in satisfaction, like an older sister who had just won a little game. "Now, finish your food before it gets cold."
Tianyu nodded and resumed eating, though this time at a slightly slower pace.
After dinner, the two returned to their respective rooms.
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