"Can this little kitten really do it?" Yunli asked skeptically, having missed the hushed exchange between Lumina and the Phantylia Kitten. She eyed the creature sprawled on the lawn, seemingly weak and devoid of any visible aura—a creature she felt she could kick to death with a single blow.
Though she observed March 7th and the others placing unwavering trust in Lumina's words, Yunli struggled to reconcile this kitten with the role of a swordplay sparring partner.
Moreover...
"I don't believe this little kitten can defeat everyone here."
"What I mean is, I don't believe this little kitten can defeat me."
Yunli planted her hands on her hips, declaring her disbelief.
Yunli didn't know Lumina's true identity, nor had she witnessed her capabilities. Combined with her limited worldly experience and absolute confidence in her own skills, she couldn't blindly accept Lumina's words simply because others did.
Especially not the notion that a kitten could defeat everyone present...
A kitten capable of defeating the Luofu's Cloud Knight Lieutenants?
A kitten capable of defeating one of the Zhuming's Flamewheel Octet?
Impossible!
"Heh, if Yunli doesn't believe me, or if she's worried this Little Kitten isn't up to the task of being a sparring partner, she's welcome to test its strength right now." Lumina wasn't surprised by Yunli's skepticism, nor did she show any annoyance or displeasure.
After all, she doesn't distrust me personally; she just doubts the Phantylia Kitten. What's that got to do with me?
Besides, with Yunli's beauty, what does it matter if she distrusts me?
I'll just make her trust me then.
Without further thought, Lumina lowered her head and signaled the Phantylia Kitten with her eyes.
"Go spar with Yunli. Be careful with your strength."
"Just make her submit. If you scare or hurt her, don't blame me..."
Lumina left the implication unspoken, letting the Phantylia Kitten fill in the blanks mentally.
"Tch..." Understanding Lumina's meaning, the Phantylia Kitten clicked its tongue inwardly.
How am I supposed to avoid hurting or scaring her?
The Phantylia Kitten sensed the immense power contained within its body, then gauged Yunli's strength—less significant than an ant's. A headache instantly throbbed in its head.
This wretched woman always throws me these impossible challenges...
Even with less than ten percent of its full power, it could still kill Yunli with a single slap.
Hm, don't misunderstand—Phantylia isn't talking about slapping Yunli dead.
She means that the mere wind from a single slap would be enough to kill Yunli instantly...
So, the Phantylia Kitten genuinely couldn't think of any technique that wouldn't harm or frighten Yunli.
"Fine, I don't believe a little kitten like you can beat me," Yunli said. Yunli immediately accepted the challenge.
"Come on, make your move! I want to see how you plan to defeat me!" Yunli drew Old Mettle, held it defensively before her, her face a mask of vigilance and solemnity as she observed the Phantylia Kitten's every move, waiting for it to strike.
Yunli's earnest demeanor, brandishing Old Mettle with such focus, showed no trace of guilt one might expect from an adult bullying a child.
"Meow! (Hmph!)" The Phantylia Kitten let out a cold, dismissive meow, its eyes burning with displeasure at Yunli's arrogance. It took small, deliberate steps to the empty space the crowd had reserved for it.
The Phantylia Kitten had never been treated with such disdain or underestimated in battle.
Though Yunli appeared utterly serious on the surface, she was merely showing proper respect for the martial etiquette of the Xianzhou Zhuming.
Yunli didn't truly consider the Phantylia Kitten a genuine enemy.
But in reality, the Phantylia Kitten was mistaken.
While Yunli didn't believe the Phantylia Kitten could defeat her, she wasn't foolish. Observing the reactions of those around Lumina, it was clear that Lumina held a position of great authority.
As Lumina's pet, the Little Kitten couldn't possibly be an ordinary cat.
Though Yunli still doubted a mere kitten could best her, she had already begun treating it as a formidable opponent.
On the battlefield, Yunli simply stared at the Phantylia Kitten, waiting for it to make its move.
Meanwhile, the Phantylia Kitten gazed back at Yunli, its mind racing, desperately searching for a way to fight without harming or frightening her...
"Um... Yunli, maybe we should just call it off?" Yanqing couldn't help but blurt out, observing the tense standoff between the girl and the cat.
What benefit could Yunli possibly gain from fighting the Phantylia Kitten? Yanqing couldn't understand.
Winning would offer no real glory; after all, your opponent is just a cat. Losing might leave lasting psychological scars; after all, being defeated by a cat...
Moreover, given Lady Lumina's status and influence, she had no reason to deceive them.
So, what Lady Lumina said was likely true. This Little Kitten could really beat the stuffing out of everyone here...
If this had been before, Yanqing might have argued back, perhaps even challenging the Little Kitten himself, just like Yunli did.
But after experiencing so many setbacks, Yanqing had finally grasped the truth: "There's always someone better, and there's always something more beyond the horizon."
"Give up? No way," Yunli retorted coolly, dismissing Yanqing's suggestion. "This isn't just about proving my strength. It's also about testing whether this Little Kitten is qualified to spar with March 7th."
"Alright then..." Yanqing conceded, eager to see if the Little Kitten truly possessed the power Lady Lumina had described.
"Good luck."
After offering a word of encouragement, Yanqing fell silent.
"I'll be the referee," Lumina volunteered, gesturing for permission. The Phantylia Kitten and Yunli both nodded in agreement.
"Before we start, let's make one thing clear: this is just a friendly match. Absolutely no harming each other, understood?"
"Mn."
"..."
Yunli nodded, while the Phantylia Kitten lowered its head in silence, its thoughts unreadable.
Though Lumina's words were directed at both the girl and the cat, in reality, they might as well have been addressed solely to the feline.
"Then, the match..."
"Begins!"