The arena had barely recovered from the shock of the previous battles when the officiating elder's voice boomed once more:
"Shui Ruo… versus… Sui Hong!"
A wave of murmurs swept across the disciples.
No one expected much from Shui Ruo.Quiet, reserved, always lingering behind her sect's more famous disciples—she had never drawn attention.
Facing her was Sui Hong, the Flame Sword Sect's infamous brutal practitioner. A young man whose victories were built upon overwhelming force and merciless technique.
"Poor girl…""She'll be crushed immediately.""Sui Hong might break a rib or two."
Even elders frowned, unsure whether to pity her or prepare healing talismans.
Yet Shui Ruo stepped forward in absolute calm, her pale green robe swaying gently—like a lotus drifting across a quiet pond. Not a trace of fear touched her eyes.
Sui Hong cracked his knuckles."Don't blame me for what happens."
The officiating elder raised his arm.
"Begin!"
Sui Hong launched forward with explosive force—a direct blow aimed for Shui Ruo's heart.
But the instant his palm neared her—
Reality warped.
To the spectators, it looked as though both fighters simply… froze.
But Sui Hong's pupils dilated in terror.
"What… what is this—?!"
He staggered back, swiping at invisible enemies—shadows no one else could see. The ground beneath him rippled like water, bending and twisting into an impossible landscape.
Shui Ruo stood still, fingers making minute, graceful motions—as though plucking invisible strands of silk.
A silver glow shimmered at her fingertips.
Someone gasped among the elders.
"Mind-weaving…?""That art vanished before the Southern Dynasty fell…""Is she… is she actually a born spiritual illusionist?!"
Even Qin Su, leaning lazily against the railing, straightened.
His eyes narrowed, something sharp flickering deep within.
"…That's not simple illusion art."He smiled faintly."She's hiding a storm beneath that calm surface."
On the stage, Sui Hong's knees buckled. His breath came in ragged bursts, sweat pouring down his neck as the illusion tightened like a noose around his consciousness.
Shui Ruo's eyes softened—not cruel, merely detached.
She closed her hand.
CRACK.
Sui Hong collapsed like a puppet whose strings had been cut.
He could not rise.
The judge wasted no time.
"Winner—Shui Ruo!"
Stunned silence lasted only a heartbeat before exploding into uproar.
"She defeated him without touching him!""That's not normal skill—that's bloodline-level talent!""Who exactly IS Shui Ruo?!"
But the girl simply bowed, serene as moonlight on a lake, and stepped off the stage.
Qin Su's lip curled into an intrigued smile.
"Shui Ruo…you've just become someone to keep an eye on."
The excitement had barely settled when the elder called:
"Qin Su… versus… Rei Hanxiang!"
A cheer surged.
"The childhood sweethearts!""They haven't seen each other in ten years!""This is going to be good!"
Rei Hanxiang walked onto the platform first, silver-blue hair flowing, ribbon trailing behind her like a comet's tail. Graceful, elegant—yet when she turned and saw Qin Su approaching, her composure wavered.
Her cheeks flushed pink.
"Su… it's been ten years."
Qin Su nodded, hands tucked behind him, posture relaxed.
"Mm. You grew taller."
She puffed her cheeks, annoyed and flustered at the same time.
"That's ALL you have to say? No 'you look beautiful,' no 'I've missed you'? And about the marriage agreement—I'm not sure if—"
Qin Su raised a hand calmly.
"We'll talk after the fight."
He leaned in slightly, a dangerous little smirk at the corner of his lips.
"Who knows? You might change your mind once I beat you."
Rei Hanxiang turned bright red.
"W–Who says you'll win?!"
Qin Su exhaled slowly.
Then—
BOOM.
A pulse of powerful cultivation radiated from him, sharp and steady—the unmistakable aura of the Core Creation Realm, First Stage.
The arena erupted.
"What—he's actually at that level?!""That lazy troublemaker?!""Is he secretly a hidden genius?!"
Rei stared at him, stunned.
"You—! When did you reach this realm?!"
Qin Su shrugged.
"You never asked."
The officiating elder's arm rose.
"Begin!"
Rei rushed forward with graceful precision—but Qin Su simply tilted his head.
Dodging.Effortlessly.Annoyingly.Hands still behind his back.
She kicked faster.He leaned back slightly.
She swept low.He stepped aside lazily.
She punched.He yawned.
"Qin Su!" she shouted, cheeks burning."Stop dodging like an old man taking a stroll!"
"But I am strolling," he replied with a straight face.Then he added,"…though I must admit, watching you chase me is quite cute."
Several disciples burst into laughter.
Rei's entire face turned crimson.
Her attacks doubled in speed, fueled by indignation and something… warmer.
Finally, Qin Su lifted one hand.
Just one.
A tap.
A gentle, precise tap against her wrist—
WHOOM—
A burst of harmless force disrupted her balance.
Rei Hanxiang fell to one knee, breath catching in her throat.
The judge did not hesitate.
"Winner—Qin Su!"
Rei stared up at him—
and something shifted in her gaze.
Gone was the embarrassment, the frustration.What replaced it was soft.Warm.A gentle affection blooming like the first spring flower after a long winter.
Qin Su blinked, baffled.
"…Why are you looking at me like that?"
Rei jolted and looked away immediately.
"No reason!"
But in the stands…
Yuan Ai's eyes narrowed to razor-thin slits.
Her fingers gripped the railing until it groaned under pressure.
Her expression was a blend of jealousy, irritation, and the deadly calm of a woman planning future trouble.
Qin Su felt her murderous aura prick the back of his neck.
He stiffened.
Slowly…Very slowly…He turned.
Yuan Ai was watching him like a predator marking her prey.
Qin Su swallowed.
Then forced a laugh.
"…Great. Perfect. Now she's mad too."
He sighed.
"This is going to be so troublesome later."
At the edge of the arena, the judge announced:
"Feng Lian receives a bye for this round!"