In the martial arena, Zhao Heng stood there, his posture casual as ever. Unlike the others, he had known Zhao Mingyu since childhood and was quite familiar with her.
"I didn't expect you to challenge me, Junior Brother," Zhao Mingyu spoke coolly. Her gaze was calm, like the surface of a still lake, yet there was a sharpness hidden deep within.
"I've always wanted to know how strong you truly are," Zhao Heng replied in a determined voice. "Since I was a child, I grew up hearing about you. I've respected you… and at times, hated you a little. I was even jealous. Now, I finally have the chance to see the gap between us."
For once, the usual carefree and easygoing Zhao Heng looked completely different. His demeanor was sharp and composed, like a sword unsheathed. Those who knew him well were utterly surprised by the change.
Before the tension in the arena could fully settle, a sudden wave of shrill cheers erupted.
"Go, Zhao Heng!"
"I love you, Zhao Heng!"
"My dear Zhao Heng!"
"Darling Zhao Heng!"
Countless girls from other divisions screamed his name, waving handkerchiefs and cheering as if they had lost their minds.
Zhao Mingyu's face turned strange as she glanced at Zhao Heng, looking him up and down.
Zhao Heng's face flushed red, like a ripe tomato. He hadn't expected that the moment he finally got serious, everything would be ruined like this.
The surrounding spectators exchanged strange looks, especially the instructors and outer faction disciples. None of them had expected this seemingly careless youth to not only be strong, but also this popular.
In the southern stands, one person's face turned a sickly shade of green, veins bulging across his forehead.
It was Brother Chen.
Brother Guo remained silent, calmly watching his friend's increasingly bizarre behavior.
Brother Chen clenched his fists, his expression bitter as he dramatically looked up at the sky.
"All those girls together aren't worth a strand of Junior Mingyu's hair. Hmph! She'll crush this trash and present his defeat to her dear Brother Chen as a thank-you gift!"
His hatred for Zhao Heng had now reached an entirely new level. He had realized this guy was his biggest competitor in the academy.
As soon as Instructor Jianhong's voice sounded, Zhao Heng unleashed his full-powered Flame Dragon Slash.
Zhao Mingyu didn't dodge. She simply raised her hand, and an ice barrier materialized before her.
The same attack that Mu Rulan would have struggled to block was easily dispelled.
The battle immediately escalated into a fierce exchange. Zhao Heng launched an endless barrage of sword techniques with his dual blades, while Zhao Mingyu blocked them barehanded.
Both fighters displayed an incredible variety of techniques as they clashed all around the arena.
Zhao Heng's relentless Crimson Sword Dances were met with effortless counters. Ice and fire intertwined, creating a breathtaking spectacle that left the students from other divisions in awe. None of the previous matches had showcased this many skills in a single fight.
But unlike the excited students, the instructors and the guests from Misty Rain Island remained silent.
"She's too strong. I wouldn't be surprised if she's already opened her third meridian," sighed Wen Yu.
"But she's completely suppressing him using only the strength of her first meridian," someone added quietly.
Only the experienced cultivators could truly understand the gap between them.
"She's just letting Zhao Heng display everything he has without striking back. If she wanted to, this fight would have been over long ago," Bai Tian muttered to himself as he focused on her figure. He was already thinking about possible strategies to face her, knowing full well that the battles would conclude today and he would most likely encounter her next.
....
Zhao Heng had realized it too. He was simply using this opportunity to improve his combat experience, even if it meant fighting a losing battle.
After a while, his energy was depleted. Admitting defeat, he turned around and left the arena.
It was probably the most frustrating fight of his life. From beginning to end, he had been suppressed, and that too by someone only using equal strength.
"Dear Zhao Heng!"
"You were so cool!"
"You only lost because of lower cultivation!"
As he made his way out of the stadium, Zhao Heng nearly stumbled when he heard that last cheer. Turning back, he saw that Zhao Mingyu had already left. With a sigh, he left the arena.
Meanwhile, the guests from Misty Rain and beyond looked visibly disappointed.
One of them couldn't help but ask, "Is there any student here who can actually force her to use her full strength?"
He knew it was a foolish question, but it was his job to gather a full report on the potential next Misty Rain Sovereign.
Surprisingly, someone responded, "Yes. I don't know much, but I've heard reports about the grandson of the former Misty Rain commander."
"What? But I've read he can't even sense astral energy."
"I thought so too. But they say his physical strength is incredible, and his aptitude in martial arts is unbelievable."
"Oh? Then it must be true. Before reaching late-stage cultivation, physical strength still plays a huge role. Hopefully, he'll be able to force her to use Glacial Vein Arts."
These figures belonged to various factions of the Azure Alliance, tasked with reporting such affairs to their respective organizations.
"Hopefully, I won't get matched against Zhao Mingyu," Wen Yu muttered softly.
Bai Tian chuckled. "Knowing Instructor Jianhong's personality, you're even more likely to be paired with her."
Wen Yu sighed in defeat. He already considered himself the weakest among the eight contenders. It made even more sense that he would be chosen.
In the end, he didn't mind much. He still saw himself more as a scholar than a fighter.
Soon, Instructor Jianhong announced the next pairings.
The first match was Bai Tian versus Mu Ruyan.
Bai Tian smiled. After watching fight after fight, he was getting restless. Finally, it was his turn.
He nodded at Wen Yu and stepped into the arena.
For many spectators, this was the first time seeing Bai Tian.
He wore a plain robe, with a small pouch at his waist and the Tianyu Sword in hand. His tall figure, sharp features, and steady gaze made him look like a swordsman from ancient legends.
Students from other divisions were surprised. Few had seen him before, as he rarely left the Martial Division or roamed around Greenwood Island. Besides a few instructors and senior students, hardly anyone knew much about him.
As Bai Tian appeared, many eyes were fixed on him. Ren Ming, Mo Tian, and even Zhao Mingyu paid close attention.
In the instructors' stand, many sighed at the sight. They had heard stories of his talent and how diligently he trained.
Instructor Jianhong had even claimed he was more gifted than Mingyu herself, though he had never been able to cultivate.
Old Yan Cang sighed as well. "Little Lin, why not send this boy to my division? He's the only one I'd want."
"You know as well as I do, the higher the cultivation, the more astral energy matters. He'd do better learning craftsmanship," he added.
Vice Principal Liu remained silent. She simply watched the boy's figure without a word.
The beautiful Instructor Mu Lianhua sighed too. She knew Bai Tian better than most. After her five years in Greenwood Academy, she had once worked as an apothecary under his grandfather. She even had a longstanding feud with Uncle Xiao, which was why she had ignored Bai Tian's details during the disciple induction.
Among the spectators from outside Greenwood Academy, a hushed conversation broke out, their voices low but filled with curiosity and speculation.
"Does he have the same condition as his father?" one whispered, his eyes narrowing as they studied Bai Tian's calm expression.
"It can't be," another replied firmly. "Even Principal Fan said it's an extremely rare occurrence, the only one in the history of the Azure Alliance. The chances of it happening again are next to none."
A third voice joined in cautiously, "Still, there's a possibility. He's showing some traits similar to his father. We shouldn't dismiss it outright."
The first voice fell silent for a moment, then sighed, "If that's true… it would be a real pity. The legacy of Ship Commander Bai Heng could end with him."
….
A short while later, Mu Ruyan also arrived. She wore a simple azure battle dress, a long spear in hand.
In the stands, Zhao Mingyu sat with Lin Yue and Shen Xue, her two closest friends.
"Both of them look so similar. The way they dress and their temperament," Shen Xue said in amazement.
"True. Both are also skilled weapon users," Lin Yue agreed.
Zhao Mingyu clenched her fist. For some reason, hearing this made her uncomfortable. She stared intently at Mu Ruyan and Bai Tian and had to admit it was true. They really did resemble each other.
Without thinking, she blurted out, "They look like siblings."
Lin Yue and Shen Xue exchanged strange looks.
Their friend wasn't usually the type to talk much, let alone blurt out something so adorably clueless.
Shen Xue chuckled and teased Lin Yue, "He seems much closer to Wen Yu though."
Lin Yue's face darkened as she stomped her foot. "Don't talk about that bastard in front of me!"
Both Zhao Mingyu and Shen Xue laughed.
In the arena, Bai Tian and Mu Ruyan stood in silence. They weren't particularly close and had only exchanged a few words in the past.
Instructor Jianhong smiled.
"The battle begins."