Song Changsheng vs. Ji Liangyu

Although Song Changsheng had always been considered the darkest dark horse of this Five Academies Grand Competition, aside from his first battle against Ji Bingxiu of the Tianshui Ji Clan, every opponent he faced afterward had either conceded or been weak. He had even received a bye once along the way.

This was his first time facing a seeded contestant.

Ji Liangyu had already proven, by defeating Long An, that there was no false reputation beneath great renown!

Now, it was Song Changsheng's turn to prove himself.

Whether he was truly that dark horse while the outcome remained undecided would depend on this battle. If he could fight Ji Liangyu to a standstill, it would be enough for him to join the ranks of Southwest's foremost young prodigies. If he could defeat her, he might even stand alongside Zhao Yin!

With his cultivation lagging behind, Song Changsheng knew full well the importance of striking first and seizing the initiative.

"Clang—"

Startled Swan Sword left its sheath, and a flash of silver light appeared. Hundred-zhang sword qi transformed into a white streak across the sky, sweeping through as though it would tear the heavens apart.

Against an opponent like this, Song Changsheng did not hold back in the slightest. He immediately used his full strength. The power of this sword strike was no weaker than the killing blow he had used against Ji Bingxiu!

Before the sword qi arrived, its edge was already upon her. The frigid sword light made people's eyes ache.

Ji Liangyu stood with her hands behind her back, her expression as tranquil as a still lake, without the slightest ripple.

Even though the space around her trembled violently under the sword qi's influence, she made no movement at all. That composure sent chills through every spectator present.