Mysterious Liu Qingmeng

"Semifinals, second match: Jiangnan Martial University versus Qingzhou Martial University. Contestants, please take the stage." As the Referee announced the start of the match, the crowd's excitement hit a fever pitch. The morning bouts had been a thrill to watch, and now the audience's anticipation was climbing higher.

Qingzhou Martial University's first contestant was a female student—tall and slender, with waist-length water-blue hair. Her delicate features exuded an aloof, untouchable chill, like eternal ice that kept others at a distance. The other teams' members all froze for a moment. Sending out their captain in the first round—were they aiming for a quick finish?

Jiangnan Martial University's entrant was a woman in a white dress, with a well-proportioned figure, a sweet face, and fair skin. She gave off a serene beauty, like a lotus unstained by mud. When she spoke, an ethereal voice rang out: "I'm Liu Qingmeng, captain of Jiangnan Martial University. You're Ye Shuangshuang, captain of Qingzhou Martial University, right? How about we settle it in one round, like Lin Hao and Duan Yue did this morning?"

Down in the stands, the students stood frozen.

"So that's Jiangnan Martial University's captain? I heard she hasn't appeared before."

"Yeah, who'd have thought such a sweet-looking girl would be their captain?"

"She looks just like the goddess in my heart."

The crowd's spirits soared at Liu Qingmeng's words. The morning's one-round decider had been a feast for the eyes. If the afternoon served up another, they'd be reaping the rewards.

Ye Shuangshuang frowned slightly at the proposal. Honestly, she wanted to test herself against this never-before-seen captain—she wasn't lacking in skill herself. But she knew nothing about this equally stunning girl, and she feared suffering a silent loss on stage that would outweigh any gain.

Over on Shancheng Martial University's bench, Lin Hao also furrowed his brow. This Jiangnan captain gave him a very dangerous feeling—something he hadn't felt once throughout the entire Hundred Schools League. Not even Duan Yue had triggered it. He trusted his instincts, and a flicker of curiosity about this captain stirred within him.

Just as Ye Shuangshuang hesitated, Qingzhou Martial University's Principal, Ning Feixue, spoke from the sidelines: "Shuangshuang, accept it." Ye Shuangshuang glanced over and saw Ning Feixue nod at her. Without further delay, she replied, "Fine, I accept." Facing an opponent's challenge, she had no reason to back down.

At Ye Shuangshuang's agreement, Liu Qingmeng smiled faintly, like a hundred flowers blooming in rivalry.

As the Referee's signal to start rang out, the crowd's excitement peaked.

Ye Shuangshuang raised a hand, and a water-blue staff about two meters long appeared. I'll test her limits first, she thought. The staff suddenly glowed, and countless tiny water droplets materialized, suspended in midair. Without waiting for a reaction, she swung the staff, and the droplets shot toward Liu Qingmeng like bullets.

But Liu Qingmeng did nothing—except, unnoticed by all, a flash of gold flickered in her eyes for an instant.

In that same instant, the countless droplets struck Liu Qingmeng. Just as Ye Shuangshuang thought she'd landed a hit, the droplets passed right through her body. Liu Qingmeng still wore that faint smile, as if the attack had never been aimed at her at all. The bizarre sight stunned everyone present.

Is it an illusion? Ye Shuangshuang quickly analyzed the situation. Down below, Ning Feixue's brow also creased slightly. As a Diamond rank Ability User, she could sense the Spiritual Power fluctuations on Liu Qingmeng—meaning she hadn't used any illusion-type skill.

"Then try this." Ye Shuangshuang leaped into the air, waving her staff. Soon, dark clouds gathered overhead, and a torrential downpour erupted over the arena. But the rain wasn't ordinary—each drop shot toward Liu Qingmeng like steel needles.

Liu Qingmeng still made no move, standing quietly in place. The raindrops passed through her as before. The downpour lasted a full two minutes, yet not a single water stain appeared on her. The indiscriminate, full-range attack had no effect on her at all.

The students below stood dumbfounded. If they'd faced that assault, they'd have been riddled with holes by now.

On the judges' panel, Jiang Tianhai and Fang Wei's eyes lit up. "Old Jiang, Jiangnan Martial University has been hiding their cards deep."

"No kidding. They must have concealed such a terrifying prodigy just to snatch first place in the Hundred Schools League."

"Hey, what do you think Lin Hao's chances are against her?" Fang Wei was curious now.

Jiang Tianhai thought for a moment, then sighed softly. "Hard to say. That kid's intent is strong, but it can't break through her skill. He'll probably take a big hit." He glanced toward Shancheng Martial University's bench. "Heh, at least the kid showed up today. Wonder how much he can figure out. If he's got no clue, tomorrow's match is really up in the air."

Fang Wei shared the same thought. "Heh, Old Jiang, tomorrow's going to be a show."

Back on the arena stage, Ye Shuangshuang had stopped attacking. "Aren't you going to strike?" she asked, her expression turning grave.

Liu Qingmeng smiled faintly. "Use all your strength. That little attack of yours doesn't even tickle me. If I make a move, you might not get another chance."

"Arrogant!" Ye Shuangshuang was riled now. She was Qingzhou Martial University's top genius—an 18-year-old Gold High Grade Ability User—and being so belittled stung. She held nothing back, waving her staff as a faint blue beam emanated from it. Skill: Water Curtain Heavenly Splendor activated. Countless water droplets instantly coalesced in the air, merging into a ten-meter-tall water curtain. With another wave of her staff, the curtain came alive, and ferocious beasts formed from water surged out, charging at Liu Qingmeng.

Facing the onslaught of beasts, Liu Qingmeng simply raised a hand and waved it lightly. In an instant, the countless beasts vanished. The sight left the students gaping.

"Wasn't that an Earth Grade Cultivation Method Ye Shuangshuang just used? And she broke it with a wave of her hand?"

"Is she a magician? Did she just make those attacks disappear?"

"What kind of skill is that—one wave and it's over?"

On stage, Ye Shuangshuang stood frozen. She'd never seen such a bizarre skill. What cultivation method could dismantle her Earth Grade technique so effortlessly?