Geniuses Die Young

After a long while, one of the participating students finally said with a bitter smile, "With strength like that, how are we supposed to fight?"

"The first place in this Preliminary Round has already appeared. The rest of us will probably have to fight over second place."

Beside him, his companion patted him on the shoulder and sighed.

Clearly, the overwhelming power Shui Wuchen had displayed had already extinguished any thought of competing in them.

Even an elite academy like Lightning Academy, with several Soul Ancestors and ranked among the top five, had been defeated so cleanly. How could ordinary academies like theirs, with at most one or two Soul Ancestors—or perhaps none at all—compete against Skywater Academy now that it had Shui Wuchen?

Elsewhere, Huo Yangyan's shock was plain to see as he watched the scene on the Arena.

He had known Shui Wuchen would win. After all, Shui Wuchen had once killed two Soul King-level Fallen Ones by himself.

But he had never expected Shui Wuchen to win so decisively, so effortlessly.

From start to finish, Lightning Academy had not even had time to react before Shui Wuchen instantly defeated them. He had only used his second and third Soul Skills—not even his ten-thousand-year Soul Skill!

In Godwind Academy's section, Feng Qingcang's gaze sharpened after witnessing Shui Wuchen's performance. His strength was even greater than expected. There were likely few among Soul Kings who could stand against Shui Wuchen.

Feng Qingcang then looked at Feng Xiaotian beside him, only to discover that his body was trembling slightly.

"Wonderful! As expected of the opponent I've chosen!"

Yes, Feng Xiaotian was indeed trembling—not from fear, but from excitement!

Ever since he had begun striving forward, he had found no opponent among those his age.

By now, even many teachers at Godwind Academy were no match for him. Ordinary Soul Kings could not even withstand a single exchange with him.

In Feng Xiaotian's eyes, perhaps only Shui Wuchen in this era could truly contend with him.

On the Arena, the women of Skywater Academy watched as Shui Wuchen slowly walked toward them, a strange light shining in their eyes.

They had always known that Shui Bing'er's brother was exceptional, but they had never had any real idea of just how exceptional he was.

Yet today, the sight of Shui Wuchen facing Lightning Academy alone and easily defeating all seven opponents made their hearts race.

As though by unspoken agreement, the proud daughters of Skywater Academy all looked toward Shui Bing'er. Thinking of how the siblings usually got along, they could not help but feel deeply envious.

Why didn't they have a brother like that?

Feeling the gazes of her sisters, Shui Bing'er's lips curled into a faint smile.

This was Shui Bing'er's brother!

Soon, Shui Wuchen arrived before Shui Bing'er and said calmly, "Let's go down."

"Mm!"

Shui Bing'er nodded, then turned to Xuewu and the others behind her. "Sisters, let's go!"

Only then did Xuewu, Shui Yuer, and the others snap out of their daze and follow Shui Wuchen and Shui Bing'er off the Arena.

In the VIP seats.

A gleam flashed through Xue Ye's eyes as he pointed at Shui Wuchen below and asked Prince Xue Xing behind him, "Xue Xing, do you know this young man's background?"

Hearing this, Prince Xue Xing recovered from his shock and hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, his name is Shui Wuchen. He is the son of the late Marquis Shui. The one beside him is his younger sister, Shui Bing'er, who is also an exceptional genius."

"Oh? The late Marquis Shui's son?"

After hearing Prince Xue Xing's words, Xue Ye's eyes flickered. "If he is Marquis Shui's son, and so outstanding besides, why had I never heard the late Marquis Shui mention him before?"

Xue Ye was somewhat puzzled. He had heard of Shui Bing'er, but this was the first time he had heard of Shui Wuchen.

By all rights, if a family produced such an outstanding genius, even if he did not become famous throughout the land, he should not have remained unknown.

Prince Xue Xing smiled faintly. "Because Shui Wuchen's relationship with the Shui family is not very good. His mother was a maid who became pregnant after the late Marquis Shui favored her on one occasion. For certain reasons, she was driven out of the residence and soon passed away afterward, so..."

Xue Ye nodded slightly. He already understood the rest.

He had seen such matters far too often. The only difference was that Shui Wuchen and Shui Bing'er had survived—and become geniuses.

But this was good news for him instead, because it meant Shui Wuchen had no sense of belonging toward the Shui family and would be easier to win over!

Upon hearing Prince Xue Xing's explanation, Ning Fengzhi and Salas beside Xue Ye also showed subtle changes in their expressions. Clearly, they too were tempted by such a genius who had yet to pledge himself to any faction.

After returning, I should make contact with this genius.

Ning Fengzhi thought to himself.

Judging by Shui Wuchen's current performance, he clearly possessed the potential to become a Titled Douluo. Once he successfully broke through, he would not be a weak one even among Titled Douluos.

Such a genius was worth recruiting for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect!

After all, even the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect currently had only two Titled Douluos.

Meanwhile, Platinum Bishop Salas stared at Shui Wuchen below, seemingly lost in thought.

Below, Shui Wuchen and the others had already returned to Skywater Academy's section.

Seeing Shui Wuchen return, Shui Yueruo happily patted him on the shoulder. "Wuchen, well done. You brought great honor to Skywater Academy."

To be honest, Shui Wuchen's strength had exceeded her expectations. From his effortless performance just now, it was clear that he still had a great deal of strength in reserve.

She had previously worried whether Skywater Academy could win this Elite Tournament, but after watching Shui Wuchen's battle, her heart finally settled.

As a peak rank seventy-nine Soul Sage, Shui Yueruo naturally understood what level of strength was required to accomplish what Shui Wuchen had just done.

It could be said that Shui Wuchen now had very few rivals even among Soul Kings. Even if Spirit Hall possessed three Soul Kings, defeating Skywater Academy with Shui Wuchen would not be easy.

Facing Shui Yueruo's excitement, Shui Wuchen showed little reaction and merely said calmly, "It was only natural."

Yet what Shui Wuchen did not notice was that in the stands, a young man with a somewhat pale complexion and unnaturally white skin was quietly watching him.

"Cough, cough..."

He coughed several times, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, then looked in Shui Wuchen's direction and spoke in a voice only he could hear.

"So this is the one who killed my two subordinates. He truly is a genius!"

"However..."

Suddenly, the Pale Youth changed his tone and said calmly, "Geniuses generally don't live long."