First Encounter

Shi Lan was a little dazed and subconsciously glanced at Elder Xin standing beside her.

Elder Xin's expression turned somewhat dark. After his mouth twitched, he announced, "Ancient Phoenix City, Shi Lan wins."

Beside the stage, Hao Pojun's expression grew serious. Although this battle ended quickly, it was enough to gauge the approximate extent of Shi Lan's strength. She could indeed be considered a formidable opponent.

Zhao Jingan's dark red pupils flashed with a hint of interest. Initially, seeing that Shi Lan was only at the seventh level of the Foundation Realm, he thought that everyone assigned to her stage was incompetent. Now, it seemed that was not the case.

Shi Lan stepped off the stage and returned to Gu Rentong's side, her eyes full of confusion as she stared at him.

Gu Rentong coughed dryly. "This... perhaps Gu Rongyue was just careless just now..."

In truth, Gu Rentong was also somewhat puzzled. After all, Gu Rongyue had a great reputation. It was rumored that her zither music alone could even contend with warriors of the Earth Fiend Realm.

Furthermore, Gu Rongyue's zither skills were said to have surpassed her master, Mystic Sound Valley's Valley Master Meng Fan. Someone had once offered over ten thousand Spirit Crystals for a single performance by Gu Rongyue, but she had refused.

Such instances were too numerous to list, clearly showing Gu Rongyue's extraordinary nature.

The outcome of the recent match had absolutely exceeded everyone's expectations.

At the edge of the stage, Gu Rongyue slowly regained consciousness under the nurturing of the woman's true qi.

"Rongyue, how do you feel?"

Gu Rongyue sat cross-legged and meditated for a while. After spitting out a mouthful of congealed blood, she said softly, "I'm alright. No serious injuries, just two broken ribs."

Even at her worst, Gu