The two exchanged a few polite pleasantries, their words so smooth and courteous that not a drop could leak through.
Shui Bing'er remained wary, her gaze sweeping over the people behind Xue Qinghe.
The broad-shouldered young man with black hair standing stiffly like steel needles had eyes full of arrogance.
Beside him stood a bewitching young woman with short purplish-red hair and eyes that glimmered a ghostly green.
The Soul Power fluctuations from the two of them were exceptionally powerful. They were no ordinary opponents.
"May I ask what brings His Highness the Crown Prince to lead a team to visit Skywater in person today?" Shui Bing'er got straight to the point.
Qian Renxue smiled faintly and gave her folding fan a leisurely wave.
"I wouldn't presume to offer guidance. The Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament is fast approaching."
"The Imperial Fighting Team is touring the various Elemental Academies to exchange experience and test one another."
"We've come to your academy today in the hope of having a friendly spar with the members of the Skywater Team. We'll stop as soon as the outcome is clear."
At those words, the gazes of the Imperial Fighting Team instantly turned aggressive.
Shui Bing'er met their stares without flinching, her clear voice ringing across the plaza.
"Since His Highness the Crown Prince is in the mood, Skywater Academy will gladly oblige."
The main Soul Fighting Arena had been reduced to ruins that morning by the strike called "Frost Heaven Emperor Phoenix," so Shui Bing'er could only lead everyone to an open-air training ground behind the academy.
Before long, the surrounding area was packed with Skywater's female students, who had hurried over after hearing the news.
The two teams took their places on opposite sides of the grounds, and the atmosphere instantly grew tense and hostile.
On the Imperial Fighting Team's side, the broad-shouldered young man at the front folded his arms and strode straight into the arena.
It was none other than the Imperial Fighting Team's captain, Yu Tianheng.
He swept his gaze contemptuously over the Skywater Team and lifted his chin.
"I hear the Skywater Team is made up entirely of girls. I, Yu Tianheng, won't bully you."
"Who wants to go first?"
Xue Wu had a fiery temper. She couldn't stand being looked down on, and immediately leaped into the arena.
"Quit running your mouth. I'll take you on!"
Brilliant Soul Power glimmered as water vapor swirled around Xue Wu. Three Soul Rings—yellow, yellow, and purple—rose around her.
Her rank as a thirty-eighth-level Soul Elder was on full display.
Seeing the three Soul Rings, Yu Tianheng snorted with laughter. He didn't even bother releasing his Martial Soul right away.
"Level thirty-eight? You're not even a Soul Ancestor, and you dare challenge me?"
"If Skywater Academy is out of fighters, you might as well surrender now. It'll save us all some time."
Xue Wu flew into a rage and swept out her jade-like hand. A curtain of rain transformed into dozens of razor-sharp blades of water that surged toward Yu Tianheng.
"Arrogant!"
Yu Tianheng snorted coldly and abruptly raised his right arm.
With a deafening dragon's roar, thick blue lightning instantly enveloped his entire arm.
Scales of blue and violet burst through his skin, and a domineering force of thunder and lightning erupted.
Four dazzling Soul Rings—yellow, yellow, purple, and purple!
A Soul Ancestor at level forty! The top-tier Beast Martial Soul, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon!
"Break!"
Yu Tianheng didn't even use a Soul Skill. He merely swung his right arm, transformed by Dragon Transformation.
The violent web of lightning tore through Xue Wu's blades of water in an instant, then traveled along the water vapor straight toward her body.
Xue Wu had no time to dodge. Her whole body went violently numb, and she flew backward like a kite with its string cut.
Shui Bing'er reacted quickly, leaping up to catch Xue Wu securely.
Xue Wu had been defeated in a single exchange!
The Skywater girls watching from outside the arena cried out in alarm, their faces turning grim.
Seeing this, Yu Hairou and Shen Liuyu charged into the arena one after the other, furious.
However, the lightning attribute of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon had a powerful advantage over water, and Yu Tianheng's higher rank only made the gap more overwhelming.
In fewer than ten exchanges, the two were likewise driven back by the raging lightning and retreated in defeat, clutching their chests.
Yu Tianheng stood proudly in the center of the arena. Lightning crackled around him, and his expression grew even more contemptuous.
"I thought the Five Elemental Academies would amount to something."
"As it turns out, Skywater Academy is nothing special. You're not even strong enough to make me fight seriously."
He looked at Shui Bing'er provocatively.
"I hear you're the vice-captain. Why don't you come up and try? Or should you call out that cowering captain of yours?"
Qian Renxue sat in the VIP seats, calmly lifting her teacup, though a deep disappointment showed in her eyes.
She had thought she would see a closely matched contest and use it to learn more about Skywater Academy.
She hadn't expected this team to be so pitifully weak.
With this level of strength, they'd be lucky even to qualify for the finals.
Shui Bing'er's chest heaved with anger, her lovely face wreathed in an icy chill.
She was just about to step forward and teach the arrogant man a lesson herself.
Then a lazy, casual voice drifted slowly over from the entrance to the training ground.
"It's so early in the morning, and you're having a fight without calling me?"
Everyone's gaze was instantly drawn to the voice.
A young man in white was walking up the stone steps at an unhurried pace, yawning as he came.
The youth was breathtakingly handsome, his features seemingly crafted by the heavens themselves. His skin was even more translucent than the snow around them.
His snow-white robe was immaculate. Even as he strolled in with a carefree air, he radiated an innate, otherworldly elegance.
It was Xue Tianyu, who had come after hearing the commotion.
Qian Renxue's hand paused as she held her teacup, and the tea nearly spilled.
Deep in her tranquil eyes, a flicker of utter astonishment appeared.
Didn't Skywater Academy only admit female students? How had a male student appeared?
And... this youth was exceptionally handsome.
Even Qian Renxue, who had seen countless young talents in Spirit Hall, felt her heart skip a beat when she saw Xue Tianyu.
It was a pure admiration for breathtaking beauty, entirely free of worldly desire.
Dugu Yan, seated on the other side, also sat up abruptly, her ghostly green eyes blazing with excitement.
What a handsome little brother!
She even couldn't help licking her lips, suddenly overcome by a powerful urge to find out more about the white-clad youth.
Xue Tianyu walked into the arena and cast a casual glance around.
His gaze paused for half a second as it passed over "Xue Qinghe."
The sacred aura of the Angel Martial Soul—before his extraordinary perception, that shoddy disguise was as good as nonexistent.
Qian Renxue.
The name immediately came to mind.
But Xue Tianyu had no time or inclination to expose anyone. He quickly looked away, appearing completely indifferent.
Yu Tianheng saw the eyes of all the girls around the arena fixed on the young man. His temper flared in an instant.
"Where did this little brat come from? This is an arena. Do you even know the rules?"
He pointed at Xue Tianyu and shouted.
"Get off the field! Don't interfere with our match!"
Shui Bing'er's brows drew together at once. A burst of cold air erupted from her, and she snapped at Yu Tianheng.
"Shut up!"
"Show some respect to our captain!"
Before you continue