Lin Qingyan: Timid at home, heavy-hitting abroad

"The very first match is already looking interesting," Oleg Watt said, rubbing his stubbled chin.

One of the competitors from his Bear Country team was also on the field.

"With such a vast arena, when both sides are equally strong, what matters is who seizes the initiative first," the British team leader said.

"The National War's matchmaking is very random. In past years, there have even been cases of Tier-Four Martial Artists facing Tier-Six Martial Artists."

As Stormhead spoke, his gaze swept toward the black-clad youth nearby, and a mocking smile curled his lips.

"I hear that girl named Lin only enrolled this year?"

"Someone placed a hefty bet on her. This time, he's bound to lose every last penny."

"Still, this Ueo Ryunosuke from Sakura Country doesn't seem particularly famous either. He isn't from the Three Great Families, so he might not be all that strong," the White Elephant Country team leader said.

"That is not the case."

Kitahara Ruri closed her eyes and said calmly, "Ryunosuke works incredibly hard and is exceptionally gifted. Even though our country has deliberately kept him out of the spotlight, he has never complained. He simply keeps challenging himself and improving, one step at a time. He is a remarkably strong young man. I believe he will make his name in this National War and become a martial artist everyone respects."

"Some gaps can't be bridged through hard work alone," Jiang Yuan said calmly, gazing into the distance.

Out on the desert battlefield, yellow sand filled the air.

Lin Qingyan's black hair streamed behind her like a waterfall, a blue ribbon fluttering in the wind. An invisible life force field kept the surrounding sand from coming within thirty feet of her.

She lifted her gaze and looked into the distance.

Rumble!

The earth