In the arena, Huang Ying's eyes widened in terror. As her golden defensive light shattered, the spear thrust forward again, and beneath Xu Yuan's indifferent gaze, its tip closed in on her throat.
At that moment, the spearhead was less than half an inch from her snow-white neck. If Xu Yuan applied even a little more force, he could pack his things and leave the Hidden Moon Sect tomorrow.
Provided he was not slapped to death by an enraged elder first.
Thus, the spear withdrew at the first touch. Xu Yuan stopped beside Huang Ying and cupped his hands. "I concede."
Her eyes remained fixed in disbelief on the dharma sword that had fallen to the ground. The yellow bell floating behind Huang Ying had now lost all color as well, looking like a chunk of scrap iron.
Breathe. Breathe again. No, she still wanted to cry.
Huang Ying tried her best to turn her head away from Xu Yuan, but Elder Jade River's words soon forced her to look up.
"Guardian Crane's disciple, are you convinced now?"
"Reporting to Elder." Suppressing her emotions with all her might, Huang Ying bent deeply in salute. "Huang Ying is utterly convinced."
There was not much resentment in those words, aside from some confusion and helplessness. After all, she had truly been crushed in every regard. This outer mountain disciple before her was simply strong to an unbelievable extent.
"Good."
Elder Jade River nodded. He might have been trying to smile as gently as possible, but after wearing a cold expression for so long, the smile looked rather strange, like the expression of a corpse whose face had been forcibly tugged into shape.
"Xu Yuan, come up here."
Elder Jade River called Xu Yuan by name. Xu Yuan hurried over with light steps,