When your group reached another "Jia-Chou" arena, the match on its stage had already begun.
Two names shone clearly on the floating jade plaque: "Little Green Peak · Xiao Wan'er" and "Dipper Pivot Peak · Bai Xing."
The two had already exchanged several moves. Sleeves fluttered, and sword light flowed.
Many Little Green Peak disciples had gathered in the viewing stands. Kou Sen and Hao Jie were among them.
You, Lü Qingyu, Lin Shuang, and the others approached at an unhurried pace, and everyone soon gathered together.
Hao Jie waved to you all. "Senior Sister Lü! Senior Brother Zhou!"
Kou Sen greeted only Lü Qingyu, then turned his head away.
You were a little surprised. You had no idea when you had offended Junior Brother Kou, but you did not dwell on it.
On the stage, black mist swirled around the barefoot girl. From within it came the faint, ceaseless sound of flowing water, like an undercurrent stirring beneath the surface.
Cold surged through Xiao Wan'er's palms. An icy breath spread in every direction, as though even the air might freeze.
Then she gave a clear cry—
In an instant, the temperature on the stage plunged. Sharp icicles ten feet tall burst from the ground and spread forward like a wave, grim as a field of wheat bending in the wind. The cold pierced to the bone.
Someone among the Little Green Peak disciples cried out softly, recognizing the peak's secret art: the Black Emperor Sea-Covering Palm.
The art was exceedingly difficult to cultivate. Only someone with a water-aligned spirit body could master it. But once mastered, its might ranked among the greatest of Little Green Peak's secret arts.
You fixed your gaze on the stage, now wholly engulfed in bitter wind and cold. Black mist churned around the barefoot