"Third match! First-year Class One, Ye Xinglan, against third-year Class Three, Mo Jue!"
As the Referee's voice fell, the atmosphere around the sparring Arena instantly froze. Mo Jue was acknowledged as one of the strongest in the Outer Court, the pride of Class Three, and already a One-Word Battle Armor Master. Ye Xinglan, meanwhile, was only a first-year student, but her sword intent had long made her famous among the lower years.
Mo Jue walked slowly onto the Arena, her expression haughty. Dressed in a long black gown, she possessed a cold, striking elegance, like a proud Black Swan.
"Ye Xinglan, I admit you're strong, but against absolute strength, technique means nothing," Mo Jue said coolly. Five soul rings rose beneath her feet, all purple.
Ye Xinglan said nothing. She simply stood quietly, the Stargod Sword in her hand giving off a faint, cold gleam.
"Since you won't speak, don't blame me for showing no mercy."
Mo Jue snorted coldly and activated her first soul skill, Swan's Feather. Countless dark green feathers shot toward Ye Xinglan like blades.
"Sword Star Rain!"
Ye Xinglan gave a low cry. Her fourth soul ring flashed, and countless tiny streams of sword energy erupted from the Stargod Sword. They collided with the dark green feathers in midair, producing a dense barrage of explosive cracks.
"Hmph, paltry tricks!"
Mo Jue sneered disdainfully and activated her second soul skill, Black Swan Dance. Her figure instantly became illusory, weaving through the sword energy like a phantom as she tried to circle behind Ye Xinglan.
"Too slow."
A cold gleam flashed through Ye Xinglan's eyes. With a sweep of the Stargod Sword, a brilliant arc of sword energy cut across the arena, slashing precisely at Mo Jue's phantom image.
"What?!"
Mo Jue's expression changed in alarm. She had