The final round of drawing lots began. Knowing her luck had run out, Zhong Shuyao stepped forward with heavy footsteps to draw hers.
She opened it and saw that she was still the first to fight. Looking at the number-one lot in her hand, Zhang Jie stepped onto the Martial Platform without the slightest ripple of emotion on her face.
"Senior Sister Zhang, you're as dazzling as ever. I hope you'll still show me a little mercy."
Zhong Shuyao laughed softly, her voice clear and melodious, like an oriole emerging from a valley.
She and Zhang Jie were close in age, both outstanding members of the younger generation, but she, too, had experienced firsthand the fear and pressure of being dominated by Zhang Jie's overwhelming strength.
Though she knew she would struggle to defeat her opponent, deep down she still longed to test just how wide the gap between their strengths had become.
"Junior Sister Zhong, you're a heroine who yields to no man. I'll give it my all and use every skill at my disposal to show my respect for a formidable opponent like you."
Zhang Jie replied in a steady, resolute tone, leaving no opening whatsoever.
In recent years, Zhong Shuyao's fame had soared, and her swordsmanship had grown increasingly refined. Zhang Jie knew she could never underestimate such an excellent opponent. As the saying went, a cautious sailor could keep a ship afloat for ten thousand years!
As their words ended, Zhong Shuyao's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly. Her gentle gaze instantly sharpened like a blade, as though it could see through everything.
Then she swiftly drew the White Long Sword hanging at her waist. Its blade gleamed with a chilling light that sent shivers down the spine.
With a flick of her wrist, her sword arts