Ye Lingyun stood at the edge of Icewave Academy's Martial Arts Arena, his gaze passing through the crowd to settle on the center of the platform. Today was the second round of the academy's internal selection for the Star Great Plane's Academy Tournament, and his opponent had forfeited upon learning he would be facing him. Ye Lingyun was not surprised. His strength was no longer a secret within the academy.
His gaze shifted to another platform, where another match was underway. One of its contestants was his junior sister, Xue Yao.
Xue Yao's figure danced across the platform, her movements graceful and nimble, every sweep carrying a distinctive rhythm. Her origin spirit, the Snow Woman, swayed gently behind her, radiating an icy glow. Her eyes were clear and resolute, and as she spun across the platform, every attack was precise and powerful.
Her opponent was a Star King Stage cultivator with a fire-attribute origin spirit, yet his attacks seemed so feeble before Xue Yao. Her ice-attribute origin spirit blended perfectly with her movements, and every attack carried a freezing chill that kept her opponent from drawing near.
"Go, Xue Yao!" The students in the stands cheered, their eyes filled with admiration and envy.
A smile curled at the corners of Ye Lingyun's mouth, a trace of pride in his eyes. Xue Yao had progressed faster than he had expected. Her talent and hard work had made her one of the academy's finest in a short time.
"Senior Brother Ye Lingyun, do you think Xue Yao can win?" A student from his year approached him, curiosity in his eyes.
Ye Lingyun nodded, his voice calm and firm. "Xue Yao is strong enough to face any challenge."
As the match continued, Xue Yao's advantage became increasingly clear. Every attack carried tremendous power,