Xiao Ju let out a small breath of relief. In truth, she was already exhausted by now; had the fight continued, she would not have known what to do.
She too cupped her fists and said sincerely, "Sister Xie Chan's swordsmanship was equally outstanding. I learned a great deal as well, and only narrowly won by a single move."
The Martial Arts Platform fell silent.
Only when the Deacon Elder announced Ju Luyi's ultimate victory did cheers erupt around the Martial Practice Ground.
"The winner, Ju Luyi of the Dongyuan Sect!"
Cheers and exclamations roared like mountains and seas, as though they would engulf the entire Martial Practice Ground.
After so many years, the title of Nine Veins Grand Champion had finally found its holder again, claimed by the Dongyuan Sect!
The Dongyuan Sect cultivators, elders and fellow disciples alike, cast aside their usual reserve and seniority, flying up onto the Martial Arts Platform.
Everyone crowded around Ju Luyi.
"Good child! You've made our sect hold its head high, winning this honor and spreading your name throughout the world!"
"Senior Sister Luyi, you were incredible!" Her junior sisters surrounded her, hugging her and chattering, their eyes full of admiration.
Though the male disciples could not conveniently crowd too close, they clapped hard from the outside and cheered loudly, pouring out all the frustration that had accumulated over years of suppression by the Xuanyuan Sect.
Surrounded by their enthusiasm, Xiao Ju was rather at a loss, but the warmth and sense of accomplishment in her heart brought a flush even to her pale cheeks.
Amid this boiling jubilation, a streak of Golden Core Realm escape light cut across the sky and landed on the Martial Arts Platform with a hint of haste.
The escape light dispersed, revealing Deng Ke.
His eager