So-Called Genius

On the elevated platform above the spectator stands.

As the two combatants entered the arena, the many figures standing here began to converse.

"Tang Yao is as sharp and dazzling as ever..."

"I just wonder how much Ye Li can wear her down?"

The teachers on the platform watched below with tense expressions. Even their voices had grown several degrees quieter than before.

The strength of both sides' auras roughly matched the information on the preview sheet.

Tang Yao's Martial Arts Level was at the peak of Second-Tier Level Six, and she had awakened the B-Grade Martial Arts Talent, [True Self Sword Heart].

Meanwhile, Ye Li's Martial Arts Level had only barely reached Second-Tier Level One, while the Martial Arts Talent column read: None for now.

The gap in level alone created a vast difference in their physical strength, not to mention factors such as martial skills, combat experience, and so on.

Ye Li had virtually no conditions for defeating her.

Thus, the topic of discussion among the teachers naturally shifted from "who would win" to "how much of Tang Yao's stamina could Ye Li deplete?"

"..."

The middle-aged elder from Qingshan Sword Pavilion looked below and nodded slightly, inwardly quite satisfied with the Sword Intent Tang Yao was emanating.

At this rate of growth, within a few years, the girl would advance to the Fourth Tier and qualify to receive the Sword Dao baptism of the previous Pavilion Masters within the Sword Pavilion's secret treasury...

But before that, she still needed to find a good Martial Arts University to nurture her.

Qingshan Sword Pavilion was, after all, a sect. Though its resources were abundant, it lacked peers within the sect who could spar with Tang Yao.

Thinking of this, he turned to the spirited Old Man beside him, whose hair and beard were both white, and spoke after choosing his words carefully.

"Elder Yu, in your opinion, can the Young Pavilion Master of our Sword Pavilion enter Fengyun University for further studies?"

"Of course."

Yu Weng from Fengyun University glanced at him and chuckled. "At such a young age, this little girl already possesses the bearing of the Sword Dao. Given time, she will surely become another outstanding Pavilion Master of the Sword Pavilion."

"If she takes the Martial Exam normally, she will definitely be able to enter Fengyun University."

As if afraid the middle-aged elder would not believe him, Yu Weng added with a smile, "If she can't get in, come find me. I, Yu Weng, will make up for it."

"..."

The Sword Pavilion elder fell silent and withdrew his gaze.

What he had meant just now was that he wanted the other party to use a Senior Teacher's privilege to directly recommend Tang Yao for admission.

Receiving direct admission from Fengyun University meant that Tang Yao would receive an infusion of the university's most precious batch of resources.

Only then could her future truly be boundless.

Yet the other party had specifically said that she could get in by taking the Martial Exam normally, clearly avoiding his intent.

He most likely wanted to observe Tang Yao's performance a little longer before making a judgment...

At this thought, the Sword Pavilion elder let out a cold snort.

Then watch carefully.

A first-rate Sword Dao genius was standing on the Combat Stage below!

On the Combat Stage.

Tang Yao looked at the Boy in Black opposite her, whose expression was calm and indifferent.

Her delicate, beautiful brows brimmed with confidence that was practically overflowing.

Even if he could single-handedly cut through over a hundred First-Tier Martial Artists, in her eyes, that was still not worth mentioning!

"People these days really are confident..."

The boy murmured softly to himself. "Or are so-called geniuses all like this?"

If that was truly the case, then in the future, he really ought to specifically seek out geniuses to make enemies with.

Ye Li settled on that idea, then casually looked over. "I'm the challenger? Don't secretly wipe away your tears when you lose later."

"Your assumption is meaningless."

Tang Yao tightened her grip on her saber as True Qi began to circulate rapidly through her body. Her tone remained calm. "Because I will not lose."

"Besides."

As she spoke, she slowly pushed the saber from its sheath with her thumb, her gaze turning faintly cold. "I'll let you know just how laughable your thoughts are in the face of my talent."

Ye Li raised an eyebrow slightly, a smile utterly devoid of warmth appearing on his lips.

"If you can do it, then come and try."

It had originally been for Malice Points, but now he was genuinely a little angry.

In Tang Yao's eyes, Ye Li saw confidence and contempt. The only thing he could not see was any respect for him.

That made him very angry.

He was this awesome, yet when he went out, he still knew to be polite. Even when conflicts arose, he would reconcile with the other party in his own way.

Very well, a Sword Dao genius, huh?

Ye liked beating up bratty girls like you who had no manners!

The next second, the referee's voice rang out at just the right moment. "The match begins!"

Boom!—

The instant the signal to begin sounded, a clap of thunder that resounded throughout the arena erupted from the ground!

Tang Yao transformed into a streak of blazing white light and shot straight toward Ye Li!

A Second-Tier Premium Martial Skill, Lightning Flash!

As the saying went, beneath a great reputation there were no hollow men. As a Sword Dao genius, the girl had clearly trained this martial skill to an extremely high level!

Her saber sliced through the air at an unbelievable speed, slashing down toward Ye Li at high velocity!

"..."

Ye Li gripped his spear, True Qi surging through his body as he unleashed the Heavenly Dipper Void-Treading Technique almost instantly.

His opponent was an outstanding Second-Tier Level Six martial artist, while he was merely a rookie who had just entered Second-Tier Level One.

The difference in level was rather great. Logically, he ought to take it slow.

But Ye Li refused. If he was angry, he had to look angry, or people would easily mistake him for some kindly gentleman.

In an instant, billowing wisps of ethereal white vapor surged around him, making his body appear somewhat translucent.

The moment his feet stepped into the Heavenly Dipper Steps.

The saber slashed down from above, yet it only scattered shattered white vapor throughout the air.

Under Tang Yao's slightly grave gaze, Ye Li gave a cold laugh and abruptly swung the pitch-black spear in his hand in a full arc.

The spear shaft carved a clear, eye-catching pattern of dragon scales through the air.

Its momentum was immense. A glint of light seemed to flash from the cold spearhead as it swung down upon Tang Yao before him like a roaming dragon!

Buzz!—

Amid a clear, ringing sword cry, Tang Yao raised her saber before herself. A colossal phantom sword several zhang tall rose from the ground, standing towering and majestic as it abruptly radiated an immovable sense of weight!

Yet a roaming dragon could shatter mountains.

Boom!!—

The great spear smashed down viciously as though Mount Tai were crushing an egg, bringing with it a shriek of torn air. The massive sword shadow opposing it exploded under the impact of that terrifying force!

For a moment, Sword Qi crisscrossed wildly, shattered stones pierced the sky, and the entire Combat Stage trembled violently!

Tang Yao herself was sent flying backward with a crash, blood spilling from the corner of her mouth as the jade-like hand gripping her saber trembled madly.