Sure enough, Tang Yan’s words sent Yao Qian trembling with rage, a sharp killing intent flashing in his eyes.

Fang Wentian rubbed his forehead, exasperated. *How did Cloud City produce such a troublemaker?*

Just as he was about to throw up his hands, Elder Mo Bin, seated nearby, cleared his throat.

“Young man, Young Master Su’s clearly out of the fight, and the competition needs to move forward. How about giving this old man some face and calling it here? Two billion taels is a bit steep—how about twenty million instead?”

Hearing the Azure Dragon Academy elder speak, Tang Yan knew pressing further would stir discontent among the various factions.

His goal of redeeming Cloud City’s honor was already achieved. “I’ll defer to Elder Mo’s arrangement,” he said respectfully.

“Lord Yao, what do you think?” Mo Bin turned to Yao Qian.

Though Yao Qian didn’t even want to part with twenty million taels, he couldn’t defy Mo Bin’s request, no matter how grudgingly. “Thank you, Elder Mo, for stepping in,” he nodded stiffly.

With the matter settled, Tang Yan smirked, subtly releasing the hold on Su Wei. He clasped his hands toward the crowd and headed back to Cloud City’s section.

As Tang Yan stepped off the stage, the crowd’s view of Cloud City shifted noticeably.

A young man with sharp brows and bright eyes watched Tang Yan’s retreating figure, a playful glint in his gaze. “This kid’s got some spark.”

Cheng Gong, sitting beside Fang Xuan, smirked dismissively. “He won, sure, but his strength’s just peak first-rank Mysterious Stage. Su Wei was too careless.”

“Let’s hope so,” Fang Xuan replied with a nod.

“Tang Yan, you’ve stolen the show!” Lin Dongxue grinned as he approached.

“Young Master Su saw I’ve been strapped for cash lately and wanted to toss me some spending money. What a stand-up guy!” Tang Yan quipped.

“Only you could spin it like that!” Lin Dongxue rolled her eyes, then lowered her voice. “Tang Yan, do you think I can win my match?”

“If you don’t underestimate your opponent, absolutely,” Tang Yan said earnestly.

Seeing Tang Yan’s confidence outstrip her own, Lin Dongxue felt an unexpected calm settle over her.

“Number four contestants, please take the stage!” the red-robed elder called.

This time, it was Fang City versus Qing City.

Two fighters, both at second-rank Mysterious Stage, traded blows with flair and finesse. The back-and-forth deadlock thrilled the crowd below.

“Dongxue, what do you make of those two?” Tang Yan asked.

“They’re evenly matched in strength, but the Qing City fighter’s counters are smoother. Unless Fang City’s got a killer move up their sleeve, Qing City’s taking it,” Lin Dongxue analyzed.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Tang Yan nodded. Her assessment matched his own—her keen eye had sharpened considerably.

Sure enough, as Lin Dongxue predicted, Fang City’s fighter faltered after about fifteen minutes and soon lost.

Next up was Lin Dongxue’s turn.

Perhaps daunted by the massive stage, a flicker of nerves danced in her eyes.

“Treat your opponent like a spirit beast and take them down with everything you’ve got!” Tang Yan encouraged from the sidelines.

Lin Dongxue recalled their days fighting side by side on Cangyun Mountain. Warmth flooded her chest, and a confident smile spread across her face.

“Number five contestants, please take the stage!” the red-robed elder’s voice rang out.

When the crowd saw it was another Cloud City fighter, their attention sharpened.

Tang Yan’s earlier feat—crushing a third-rank Su Wei with just peak first-rank strength—had forced everyone to rethink their dismissal of perennial last-place Cloud City.

“Zhao Yuqian!” Someone shouted her name as she rose from Fang City’s section.

Zhao Yuqian, a third-rank Mysterious Stage fighter, had made a name as a mercenary. A strong contender for the Azure Dragon Academy, her reputation preceded her.

Those who’d begun rooting for Cloud City flipped back, throwing their support behind Zhao Yuqian.

“Little sister, you surrendering now, or should I knock you down myself?” Zhao Yuqian tilted her chin up, basking in the crowd’s cheers with smug pride.

“Lin Dongxue of Cloud City. Please, show me what you’ve got,” Lin Dongxue replied, taking a deep breath, unflinching.

Her poise and striking presence—radiating valor—won her some favor among non-Fang City spectators.

Zhao Yuqian’s temper flared at Lin Dongxue’s defiance. *You’ll regret that soon enough,* she thought darkly.

“Fifth match—begin!” the red-robed elder commanded, kicking off the duel.

Perhaps it was her haughty nature, but Zhao Yuqian wasted no time. Her aura shifted, third-rank Mysterious Stage power unfurling in an instant.

“Qianqian Palm!”

With a sharp cry, her delicate hands wove seals in midair. Palm shadows flickered in and out of existence.

A nimble, ethereal energy spread out—graceful yet laced with deadly intent.

“She’s opening with a technique—and a full-force strike. Zhao Yuqian’s as flashy as ever.”

“This year’s competition is explosive. Especially with Cloud City—every opponent goes all-out the moment they step up. That girl looks delicate, probably not that strong.”

But the crowd’s murmurs cut off abruptly.

On the stage, a matching surge of fierce energy radiated from Lin Dongxue.

“Third rank!” Sensing her power, the crowd blinked in shock. *Since when did Cloud City have such a strong young fighter?*

Facing Zhao Yuqian’s aggressive onslaught, Lin Dongxue stayed composed, launching her counterattack with precision.

“Gale Sweep!” Her arms flared out, tracing arcs through the air. The surrounding currents responded, swirling toward the space between her hands, forming a spinning vortex of wind.

“She’s got some skill, but that’s it,” Zhao Yuqian snorted, sensing Lin Dongxue’s third-rank strength. With a flick of her wrist, her palm shadows scattered like blossoms, drifting unpredictably toward Lin Dongxue.

“Let’s settle this with action!” Lin Dongxue shot back. Her wind vortex surged forward, meeting Zhao Yuqian’s attack head-on.

*Boom!*

The first clash was a dead heat between the two women.

Zhao Yuqian inhaled deeply, pivoting with a twist to throw a punch at Lin Dongxue.

The crowd nodded approvingly at her swift aggression. *No surprise—she’s a standout in Fang City.* Her attack speed alone outclassed many peers.

Her combat prowess was proven—numerous same-rank fighters had tried to harass her, only to be soundly thrashed.

Watching Lin Dongxue opt for a direct block, Lin Xiao sighed inwardly. *If that were Tang Yan, he’d shift his trajectory just before impact, catching her off guard.* His daughter still had a ways to go compared to Tang Yan, but he trusted her strength.

Just as the crowd braced for Lin Dongxue to falter, her lithe legs flashed like lightning. As if she’d anticipated Zhao Yuqian’s move, she spun into a deft roundhouse kick, aiming straight for her opponent’s chest.

The stunning kick caught everyone off guard—even Mo Bin on the judges’ platform raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Zhao Yuqian’s heart jolted. She hadn’t expected such a swift counter. With the kick targeting a vital spot, she had no choice but to retreat hastily.

Shock rippled through the crowd. After two moves, Lin Dongxue had the upper hand?

*Wasn’t Liu Zhi supposed to be Cloud City’s top fighter? Are their rankings upside down?