Inside the grand hall, it became significantly quieter due to Cao Ying’s sudden action. Rays of sunlight shifted between her and Xiao Yan, as if this enchantress from the Cao Clan was itching for a challenge after Xiao Yan had repeatedly shattered her records. Those who had been vying against the Ye Family were secretly rejoicing at this turn of events. It had become clear that, with Xiao Yan’s aid, the Ye Family once more secured its place among the Five Great Clans. Even if Cao Ying stepped in, even if Xiao Yan could not be the top, he would most certainly take the second place. Thus, whatever the result, the general direction was set.
Of course, the main trend was indeed decided; but seeing Xiao Yan falter in the face of Cao Ying was also a kind of sweet revenge. Therefore, as soon as Cao Ying spoke, sounds of agreement immediately rose from within the hall.
Elder Sheng’s brows furrowed slightly, his expression showing a bit of helplessness. Though Cao Ying always seemed to have a bright smile on her face, she was rather proud deep inside. Her sudden action may very well have arisen from a wish for excitement, but there was also a more prominent intention: to curb Xiao Yan’s high-spirited demeanor.
After pondering for a while, Elder Sheng turned his gaze towards Xiao Yan. This situation was not something he overly resisted. Xiao Yan’s innate abilities were indeed impressive, yet it might not be too bad if he got a little humility instilled in him. All eyes now converged on Xiao Yan, waiting for his decision.
Xiao Yan’s eyes locked onto the smiling Cao Ying, and after a while, a small smile crossed his face. “Since Miss Cao Ying has stated it as such, then if I do not oblige, it would indeed make me seem quite graceless.”
Hearing Xiao Yan’s words, an alluring smile spread across Cao Ying’s enchantingly beautiful face. She covered her mouth, smiling as she said, “Mr. Xiao Yan, you certainly know how to charm someone…”
Without missing a beat, Cao Ying’s hand gently patted the table, and her figure floated out gracefully like a butterfly. Landing lightly in the field, she turned to Cao Xiu with a soft voice, “Brother Cao Xiu, allow me to handle this, shall I?”
Cao Xiu shook his head with resignation. Cao Ying held a high position in the Cao Clan, to the point where even the Clan Leader treated her words with great seriousness. Furthermore, it had been officially declared that Cao Ying led their contingent, with all her commands being followed diligently. So, despite realizing the somewhat capricious nature of Cao Ying’s actions, he could only step back slowly and return to his seat in the Cao Clan’s area.
Seeing Xiao Yan nod, Elder Sheng did not say anything further. Pointing at the red circle marked on the ground, he said, “If no one has any issues, then let us proceed.”
At his command, the five contestants nodded and entered, positioning themselves with some distance. After all, everyone knew they were each other’s rivals, and maintaining a safe distance was essential…
Occupying five corners of the red circle, they each sat down cross-legged. The upcoming contest was about soul power, not Dou Qi. At their level, soul power could attack directly without the need for physical movement.
Observing that they were all prepared, Elder Sheng stepped back and with a sweeping gesture, declared solemnly, “The evaluation begins!”
No sooner had Elder Sheng spoken than five vast waves of soul force erupted from the bodies, each swirling around their respective figures, eyes wary and alert.
The massive, invisible force enveloped the square, exuding a pressure that gave the hall’s spectators an inexplicable sense of oppression. This feeling came from the depth of the spirit, completely detached from the robustness of Dou Qi. This was already a contest in a different league…
A prolonged deadlock persisted, until a random cough broke the tension. Five surges of soul power, akin to colossal, invisible serpents, dashed out from their foreheads, converging and clashing chaotically in the center.
Bang!
Invisible soul waves rippled from the collision, forming a sudden burst of wind that whooshed across the hall. The strong gust made a continuous swishing sound inside the grand hall.
The intensity of this spiritual confrontation startled the five, particularly evident on Xia Yan and Cao Ying. But they maintained their composure, whereas Dan Xuan, Bai Ying, and Qiu Ji, despite their efforts, got knocked backward by varying distances…
Xia Yan’s eyes locked onto the figure of Cao Ying over ten meters away, knowing her to be the greatest threat. Her initial spiritual charge was clearly targeted at him, though fortunately, he had been prepared. Unlike him, Dan Xuan, Bai Ying, and Qiu Ji, overwhelmed and disadvantaged, realized their inadequacy and reluctantly admitted defeat. Xia Yan and Cao Ying’s soul strength was far beyond them, rendering all struggle futile.
In a corner, Bai Ying glared at Xia Yan, brimming with unwillingness. He, the rising star in the Bai Family, had now dwindled into merely a side character to Xia Yan; this gnawed at his pride.
“Indeed, you’re no ordinary adversary,” Cao Ying acknowledged, gently brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her smile ever more captivating. Sealing her palm in secret formation, her body coalesced the surrounding soul energy swiftly. In the blink of an eye, it materialized into an imposing soul phoenix. With every flap, the space warped, creating small fissures in its wake.
Though invisible, the overwhelming pressure from the phoenix drew serious looks from many.
“Go!” With her dainty finger poking air, the hall resounded with the melodious chirping of phoenix. Wings spreading wide, it generated a gale, launching itself towards Xia Yan. Reaching him instantaneously, just as it was about to make contact, Xia Yan’s hazy eyes shot open, issuing a shout, “Break!”
With a single word, a gargantuan fist formed, ruthlessly crushing the phoenix’ cranium.
Boom!
A fierce storm unleashed by this violent collision carved deep scars on the floor. While Xia Yan reeled three steps under the force, Cao Ying, capitalizing on the assault, retreated merely by two, shocking many. Xia Yan truly proved himself formidable enough to rival Cao Ying without falling short.
Amidst the tempest, unengaged Dan Xuan and others got shoved several meters backwards, resignedly standing up and excusing themselves from the competition, leaving Bai Ying alone with seething hatred. With vicious intent radiating from his glare, hand sealing, his raw soul force transformed into a giant snake-like creature, dashing towards Xia Yan in a fit of rage.
“Foolish arrogance!” Sensing Bai Ying’s impulsive move, a cold frown graced Xia Yan’s visage. Lifting a robe, an immense surge of soul force blasted forth, colliding fiercely with the serpent.
Crash!
Bai Ying, drained pale, expelled a jet of blood, his body catapulting backward and smacking flat on the stone floor, much to the gasps from the crowd.
Gazes exchanged among Bai Clan members, faces sinking, devoid of the earlier pride; the hope of their family utterly demolished. Meanwhile, unconcernedly dealing with Bai Ying, Xia Yan kept his unwavering focus on the ever-amused Cao Ying, her presence sending a shiver down his spine as if being stared down by venomous snakes.
“You are mighty, it seems you never pushed your limits during those past assessments,” Cao Ying commented. Extending her elongated, delicate arms, her lithe body exuded a seductive allure, tempting thoughts to men.
Unaffected by her flirtatious act, Xia Yan held firm. Before this alluring, deadly femme, a mere lapse could lead to inevitable downfall.
“With only the two of us remaining, let’s cut the charade. If you can endure my next trio of spiritual blows, I’ll forfeit willingly. Of course, surrender now, you’d still claim second place, saving Ye Family’s reputation in the process.”
“So, will you fight or retire yourself?” Cao Ying asked, a mischievous twinkle in her flawless, exquisite hands that quivered hearts with their beauty.
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