In this life, however, Tianshui Academy had Liu Erlong's backing and no shortage of funds, so Han Ruyan no longer needed to send her students out for exposure to earn gold soul coins.
But the legendary fame of the former Tianshui group across the continent was simply too great to ignore.
Shen Liuyu and Yu Hairou remained perfectly composed amid the sea of people—they had experienced this before. As Dugu Bo's granddaughter, Dugu Yan was equally unfazed by the roaring crowd.
Only Ning Rongrong, Wu Ling, and Zhu Zhuqing.....the three youngest—had never faced such a scene.
Though their hearts raced with nerves, they maintained calm, poised expressions on the surface.
Meanwhile, high on the platform, Emperor Xue Ye of the Tiandou Empire.
"Sect Master Ning, which team do you believe has the best chance of taking the crown this year?"
Xue Ye gazed at Ning Fengzhi with interest. Hearing the question, a slight smile curved Ning Fengzhi's lips.
"Naturally, Tianshui Academy."
At this answer, Xue Ye's mouth twitched faintly.
His treasury had been emptied precisely because of Tianshui Academy.....and the monster sitting beside him. Now, merely hearing the name made him shudder.
"Oh? And what makes you so confident, my dear minister?"
"My daughter, Ning Rongrong, is on that team."
(Silence. Tonight's Cam River is silent.)
On the competition field, Dugu Yan strode boldly at the front. The seven opponents facing her trembled like mice spotting a cat.
"Big Sister Yan, we're just here to show our faces. Could you... maybe not hit the face?"
The captain of Tiandou Royal Academy's second team, Xue Beng, bowed obsequiously toward Dugu Yan with a fawning smile.
"Fine. If you forfeit right now, I won't touch you. You should know I've already left Tiandou Royal Academy."
Looking at these spoiled noble sons and weaklings, Dugu Yan felt no goodwill whatsoever.
Forcing girls into submission was, for Xue Beng, a minor offense. The evils he had committed were countless.
Kidnapping, imprisonment, forcing good women into prostitution.....Dugu Yan had heard plenty from her grandfather.
Yet because he was Xue Ye's son, such crimes only earned him a few days of house arrest.
"Big Brother Xue Beng, we—"
One effeminate youth with an orchid finger looked nervously at Xue Beng.
But when facing his own underlings, Xue Beng's expression turned completely different.
"We cannot forfeit! Forfeiting would disgrace the imperial family!"
Xue Beng knew full well they stood no chance, but surrendering in the very first match was absolutely unacceptable.
Their second team represented the honor of the Tiandou royal house!
"Both sides, take your positions. Match....begin!"
At the announcer's declaration, Dugu Yan's seven instantly released their martial souls, soul rings appearing on each of them.
"Nine Treasures emerge from glazed tile: First, strength; Second, speed; Third, soul!"
Ning Rongrong wasted no time—two boosts shot out in an instant.
Zhu Zhuqing and Shen Liuyu—one agility-attack, one power-attack.....received the speed amplification and charged toward the seven opponents.
Behind them, their soul rings shone: yellow, yellow, purple—three optimal rings.
Of course, this was merely the cultivation they revealed to avoid unnecessary trouble. Flashing their ten-thousand-year fourth rings would bring them no benefit.
Seeing Zhu Zhuqing and Shen Liuyu closing in with terrifying momentum, Xue Beng's group actually huddled together in fright.
When they finally reacted, they unleashed their soul skills, hurling them toward the two girls.
For a moment, the pair couldn't close the distance.
However, as two beams of light poured into Dugu Yan and Wu Ling, three dazzling soul rings instantly appeared behind Wu Ling the next second.
Yellow, purple, purple.....beyond-standard age rings!
"Third soul skill: Yin-Yang Swap!"
With Wu Ling's Yin-Yang Chaos Peacock martial soul activated, a dark Taiji diagram appeared before Dugu Yan while the seven opponents clustered together.
At their feet, a white Taiji diagram instantly rose.
"Buzz!"
In almost the same instant, Xue Beng's seven were yanked directly in front of Dugu Yan.
Before they could even register what had happened, Dugu Yan's charged strike was ready.
A phantom golden dragon shadow slammed straight into them, ending the fight.
"Boom!!!"
The sheer force of Dugu Yan's single punch sent the group of noble youths flying, cracking the arena wall beyond the field.
Having done all this, Dugu Yan and the girls casually dusted off their hands and gathered together with relaxed smiles.
"Hehe, I told you—it wouldn't even take five seconds!"
Unlock 400+ Advanced Chapters via My Patreon Collection
✨ Available in Shop Now
patreon.com/HeavenlyYinYang