Facing the first wave of attacks, Leng Mei did not move at all.
The two arrows exploded three to five metres away from her.
This performance far surpassed Ji Changran’s.
The second and third waves were identical. It was as if an invisible wall stood before Leng Mei, shattering anything that approached.
“Humph, let us see if you can remain this relaxed against the fourth wave.”
Ji Changran snorted coldly, clearly tense.
If Leng Mei broke his record, he would lose face.
Yet for the fourth wave, though less effortless than before, Leng Mei merely raised her hand. Her dagger slashed two sword qi, deflecting the arrows.
This was far easier than Ji Changran’s effort.
“No way. This woman is truly hiding her strength. She seems even stronger than her master Ling Xiao.”
“Ji Changran is bound to lose anyway.”
As they predicted, against the fifth wave, Leng Mei casually lifted her hand again. Sword qi soared, arrows shattered.
These attacks posed no threat to her.
Yet many found it odd that, after the fifth wave, Leng Mei turned and walked back.
She had no interest in seizing the banner. She merely wished to vent anger for Ling Xiao and Ji Mingkong.
Returning to the group, Leng Mei glanced faintly at Ji Changran, “Cannot even beat me, a lowly maid. Truly trash. The Holy Emperor’s choice of Sister Mingkong as holy son was indeed wise!”
These words stung the Divine Phoenix warriors. Being slapped in the face publicly was unwelcome.
Yet they could not retort. Leng Mei’s results were superior, her process effortless, clearly far stronger than Ji Changran.
Ji Changran’s face flushed red, whether from shame, anger, or both.
In the Holy Dynasty, he was the exalted emperor’s son. Though not holy son, his status was lofty.
Hailed as a once-in-a-century genius.
Only Ji Mingkong, his dear sister, surpassed him in aptitude.
At Divine Phoenix Academy, he trained desperately, earning teachers’ praise.
He thought he could grow stronger, then, per True Demon Empire’s plan, return to Tianlong Continent to found a new Holy Dynasty.
Puppet or not, he cared little.
Yet this near-realised dream was cruelly shattered here.
Unable to beat even a maid, what qualification to rival Ling Xiao, the chosen one?
Even he, dense as he was, saw the vast gap between himself and Leng Mei.
“Detestable!”
Ji Changran glared venomously at Ling Xiao. Since I cannot surpass you, I will find a chance to eliminate you. Then none can stop me from puppeteering for the True Demon Empire.
“Excellent! A true heroine!”
Lü Chenglong clapped, impressed by Leng Mei.
Yet puzzled. She clearly had strength left. Why stop?
He knew not that Leng Mei did this to leave glory for her master.
Leng Mei understood Ling Xiao needed centurion status to legitimately command troops.
“Anyone else willing to try? Is this all the skill from both academies’ disciples? Shall our pledge assembly end fruitlessly?”
Lü Chenglong roared.
“Lei Ruolin, why not try? Your cultivation exceeds Wan Qiufeng’s. Your movement surpasses his by far. Aside from Young Master Jia Yun, you are our strongest this time. Shall we let Qingxu Academy hold the record?”
In Divine Phoenix, someone looked to a white-clothed woman.
She appeared ordinary, like the girl next door. Neither looks nor figure stood out; she blended into crowds.
But appearances deceive. Her strength far exceeded her looks.
Lei Ruolin glanced at Leng Mei, hesitated, then shook her head, “Forget it. That Leng Mei is far stronger. No point in me going.”
She had keen eyes. Leng Mei held back. Even winning would be meaningless.
Moreover, she judged she could at best endure five waves, and less effortlessly than Leng Mei.
Why embarrass herself?
She was calm, not hot-blooded.
“Since none of you dare, this finale shall be performed by this young master.”
The speaker was Jia Yun of the Righteous Alliance.
Jia Yun smiled, “By family or strength, this centurion belongs to none but me.”
His words were arrogant. To Ling Xiao, laughable. But to many, normal.
The Righteous Alliance’s status in Divine Phoenix Empire surpassed nobility.
Its leader outranked the emperor.
This alone let Jia Yun claim top family.
As for strength, he believed none present matched him.
Of course, he viewed himself as Ninth Heaven cultivation.
He expected breakthrough upon reaching Beimo City.
“Good. Worthy of the Righteous Alliance’s young master. Let us witness its might!”
Sikong Zun declared loudly.
He was pleased.
Besides commanding the army, he was Divine Phoenix Academy’s vice dean. He could not watch Qingxu suppress them.
Jia Yun stepped from the crowd. Before challenging, he deliberately looked at Ling Xiao.
“The Lingyue Courtyard matter, this young master remembers. Best you do not forget! As a lowly human, play your lowly role obediently. Do not dream of luck, changing status via merits. That is not only foolish but deadly!”
These words sparked discussion.
What happened at Lingyue Courtyard, they knew not. But Ling Xiao clearly offended Jia Yun, or his words would not be so harsh.
Ling Xiao sneered, “No one is born slave or noble!
Never forget, when the Human King founded the Holy Dynasty, he was but a humble human!
Never forget, those who crushed the True Demon Empire were humans!
Never forget, your Righteous Alliance was founded by humans. Spouting teacher-slaying, ancestor-forgetting words. Are you not afraid of heavenly thunder?”
