Since its founding and rise in just over a year, Pan's Gate has faced resistance from several factions within the Inner Court. Especially as the leader, Xiao Xun'er is rarely seen taking action; most admire her peerless beauty but do not take her too seriously.
Now, in the Strong Ranking Grand Competition, she suddenly faces off against the second-ranked Lin Xiu Ya. Most onlookers are skeptical of Xun'er's performance. Only Yun Tianming understands Xun'er's intentions, likely wanting to seize this opportunity to raise Pan's Gate's reputation, with Lin Xiu Ya being the perfect stepping stone.
"Xun'er, please."
Lin Xiu Ya appeared courteous, not believing that a delicate junior like her possessed any real ability.
"Senior Brother Lin, please do your best, or else you'll lose miserably," Xun'er's calm voice dropped like a bombshell on the scene.
"Wow, is Miss Xun'er provoking Lin Xiu Ya?"
"So domineering!"
The audience seemed stirred up, especially the members of the Wolf Fang gang, who showed signs of discontent.
"Tch! This woman is so arrogant."
"Don't think you can act recklessly just because you're pretty!"
"Our gang leader is not someone to be messed with!"
Lin Xiu Ya raised an eyebrow, his good temper challenged somewhat by Xun'er's attitude. However, he didn't lose his composure; instead, caution arose in his heart. He wouldn't foolishly believe that a woman who snatched from seniors in the Fire Energy Hunting Competition and established a force in the Inner Court upon arrival was just a pretty face.
"Both sides are ready, let's begin."
A hint of curiosity flashed in Yun Tianming's eyes. Due to the powerful seals on Xun'er, his Soul Power couldn't probe her true strength.
"Swoosh!"
Xun'er transformed into a golden light, charging at Lin Xiu Ya with incredible speed.
"!!!"
Lin Xiu Ya's pupils abruptly contracted. Reflexively, he formed a green wind shield with both palms.
"Bang!"
The wind shield shattered from a single palm strike. Lin Xiu Ya dared not confront it head-on and immediately deployed Dou Qi Wings to evade.
In their first exchange, within a blink of an eye, most of the audience didn't understand what happened before witnessing Lin Xiu Ya employing Dou Qi Wings.
"Dou Qi Wings! Lin Xiu Ya has indeed become a true Dou King powerhouse!"
The crowd couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.
However, those ranked high on the Strong Ranking Grand List had serious expressions, their gaze fixed on Xun'er.
While Lin Xiu Ya's advancement to Dou King was surprising, it was Xun'er's speed that truly shocked them.
"So fast!"
"Such a formidable Dou Technique!"
Even Zi Yan couldn't help but widen her eyes, her face filled with amazement. "Wow! Is Junior Sister Xun'er really that amazing?"
Lin Xiu Ya drew the sword from his waist, his expression turning grave.
With a swing of his sword, he conjured numerous green sword qi arrows that shot towards Xun'er, showing no mercy in his attacks.
"Returning Swallow Strike."
Xun'er raised her hand and conjured a golden array, swiftly defending against all the sword qi attacks and even rebounding a portion of them back!
Ding ding ding~
Lin Xiu Ya had no choice but to swing his sword to block.
Swish~
The sword qi grazed his shoulder, leaving a gash.
Seeing this, Lin Xiu Ya disregarded holding back and unleashed his strongest Dou Technique. A fierce wind rose, transforming into a massive green sword that slashed down towards Xun'er.
"Green Annihilation Blade!"
"Black Rank High levelDou Technique. Is its power comparable to Liu Qing's Mountain Splitting Spear?"
Yun Tianming shook his head. With such dou technique configuration, the two were not even on the same level.
Boom!
Xun'er's hand shimmered with golden light. With a mere grab forward, her seemingly delicate jade-like hand erupted with terrifying strength, directly crushing Lin Xiu Ya's full-force green sword!
Yun Tianming recognized the technique used by Xun'er: Earth Rank Mid Level Dou Technique - Golden Light Qi Method!
"I concede."
Lin Xiu Ya sighed deeply, holding his sword and conceding defeat in all honesty.
Their duel lasted less than five minutes. Lin Xiu Ya, ranked second on the Strong Ranking, was unexpectedly defeated so easily by a newcomer, leaving everyone astonished.
"Senior Brother, you're gracious in defeat."
Xun'er dissipated the golden Dou Qi in her hand slowly, her face calm without any fluctuation, as if everything had been expected.
The subsequent matches held little interest. No other participant as formidable as Xun'er emerged, leading many to speculate that even Zi Yan, ranked first on the Strong Ranking, might not be her match.
"The list of the top ten of the Strong Ranking is out. If anyone wishes to challenge someone on the list, feel free to step forward."
Upon hearing this, everyone exchanged glances. Those who made it into the top ten were undoubtedly powerful individuals. Challenging them would likely result in humiliation.
However, there was one exception—Liu Qing. Initially ranked among the top three, he had been unlucky to face Zi Yan and lost. Now, with his strength, he defeated one of the top ten challengers, reclaiming his rightful place.
"Is there anyone else who wants to challenge?"
Yun Tianming indicated he had had his fill of today's surprises and was ready to call it quits.
Little did he expect that the next surprise would involve him!
"I do."
The chilly voice refocused everyone's attention on the incredibly radiant girl standing before them.
"Xiao Xun'er, you're already second on the Strong Ranking. Whom else do you wish to challenge?"
Yun Tianming frowned slightly, sensing an ominous premonition.
"It couldn't be me, could it?"
Zi Yan jumped up, her delicate eyebrows furrowing slightly. Her intuition told her that the girl before her was extremely dangerous.
"The person I wish to challenge is you."
Xun'er raised her hand, her jade-like finger pointing directly at the judging seat, her tone firm: "Mentor Yun Tianming!"
Her words caused another uproar throughout the audience!
"She's challenging the Mentor?"
"Isn't this too exciting?"
"Students challenge Mentor! This has never happened in the inner courtyard!"
After a short silence, everyone immediately burst into warm cheers.
"Ah? Sister Xun'er, this is too exaggerated, isn't it?"
"You want to challenge Mentor Yun?"
Xiao Yu and Xiao Mei looked at each other, and the people in Pan's Gate were also confused. In their opinion, defeating Lin Xiu Ya was enough to make Pan's Gate famous.
"According to the rules of the Strong Ranking Grand Competition, challenging Mentor is not allowed."
Yun Tianming had a blank expression while Xun'er stared at him with a sharp gaze.
At this moment, it seemed as if they had returned to the scene of the two first meeting in Xiao Family several years ago.
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