Since the day she received the little rabbit hairpin from Song Weizhi, Song Zhixia has been practicing even more diligently. By the day of the outer disciple assessment, Song Zhixia had already reached the Comprehension-Foundation Comprehension stage. Such exceptional talent made even Song Weizhi couldn't help but marvel, truly worthy of being the female lead!
At the same time, the mechanical voice of the system echoed again in Song Weizhi's mind: [Host successfully helped the female lead pass the outer disciple assessment, earning 100 points as a reward. The current host has 650 points.]
Thinking that with Song Zhixia's current strength, passing the outer disciple assessment was an easy task, Song Weizhi decided to accumulate more points quickly. After all, the female lead's Soul Fragments had not been found yet, and she needed to be prepared.
The outer disciple assessment used a random pairing system, and the final top 20 disciples would enter the inner sect. Under Song Weizhi's training in these days, Song Zhixia could now handle almost twenty moves from Song Weizhi. For Song Zhixia, who had just reached the Foundation stage, this was already quite remarkable. In Song Weizhi's eyes, it was certain that her little girl would enter the inner sect.
On the day before the assessment, the outer disciples gathered at the Martial Arts Field to draw lots. Names and corresponding opponents could be found on the stone tablet at the edge of the arena.
Song Weizhi accompanied Song Zhixia to the Martial Arts Field. The names of the outer disciples appeared in sequence on the stone tablet. Song Zhixia drew the number seventeen, and her opponent's name on the stone tablet was Zhao Gui.
Once all the results were displayed, the Martial Arts Field was filled with disciples discussing:
"Hey, who did you draw?" Liang Qin asked his companion, Xu Wenyan.
"Huang Xiao. He's already at the Perfection-Qi Training realm. I'm done for this time. It's annoying. Why didn't I draw Song Zhixia? She just arrived and probably doesn't know anything. Plus, with her useless Spiritual Beast, if I fight her, I could easily win." Xu Wenyan lamented.
"That's true. By the way, who was lucky enough to draw Song Zhixia?" Liang Qin was curious.
"I don't know. I didn't pay attention. Let's go and check." Xu Wenyan pulled Liang Qin toward the stone tablet. At the bottom, they found Song Zhixia's name. When they saw Song Zhixia's opponent's name, Xu Wenyan directly gasped.
"Oh my, Song Zhixia is actually against Zhao Gui. She's in big trouble now. Zhao Gui is the strongest among the disciples, and he's already at the Perfection-Qi Training. Rumor has it that his Spiritual Beas is quite fierce too."
"Yeah, and I heard that Zhao Gui has admired Li Fangfang from the inner sect for a long time. He practices day and night just to enter the inner sect sooner. But because of Song Zhixia, Li Fangfang went to that dangerous place, the Gale Valley. I think Song Zhixia is in big trouble this time." Liang Qin said, his palms sweating.
"Hey, let's just take care of ourselves."
Song Weizhi, with the cultivation level of a Perfection-Golden Core realm, could already use her cultivation to find useful information from the noisy crowd. She had already heard the conversation between those two disciples just now. It seemed she needed to instruct her little girl properly.
The competition was scheduled for the next day. When they returned to their residence, Song Weizhi didn't forget to remind Song Zhixia, "Xia Xia, the opponent you're facing tomorrow, Zhao Gui, is at the Perfection-Qi Training realm. He likes Li Fangfang, so he might have hostility towards you. Xia Xia, you must not hold back during the fight. On the Martial Arts Field, holding back is equivalent to giving away half of your life."
Seeing her little girl staring at her dumbfounded, Song Weizhi was afraid that Song Zhixia might suffer a loss. She quickly continued, "But do not listen to them saying 'point to stop.' On the Martial Arts Field, life and death are left to fate. Even if you severely injure or kill your opponent, blame it on his lack of skills. Senior Sister doesn't care how others view her, she just hopes my Xia Xia is safe and sound."
Song Zhixia didn't expect Song Weizhi to say these things to her. Sister, she didn't care about how others perceived her, only cared about Xia Xia's safety. This made Song Zhixia genuinely happy. "Senior Sister, rest assured, I will do my best in the competition. I won't embarrass Senior Sister."
Sighing, Song Weizhi shook her head and said, "Whether it's embarrassing or not doesn't matter to Senior Sister. As long as Xia Xia is safe and sound, what's the use if Senior Sister goes to find other beautiful girls? Now, don't I only have Xia Xia as my beautiful little girl?"
Song Zhixia's cheeks quickly turned red as she was spoken to. Her sparkling peach blossom eyes glared at Song Weizhi. She spoke, "Senior Sister, you're bad. You think about beautiful girls every day. If I'm not beautiful anymore, will Senior Sister go find someone else?"
Smiling, Song Weizhi ruffled Song Zhixia's hair. "How could that happen? Senior Sister is only interested in one beautiful girl, Xia Xia. No matter how Xia Xia looks, Senior Sister only likes Xia Xia."
For the first time, Song Zhixia looked directly into Song Weizhi's eyes from beginning to end. She nodded and promised, "Senior Sister, rest assured, I will protect myself."
"Alright, Senior Sister, I'll wait for you to go to the Linlang Secret Realm together."
Early the next morning, many disciples had already gathered on the training grounds. The most crowded area was the eastern Martial Arts Field where Song Zhixia and Zhao Gui were located. Each Martial Arts Field had one referee, and a few inner disciples were there to maintain order.
Song Weizhi also came with Song Zhixia. Several inner disciples quickly took out chairs from their storage bags for Song Weizhi to sit on. Song Weizhi thanked them and then instructed Song Zhixia, "Xia Xia, be careful."
Song Zhixia smiled back at Song Weizhi and said, "Senior Sister, don't worry. I'll be fine." With that, she walked towards the center of the Martial Arts Field, while Song Weizhi sat in the chair, watching the two participants.
Because of Song Weizhi's presence, the surrounding discussions became much quieter.
When Song Zhixia reached the center of the Martial Arts Field, Zhao Gui was already waiting for her.
Song Zhixia saluted and said, "I ask Senior Brother for guidance."
Zhao Gui, holding a long sword, sneered and said, "Don't think that I will let you off so easily. Senior Sister Fangfang, such a good person, was sent to that ghostly place, Gale Valley, because of you. Today, I will make you enter standing and leave lying down."
He then glanced at where Song Weizhi was sitting outside the arena and added, "Heh, today I want to see how she protects you."
At this moment, the referee outside the arena struck the bronze gong, signaling the start of the match.
While Zhao Gui pointed his long sword at Song Zhixia, he also summoned his spirit beast, a black dog, and both man and dog charged aggressively toward Song Zhixia.
There were discussions in the audience:
"Zhao Gui is ruthless. Knowing that Song Zhixia's Spiritual Beast cannot fight, he still uses his Spiritual Beast attack. Song Zhixia is in trouble this time. She might not make it through today."
"Impossible. Senior Sister is here! I don't believe Zhao Gui would dare to take Song Zhixia's life in front of Big Senior Sister."
"Hiss, you never know. Look!"
Zhao Gui gathered sword qi, and the fallen leaves around the Martial Arts Field quickly gathered toward him. These leaves surrounded Zhao Gui's sword blade, abruptly slashing towards Song Zhixia's face. At the same time, the tall dog beside him pounced towards Song Zhixia.
Song Zhixia remained calm, raising her sword and performing the First form, the Fiery Conflagration. The blade of Song Zhixia's sword ignited with roaring flames. With her left hand, she pushed away the dog coming at her face, and with her right hand, she stabbed Zhao Gui. Flames on both sides of the sword blade rushed towards Zhao Gui, instantly burning the leaves that Zhao Gui had used in his attack. But it didn't stop there; the flames continued towards Zhao Gui's chest.
Without giving Zhao Gui a chance to react, Song Zhixia then focused on attacking the large dog. Everywhere the blade went, flames followed. She trapped the large dog in flames, rendering it unable to move. At the same time, not giving Zhao Gui a chance to escape, she pointed her sword at his throat. Zhao Gui, unable to react in time, had most of his clothes burned away.
"You've lost. It's over. Yield." Song Zhixia said, sheathing her sword.
"I can't believe it. Is this really the waste Song Zhixia? Why does it feel like she won so easily?"
"Yeah, she fought two opponents, and she was dominating. Zhao Gui only attacked once, and the rest of the time, he was on defense, and he couldn't hold it."
"Zhao Gui is already at the Perfection-Qi Training realm. It took him several years to reach this level. Song Zhixia has only been here for a short time. This, this is impossible."
"Could she be using some forbidden technique? That's not allowed."
"Yes, Zhao Gui is so pitiful."
At this point, the referee in the arena had already struck the bronze gong again, loudly announcing, "Song Zhixia wins this match."
"My goodness, how did this happen?"
"This is too strange. How can someone talentless become so strong in such a short time?"
"This is so outrageous. I wouldn't accept it if I were him!"
At this moment, Zhao Gui on the stage also wore an unbelieving expression. He was known as the strongest man among the outer disciples, yet he lost to someone he considered talentless. By now, Song Zhixia had sheathed her sword and was ready to leave the stage. Unexpectedly, Zhao Gui suddenly used his spiritual qi to slash towards Song Zhixia's back. Song Zhixia sensed it too late, and just when she thought she was about to be hit, she felt a lightness, and her body was lifted.
The sword strike from Zhao Gui exploded where Song Zhixia had just stood. Looking up, Song Zhixia saw that Song Weizhi had lifted her. In the next moment, Song Weizhi placed Song Zhixia beneath the stage, and Song Weizhi stood in front of Zhao Gui.
Zhao Gui roared with bloodshot eyes, "This is the arena, and you, as the Senior Sister, actually favor her! I refuse to accept it! You caused Senior Sister Fangfang to go to Gale Valley, and now you want to harm me. Is there any fairness in this competition?"
"You, a grown man, saying these things without shame! The referee's has already sounded, and the victory has been announced. Yet, you resort to despicable means to attack from behind. It's truly contemptible. A despicable person like you, even if you achieve something in the future, will only be a pile of garbage. You're nothing more than a disgusting clown." Song Weizhi looked at Zhao Gui as if he were a piece of trash, and this look deeply angered Zhao Gui.
"No, it's unfair! This is unfair! You and that vile woman, Song Zhixia, are teaming up to bully me, an outer disciple. I want to see the Head. I want to see the Head." Zhao Gui's eyes were red, but he dared not approach.
"You lost and now find it unfair? Where do you get the face to feel that way? You are not as skilled, so you resort to attacking your fellow disciple. I don't think you need to stay in the Song Family anymore." Song Weizhi spoke, and the pressure unique to the Golden Core realm pressed down on Zhao Gui.
Initially, Zhao Gui stood firm, enduring it, but blood began to overflow from the corner of his mouth. His legs trembled uncontrollably, and eventually, he knelt under the pressure.
Even though he couldn't stand up under Song Weizhi's pressure, Zhao Gui's mouth kept moving, "Why? I refuse to accept it. Song Zhixia, that talentless person, couldn't have become so powerful in such a short time. She must have used forbidden techniques. The one you should punish is her, not me."
"Empty word." As Song Weizhi spoke, she slapped her palm forward. Zhao Gui was blown away by the force of Song Weizhi's palm wind, flying more than ten meters until he collided with a pillar at the edge of the Martial Arts Field. However, the fist-sized pillar snapped, accompanied by the sound of breaking, and Zhao Gui's screams followed.
When Song Weizhi looked at Zhao Gui again, he was already lying on the ground, spitting out blood, with no strength left to get up.
"You, you…" Zhao Gui wanted to say something, but unfortunately, he had already passed out.
The palm strike not only caused severe external injuries to Zhao Gui but also used the force of the palm wind to shatter the Spirit Root inside his body. At this point, Zhao Gui's cultivation path was completely cut off.
At this moment, the disciples below the Martial Arts Field were shocked by Song Weizhi's actions. The Martial Arts Field became eerily quiet, and no one dared to speak.
"If you have any dissatisfaction, settle it on the stage. What's the skill in slandering others behind their backs? Also, Song Zhixia did not practice any forbidden techniques. I used the Pure Root Pill compensated by Chen Li's father to help her refine her Spirit Root. She has already reached Foundation Building. If anyone disagrees, settle it on the stage. Don't resort to behind-the-scenes insinuations." Song Weizhi said and glanced at the outer disciples standing below the Martial Arts Field.
Then she turned to a few inner disciples on the side and said, "Zhao Gui injured others behind their backs, and his actions are not worthy of staying here. Expel him."
Several inner disciples respectfully followed Song Weizhi's instructions and carried Zhao Gui away. Only then did Song Weizhi walk to Song Zhixia's side. "Let's go. We're leaving."
Summoning the Li Shuo Sword, they flew far away in an instant. It wasn't until their figures were no longer visible on the horizon that the disciples at the Martial Arts Field dared to start discussing.
"I can't believe it. I'm glad I didn't draw Song Zhixia. Otherwise, I would be the one being beaten up now. I doubt I could even block her first move." Xu Wenyuan patted his chest and breathed a sigh of relief.
"The thunder tribulation we saw that day might have been Song Zhixia's Foundation Building. Even if she refined her Spirit Root, reaching Foundation Building in such a short time is just too incredible. What kind of comprehension ability is this?" Liang Qin also marveled.
"I hope I don't encounter Song Zhixia in the next round. I still hope to enter the inner sect. I've been here for so many years; I don't even know if I can make it." Xu Wenyuan sighed.
"I hope I don't run into Song Zhixia either. But speaking of it, this is also Zhao Gui's fault. Song Zhixia had already stopped and let him go, but he insisted on a sneak attack from behind, ruining a promising future for no reason." Liang Qin patted Xu Wenyuan.
"That's right. It seems you still have to be down-to-earth. Don't think about being sly behind the scenes."
At the same time, news of Song Zhixia and Zhao Gui had already reached the main hall.
"This Song Weizhi is getting more and more outrageous. I know that child Zhao Gui. He is the top talent among the outer disciples, just one step away from the Foundation Building. Song Weizhi actually ruined Zhao Gui's Spirit Root for the sake of a talentless person. Song Weizhi is truly looking down on everyone." The Third Elder seemed quite irritated, and his beard trembled as he spoke.
"Yeah, what a good seedling. Ultimately, it's all because of Song Zhixia's fault. Since she arrived, Song Weizhi seems to have changed completely. She used to listen to the Elders, but now she disobeys. Ruohai, it's time for you to step in and ask her." The Head Elder continued, expressing his displeasure with Song Weizhi since the incident of her wanting to annul the engagement.
"Moreover, Tianming just said that Song Zhixia surpassed Zhao Gui and won? This is simply absurd! She must have used forbidden techniques because her Spirit Root and Soul are both trash. Otherwise, how could she surpass Zhao Gui, who has been practicing for several years, in such a short time? This Song Zhixia, not only is she talentless, but more importantly, her heart is as dark as her talent. Ruohai, it shows how correct the decision you and your wife made back then." The Second Elder added fuel to the fire.
This time, Song Ruohai was also a bit angry. Song Weizhi had repeatedly ignored his authority, and now she even independently decided to ruin the Spirit Root of a disciple. She clearly didn't regard him, the Head, with any respect. On top of that, Song Zhixia's sudden increase in strength indicated a significant problem.
He ordered the disciple beside him with a stern tone, "Tianming, go and summon your Senior Sister. Oh, and also bring Song Zhixia here. I want to see what reasons Song Weizhi can come up with this time for injuring a fellow disciple without authorization. And as for Song Zhixia, what tricks is she playing?"
Tianming, the disciple by Song Ruohai's side, flew toward Song Weizhi but was intercepted by Wei Zhao, who was meditating in the courtyard. "Hold on, who are you?" Wei Zhao flew forward, instantly blocking Tianming's path.
"This Senior Sister looks unfamiliar. I don't know when she came to the Song Family." Although Tianming had not fought with Wei Zhao, he sensed that her strength was significantly stronger than his. Therefore, he spoke with extra courtesy.
"I am not your Senior Sister, nor am I from the Song Family. Who are you, and what are you doing here?" Wei Zhao asked coldly.
"Oh, I'm here to find my Senior Sister, Song Weizhi." Tianming said.
Song Weizhi had long heard the commotion outside. She knew that the matter with Zhao Gui couldn't be resolved so easily. Those old guys probably had an issue with her, and fine, she wanted to see what kind of words they could spit out.
Stepping out of her room, Song Weizhi walked to the courtyard gate at a leisurely pace. Tianming saw that it was Song Weizhi who came out and quickly saluted, saying, "Senior Sister, Master invites you and Junior Sister Song Zhixia to the main hall. He says there are some things he wants to ask you."
Song Weizhi thought about it; this was also good. After all, she couldn't stand in front of Song Zhixia all the time. Some things had to be faced by Song Zhixia herself, especially considering her adoptive parents were not good people.
Song Weizhi was about to use spiritual qi to communicate with Song Zhixia when Song Zhixia had already come out of her room. "Senior Sister, I'm ready."
Song Weizhi smiled and looked at Song Zhixia. "Good, then let's go, Xia Xia and I."
The group summoned their spiritual swords, and in an instant, they arrived at the main hall. Holding Song Zhixia's hand, Song Weizhi looked at the several old men, apparently anticipating no good news.
"Weizhi, what exactly happened in the outer disciple's competition? Why did you, as a Senior Sister, intervene? And you even severed the Spirit Root of a fellow disciple. Do you still have any regard for me as the Head?" Song Ruohai's forehead veins bulged.
"If I didn't intervene, you might not see Song Zhixia alive. After Zhao Gui lost the competition, he attacked from behind, injuring others. As a Senior Sister, it is both reasonable and moral for me to step in and stop it. Isn't that so?" Song Weizhi remained calm, looking straight at Song Ruohai.
"But you shouldn't have intervened so harshly, injuring his Spirit Root," Song Ruohai continued. "Also, you said Zhao Gui lost the match? That's utter nonsense. How long has Song Zhixia been with us? With her Spirit Root, primordial spirit, and spirit beast, she could defeat not only Zhao Gui but any outer disciple. Unless she secretly used forbidden techniques."
"Head Song, I did not use forbidden techniques. The reason I can perform the techniques is that Senior Sister used the Pure Root Pill to refine my Spirit Root. After some time of cultivation, I have already built the foundation." Song Zhixia, who hadn't spoken until now, spoke up.
Observing Song Zhixia, Song Weizhi found her to be much calmer than expected. It seemed as if she had nothing to do with the person sitting there badmouthing her.
Before Song Ruohai could speak, the Grand Elder expressed his displeasure first. "Where does an outer disciple like you get the right to speak? This is outrageous."
Song Weizhi sneered. "What's the matter? Can't she speak up when she's being slandered? This is not how you extract confessions."
"Song Weizhi, don't think you can disregard everyone just because you have some talent. It's time for our Song Family to teach you some rules." The Head Elder, angered by Song Weizhi's disdainful attitude, spoke sternly.
"Oh? How does the Head Elder plan to teach me some rules?" A cold smile appeared at the corner of Song Weizhi's lips.
"Ruohai! This is the Head disciple of our Song Family that you've raised. Teach her some manners." The Head Elder continued, frustrated by Song Weizhi's contemptuous attitude.
However, Song Ruohai didn't want to escalate the conflict too much. Suppressing his anger, he said, "Weizhi, the Head Elder has watched you grow up since childhood. Show some respect. If you made a mistake, admit it. As for Song Zhixia using forbidden techniques without authorization, she should be expelled from the Song Family."
Ignoring Song Ruohai completely, Song Weizhi said, "Xia Xia has already explained. She didn't use forbidden techniques, and she has indeed built the foundation. If you want to understand the situation at that time, it's simple. Bring those inner disciples who maintain order and the referee here. Everything will be clear."
"Humph, the show isn't over until the coffin is lowered. I want to see what tricks you can still play." The Second Elder, unable to sit still any longer, finally spoke up.
In no time, several inner disciples, along with the referee from the match between Song Zhixia and Zhao Gui, arrived.
Song Ruohai spoke in a deep voice, "Explain the situation at that time. Do not fabricate or distort. Otherwise, severe punishment will follow."
"Head, at that time, after Zhao Gui lost to Song Zhixia, I already sounded the gong to signal Song Zhixia's victory. After that, Song Zhixia put down her sword and did not harm Zhao Gui. When she turned to leave the stage, Zhao Gui suddenly attacked her with a sword. Fortunately, Song Weizhi was there to stop it, or the consequences would have been unthinkable." The referees were all senior disciples in charge, similar in age to Song Ruohai.
After hearing the referees' words, the veins on Song Ruohai's forehead intensified. "What about you guys? Did he speak the truth?"
"Indeed, Junior Sister Song Zhixia did not harm anyone after winning. It was Zhao Gui who, dissatisfied with the loss, attacked and injured others."
"Yes, that's right."
"Even if Zhao Gui attacked first, Weizhi, you shouldn't have used such a heavy hand on your fellow disciple. Zhao Gui is now completely ruined." Song Ruohai continued.
"I went too hard? If I hadn't intervened, it would have been Song Zhixia who died. After all, she's the legitimate daughter of the Head in blood. The Head has such a ruthless heart." Song Weizhi mocked.
"You, shut up." Song Ruohai slammed his hand, shattering the cup in front of him.
"Why should I shut up? Keeping someone like Zhao Gui, who harbors evil intentions, would only harm fellow disciples. Does the Head think highly of him because of his talent and can't bear to let him go?" Song Weizhi raised an eyebrow, her words full of disdain.
"You, Song Weizhi, do you still want to stay in the Song Family?" Song Ruohai was nearly driven mad by Song Weizhi's attitude.
"What's wrong? Want to expel me from the sect? That's fine. I guess other families in Linhai City would be willing to take me in." Song Weizhi nodded slightly, then continued, "So, Xia Xia, let's go. There are always vicious dogs here who want to bite us. Let's go somewhere else."
"Okay, I'll listen to Senior Sister. Wherever Senior Sister goes, I'll go." Song Zhixia looked at Song Weizhi and said. She had no sense of belonging to her adoptive parents, and following Song Weizhi was a natural choice.
"Wait, I just said that in anger. I was confused by Zhao Gui. Since it's his fault, let's forget about this matter. However, for Song Zhixia's next match, I and several Elders will be present. It will be clear whether she used forbidden techniques." Song Ruohai, realizing he was on the verge of losing Song Weizhi, hurriedly spoke. He almost forgot that Song Weizhi was a standout among the younger generation in Linhai City. If he didn't keep her, there were plenty of other forces eager to recruit her. In contrast, Zhao Gui was just an outer disciple.
"Good, I am willing to let the Head and the Elders watch the match." Song Zhixia calmly said. Since she didn't use forbidden techniques, she had no fear of them watching.
"Good, then tomorrow, I and the three Elders will go to watch the competition." Song Ruohai said with a frown.
"Let's go, Xia Xia. We've said everything we need to say. We can't control others pretending to be deaf and mute." Song Weizhi didn't bother with formalities, directly summoning her Departure Sword and lightly embracing Song Zhixia's waist before flying away. In a few breaths, they disappeared.
The Elders left in the hall, along with Song Ruohai, were on the verge of exploding with anger.
"Look at Song Weizhi's attitude, as if she were the Head of the Song Family. It's infuriating." The Grand Elder said, touching his chest.
"Yes, she's too arrogant. Ruohai, we need to figure out a solution." The Second Elder agreed.
"I've already figured out a solution. We'll see how things go with Chaoyun." Afraid that he wouldn't be able to appease the three Elders if he didn't speak up, Song Ruohai quickly informed them of the plan he and Song Chaoyun had discussed.
"Now that Song Weizhi's attitude toward the Song Family has changed since she found out she's not my daughter, especially after breaking off the engagement with Zhao Xunkun, Chaoyun and I thought it might be a good idea for Song Weizhi to become my daughter-in-law. She and Chaoyun have known each other since childhood, and as long as she marries into our Song Family, she'll be bound to serve our Song Family forever."
"However, Ruohai, Song Weizhi, this rebellious girl, even broke off the engagement with Zhao Xunkun. How can you guarantee that she will marry Chaoyun?" The Grand Elder initially thought Song Ruohai's idea was not bad, but upon second thought, seeing Song Weizhi's current attitude toward the Song Family, how could she possibly agree to marry Song Chaoyun?
"Ruohai, can you ensure that Song Weizhi will marry Chaoyun?" The Second Elder also expressed doubts.
"Trust in Chaoyun. He's an outstanding young man. Song Weizhi is, after all, just a woman. Give it some time, and Song Weizhi will fall deeply in love with my son." Song Ruohai tried to calm them down. His son, after all, had just entered the Enlightenment Phase, and Song Weizhi, despite her high cultivation level, was still a woman at heart.
On the other side, Song Weizhi and the others had returned to their residence. Worried that Song Zhixia might be in a bad mood due to being misunderstood, Song Weizhi consoled her, "It's okay, Xia Xia, you did well. Today's matter can only be blamed on Zhao Gui himself. Don't think too much about it. Just prepare well for tomorrow."
"I know. Thank you, Senior Sister. I will prepare well."
Early the next morning, when Song Weizhi and Song Zhixia arrived at the Martial Arts Field, Song Ruohai and the other three Elders were already sitting at the side of the field. Song Weizhi's opponent was Huang Xiao, who had won against Xu Wenyuan yesterday. The area around the Martial Arts Field was crowded with disciples who came to watch the match. Yesterday's incident had spread widely, and with the involvement of the Sect Leader and the three Elders, the disciples were even more eager to join in the excitement. Compared to that, fewer people went to watch matches at other training grounds.
"Hey, I think Huang Xiao is likely to lose this time. Don't be deceived just because he won against me yesterday. In my opinion, he is not a match for Song Zhixia." Xu Wenyuan came early today with Liang Qin, just to see how extraordinary Song Zhixia's strength was.
"Tsk, is your brain not working properly? How could that waste Song Zhixia beat Huang Xiao? Huang Xiao is already in the Comprehension-Qi Training realm. I think you men are all blinded by that bitch Song Zhixia." The person speaking was Song Yueling, a distant relative of Song Ruohai's family. Since this child had good aptitude and roots and also had some distant relationship with Song Ruohai, he brought her back to be cultivated in the Song Family. Now, like Huang Xiao, she had reached the Comprehension-Qi Training realm. Due to her somewhat close relationship with Song Ruohai, she often flaunted her power in front of other disciples.
Song Yueling had gone home for a visit for some time and had just returned recently. Therefore, she mostly heard rumors about Song Zhixia's situation, but it didn't hinder her hatred towards Song Zhixia. How dare a countryside girl like Song Zhixia take the name of the Song Family's golden daughter? Was she even qualified?
"Sigh, what's it to you? I'm speaking the truth. Everyone saw Song Weizhi winning the match yesterday. How can you curse people?" Xu Wenyuan was also indignant. He was talking to Liang Qin, so what did Song Yueling have to do with it?
"Hmph, irrelevant thing. Wait and see how Song Zhixia makes a fool of herself later." Song Yueling snorted coldly.
She was accompanied by several other green tea friends who echoed her:
"That's right, I didn't see it yesterday. I want to see if Song Zhixia is powerful or if it's just exaggerated by these infatuated male disciples."
"Okay, we'll see if you're convinced later. I'm afraid your face will hurt." Xu Wenyuan was also angered.
At this moment, the referee on the side hit the bronze gong.
"Xia Xia, as always, make sure to prioritize your safety. Good luck." Song Weizhi smiled and watched Song Zhixia from the sidelines.
Song Zhixia nodded towards Song Weizhi with a smile, then turned and stepped onto the Martial Arts Field. Huang Xiao was already standing opposite her.
Song Zhixia clasped her fists as a sign of courtesy, and Huang Xiao returned the gesture.
He summoned his spiritual sword, held it in his hand, and summoned his Spiritual Beast, a deer. He manipulated spiritual qi, and the yellow soil around the Martial Arts Field gathered towards his sword. As he activated his spiritual qi, a vast amount of yellow sand surged toward Song Zhixia along with his sword qi.
"Stupid, Song Zhixia can't even catch Huang Xiao's sword. How can she, a waste, think of catching it?" Song Yueling, of course, wouldn't miss any chance to mock others.
"Wait for it. Song Zhixia will catch it." Xu Wenyuan was also unwilling to accept it. He had witnessed Song Zhixia's strength with his own eyes yesterday.
The Elders on the stand began to discuss:
"Humph, can Song Zhixia catch Huang Xiao's move without using forbidden techniques? I want to see how they will explain it later."
Song Ruohai, sitting on the sidelines, was almost falling asleep. The competition between outer disciples was just chickens pecking at each other, not worth watching at all. If it weren't for wanting to embarrass Song Weizhi, he wouldn't even bother to come. Now, seeing that Huang Xiao's sword qi was about to attack Song Zhixia, who remained motionless, Song Ruohai sat there feeling emotional: A waste is a waste. Fortunately, he had exchanged Song Weizhi back then; otherwise, he would have lost face. In the end, it was all Qin Xian's fault for not telling anyone that Song Weizhi was not his biological daughter.
In the next moment, the situation on the field suddenly changed. The gap in cultivation between Huang Xiao and Song Zhixia was too significant. Song Zhixia condensed fire spiritual qi in her left hand, calmly clapping her palms. The yellow sand around the Martial Arts Field was instantly scattered, and Song Zhixia's palm force did not stop. In an instant, it reached Huang Xiao. The flames burned fiercely, and Huang Xiao had to raise his sword to block.
At this moment, Song Zhixia lifted a sword flower with her right hand. After waving the sword a few times in place, several fiery lights exploded from the ground along with the sword's qi. The flames headed towards Huang Xiao's deer and partially towards Huang Xiao himself.
The sudden and fierce flames forced the deer to retreat below the stage, and Huang Xiao, who had caught Song Zhixia's upper palm, was already somewhat exhausted. The fire on the ground intensified and gradually approached him. Several sword qi's rushed towards Huang Xiao's face, and he struggled to block the ones in front of him with his long sword. However, the sword qi on his side was too much to handle, creating a long gash on his waist. At the same time, Song Zhixia's sword was already pointing directly at Huang Xiao's face.
This competition didn't last very long. With the sound of the referee's bronze gong and the announcement, "Song Zhixia wins," the match came to an end.
"Thank you." Song Zhixia nodded gently toward Huang Xiao and sheathed her long sword.
Huang Xiao returned the courtesy to Song Zhixia and said, "I yield. Thank you for going easy on me, but I will become stronger."
Song Zhixia just nodded to acknowledge that she understood, then quickly turned her head to look down at the stands, searching for Song Weizhi's figure.
She ran a few steps toward Song Weizhi, her demeanor completely different from how she had treated Huang Xiao just now. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Song Weizhi and said, "Senior Sister, I won."
"Well, my Xia Xia is the best. What reward does Xia Xia want?" Song Weizhi casually touched Song Zhixia's head, asking.
Song Zhixia's face blushed slightly, and her eyes twinkled. "I'll tell Senior Sister what I want after I pass the outer disciple assessment."
Song Weizhi laughed, "Alright, Xia Xia is starting to have her thoughts now. Okay, I'll ask you when you pass the assessment."
In contrast to the joyful atmosphere of Song Weizhi and Song Zhixia, Song Ruohai and the three Elders sitting on the sidelines were too shocked to speak.
"This Song Zhixia, she didn't use forbidden techniques, and she is full of spiritual qi. She has already built the foundation. How is this possible?" The Head Elder voiced his doubt.
"Yeah, you can tell that she is very proficient in the use of the fire elemental technique. It seems she has truly refined her Spirit Root," the Second Elder nodded.
"In that case, does this mean that Song Zhixia has successfully built the foundation in such a short time? Wouldn't that be a blessing for our Song Family? Even without the blessing of a spiritual beast, with this aptitude, she will only benefit our Song Family in the future. Ruohai, congratulations." The Third Elder smiled.
Song Ruohai hadn't expected that everything Song Weizhi and the others said was true. Since Song Zhixia had good talent, even if there was exploitable value, Song Ruohai smiled with a hint of satisfaction at the corner of his lips.