Not long after, the first Grand Competition for the new disciples officially began.
Unlike before, this time, there were countless mortals, full of curiosity and nervousness, witnessing this contest between immortals!
As the competition started, Su Qianqian, though still being held in someone’s arms, straightened her posture and looked down at the duel that had begun below.
To be honest, for Su Qianqian, there wasn’t much entertainment value.
After witnessing eagles fight, watching a bunch of fledglings peck at each other always felt rather dull.
But she couldn’t ignore that one of these “fledglings” was the “swan” she cared about most.
“I’ve arranged for Lingling to enter the ring after the other disciples have mostly finished. Otherwise, if she faces disciples who are too weak, it’s too easy for her to accidentally hurt them.”
“I see. But it’s kind of fun to occasionally watch these energetic little ones~”
“So, are you saying you’re already old?” Lin Muxue suddenly rested her face on Su Qianqian’s shoulder.
With her question, Su Qianqian shivered in surprise.
Su Qianqian responded quickly, laughing awkwardly, “Well, I am a Foundation Establishment Stage expert, after all. Of course, a bunch of Qi Condensation disciples seem like kids to me, haha~”
Hearing Su Qianqian’s sly evasion, Lin Muxue might have rolled her eyes if her identity and personality allowed for it.
Su Qianqian’s guard was dropping more and more, flaws everywhere.
A hundred years ago, Lin Muxue couldn’t find any cracks in her acting, and she even seemed to have fooled some very sharp people.
But now, even if she hadn’t already known Su Qianqian’s identity, she’d have serious doubts by now, right?
But Lin Muxue still pretended to be fooled, putting on an expression of realization.
Seeing Su Qianqian breathe a sigh of relief and then make a “fortunately, Master is easy to fool” face, Lin Muxue got a little angry.
Did her indulgence make her look like a fool? So aggravating…
“Ah?! Master, what are you doing?!”
At this moment, Lin Muxue’s hands, which were holding her, started roaming around Su Qianqian’s lower belly and waist, occasionally giving a light pinch.
Facing Su Qianqian’s exclamation, Lin Muxue didn’t respond, her gaze fixed on the disciples competing on the platform.
“When will you finally be unable to resist your doubts and pressure, and confess yourself?” Lin Muxue wondered with anticipation in her heart.
Of course, Su Qianqian wasn’t clueless; she knew Lin Muxue had been probing her in all sorts of ways.
But as long as Lin Muxue kept testing, it meant she still hadn’t confirmed her identity.
As long as she was careful, there’d be no problem!
Though she had let a few flaws slip… Luckily, Master is easy to fool!
Now, feeling those hands squeezing the flesh on her stomach, Su Qianqian didn’t know if she should resist.
What was appropriate for her current identity?
Should she, as Disciple Su Qianqian, firmly object to Master’s “impropriety,” or should she accept Master’s affection?
Finally, Su Qianqian decided to test the waters: “M-Master?”
“What is it?”
“Your hand?”
“Like this? I’m copying Su Lingling. I saw her do this, isn’t it normal?”
As she spoke, Lin Muxue gave another squeeze, then bent down so her face was level with Su Qianqian’s, showing a confused expression.
With that explanation and expression, how could Su Qianqian possibly say that it was okay for her little sister but not for her Master?
So she could only surrender. Lingling, you’ve gotten your sister into trouble again!
“It’s nothing, I just wanted to call you.”
“Mm, I’m always here.”
And so they waited. By late afternoon, as the sun was about to set, the final four new disciples had been determined.
The four stood on the stage, their gazes clashing as if sparks might fly at any moment.
But just then, the Elder in charge of this Grand Competition flew to the front of the stage with Su Lingling.
At this moment, Su Lingling was completely different from how she was with family and Master!
Her face was icy, holding the standard disciple Iron Sword, and her aura warned strangers to stay away.
The Elder stroked his beard, very satisfied with Su Lingling’s bearing.
As expected of the Sect Leader’s personal disciple! She really had the Sect Leader’s demeanor!
Focusing back on the present, the Elder looked energetically around at the four disciples.
“You all should know the disciple behind me. She is the Sect Leader’s true disciple, already at Qi Gathering Realm, eighth layer. Now, you have two choices to discuss amongst yourselves: either all four of you take turns challenging her, or the last remaining champion earns the right to battle her.”
“Su Lingling’s results will not count in the rankings—she’s just the finale, here to show you there’s always someone stronger, to temper your spirits! You may well be crushed in this battle, so be mentally prepared, and do not let it hurt your Dao heart!”
The four disciples onstage stared at Su Lingling with burning eyes.
Su Lingling’s face was expressionless, like an unscalable mountain, completely disregarding the disciples before her.
But the truth was…
Su Lingling was so anxious she wanted to cover the Elder’s mouth!
“Elder, stop talking! If you hype me up this much and I lose, I’ll be completely humiliated!” Su Lingling complained desperately inside.
No matter how she felt inside, none of it showed on her face.
She just stood quietly, sword at her back, looking down on the four strongest of her generation.
The four exchanged glances, naturally choosing to fight. Then, all at once, they drew their weapons:
“Please give us your guidance!!”
Su Lingling was nearly dying from nerves. Meanwhile, the Elder fanned the flames: “Good, you have courage! Remember, failure is the stepping stone to success—don’t let one defeat bring you down!”
Su Lingling gave the old man a sidelong glance, secretly vowing, “Dammit, Elder, I’ll remember you! One day I’ll make your life difficult!”
Soon, Su Lingling stood to one side of the Martial Platform, her cold gaze fixed on her opponent.
Facing her was a tall, muscular youth wielding a broadsword. He clumsily cupped his fists, “Senior Sister, m-my name is Zhao Tieniu, Qi Gathering Realm fifth layer. Master says I’m b-born with great strength! P-please, g-give me your guidance!”
As soon as he finished, Zhao Tieniu couldn’t wait and charged forward. He was big and tall, but not slow at all.
In just a few steps, he was right in front of Su Lingling, then slashed down with an ordinary chop!
Although the chop looked basic, combined with his bulging muscles and the fiery light on the blade, no one dared underestimate it!
Facing the incoming slash, Su Lingling immediately used her sword to block.
Instantly, she felt a tremendous force pressing down on her blade! She quickly adjusted her sword stance, dissolving the force entirely.
Zhao Tieniu felt like his broadsword had missed everything and was deflected to the side, his own strength making him stagger.
Zhao Tieniu said nothing, launching another slash. As time passed, he gradually restrained his power a bit—at least he wasn’t tripping over himself anymore.
The Elder, watching the battle from the side, unconsciously nodded. “Not bad. After Su Lingling dissolved his force, Zhao Tieniu adapted so quickly. He looks rough, but he’s got a keen mind!”
On the platform, it looked like Zhao Tieniu had the upper hand.
His attacks never let up, seemingly pressing Su Lingling down, making Su Changfeng and Liu Qingyao watch with their hearts in their throats.
But anyone with some skill could easily see that Su Lingling was in total control!
Since the fight began, she hadn’t moved her feet even once!
Zhao Tieniu’s stormy, fire-wreathed attacks were easily neutralized by Su Lingling’s expert redirection.
She still seemed at ease, while Zhao Tieniu, despite his natural strength, was starting to show fatigue after repeated attacks.
As she continued to parry, Su Lingling slowly realized—she might be stronger than she thought?
Remembering how easily Zhao Tieniu crushed his opponents earlier, Su Lingling assumed he hadn’t revealed his full strength.
With this in mind, she’d planned for a war of attrition, holding back from the start. But now… was this really his best?
Su Lingling tentatively went all out, her sword’s spiritual aura instantly condensing, then she struck with force.
With a sharp crack, Zhao Tieniu’s broadsword—covered in a spiritual fire aura—was sliced clean in two!
Caught off guard, Zhao Tieniu couldn’t stop himself and fell straight onto Su Lingling’s sword!
Su Lingling hadn’t expected this either. How did she just break his blade in one strike?! Although she tried to pull her sword back, it was too late!
At that moment, the Elder finally intervened, causing Zhao Tieniu—who was about to crash onto the blade—to float gently in the air.
Seeing this, Su Lingling let out a sigh of relief. She had nearly killed a fellow disciple!
The still-shaken Zhao Tieniu landed and looked at the neat break on his sword, patting his chest in lingering fear.
“Y-you really are amazing! I admit defeat!” With that, Zhao Tieniu cupped his fists again and left the stage.
Su Lingling sheathed her sword and looked at the three remaining disciples. The three, meeting her gaze, all felt their hearts clench.
Did they really have to fight this monster?
“Hahaha, she has the makings of the Sect Leader of old, she has the makings indeed! Back in the day, the Sect Leader was also a peerless talent! Ah, I was in charge of the disciple competitions then, and I still am…”
Seeing such a peerless disciple again, the Elder couldn’t help but feel emotional.
He also remembered something the Sect Leader once said about another disciple: “There’s no point in having Su Qianqian compete; the difference in strength is too great.”
Just how powerful had that disciple become?
While the Elder pondered what kind of prodigy Su Qianqian was, at that very moment…
“Master? Master! Please, stop moving your hand lower, you really can’t go any further!” Su Qianqian clutched the sleeve of Lin Muxue’s hand, which was slowly moving downward, pleading earnestly…
Standing tall on the platform, Su Lingling gave a handsome nod to her parents, then stealthily glanced around, searching the spectator area.
She wondered where her sister and Master were watching from. Heh, they must have seen how cool she just was, right?
As for her sister and Master at this moment…
“No, not up either! Master, please listen to me!”