Just as everyone was engrossed in their lively conversations,
The audience seats around the Arena gradually filled up, and the clamorous voices soon saturated the entire venue.
This exhibition match was already hailed as the best in years.
Two newcomers who had only been learning Beast arts for a few months had both broken through to Stage 1.
Such a rapid growth rate was almost unheard of in previous years.
Almost every gaze was fixed on these two, even the instructors were no exception.
The General Institute Instructor slapped the table, staunchly supporting Lingering Cloud and his twin Beasts, their seamless coordination and mysterious abilities making it so that even those at Second Rank wouldn’t dare claim victory over Lingering Cloud!
On the other side, the Lincheng Branch Institute Instructor stubbornly argued that Lumiya’s overwhelming strength was unmatched, insisting that Lingering Cloud’s fate would be no better than Zhao Lei’s or Wu Yan’s!
Both sides argued fiercely over whether Lin Xing or Lingering Cloud would emerge victorious in the end.
Meanwhile, the two at the center of attention were walking arm in arm toward the Arena.
Even their Beasts clung together.
Lumiya was still holding Little White Qilin and Little Jade, while over by Little Green, the situation had reversed.
Little Green had transformed back into her Little Bird form and was squatting atop Little Ink, the Little Black Qilin, who was trying to look more imposing by marching with small steps.
As opponents, the two of them slowly made their way up to the stage under the Referee’s announcement.
Fortunately, they knew to keep things proper—at least, they separated before getting on stage, each walking to their respective side.
Even Little Jade and Little Ink obediently followed Lingering Cloud to his side.
Lin Xing’s side was… Hm? Wait a second?
Lin Xing glanced at Lumiya beside him, then looked to the other side—it was empty.
Still unsure, he checked again.
Hmm, even above his head, it was empty?
Focusing his gaze on the opposite side—there it was! Atop Little Ink’s head was a splash of emerald green!
“Little Green! Come here!”
Still showing off from atop Little Ink’s head, Little Green finally heard Lin Xing’s call, hopped off, and flew to Lin Xing’s side.
Landing, she transformed into her human form and clung tightly to Lin Xing’s hand, rubbing her little face against his arm, as if to say she knew she was wrong.
Lin Xing, helpless, looked at the pleading Little Green.
Her emerald eyes stared at him, her tiny lips pressed together, looking incredibly pitiful.
How could he possibly bring himself to scold her?
But!
Lin Xing turned to Lumiya, gave her a wink, and sent her a knowing look.
Lumiya instantly understood, arching her eyebrow in a mischievous grin.
She raised her hand and gently knocked Little Green on the forehead.
“Ow!”
Little Green shrank her neck in pain, tears instantly welling in her eyes. She looked at Lin Xing for comfort, all pitiful and pleading.
Seeing Lin Xing remain silent, she nervously glanced at Lumiya, who stood with arms akimbo and eyes glaring.
Finally, Little Green lowered her head, lips trembling, looking utterly aggrieved.
“Begin!!”
The Referee’s voice suddenly echoed across the Arena.
The two, who had been smiling moments before, immediately grew serious, their eyes now heavy with focus.
Lumiya retained her usual air of ease, even curling her finger at Little White Qilin across from her.
The grievance on Little Green’s face vanished instantly, replaced by intense concentration.
After all, the magic within her was only just at Stage 1.
Given that she could only use basic abilities, it was uncertain whether she could win against those two on the other side without getting hit at all.
Lumiya only guaranteed not to lose, but she didn’t say anything about her beautiful feathers not getting plucked~
She definitely wouldn’t accept that!
She then reverted to bird form, her wings trembling! She vanished from the spot in a flash!
Lingering Cloud’s reaction was swift, his fingers swiftly tracing in the air before him.
Streaks of black and white intertwined in the air, gradually forming the shape of Runes.
He then formed his fingers into a sword and, with a flick of his wrist, pointed several times rapidly toward Lin Xing and the others.
Spiritual light flickered at his fingertips, resonating with the Runes in the air.
“Yin-Yang Harmony, Dao Qi Union! Heavenly Thunder Invocation, by urgent decree!”
As his words fell, the Runes in the air suddenly exploded.
Black and white energy intertwined like twin dragons, coiling and swirling, while silver-white thunder crackled and sizzled between them.
The two little Qilins sat perfectly still, not moving an inch.
Only the swirling black and white aura around them showed that the two Beasts were secretly exerting their strength.
Lin Xing wasn’t just standing by watching Lingering Cloud cast his spells.
He drew his bow and arrow, condensing flaming arrows that shot continuously toward Lingering Cloud.
Unfortunately, every arrow was firmly blocked by the black and white energy.
Lumiya also watched the Thundercloud above with great interest.
Then she looked at the fascinating black and white energy barrier on the other side.
Had she seen this somewhere before?
Regardless, whether she remembered or not, it was time to act.
Her tiny fist, wrapped in golden light, hammered again and again at the black and white energy barrier, sending ripples across its surface, as if it might break at any moment.
Little Green also flapped her wings repeatedly on the side, but it seemed to have no effect—the black and white energy even seemed to block space itself.
Seeing that their side couldn’t break through the opponent’s defense, and with the Thundercloud above growing larger as Lingering Cloud continued to draw Runes,
Silver-white lightning roared within the Thundercloud, seemingly about to strike at any moment!
Lin Xing’s team seemed to be at an impasse.
Unable to break through the barrier, all they could do was watch helplessly as the lightning from the other side was about to fall.
It seemed like their only option was to dodge and try to exhaust the other side’s magic.
Compete to see who had more magic, who could last longer?
No way!
That would be way too pathetic!
Lumiya had come here to ask without shame—she must not forget her original intent!
If Little Green couldn’t break through this turtle shell, then she’d help her!
A fist smashed down!
The entire shield of black and white energy seemed to undergo a subtle change.
Within the once perfectly balanced aura, a barely noticeable fissure appeared for an instant!
Little Green instantly understood, her whole body glowing emerald, and with wings flashing with silvery light, she slashed fiercely at the fissure!
The black and white energy barrier shattered instantly!
What evenly matched? What she wanted was a complete and overwhelming victory!