The Triumph
Yuanjiu was fully aware of her disadvantage but had her own strategy.
Ji Shenshu's giant physique gave him the upper hand in strength, but it also meant his movements were slower.
She decided her best chance lay in speed.
As long as her sword strikes were swift enough, she could exploit his weaknesses.
Her attacks became increasingly fierce, but Ji Shenshu was still hesitant to counter her seriously.
"Your hesitation is disrespectful to your opponent!" Yuanjiu exclaimed as she leapt into the air, striking at him with sharp precision.
Realizing his underestimation of her, Ji Shenshu started to take the fight more seriously.
Yuanjiu dodged his counterattacks nimbly, throwing herself directly into his range while her right hand wielded the sword with ever-changing techniques.
Ji Shenshu instinctively sidestepped and counterattacked, narrowly missing her.
Yuanjiu retreated a few steps, slightly disheveled.
Watching from the sidelines, Ouyang Yuanyi and the others grew increasingly anxious, occasionally gasping aloud.
Unnoticed by either fighter, the two of them had already exchanged over thirty moves without a clear winner.
Gradually, the audience began to notice something unusual.
Conversations ceased, and the entire stadium grew silent, captivated by the duel.
A confident smile appeared on Yuanjiu's face.
She had pinpointed Ji Shenshu's weakness.
His enormous size, while advantageous in power, made his movements sluggish.
If she maintained her relentless attacks, victory was within reach.
With this realization, Yuanjiu launched another offensive.
Her sword glinted under the sunlight, flashing with blinding speed, making it nearly impossible for spectators to track her movements.
This is it—the perfect moment!
Yuanjiu lunged at Ji Shenshu, and in an instant, her left hand seized his right wrist, immobilizing it.
Her right foot blocked the arm he swung toward her, while her sword pressed firmly against his neck.
The entire arena froze as if time had stopped.
The sight of her small, white-clad figure poised midair with such dominance left the audience in disbelief.
The crowd erupted and rising to their feet with thunderous cheers.
Unbelievable.
Even the dark figure standing in the corner of the stadium allowed a faint smile to creep across their face.
The referee's voice boomed across the field. "Long Xiaojiu wins and passed the test to enter the Swordmaster Class!"
Yuanjiu withdrew her sword as Ji Shenshu steadied her by the waist and gently placed her back on the ground.
"You've won. Congratulations," he said warmly.
The two of them walked off the stage together, side by side.
As Ji Shenshu walked, he asked curiously, "Yuanjiu, why couldn't I move when you grabbed my wrist?"
"That's why, when sparring with others, never let anyone grab your wrist," Yuanjiu replied.
Ji Shenshu nodded, though still somewhat confused. "Hehe, can I play with you again in the future?"
Yuanjiu muttered, "I don't enjoy talking to you."
"Why?" Ji Shenshu stopped in disappointment.
"Because I have to look up at you when we talk. It's so exhausting."
Her tone softened slightly, carrying a hint of playfulness.
She had realized Ji Shenshu was actually a very honest and good-natured person.
After thinking for a moment, Ji Shenshu suggested, "Then next time, I'll talk to you while sitting or I'll put you on a table."
Yuanjiu shrugged noncommittally.
"Are those your friends over there?" Ji Shenshu asked, pointing toward Ouyang Yuanyi and the others.
Yuanjiu was about to answer when she suddenly sensed a familiar presence.
She turned sharply and saw her father standing in an inconspicuous corner, smiling at her.
"Father!"
She ran toward him with excitement.
Ouyang Qingcheng caught her in a hug and brought her into a secluded corner.
"Father!"
"My darling, you gave your father quite a scare just now."
"Father, I'm amazing! Why are you here?" Yuanjiu exclaimed as she planted a wet kiss on Ouyang Qingcheng's cheek.
"Hehe, I was worried about you and thought I'd just take a quick look. I didn't expect my little darling to spot me."
"Are you leaving now?" Yuanjiu asked, her tone carrying a trace of reluctance.
"Yes. My darling, take care of yourself while you're at the academy."
Ouyang Qingcheng gave her a few reminders before disappearing using teleportation.
"Xiaojiu?"
Ji Shenshu caught up.
Xiaojiu having just seen her father, was in a much better mood.
The coldness on her face softened slightly.
Unfortunately, her short legs couldn't keep up with Ji Shenshu's long strides, leaving her helplessly watching him stride ahead toward Ouyang Yuanyi and the others.
"Wait for me!"
Before she could catch up, a familiar voice called out behind her.
"Please wait!"
Turning around, Yuanjiu saw Hyeonmu Seohwa striding over with a smile.
She looked even more refined than the last time she saw her.
"I heard your name earlier. So, your name is Long Xiaojiu. Do you remember me? I didn't expect to see you again so soon."
Yuanjiu nodded and introduced Hyeonmu Seohwa to Ji Shenshu.
Ji Shenshu extended an invitation. "Would you like to join us for a tour?"
Hyeonmu Seohwa shook her head regretfully. "I've taken a job at the academy's cafeteria. It's time for me to go to work."
Hee resilience earned Yuanjiu's admiration, prompting her to offer help for the first time. "If you're short on money, I can lend you some."
Hyeonmu Seohwa smiled and declined her offer politely. "No, thank you. If I ever need it, I'll consider asking you."
After thanking her again, Hyeonmu Seohwa left with a calm determination that lingered in Yuanjiu's thoughts.
After returning to the Moonlight Breeze Pavilion to bathe and change clothes, Yuanjiu followed Ouyang Yuanyi on a tour of the academy.
They familiarized themselves with the general locations of the dining hall, library, study area, commercial street, teaching buildings, and even the recreational park.
Yuanjiu and Ouyang Yuanyi walked at the forefront.
Xiaoding adjusting to the new environment in high spirits, it darting around Yuanjiu and frolicking happily.
Ouyang Yuaner who is trailed behind a large group of people, complaining in a sulky tone, "Brother, why do we have to tag along while they wander around?"