Chapter 18: Unseen Strength

Ye Qing may have been defeated, but the competition had to continue. With Ye Ling Yue emerging victorious in her first match, her ranking temporarily surged to third place.

Due to the destruction of the arena ring, the remaining matches had to be relocated to the field.

From the crowd, a girl about fifteen or sixteen years old stepped forward. She had almond-shaped eyes and carried herself with a composed, dignified air.

Seeing an unfamiliar face, Ye Ling Yue guessed she was likely a senior member from one of the Ye family's branch lines.

"My name is Ye Ning. I hope little sister here can guide me." As she spoke, Ye Ning tossed her long hair back, exuding confidence and grace.

"It's Ye Ning! Ye Ling Yue is in trouble now."

Voices from the crowd reached Ling Yue's ears, offering bits of information.

Only the top three contestants would receive a reward. For members of the branch families, who typically had fewer resources, this reward was crucial.

Earlier, many strong contenders had avoided challenging Ye Qing due to his father's status. But Ye Ling Yue was different. Technically, she wasn't even a legitimate member of the Ye family. Everyone knew the Third Miss's relationship with the family head was strained.

In terms of strength and skill, Ye Ning surpassed Ye Qing. As a child of a branch family, she had real talent and was even nicknamed "Little Ye Liu Yun," a nod to Ye Liu Yun—Ye Qing's older sister and the most gifted child of their generation—currently away training at a sect.

"What a shame. Looks like the third lassie's daughter will stop here," lamented one of the elders.

Even Ye Huang Yu's expression changed slightly at the sight of this new opponent. She could tell—Ye Ning's steady footsteps suggested she was at the fourth rank of the Constitution Domain. Though Ling Yue had spent a month training in the mountains, it was nearly impossible to break through to the fourth rank in that short a time.

Ye Yin Shuang, their darker-skinned and friendly cousin, stood nearby. Her face turned bright red from trying to hold back her concern.

"That child's talent is impressive," commented Ye Gu. But his tone was vague, leaving it unclear whether he was referring to Ling Yue or Ye Ning.

"Little sister Ling Yue, I'll go all out," Ye Ning said, studying her opponent. Although Ling Yue was a few years younger, there was something about her aura that made Ye Ning wary.

"I'll do the same." Ling Yue smiled. Her crescent-moon eyes gleamed brighter than moonlight itself.

She widened her stance. A wave of Yuan energy gathered in Ye Ning's slender hand, forming claw-like shapes. Like an eagle's talon, she slashed at Ling Yue's shoulder.

It was the Bone Splitting Claw Strike—a ninth-grade martial technique, just like the Lightning Burst Fist. Both were of equal rank, but the claw strike was more elegant, making it a better fit for women.

Once mastered, the technique could release six afterimages and rival the Lightning Burst Fist in power.

Ye Ning's attack was fast and fierce. Fortunately, Ling Yue's reflexes had improved greatly from her time hunting in the mountains.

Twisting to her right, she dodged Ye Ning's strike and countered with her own. Channeling energy into her fist, five arcs of lightning shot forward.

Ye Ning's face turned pale. She had seen Ling Yue's Lightning Burst Fist before and knew it was formidable. Without hesitation, she pulled both hands into claw form and met Ling Yue's blow head-on.

"Both of their techniques are at the fifth level. Not bad, not bad at all," Ye Gu nodded in approval. One glance told him both girls had worked hard to perfect their skills.

"But when it comes to age and Yuan energy, I'm afraid the little lass can't match Ye Ning." Though impressed, Ye Gu couldn't help but sigh. When martial techniques are equal, Yuan energy becomes the deciding factor.

Boom—

Just as Ye Gu finished speaking, the girls' Yuan energy collided, releasing a thunderous impact.

To everyone's shock, Ye Ning—thought to have the upper hand—was blown back like a leaf in the wind. Blood spilled from her lips as she tumbled to the ground.

"What!"

Ye Huang Yu stood frozen, her fists clenched in shock.

On the elder platform, Ye Gu nearly leapt from his seat. His eyes were locked on Ling Yue, stunned as if witnessing something impossible.

To defeat Ye Ning head-on… could it be that Ling Yue had reached the fourth rank or even higher?

Inside the martial hall, those who had laughed at Ling Yue earlier were now wide-eyed and speechless.

"Ling Yue, you win!"

Ye Yin Shuang was the first to rush over, her voice full of excitement. Only now did she realize how talented her little cousin truly was—it felt like a dream.

Ling Yue simply smiled and walked over to help Ye Ning up.

"You're very strong. I lost this time. But next time, I won't lose again," Ye Ning said without hesitation.

A straightforward character.

Nodding at Ye Ning's spirit, Ling Yue left the makeshift stage alongside her new acquaintance.

After defeating Ye Ning, Ling Yue's strength was undeniable. No one else dared to challenge her in the remaining rounds.

In the end, Ling Yue officially secured third place—a commendable result.

Years ago, Ye Huang Yu had taken first place. Compared to that, Ling Yue's achievement might seem modest. But for her, it was enough.

She had accomplished what she set out to do today—no one would dare look down on the northern manor again, not while she was around.