C19 Goodbye!

The competition was officially underway, and Zhuo Qingyao's first-round opponent was none other than Linghu Xiaoxiao, a female disciple from Lee Changgeng's lineage and the second strongest disciple after Wang Ping.

Upon realizing that Zhuo Qingyao was up against Linghu Xiaoxiao, Wang Ping couldn't help but shake his head in dismay. A Junior Martial Brother inquired, "Senior Martial Brother, why the long face?"

Wang Ping looked up and replied, "It looks like Zhuo Qingyao has drawn the short straw. Facing Junior Sister Linghu in the first round is tough luck. I'm afraid this might be Zhuo Qingyao's final bout."

Around them, other disciples were also buzzing with commentary. "Indeed, Zhuo Qingyao's luck is abysmal, to face Linghu Xiaoxiao right out of the gate!"

"Senior Sister Linghu is a fifth-level Dao Enlightening Stage cultivator. Zhuo Qingyao's fortune is truly dire!"

"Let's hope Senior Sister Linghu goes easy on her. Otherwise, there's a real risk she might strike a fatal blow."

"Senior Sister Linghu is nearly on par with Senior Martial Brother Wang Ping. Rumor has it she's a strong contender to become a personal disciple this year!"

On the platform, the referee took their place. "Alright, let's begin the match. On the left, we have Elder Li's disciple, Linghu Xiaoxiao, a highly talented individual almost certain to become a direct disciple this year. And on the right, we have Elder Chen's disciple, Zhuo Qingyao. Well, her talent is rather lacking, so let's skip the introduction. The match officially starts now. Look at that—Zhuo Qingyao is making the first move! She was merely at the first level of the Dao Enlightening Stage when she joined the sect. Despite Elder Chen's mentorship, he's been preoccupied with the affairs of the Killing Palace this month and hasn't spent much time teaching her. Yet, Zhuo Qingyao boldly launches the first attack. One has to wonder, where does her courage come from? Linghu Xiaoxiao, on the other hand, remains poised and unflustered, showing no signs of panic. Truly befitting a disciple of her high caliber, she already exudes the aura of a master!"

Chen Ming's eyelids gave an involuntary twitch. Was this referee also moonlighting as a commentator? How could he be so outstanding?

The referee pressed on, "Linghu Xiaoxiao is making her move. What kind of tempest is she about to unleash? Wow, it's the Wind and Rain Sword Technique. She's executing it with such finesse. Clearly, she's mastered it. And Zhuo Qingyao? She's just drawn her sword. Has Linghu Xiaoxiao's prowess left her petrified? They've clashed, they've clashed!"

"Boom!"

Chen Ming cast a glance at Linghu Xiaoxiao, who had crashed into three chairs and now lay sprawled on the ground in a most undignified manner. Linghu Xiaoxiao coughed, spitting out blood, and weakly reached out to a stunned Lee Changgeng, "Master, I think... I might still be salvageable..."

The scene turned painfully awkward as the referee stood frozen. Was that a knockout in one move?

The referee's eyes darted to Zhuo Qingyao. Could this really be a girl? Was this the same girl who was at the Dao Enlightening Stage Level One just a month ago? Could it be that this girl is not some humanoid monster in disguise?

Chen Ming addressed the still-shocked Lee Changgeng, "You see, Elder Lee, Qingyao hasn't had the chance to spar with others before. She might not have a grasp on her own strength. You've talked up your disciple so much, and I didn't give Qingyao a heads-up. I feared your disciple might overpower her. My bad, all my bad. I've clearly overestimated you. Rest assured, from this day forward, I won't make that mistake again. I'll be sure to underestimate you!"

Lee Changgeng, face flushed with anger and unable to utter a word, could only listen to Chen Ming's taunts. How was he supposed to respond to this?

Seeing Lee Changgeng at a loss for words, Chen Ming slapped his chest and declared, "Don't worry, Elder Lee. I swear on my honor that from now on, I will always look down on you!"

Finally, Lee Changgeng gestured dismissively and bellowed at his disciple, who was frozen in shock, "What are you gawking at? Get moving and take your senior sister off the field!"

Meanwhile, Zhuo Qingyao paid no mind to the commotion, her attention caught by Lee Qianer seated in the area reserved for personal disciples. As per the tradition of the disciples' tournament, the top-ranking disciple earned the privilege of receiving guidance from a personal disciple.

Zhuo Qingyao fixed her gaze on Lee Qianer and declared, “It was you who sent me tumbling down the cliff. Had it not been for the Jade Lingzhi my master left behind, I might very well be dead.”

The desire for vengeance blazed in Zhuo Qingyao's eyes. She turned to the disciples gathered for the competition and announced, “Let's skip the small talk. Competing one at a time is far too slow. Everyone, come at me together!”

Lee Changgeng cast a glance at Wang Ping, silently prompting him to step forward. Yet, Wang Ping stood there, legs quivering. He knew that while Linghu Xiaoxiao was no match for him, it would still take him a good ten moves to claim victory. But Zhuo Qingyao? She had dispatched Linghu Xiaoxiao with a single, effortless stroke of her sword! Facing her, he doubted one sword strike would be enough; perhaps two. But what difference did it make? Two strikes, and he'd still be sent flying just the same!

And she had boldly challenged them to face her, dozens at a time!

Clearly, she was not to be trifled with!

Besides, he had often mocked Zhuo Qingyao as worthless. If he ended up at her mercy, could he escape without a broken arm or leg?

"Master," he blurted out, "I just remembered that I left a pot of chicken soup simmering for you this morning. I forgot to turn off the stove, and it's probably burning as we speak. I must attend to it immediately. Please excuse me!"

Following Wang Ping's lead, the other disciples suddenly found urgent matters to attend to. "Look at the sky; it looks like rain is on the way. I just recalled that I left my laundry out to dry! Master, I must excuse myself!"

"And Master, I had arranged to go moon-gazing with some Senior Martial Brothers. The night is drawing in; I should be on my way. Farewell!"

"Master, it just occurred to me that I'm expecting delivery of a long sword I ordered. It should be arriving any moment now, and I need to settle the payment. Goodbye!"

In less than the time it takes for ten breaths, the field was cleared of all disciples set to compete.

With the competitors gone, Zhuo Qingyao turned to the referee and inquired, "Now that they've all departed, am I to be considered the victor of the disciple competition, thus earning the right to seek instruction from the direct disciples?"

The referee scanned the area and noticed Wang Ping still sprawled on the ground. "Huh, weren't you the first one to bolt? What are you still doing here? Wang Ping, are you actually planning to challenge Zhuo Qingyao?"

Wang Ping exploded with fury, "Who's the jerk that tripped me? The chicken soup I've been cooking for Master is about to burn! Hey, Junior Brother, give me a hand—this is no place to linger!"

Glancing back unintentionally, Wang Ping locked eyes with Zhuo Qingyao's furious gaze and shuddered. Staying to compete here? Falling into the clutches of this she-devil? Not a chance.

Summoning every ounce of his strength, Wang Ping executed a carp's leap and rolled right out of the competition arena.