225: Chapter 225 Xiguang Martial Arts Stage

Anya showed no surprise or emotional fluctuation upon hearing this.

She merely raised a brow slightly, appearing somewhat interested in the matter.

"Oh?" Her red lips parted slightly, her voice calm. "Who is that person?"

Jian Lu lowered her head and reported a name clearly and accurately: "It is a reserve team member from Modu University of Martial Arts named Li Mu."

...

Over the next few days, Qin Yan's life in Xiguang City gradually settled into a routine.

With Hua Lu's company and introductions, he gained a clearer understanding of the layout of the palace and its surrounding areas.

Since being explicitly rejected by Qin Yan that day, Hua Lu's attitude had returned to being professional and appropriate.

She no longer made any overstepping moves, dutifully playing her role as a guide.

She led Qin Yan to familiarize himself with the paths from the Martial Arts Estate to various major facilities and visited several public libraries within the palace.

As well as some training grounds where Human race distinguished guests were permitted to go.

The "Archery Meditation Grove" was located in a quiet birch forest on the outskirts of the palace.

The sharp whistle of arrows piercing the air and the dull thud of hitting the bullseye could be heard faintly;

Inside the Spear Practice Field stood several rows of sturdy wooden stake targets of different heights and angles.

The dull "thwack-thwack-thwack" sound of spears piercing into the wood could be clearly heard.

Inside the Rapier Duel Court, the "clinking" of rapiers clashing and the subtle "whoosh" of blade tips piercing the air were frequently heard.

One afternoon, Qin Yan came to the Swordsmanship Refinement Court.

He did not enter the internal training grounds but simply stood on the corridor, quietly observing.

In the center of the training grounds, Wen Ning's figure was particularly eye-catching.

She had changed out of her usual moon-white long dress and was wearing a set of light blue robes that were easy to move in.

Her posture was upright, and she held a longsword of ancient design.

Her expression was focused, and her eyes were clear.

She was practicing a set of sword techniques under the guidance of a serious-faced, steady-breathing elder Elf swordsmaster.

With a flick of her wrist, the longsword turned into a flowing cold light.

Her posture was as light as a swallow, yet her transitions carried a resilient force.

As her sword technique unfolded, a clear ice-blue sword aura about a foot long slowly condensed at the tip of the blade!

The sword aura was condensed with sharp edges, flickering and emitting a piercing cold air.

Clearly, under the guidance of the Elf Clan sword master and the assistance of resources,

Wen Ning had not only made rapid progress in her cultivation but also significant strides in her sword arts, having already condensed a sword aura!

Quite a few young Elves were gathered around, resting or waiting for training, most of whom were male.

Most of their gazes were involuntarily drawn to Wen Ning in the center of the field.

The young woman's heroic posture while focused on her sword, her clear and gentle features,

And that ice-blue sword aura combined to form a unique and moving charm.

Many young Elves showed undisguised admiration and affection in their eyes.

Wen Ning had long been used to this; she was revered as a goddess back at Modu Jiaotong University.

Otherwise, Zhao Hao wouldn't have been pursuing her so persistently.

After finishing a set of sword techniques, she stood with her sword sheathed and bowed to the swordsmaster to ask for advice.

Only after receiving guidance did she wipe the fine sweat from her forehead and walk out of the field.

As soon as she walked out, she saw Qin Yan leaning against a corridor pillar, looking at her with a smile.

"Qin Yan? Why are you here?"

A smile naturally bloomed on Wen Ning's face, completely different from the cold focus she had while practicing her sword just now.

"I got tired of training and decided to wander around, and see what the Elf Clan's Swordsmanship Refinement Court is like."

As they spoke, they walked out of the court along the corridor lined with small purple star-shaped flowers.

Their topics ranged from the characteristics of Elf Clan swordsmanship to recent interesting events in the Human race, and then to their respective experiences and insights in the Eternal Song Star Realm.

Wen Ning spoke much more than she did when they first reunited outside the palace.

Her smile became increasingly relaxed and bright, though her eyes held a bit more calmness from having weathered storms.

The relaxed and pleasant atmosphere of their conversation

Stood in stark contrast to the gentle but always appropriately distant attitude Wen Ning usually maintained toward other Elves.

The young Elves who originally harbored feelings for Wen Ning couldn't help but feel waves of bitterness and confusion seeing this scene.

Who was this Human man who had suddenly appeared?

Why could he talk and laugh so closely with Miss Wen Ning?

The smile Miss Wen Ning showed him was so natural and brilliant, something they had never seen before.

Soon, some well-informed Elves began to whisper.

"That person... seems to be one of the Human Prodigies from Blue Star invited by Her Highness Anya, named Qin Yan."

"So it's him! I heard he's one of the top-tier powerhouses among that group of Humans?"

"Her Highness Anya has strictly ordered that no one is to provoke or neglect the Human guests without cause, or they will be severely punished..."

Learning of Qin Yan's identity and recalling Her Highness Anya's emphasis on the Human race,

Most of the Elves, though envious and even a bit jealous, could only suppress their unrealistic thoughts.

After all, it was unwise to violate the Princess's prohibition for the sake of an unrequited crush.

However, a few arrogant young Elves secretly memorized Qin Yan's appearance and name.

If they had the chance to meet in a "fair" setting, they wouldn't mind letting him know that the young talents of the Elf Clan were not to be underestimated.

Qin Yan was completely oblivious to this, or rather, even if he noticed, he didn't care.

His interactions with Wen Ning were open and natural, with a clear conscience.

Time passed steadily amidst cultivation, communication, and adaptation, and March 3rd soon arrived.

On this day, a place in the palace called the "Martial Arts Estate" became exceptionally lively.

The Martial Arts Estate was located in a relatively open area on the outskirts of the palace complex, covering a vast area.

The estate was covered in lush green grass and surrounded by ancient trees.

In the center was a massive circular arena over fifty meters in diameter.

At this moment, the entire Martial Arts Estate was covered by a faint light-green hemispherical light screen.

This was a soundproofing and protective barrier, ensuring that the combat fluctuations inside would not affect other areas of the palace.

On the arena, two figures were currently in a fierce confrontation.

The sound of clashing metal and the whistle of air-piercing energy echoed throughout the estate.

The arena was already surrounded by spectators.

Among them were Human Prodigies from Blue Star as well as dozens of young talents from the Elf Clan.

They gathered in small groups, their eyes fixed on the battle on the arena, occasionally letting out low discussions or cheers.

This Arena Tournament was established by Her Highness Anya today, named the "Xiguang Martial Arts Stage."

Its purpose was twofold: first, to provide a public, safe, and formal platform for the young geniuses of the Human and Elf races to spar and exchange ideas.

Through actual combat, they could learn from each other's strengths and make progress together.

Second, it was to prepare for what was to come.

Within the next day or two, representatives of young geniuses from other important territories under Anya's command would also arrive in Xiguang City one after another.