34: Chapter 34 The Xiao Family of Shanghai

The performance of the second-place student was even more astonishing; he used a heavy sword.

His sword technique was incredibly overbearing, splitting the Merman Warrior in half with just three strikes.

These top New Students finished their battles faster and faster, each displaying more terrifying strength than the last, putting immense pressure on everyone present.

Finally, it was the turn of the highly anticipated first-place ranker at the top of the list.

"Next, Xiao Wangshu."

Dressed in white, Xiao Wangshu appeared like a fairy from the Moon Palace descending to the mortal realm. Under the gaze of countless eyes, she held her longsword and walked onto the field with a composed pace.

Facing the roaring Merman Warrior charging at her, her expression didn't flicker in the slightest, as if she were merely facing a gentle breeze.

Just as the Merman Warrior entered a three-zhang radius in front of her, she moved.

Her longsword suddenly unsheathed.

She didn't use any flashy sword moves, simply thrusting her sword forward.

From the tip of the sword, two subtle yet incomparably sharp transparent ripples erupted simultaneously—that was highly condensed Sword Force! And it wasn't just one, but two!

Sword and halberd clashed!

The Sword Force passed through the Sea Halberd and sank into the Merman Warrior's wrist.

"Puff! Puff!"

The Merman Warrior didn't even have time to react before feeling two piercing, bone-deep pains in its wrist, followed by two muffled explosions!

"Roar—!"

It let out a shrill, pained wail. The scales and muscles at its wrist were forcibly blown apart from the inside out by those two eerie bursts of Sword Force, sending blood and shredded meat flying!

It could no longer hold the heavy Sea Halberd; with a "clang," the Sea Halberd slipped from its hand and fell to the ground.

Having lost its weapon, the Merman Warrior was both shocked and enraged, instinctively reaching for Xiao Wangshu with its other hand.

However, another cold flash of sword light flickered, as fast as lightning and as graceful as a startled swan!

The sword light swept across the Merman Warrior's thick neck.

Its movements froze instantly, the expression on its hideous fish head solidifying.

A moment later, a line of blood slowly appeared, and the massive fish head separated from the body, rolling to the ground with a "thud." From the headless neck, blood surged out like a fountain.

Thus, the fierce first grade Merman Warrior perished.

From unsheathing to sheathing the sword, the entire process took only two moves—clean, efficient, and a total insta-kill!

Qin Yan watched in a daze, waves of shock churning in his heart.

"Two strands of Sword Force! She can actually release two strands of Sword Force simultaneously!"

"This is the level of mastery where Sword Force is as natural as one's own limbs; it's a stage that can only be reached with Third Stage mid-rank sword technique skills!"

He had originally thought his Third Stage low-rank Spear Technique was impressive enough, but only now did he realize how terrifying a true monster could be.

In the stands, the instructors who had been relatively calm could no longer sit still, their faces filled with pleasant surprise and excitement.

"Two strands of Sword Force! Controlled by will! This sword dao talent..."

"To cultivate sword techniques to the Third Stage mid-rank at such a young age, her future is truly limitless!"

"Xiao Wangshu... The Xiao Clan? Which hidden martial arts family did this monster come from?"

"The Xiao family of Wutan City? Or... the Magic City Xiao Clan lineage?"

The instructors discussed fervently, their gazes burning with intensity, clearly moved by a strong desire to take her as a disciple.

Such a disciple was perfect in terms of talent, temperament, and background resources; who wouldn't want her?

Just then, Dean Su Zhiming's calm yet unquestionable voice slowly rang out, instantly drowning out all the noise:

"Don't even think about this girl."

The instructors were stunned and looked at Su Zhiming with puzzled expressions.

Su Zhiming's gaze swept over them as he added indifferently, "Don't forget the surname of the Dean of the Second Academy."

The instructors were momentarily taken aback, then looks of realization dawned on their faces. The heat in their eyes quickly faded, replaced by understanding and regret.

The Dean of the Second Academy's surname is Xiao.

"Dean, do you mean... this girl is a direct descendant of the Magic City Xiao Clan?"

Instructor Lin Jian of the First Institute looked at the elegant and ethereal figure in the center of the field and couldn't help but ask again, his tone carrying a hint of reluctance.

Su Zhiming nodded slightly, which was taken as a silent confirmation.

Hearing this, Instructor Lin Jian immediately deflated like a punctured ball and sighed helplessly.

Although he was a peak sixth-rank sword dao expert and ranked among the top sword-specializing instructors, compared to a Great Grandmaster-level Dean...

...he was far behind in terms of strength, status, and resources.

Moreover, the Magic City Xiao Clan was a true martial arts powerhouse with countless experts within the clan.

The Dean of the Second Academy was an Eighth-Rank Grandmaster; having Xiao Wangshu personally taught by him was undoubtedly the best choice.

In the center of the field, Xiao Wangshu sheathed her longsword with elegant and fluid movements.

She walked slowly back to the New Student group, ignoring the admiring gazes from all around.

"Wangshu, that sword strike of yours just now was so cool!"

Just as Xiao Wangshu returned to her spot and stood still, a petite girl with a delicate and cute face immediately scurried over like a lively little deer.

She praised sincerely in a crisp, soft voice, her large eyes sparkling.

"Youyou, you were very impressive too."

Xiao Wangshu's cold gaze landed on her, and she gave a rare response; though her tone was faint, it carried recognition.

Lu Youyou, the genius girl ranked fourth among this year's New Students.

Just moments ago on the field, this seemingly delicate and cute girl had swung a massive, tall hammer.

With unstoppable momentum, she had smashed the fierce Merman Warrior into a pile of pulp!

That extreme contrast between violence and cuteness left a very deep impression on everyone.

"Oh, don't talk about that!" Lu Youyou pouted slightly in embarrassment.

She complained softly, "I didn't want to use a hammer either.

It doesn't look ladylike at all...

But other weapons just don't feel right. Only the hammer is the most simple and direct—just smash it down!"

When she returned from the field just now, she noticed many Classmates looking at her with a hint of awe and avoidance.

As if they were afraid that if she got upset, that terrifying giant hammer would land on their heads.

This made her very depressed.

Just as the two girls were about to continue their conversation, Dean Su Zhiming's majestic voice rang out once more:

"Silence!"

In an instant, all whispers and discussions came to an abrupt halt.

The entire field became so quiet a pin drop could be heard, and everyone's eyes focused on the podium.

"This New Student trial ends here!"

Su Zhiming's eyes were like torches as he scanned the nearly one thousand young faces below, his voice steady and powerful: "Your performances in this trial have been clearly seen by me and all the instructors present."

"Some performances were commendable, showing extraordinary talent, courage, and practical combat ability."

His gaze drifted over a few dozen people, including Xiao Wangshu, Jingang, and Qin Yan.

"But for most, the performance was disappointing!

One could even say it was pathetic!"