90: The Pact and the End!

Subconsciously, they placed Qin Shuang in a position to oppose Li Qing.

One was a tyrannical and mysterious Genius akin to a god or demon.

The other was the number one local Genius, elegant and peerless like a Fairy.

What kind of spectacle would it be if these two were to face each other?

Hearts were set ablaze with gossip and anticipation.

Qin Shuang paid no heed to the cheers of the crowd.

After winning her match, she made a move identical to Duan Lang's, yet fundamentally different.

She turned around, her pair of cool eyes meeting Li Qing's on the viewing platform directly for the first time.

There was no provocation, no anger.

Her gaze was calm as water, yet sharp as a sword.

"You are strong."

Her vermilion lips parted slightly, her voice cool and clear.

"On the stage of the Great Xia Martial Selection, I hope to have the opportunity to witness Your Excellency's true prowess."

This was a challenge!

A formal challenge from Jinling City's number one local Genius to the suddenly emerged Prodigy, Li Qing!

She acknowledged Li Qing's strength, yet her words were also filled with confidence.

She was confident that she might not be inferior to Li Qing.

She believed she was qualified to compete with Li Qing on a higher stage!

These words instantly pushed the atmosphere in the arena to another Peak!

Facing Qin Shuang's battle pledge, Li Qing's reaction once again defied everyone's expectations.

He did not ignore her as he had with Duan Lang, nor did he display any arrogance.

He simply looked calmly at the woman in white on the arena and gave a slight nod.

"Very well."

Two simple words, yet they seemed to carry immense weight.

This was a form of acknowledgment.

An acknowledgment from one powerful expert to another.

He recognized Qin Shuang's qualification.

Beautiful women always have their privileges!

This response caused a glimmer of light to flash in Qin Shuang's cool eyes.

She gave Li Qing a deep look, then turned and descended the stage, returning to the Lingxiu Hall area.

An invisible clash thus came to an end.

But the ripples it stirred were far from subsiding.

"Heavens, Fairy Qin Shuang actually challenged Li Qing of her own accord!"

"This is the spirit our Jinling City geniuses should have! Unafraid of powerful authority, daring to challenge!"

"Who do you think would win if they really fought?"

"Hard to say... Li Qing's punch was too powerful, but Qin Shuang's sword is also fast to the extreme!"

The crowd buzzed with discussion, as if already seeing the scene of Jinling City's two peerless prodigies clashing in a Peak duel on the future stage of the Great Xia Martial Selection.

City Lord Zhuang Bai stroked his beard with a smile, his eyes filled with satisfaction.

Competition was a good thing.

Li Qing alone had already pleasantly surprised him.

Now, there was also the outstanding Qin Shuang, with both exceptional Heart-Nature and strength.

Perhaps their Jinling City could truly make a stunning impression in this Great Xia Martial Selection and shed its past embarrassing role as a mere "also-ran."

The subsequent matches proceeded amidst the crowd's heightened emotions.

Since five were eliminated in the first round, one of the remaining five contestants would receive a bye, advancing directly.

This lucky individual was Feiyun Martial Arts Hall's Zhao Cheng.

When he drew the bye token, he was completely stunned, never expecting such a fortunate turn of events.

But even in one-on-one combat, he wouldn't be afraid.

Except for Qin Shuang!

The remaining four would compete in two matches to determine the final two winners.

With the dazzling performances of Li Qing and Qin Shuang setting the stage earlier.

The following two duels held no appeal.

The final match was Qin Shuang against another top contender, a Peak Condensing Essence Realm Martial Artist renowned for his defense.

Knowing his offense couldn't match Qin Shuang's, that Martial Artist poured all his strength into defense.

Unleashing his "Iron Body Skill," his body was enveloped in a thick, earthen-yellow Protective Aura, like a moving fortress.

He was determined to outlast Qin Shuang.

However, he underestimated Qin Shuang's sword.

Qin Shuang simply stood calmly in place, watching him push his defense to the limit.

Then, she drew her sword.

It was still that same simple, pure sword strike.

A sliver of sword light, almost imperceptible, silently swept past.

"Sss..."

A soft sound.

The Martial Artist's proud Mysterious Turtle Aura was easily torn open like butter cut by a red-hot knife.

The sword light flashed past his neck.

"I... surrender..."

The Martial Artist forced out the three words with difficulty, a blood line slowly appearing on his neck.

He knew that if Qin Shuang's sword had gone even a fraction deeper, his head would have been severed.

Qin Shuang sheathed her sword, her expression indifferent.

Her sword!

Once drawn, it must draw blood!

With this, the final spots were settled.

Pre-selected by the City Lord's Mansion: Li Qing.

Determined by competition: Lingxiu Hall, Qin Shuang.

Feiyun Martial Arts Hall: Zhao Cheng.

These three would represent Jinling City, traveling to the Royal Capital one month later to participate in the preliminary rounds of the Great Xia Martial Selection.

When the City Lord's Mansion official loudly announced this result, thunderous applause erupted throughout the arena.

Most of the applause was for Qin Shuang.

She was the undisputed winner, proving her strength with two flawless instant victories.

As for Zhao Cheng, the crowd regarded him with looks of envy and jealousy.

This guy's luck was simply too good.

His strength couldn't compare to Duan Lang's.

But Duan Lang had brought about his own downfall.

Naturally, this spot fell to Cheng Fei, whose strength was second only to those two.

This competition had no dark horses!

Or rather, on the Martial Dao, if you don't retreat, you advance.

How could there be so many dark horses!

As for Li Qing... no one dared to discuss him anymore.

The looks people cast his way held only deep awe and fear.

The competition concluded, and the crowd began to slowly disperse.

Li Qing also stood up, preparing to leave.

"Young friend Li Qing, please wait."

Zhuang Bai called out to him.

"What instructions does the City Lord have?" Li Qing turned around.

Zhuang Bai wore a warm smile on his face.

"The true test is one month from now. During this time, the City Lord's Mansion treasury is open to you at any time. If you have any needs for cultivation, please do not hesitate to ask."

"I have only one request," Zhuang Bai's eyes turned sharp.

"At the Great Xia Martial Selection, make everyone remember the name of our Jinling City!"

"I will."

Li Qing replied calmly.

His goal was not merely to have others remember Jinling City's name.

What he wanted was to shake the entire Great Xia Dynasty!

Just then, the group from Lingxiu Hall passed below the viewing platform.

Qin Shuang walked at the front. When her gaze met Li Qing's, she gave a slight nod in greeting.

But Chen Meng, following behind her, kept her head down, her steps hurried, as if wanting to flee this place.

Li Qing watched her flustered figure, his heart utterly unmoved.

An old acquaintance had, in the end, become a stranger.

He withdrew his gaze, cupped his hands towards Zhuang Bai in farewell, and turned to leave.

He needed to return and Cultivate.

The Peak of the Body Refining Realm was not enough.

He wanted to break through to the Condensing Essence Realm within a month!

Being constantly mocked didn't feel good either!

The conclusion of the qualification tournament did not bring peace to Jinling City; instead, it stirred up a new wave of commotion.