"Junior Sister Bi."
"Your Southern Phoenix Academy is indeed stronger than our Northern Mysterious Academy."
"I, Song Xi, have never denied that."
"But in the end, we are all disciples of the Sleeping Dragon Martial Academy. We are fellow disciples."
"My juniors from the Northern Mysterious Academy are, in truth, your juniors as well."
"What you're doing seems rather inappropriate, don't you think?"
Song Xi said.
"Song Xi, don't rush. I haven't finished speaking."
"To demonstrate fairness, our Southern Phoenix Academy is willing to hold a competition with your Northern Mysterious Academy."
"I won't go asking those senior brothers from the Southern Phoenix Academy for help."
"It'll be right here and now — just the people present here competing against you."
"If our Southern Phoenix Academy wins, then things go my way."
"If you manage to win, then the old rules remain in effect."
"I wonder whether you have the courage to accept."
Bi Jingjing said.
Song Xi was indeed somewhat hesitant.
He wasn't afraid of Fang Yunshi, but he was genuinely wary of Bi Jingjing.
Because Bi Jingjing had not only grown up in the Sleeping Dragon Martial Academy since childhood — her identity and background were also far from ordinary.
"Fine. I accept."
"But Junior Sister Bi, how exactly do you propose we compete?"
Song Xi glanced at the Northern Mysterious Academy disciples behind him before giving his answer.
"Since we're competing, and to avoid giving anyone cause for gossip, it should naturally be fair and comprehensive."
"Three rounds."
"First round: talent."
"Second round: barriers."
"Third round: combat."
"Each round will consist of three-on-three duels."
"Whichever side wins two out of three rounds takes the victory."
Bi Jingjing said.
"Then we'll compete as Junior Sister Bi suggests."
Song Xi said.
"Good... First round — talent."
"Your Northern Mysterious Academy selects three from those present here, and our Southern Phoenix Academy will also select three from the disciples present."
As she spoke, Bi Jingjing produced a stone platform from her Universe Bag.
The platform was originally palm-sized, but the moment she tossed it into the air, it immediately expanded.
By the time it hit the ground, it had already transformed into a ten-meter-wide stone platform.
Not only was the platform covered in runic patterns, but a dragon design was carved into its center.
This platform bore a general resemblance to the testing platforms Chu Feng had encountered at the Sleeping Dragon Martial Academy before, though there were in fact some differences.
The platforms Chu Feng and the others had used previously numbered three in total.
Each of the three platforms was used to test willpower, potential, and bloodline respectively.
This platform, however, combined all three — willpower, potential, and bloodline — into one.
It couldn't provide an accurate reading of each individual aspect the way the three separate platforms did, but it could still measure a person's overall talent.
"For the first round of the talent competition, I'll go first."
The moment the platform landed, Fang Yunshi stepped forward to stand before it.
But he didn't step onto it right away. Instead, he fixed his gaze on Song Xi.
"I, Song Xi, will represent the Northern Mysterious Academy and take the first fight."
Song Xi also stepped forward and stood before the platform.
"Song Xi, don't cry when you lose."
With that, Fang Yunshi stepped onto the stone platform.
Hummm— The moment Fang Yunshi set foot on the platform, the runes upon it sprang to life, flowing rapidly across its surface.
Before long, a purple radiance bloomed from the stone platform.
Purple radiance — superior-grade talent.
However, neither the Northern Mysterious Academy nor the Southern Phoenix Academy was particularly surprised by this.
Fang Yunshi might not be the strongest disciple of the Southern Phoenix Academy, but he did carry a certain reputation.
Everyone had long been aware of his talent grade.
"Song Xi, make sure you don't lose now."
Fang Yunshi threw Song Xi a provocative look before stepping down from the platform.
After he stepped off, the radiance emanating from the platform immediately dissipated, and it quickly returned to its normal appearance.
Seeing this, Song Xi stepped directly onto the platform.
Hummm— The moment Song Xi stepped onto the platform, it produced the same reaction it had when Fang Yunshi stood upon it.
Before long, an identical purple radiance was released.