"What's going on? It's over already?"
"Right? They haven't even determined a winner! That was unsatisfying."
"Heh heh, neither could beat the other, so naturally there was no need to keep fighting. This battle may have looked like a draw, but in reality, Gan Ning was the loser."
"Exactly. A genius on the level of the Five Young Masters, yet he couldn't beat someone who just entered the Holy Land? That's truly embarrassing if word gets out."
"You can't say that. Shao Yuan did pass the Nine Serpentine Cloud Grotto, after all. The Holy Land has already classified him as a top-tier genius for cultivation."
"So what? Shao Yuan is only at the peak of the Imperial Realm, while Gan Ning is at the third level of the Heavenly Position. That's several whole realms of difference—are those just for show?"
"Heh heh, it's easy to talk when you're standing on the sidelines. Think you could do better? Go up there yourself if you've got the guts. Besides, Senior Brother Gan Ning's Divine Water Arm offers both offense and defense. If it were someone even slightly weaker, they probably wouldn't have lasted long against Shao Yuan's ridiculous speed."
Everyone had their own take, but when it came to this battle, they all had to admit it was the most spectacular fight among the younger generation. Even if it wasn't the single best battle, it was certainly one of them.
The key thing was that this fight had incredible spectacle. One was a newly arrived genius who had passed the Nine Serpentine Cloud Grotto. The other was a top-tier genius among the Five Young Masters.
One had pushed speed to its absolute limit. The other had pushed spatial control to its absolute limit.
A clash of two extremes—no victor was decided, but it was a feast for the eyes.
"Senior Brother Gan Ning." Jing Yi approached with an aggrieved expression, glaring hatefully toward Jiang Chen on the other side of the arena. "That kid cheated, Senior Brother Gan Ning! You weren't even at full power. Otherwise, how could that kid have dared act so brazenly in front of you?"
Gan Ning's expression was indifferent. "Enough. Let this matter rest. Everyone, disperse."
Jing Yi was still unwilling to let it go, but he didn't dare defy Gan Ning's will. After all, he had always followed Gan Ning's lead.
He muttered under his breath, "What a shame. Miss Ying's anger still hasn't been vented. That kid got off easy."
Gan Ning gave Jing Yi a casual glance but said nothing more.
Meanwhile, Xiahou Ying stood off to one side, wearing an expression of pitiful vulnerability, as if she had suffered some tremendous grievance. Xiahou Ying was quite the actress—her display made Jing Yi look even more indignant, as though he wished he could personally step into the ring and take on Shao Yuan himself.
Unfortunately, Jing Yi knew his own limitations. After witnessing this battle, he understood clearly. The humiliation Shao Yuan had inflicted on him before—there was probably no hope of ever settling that score in this lifetime.
Aside from Senior Brother Gan Ning, none of them stood a chance against Shao Yuan. Stepping into the ring? Forget about redeeming his honor; he'd likely just end up humiliated again.
"Senior Brother Gan Ning, it's all my fault for putting you in a difficult position." Xiahou Ying was a clever woman—even her provocation was done without leaving obvious traces.
"Miss Ying, don't say that. It's that brat Shao Yuan who's arrogant and rude. What does that have to do with you? Besides, you were wronged too—he mocked and belittled you. Hmph, that kid is nothing but a boor!" Jing Yi spoke up indignantly on her behalf.
Xiahou Ying said softly, "A little grievance on my part is nothing. I'm simply worried that this has tarnished Senior Brother Gan Ning's reputation. Shao Yuan has made a name for himself with this one battle, and from now on, everyone will use Senior Brother Gan Ning as a measuring stick. Senior Brother Gan Ning has become a stepping stone for his rise."
Gan Ning smiled faintly at this. "Miss Ying, sparring among fellow disciples is a common occurrence. Only through sparring can we assess the strengths and weaknesses of the martial path and make progress together. Gossip from the outside world shouldn't be taken seriously. A bit of reputation damage—what true genius would care about that?"
Gan Ning's words made it clear he was not falling for Xiahou Ying's attempts at sowing discord.
This answer left Xiahou Ying slightly stunned.
"Senior Brother Gan Ning is truly magnanimous. If that brat had even a shred of conscience, he should be falling to his knees in gratitude toward you." Jing Yi's voice was bitter.
Gan Ning smiled faintly and glanced at Jing Yi. "Junior Brother Jing Yi, if you have time, see Miss Ying off for me. I've gained some insight from this battle and need to return to my cave dwelling for a period of secluded cultivation."
With that, Gan Ning's elegant figure transformed into a ripple of water and gradually vanished on the spot without a trace.
Jing Yi stood there dumbfounded. He had never expected Senior Brother Gan Ning to leave just like that—not even bothering to keep Miss Ying company or see her out.
Feeling somewhat awkward, Jing Yi looked at Xiahou Ying at a loss. "Miss Ying, Senior Brother Gan Ning must be upset. Please, let me host you this time."
When Xiahou Ying saw Gan Ning's attitude suddenly turn cold, she was genuinely surprised. In her heart, Gan Ning was indeed a person of note. As for Jing Yi—he was nothing more than Gan Ning's lackey. Why would Xiahou Ying care about him?
Despite Jing Yi's fawning, Xiahou Ying's courtesy had been nothing more than playing along. Now that Gan Ning had grown cold, her mind was in turmoil, and everything about Jing Yi started grating on her nerves.
She said coolly, "There's no need to host me. I've paid my respects to my teacher, and it's about time I took my leave."
Xiahou Ying changed faces the moment she spoke—the speed of her transformation was astonishing.
Jing Yi's composure was far too shallow to handle someone like Xiahou Ying. Seeing her suddenly turn cold, he was completely bewildered and at a total loss.
He watched helplessly as Xiahou Ying walked away, wanting to stop her but not knowing what to say.
Jing Yi felt a knot of frustration tightening in his chest, seething with barely contained rage.
He glanced toward the arena and saw that Shao Yuan had just stepped down from the platform at that very moment. Jing Yi's eyes filled with loathing as he glared at Jiang Chen.
Seeing Jing Yi glaring at him with such hostility, Jiang Chen merely shook his head inwardly. There was truly no need to waste any time on someone this impossibly dense.
He ignored Jing Yi's hateful stare, walked right past him, and treated him as nothing more than air.