However, when her poison techniques were factored in, Shi Qinglu's combat power surged dramatically. All things considered, Lu Mingye's overall fighting ability actually fell a notch below hers.
And so, though Lu Mingye and Shi Qinglu were nominally the twin pillars of the Hundred Saints Ground, in the depths of her heart, Shi Qinglu had never truly acknowledged that distinction.
She had always believed herself far superior to Lu Mingye.
Before the Genius Grand Tournament, Shi Qinglu had rarely involved herself in the struggles of the younger generation. Her sights and ambitions had long been set on a far higher stage.
This time, she had two reasons for entering the tournament. First, the defeat of her grand-uncle
Her goal in the Genius Grand Tournament was crystal clear: seize the championship. Nor did she expect to encounter any truly formidable opponents or face any significant trouble along the way.
Though Jiang Chen's reputation preceded him, Shi Qinglu had remained firmly convinced that it was all nothing more than the people of Myriad Abyss Island forcing a narrative, deliberately hyping him up.
How strong could one young genius possibly be?
But now, in this very moment, having clashed with Jiang Chen firsthand and exchanged blows several times, Shi Qinglu finally understood that Jiang Chen was genuinely powerful — absurdly so.
The problem was, by the time she fully grasped this truth, she discovered that her situation was no different from that of
Rumor had it that Hu Lei had been subdued by a golden bell, and now that very same bell hovered above her head, its golden radiance radiating an almost divine force that left her equally unable to break free.
As she felt the golden bell pressing lower and lower, its crushing force growing ever more overwhelming, the last shred of pride in Shi Qinglu's heart was utterly shattered.
She knew she had lost.
All of her poison formations, all of her preparations — none of it had worked against Jiang Chen. This opponent was powerful to the point of despair.
Within the Hundred Saints Ground, aside from the Divine Ancestors and a handful of half-sacred Holy Masters, no one had ever made Shi Qinglu feel such utter hopelessness.
Once the golden bell had sealed her in, the battle had lost all suspense.
Shi Qinglu felt as though an enormous mountain had come crashing down upon her body.
"Miss Shi, I'm a gentleman. I'll give you one last chance — what poison did Wu You suffer? Where on your person is the antidote?"
Jiang Chen didn't wish to be ruthless toward women — at least, he didn't enjoy tormenting them.
Though Shi Qinglu was currently an enemy rather than a friend, and in principle he could have resorted to any means necessary, Jiang Chen still didn't want to push things too far.
Shi Qinglu gritted her silvery teeth in fury. "Release me first."
Jiang Chen smiled with practiced ease. "If I let you go and you flee, this is your home turf — tracking you down wouldn't be easy."
As he spoke, Jiang Chen strolled leisurely toward Shi Qinglu. "Since Miss Shi refuses to talk, I'll have to search for it myself. If I touch the wrong place by accident, you'll have to forgive the indiscretion."
At Jiang Chen's words, Shi Qinglu's face drained of color. She cried out, "Jiang Chen, don't you push me too far! If you dare lay a hand on my body, the Hundred Saints Ground will make sure you die without a trace!"
Jiang Chen chuckled. "That's funny. Back in the Seven-Colored Silk Formation, Miss Shi seemed perfectly willing to let anyone have their way with her. How is it that now you've suddenly become the picture of virtue?"