Lin Xifeng nodded in agreement, curious about what set Xu Nian apart.

    But Yuu Fei at his side was dismissive, with a look that said, ''prepare to be disappointed.''

    "Quick, look, Chengfeng is here!"

    Just then, an exclamation arose from the crowd, and suddenly the stands became abuzz.

    Especially the female students, each one''s face lit up with excitement, staring at Chengfeng like infatuated fans.

    Within Qinglin Academy, Chengfeng was a figure that created quite the storm, not only because he was tenth on the Azure Dragon List, but also because he was first on the Hidden Dragon List.

    Being just twenty, he had already reached the peak of the Star Realm, a true genius.

    With such talent, it was no wonder the female students idolized him, not to mention Chengfeng''s decent appearance, which naturally caused a sensation as soon as he appeared.

    "Alas, who do you think will win this duel?" a Spiritual Academy disciple couldn''t help but ask.

    "Isn''t that obvious? It''s certainly Chengfeng. How could a Seven-star warrior hope to defeat Chengfeng, a Nine-star Warrior, in just three months? Impossible," a female student immediately retorted.

    Her words quickly led to a chorus of nods around her, clearly sharing the same sentiment.

    "Perhaps a miracle could happen. I''ve heard this Xu Nian is also exceptional," another female student chimed in with a sliver of hope.

    However, the crowd around her just shook their heads in disbelief.

    ...

    Chengfeng stood on the battle platform, looking at the crowded spectators'' stands, a slight smirk appearing on his lips.

    He had never taken this fight seriously; to him, Xu Nian was no more than a non-issue.

    This duel was only going to solidify his standing at the Academy, and Xu Nian would ultimately fall to his sword.

    Time ticked by, and still, Xu Nian didn''t appear.

    "Could this guy be too scared to show up?"

    "I think so. Showing up would be a dead end for him; likely, he''s too frightened to even appear."

    Xu Nian deliberately glanced in the direction of the central stand, and when he saw that familiar figure sitting high upon the platform, his eyebrows instinctively furrowed.

    But the moment he met the other''s cold gaze, his eyebrows smoothed out again, and a light smile played upon his lips.

    Still the same cold and heartless Family Head Qin!

    Xu Nian sneered inwardly. Since that was the case, he would show everyone just how foolish the Qin Family''s decision had been.

    "Xu Nian, I didn''t think you''d dare to show up; I thought you''d be too scared to come," said Ouyang Chengfeng, clad in a purple Academy robe that rustled attractively in the breeze.

    Xu Nian, in his usual white Academy robe, looked at Ouyang Chengfeng and smiled, "Why wouldn''t I come? For me, this is a battle I''m bound to win. What do I have to worry about?"

    At his words, the audience erupted in surprise.

    Bound to win?

    Xu Nian sure is unbearably arrogant—despite the situation, he still dares to boast so wildly.

    Ouyang Chengfeng also smiled, but his smile contained a hint of anger as he looked at Xu Nian, "Oh? Are you really that confident you can defeat me?"

    "No, I''m not just confident about defeating you, I''m confident about killing you," Xu Nian replied with a smile, his eyes gleaming with determination.

    Ouyang Chengfeng''s eyes narrowed instantly, filled with brewing Killing Intent.

    Three months ago, this kid before him had no chance to fight back, and he didn''t believe that in just these three months, the kid could surpass him.

    "I was thinking that if you begged for mercy, perhaps I''d spare your life in the end. But since you''re so ignorant, you can go to hell!" Ouyang Chengfeng snorted coldly, and the aura of a Nine-star Warrior was released without reservation.

    The air surged, his robes billowed, and his figure stood proud like a Long Spear pointing to the heavens.

    This scene elicited excited cheers from the female students in the stands, awakening their admiration.

    Xu Nian just smiled, stepping forward his own aura suddenly burst forth explosively!

    A sudden gust wrapped around Xu Nian, his formidable presence not the least bit inferior to Ouyang Chengfeng''s and even faintly surpassing it.

    "Eight... Eight-star Warrior?"

    Everyone in the stands was stupefied.

    Even Chen Hong, seated at the center of the platform, stood up abruptly, his expression both shocked and excited.