Although it seemed like a time-consuming and complicated process, in reality, everything happened almost simultaneously, with planning and action perfectly synchronized. The result, of course, was astonishingly effective.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Three consecutive, almost overlapping, loud explosions once again shattered everyone's perception of an eighth-level Qi Refinement stage young female cultivator.

The low-level talismans, though seemingly wasted, managed to block the first arrow. Despite barely holding up, they successfully fulfilled their purpose without slowing Zhang Yiyi down.

Her mid-grade sword was already superior to Xie Lin's lower-grade treasure weapon. Combined with Zhang Yiyi's sword momentum, it fiercely suppressed the second arrow, knocking it to the ground.

But what truly shocked everyone was that Zhang Yiyi, with bare hands, charged forward and physically blocked the third arrow's forceful suppression. She then smashed it with her fist, shattering Xie Lin's third arrow into two pieces.

"Pffft!" Xie Lin staggered, spitting out blood.

As his bonded weapon was damaged, Xie Lin suffered a backlash, clearly injuring him as well. "Oh, my heavens! Is Zhang Yiyi defying the heavens?"

"How can an eighth-level Qi Refinement stage cultivator battle against someone at the peak of Qi Refinement? Her cross-stage combat strength is incredible!"

"She must be a body cultivator, right? Her body is so powerful, but even body cultivators aren't usually this strong."

"She's clearly a sword cultivator! Didn't you see her sword momentum? Even the most basic Qingping Sword Technique has been trained to near perfection. Sword cultivators have always been among the top combatants!"

"Oh, now I remember who Zhang Yiyi is! Isn't she the one who reached the 729th step on the Heart Trial Path during the new disciples' entrance exam four years ago?"

...

Various discussions arose, as cultivators, who naturally respect and admire strength, found themselves increasingly interested in and impressed by Zhang Yiyi's remarkable combat prowess.

By this point, the outcome of the match seemed almost irrelevant.

If Zhang Yiyi won in the end, it would certainly surprise everyone even more. After all, defeating a stronger opponent is the dream of many. If they couldn't achieve it themselves, they could at least imagine it vicariously through someone else.

Of course, even if she lost, she would still be honored in defeat. The sheer brilliance of the fight alone would be enough to earn her a reputation for being formidable.

Hidden among the crowd, Qiao Chu wore a satisfied smile, as though the one being praised wasn't Zhang Yiyi but himself.

This girl hadn't hunted all those demonic beasts for nothing. Her method of breaking the three arrows was strikingly similar to her approach when hunting a five-horn deer, only now, her techniques were more refined, her coordination between skills and strategy more polished.

Qiao Chu had already mentally taken Zhang Yiyi under his wing, considering himself her master and feeling quite pleased with his foresight in selecting her early on.

Ha! What's the big deal about the peak of Qi Refinement? His carefully chosen first disciple was already strong enough to challenge even early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators. A few peak Qi Refinement cultivators would merely be practice for her.

The situation on the platform, of course, continued without pause.

"Now, it's my turn to strike."

On the stage, Zhang Yiyi calmly sheathed her undamaged sword and issued her challenge to the pale-faced Xie Lin.

Since he hadn't conceded, she wasn't about to be generous and allow him time to heal and recover.

As soon as she finished speaking, she raised her sword. Without waiting for Xie Lin's response, she once again executed the Qingping Sword Technique, but this time, her attack had an inexplicable difference from before.

This subtle change amplified the sword momentum's power several times over. The sharp sword aura, tinged with ancient, indistinguishable energy, surged toward Xie Lin like a relentless storm. An indescribable sense of dread caused Xie Lin's hair to stand on end, filling him with soul-deep fear and making him freeze, unable to move. All he could do was watch as the sword aura engulfed him.

In no time, the battle ended. Xie Lin had lost.

He had been defeated by a simple, ordinary Qingping Sword move from an eighth-level Qi Refinement cultivator, and no one could dispute it. The disciples watching from below were left utterly stunned.

Even though many had speculated that Zhang Yiyi might overcome the odds and defeat Xie Lin, winning so cleanly and beautifully far exceeded their expectations.

The scene fell into an awkward silence before someone started clapping. In moments, the platform was filled with applause and cheers.

"Senior Brother Xie, do you wish to continue?"

On the stage, Zhang Yiyi, unaffected by the surrounding excitement, calmly watched Xie Lin struggle to stand and take two healing pills.

"Junior Sister Zhang's combat prowess is astounding. You're truly extraordinary."

Still catching his breath, Xie Lin looked at Zhang Yiyi, his expression filled with disappointment.

"It seems that..."

At that moment, everyone assumed Xie Lin was about to admit defeat. However, before he could finish, his gaze suddenly twisted with madness. A black orb, previously hidden in his hand, was hurled straight at Zhang Yiyi without hesitation.

With a deafening explosion, the black orb detonated over Zhang Yiyi's head, releasing a storm of dark lightning that completely engulfed her.

"Damn it!" Qiao Chu cursed under his breath and immediately flashed onto the stage, sweeping away the lightning with a wave of his hand. Unfortunately, he was still a moment too late to stop the lightning orb from exploding.

In his earlier pride, he had been careless. He hadn't expected that Xie Lin, despite his loss, would dare to violate the sect's rules and use a highly lethal lightning orb to deceive and attack Zhang Yiyi under the guise of surrender.

Qiao Chu steadied Zhang Yiyi and examined her. Although her face was bloodied and the injuries severe, she wasn't in any life-threatening danger, and her foundation remained intact. Relieved, his tone was far from pleasant.

"Useless! You couldn't even dodge a simple lightning orb!" He shoved a high-grade healing pill into Zhang Yiyi's mouth, complaining, "Do you think healing pills grow on trees? Stop wasting my resources!"

In just a few breaths, the situation on the platform had taken multiple dramatic turns, leaving the spectators below breathless.

They were just starting to relax, relieved that Zhang Yiyi had survived, when they overheard the sect's mighty elder scolding her in such a down-to-earth manner.

Some recognized Qiao Chu, the head of one of the outer sect's nine peaks and a Nascent Soul cultivator. His reputation alone was enough to make the disciples below feel awe and respect. However, wasn't his standard for Zhang Yiyi a bit too high?

Calling her useless? If any of them had taken that lightning orb head-on, they would have been dead on the spot!