"She lost... Senior Sister Nie lost too!"

"Even Senior Sister Nie’s strongest killing move was broken! Is this Xiao Bieli invincible?"

"First Senior Brother Yan, and now Senior Sister Nie... The two top disciples of our Wutai Sect’s younger generation have both been defeated by him!"

"What a disgrace! This is an utter disgrace!"

The disciples of the Wutai Sect looked shocked, dejected, and humiliated.

Many of the female disciples’ eyes were even red-rimmed, finding it hard to accept this reality.

Li Wang’s fists were clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his palms.

Li Lei’s face was ashen.

Yan Yaoyang stared at the center of the arena, a complex look in his eyes.

Chen Qing, however, felt a flicker of doubt. His Spear Technique had reached Perfection, and he vaguely sensed that Xiao Bieli seemed to have seen through all of Nie Shanshan’s Sword Techniques.

One must understand that both were swordsmen, and their True Qi Cultivation levels were not far apart. Therefore, whoever possessed more refined Sword Techniques would have a greater chance of victory.

Over with the Xuanjia Sect, Fang Rui sneered, unsurprised. He muttered, "I knew this would be the outcome."

Shi Ziyi, on the other hand, slowly shook her head and sighed, "What a pity... Senior Sister Nie did her best, but her opponent..."

Chang Xing looked at the devastated Nie Shanshan, a trace of sympathy flashing in her eyes.

When Shi Kaishan saw this result, he felt little joy. Instead, his heart sank slightly. ’The advantage, I’m afraid, will be completely seized by the Cold Jade Valley.’

He was happy to see two powers contend, but one side being completely crushed, causing the balance to be utterly shattered, was not the situation he most wanted to see.

Up on the high platform, He Yuzhou’s expression remained as calm as still water, but inside, his heart was a raging, icy sea of fury.

Defeated. And so utterly, with almost no suspense.

Xiao Bieli’s familiarity with Nie Shanshan’s techniques was no coincidence!

Of course, he wouldn’t go up and question him right now. That would mean not only had they lost, but they would have lost their grace as well.

Leng Qianqiu’s current composure was particularly jarring to his eyes.

In the center of the arena, Xiao Bieli slowly sheathed his sword with a stylish flair. His gaze swept over the dejected Wutai Sect disciples before finally landing on the high platform.

"I wonder, are there any other Senior Brothers or Sisters from the Wutai Sect willing to come down and offer guidance? To bring a perfect conclusion to this junior’s path of Lifeng?"

His voice was clear and resonant, carrying across the entire arena with an air of absolute disdain.

An awkward silence fell before the main gates of the Wutai Sect.

In contrast to the oppression and frustration felt throughout the Wutai Sect, the members of the Cold Jade Valley appeared spirited and triumphant. This was especially true for Ye Qingyi, whose eyes shimmered with a brilliant light as she gazed at Xiao Bieli, full of admiration and pride.

Leng Qianqiu’s expression remained indifferent, as if everything happening was only to be expected. But the fleeting sneer deep in her eyes betrayed her inner satisfaction and scheming.

The Deans and Elders of the Wutai Sect were all seasoned veterans of the Jianghu; how could they not see that there was something strange about Nie Shanshan’s defeat?

Xiao Bieli’s counters to the Thousand Layered Wave Sword Technique, especially to those few killing moves, were far too precise. It was nothing that could be achieved through on-the-spot improvisation.

This was clearly a case where her techniques had been seen through in advance, and counters had even been specifically practiced against them!

An indescribable anger and frustration spread through their hearts. But right now, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, they couldn’t possibly step forward and accuse their opponents of being "despicable."

In the cruel world of the Jianghu, being less skilled was the original sin. If their own core Sword Techniques were leaked, the problem most likely lay with them. Complaining would only make them a laughingstock, appearing even more pathetic and pitiful.

Chen Qing took a deep breath, the True Qi in his body quietly circulating. Just then, Li Baichuan’s lazy voice transmitted into his ear, "Be patient."

Chen Qing’s steps faltered. He remained expressionless as the energy he had just gathered slowly subsided, and he stood still.

On the high platform, He Yuzhou’s brows were tightly furrowed, his face grim.

Losing two matches in a row, and so completely at that—the Wutai Sect’s reputation had been thoroughly trampled into the mud by the Cold Jade Valley today.

In the upcoming alliance negotiations, he was already at a disadvantage before they even began, constrained at every turn.

Just as his mind raced, searching for a way to break the deadlock, Li Baichuan’s voice sounded in his head:

"My dear martial-nephew."

He Yuzhou’s Heart and Spirit tensed. He glanced imperceptibly toward the Cyan Wood Institute and sent a telepathic reply, "Martial-uncle?"

’This old fellow has been cooped up in his Cyan Wood Institute for years, hardly ever meddling in worldly affairs. Why would he suddenly contact me now? What’s his game?’

"I can help you turn this embarrassing situation around, but..."

Li Baichuan paused slightly here.

He Yuzhou knew full well that the old man never acted without a profit motive, so he asked directly, "But what?"

Li Baichuan said, "After the matter is settled, I wish to enter the Earth Core Milk Cave."

He Yuzhou’s heart leaped in his chest!

The Earth Core Milk Cave! That was the very foundation of the Wutai Sect, its greatest secret place. It contained the Earth’s Milk Eye, and historically, only the Sect Leader was qualified to enter—and even then, only in matters concerning the very survival of the Sect!

’Li Baichuan actually dares to make such a request?’

He suppressed his shock and asked in a low voice, "How does Martial-uncle intend to salvage the situation?"

He needed to first confirm whether the old man was just bluffing.

"Simple. Let Chen Qing, the top disciple of my Cyan Wood Institute, take the stage. He still has a fighting chance."

Li Baichuan replied.

"Chen Qing!?"

He Yuzhou was slightly taken aback and subconsciously looked over at him.

He had heard of Chen Qing’s talent and rapid progress, but Nie Shanshan had lost even after consuming the Three Hundred Years Earth Core Milk. Could Chen Qing possibly be stronger than Nie Shanshan?

That seemed a bit...

"Are you serious, Martial-uncle? The Wutai Sect cannot afford another loss right now!" His tone was graver than ever before.

"Of course I’m serious!"

Li Baichuan said nonchalantly, "When have I ever made an empty boast about such matters?"

"And if... if Chen Qing loses, what then?"

He Yuzhou had to be clear about the cost. The Earth Core Milk Cave was too important; he couldn’t stake so much on Li Baichuan’s word alone.