21

Chapter 21

Since receiving the little rabbit-shaped hairpin from Song Wei Zhi that day, Song Zhi Xia had become even more serious in her daily cultivation. On the day of the outer disciple assessment, Song Zhi Xia had already achieved the stage of foundation establishment, with such extraordinary aptitude. Even Song Wei Zhi couldn't help but sigh, "She is truly the female protagonist!"

At the same time, the mechanical voice of the system echoed in Song Wei Zhi's mind again, "The host successfully helped the female protagonist pass the outer disciple assessment and will be rewarded with 100 points. The current host has 650 points."

Song Wei Zhi thought to herself that with Song Zhi Xia's current strength, passing the outer disciple assessment would be easy. She knew she had to accumulate more points quickly, as they still hadn't found all of the female protagonist's soul fragments. She must prepare in advance.

The outer disciple assessment used a random matching system, and the top 20 disciples would enter the inner sect. Under Song Wei Zhi's training in recent days, Song Zhi Xia had come close to mastering nearly twenty moves. This was quite remarkable for someone who had recently reached the foundation establishment level, and in Song Wei Zhi's eyes, it was certain that her little niece would enter the inner sect.

Two days before the assessment, the outer disciples went to the martial arts arena for the draw. They could check their names and their respective opponents' names on the stone stele next to the arena.

Accompanied by Song Wei Zhi, Song Zhi Xia went to the martial arts arena. The names of the outer disciples appeared one by one on the stele. Song Zhi Xia drew number seventeen, and her opponent's name on the stele was Zhao Gui.

Once all the results were displayed, the martial arts arena was filled with the disciples' discussions:

"Who did you draw?" Liang Qin asked Xu Wen Yuan next to him.

"Huang Xiao. He's already at the mid-level of Qi cultivation. I'm in trouble this time. It's annoying. Why didn't I draw Song Zhi Xia? She's just arrived and probably doesn't know anything yet. Besides, she has a useless spiritual beast. If I were to fight her, I could easily win." Xu Wen Yuan lamented.

"True, who was lucky enough to draw Song Zhi Xia?" Liang Qin asked curiously.

"I don't know. I didn't pay attention. Let's go check." Xu Wen Yuan pulled Liang Qin towards the stele. They found Song Zhi Xia's name at the bottom and, upon seeing her opponent's name, Xu Wen Yuan was stunned.

"Oh my, Song Zhi Xia is actually going against Zhao Gui. She's done for this time. Zhao Gui is the strongest among the outer disciples. He's already at the perfection stage of Qi cultivation and only a step away from foundation establishment. I heard that his spiritual beast is quite formidable."

"Indeed, and I heard that Zhao Gui has admired Li Fang Fang from the inner sect for quite some time. He puts in a lot of effort in cultivation every day just to enter the inner sect soon. But Li Fang Fang went to that weird place, the Sudden Wind Valley, because of Song Zhi Xia. I think Song Zhi Xia is in big trouble this time." Liang Qin said, his palms sweating.

"Let's just focus on ourselves."

With a cultivation at the perfect stage of Golden Core, Song Wei Zhi could easily filter information amid the noisy crowd. She had already heard the conversation between the two disciples. It seemed she needed to talk to her little niece.

The match was scheduled for the next day. Back at their dwelling, Song Wei Zhi admonished Song Zhi Xia once more, "Xia Xia, your opponent, Zhao Gui, is at the perfection stage of Qi cultivation and has animosity towards you due to his admiration for Li Fang Fang. Tomorrow, don't hold back. You have to fight as you see fit. Holding back in the arena is equivalent to giving away half of your life."

Seeing her little niece staring blankly at her, Song Wei Zhi was worried about her being at a disadvantage. She hastily continued, "But never stop when they say so. On the martial arts stage, life and death are at stake. If you injure the opponent severely or even kill him, it's his fault for not being skilled enough. I don't care about others, I just want my Xia Xia to be safe."

Song Zhi Xia didn't expect Song Wei Zhi to say these things to her. Her senior sister didn't care about others, only about her own safety, which made Song Zhi Xia genuinely happy. "Senior sister, don't worry. I will do my best at the assessment and won't embarrass you."

Song Wei Zhi sighed and shook her head, "I don't mind the embarrassment, as long as you are safe and sound. Where else would I find such a beautiful girl like you?"

Song Zhi Xia blushed at Song Wei Zhi's words and teased back, "Senior sister, you're bad. You only think of beautiful girls every day. If I'm not beautiful anymore, will you go find someone else?"

Song Zhi Xia didn't realize that her tone resembled that of a jealous young wife.

Smiling, Song Wei Zhi ruffled Song Zhi Xia's hair. "How could that be? Senior sister is only interested in one beautiful girl, and that's you, no matter what. Besides, I have no other friends or sisters besides you. I presume other close sisters must also be like us."

Seeing that her teasing had its effect on the girl, Song Wei Zhi stopped before it got out of hand. She said earnestly, "I don't ask for anything else, just hoping my little sister will be happy and safe every day. Xia Xia, please take care of yourself, okay?"

For the first time, Song Zhi Xia looked into Song Wei Zhi's eyes from start to finish and nodded, assuring her, "Senior sister, I will take care of myself."

"Good. Senior sister looks forward to accompanying you to the Lin Lang Secret Realm."

Early the next morning, several disciples had already gathered around the training grounds. Most of them were in the eastern training ground where Song Zhi Xia and Zhao Gui were. Each training ground had one referee and a few inner sect disciples to maintain order.

Song Wei Zhi also came with Song Zhi Xia. The inner sect disciples quickly took out chairs from their storage bags and offered them to Song Wei Zhi, who graciously accepted. She then advised Song Zhi Xia, "Xia Xia, be careful."

Returning a smile to Song Wei Zhi, Song Zhi Xia said, "Senior sister, don't worry, I'll be fine." With that, she walked to the center of the martial arts arena, while Song Wei Zhi sat on the chair, watching the two contestants.

Because Song Wei Zhi was present, the discussions around them subsided.

When Song Zhi Xia reached the center of the arena, Zhao Gui was already waiting for her.

After exchanging greetings, Song Zhi Xia said, "Please enlighten me, senior brother."

With a cold smirk, Zhao Gui, wielding his long sword, sneered, "Don't think I'll go easy on you. Fang Fang was such a good person, and you sent her to that eerie place, the Sudden Wind Valley. I will make sure you leave the same way you came in today."

He glanced at Song Wei Zhi sitting on the sideline and added, "I want to see how she's going to protect you today."

As Zhao Gui spoke, the referee outside the arena struck the gong, marking the start of the match.

Pointing his long sword at Song Zhi Xia, Zhao Gui summoned his spiritual beast, a black dog, and the two of them rushed fiercely towards her.

The discussion below erupted again:

"Zhao Gui is ruthless. He knows that Song Zhi Xia's beast cannot fight, yet he attacks with his own spiritual beast. Looks like Song Zhi Xia is done for this time, I'm afraid she won't survive it."

"No way, the senior sister is here! I refuse to believe that Zhao Gui dares to take Song Zhi Xia's life in front of the senior sister."

"Let's see, look!"

Zhao Gui controlled the sword energy, causing the fallen leaves around the arena to gather rapidly and encircle his sword. These leaves swirled around the blade and were then launched towards Song Zhi Xia. Simultaneously, his towering black dog lunged at her.

Remaining composed, Song Zhi Xia initiated the "Flame Incineration" technique, setting her sword ablaze. With her left palm, she pushed back the attacking dog, while her right hand thrust towards Zhao Gui. The flames on the sides of the sword were propelled towards Zhao Gui, completely burning the leaves he had directed at her. Without pause, the progressing flames attacked Zhao Gui's chest.

Without giving Zhao Gui a chance to recover, Song Zhi Xia concentrated on a new round of attacks against the dog, trapping it in the flames. While preventing Zhao Gui from escaping the inferno, she aimed her sword at his throat. Zhao Gui, caught off guard, tried to defend against the first strike of Song Zhi Xia but couldn't fend off the onslaught that followed. His clothes were half-burnt.

"You lose. Yield." With that, Song Zhi Xia sheathed her sword.

"I can't believe it. Is this really Song Zhi Xia with poor spiritual roots? She seems to have won so effortlessly."

"You're right. She fought both of them at once and seemed to hold the upper hand all the time. Zhao Gui, except for his initial attack, was always on the defensive. And he couldn't even defend effectively."

"Zhao Gui has achieved the perfection stage of Qi cultivation. It took him several years to reach his current cultivation. Song Zhi Xia has only been here for a short time. This, this is impossible!"

"Could she have used some forbidden technique? This is not allowed!"

"Yeah, Zhao Gui is really pitiful."

At this point, the referee on the ground struck the gong and loudly announced, "Song Zhi Xia wins this match."

"Oh my, how could this be?"

"This is so unbelievable. How could a waste like Song Zhi Xia become so strong in such a short time?"

"This is way out of line. Even I wouldn't accept it!"

At this moment, Zhao Gui on the field was incredulous. He was known as the strongest man among the outer disciples and to lose to a waste like this. Song Zhi Xia had already sheathed her sword and was preparing to leave, but Zhao Gui suddenly launched a sneak attack from behind. By the time Song Zhi Xia realized it, it was too late to avoid it, and she felt herself being lifted.

In the next moment, she saw Song Wei Zhi lifting her. Shortly after, Song Wei Zhi placed Song Zhi Xia under the training ground and stood in front of Zhao Gui.

With a furious yell, Zhao Gui shouted, "This is the arena, and as a senior sister, you actually sided with her! I won't accept this. I won't accept it. You caused Fang Fang to go to the Sudden Wind Valley, and now you want to harm me. Is there any fairness left in this competition?"

"You, a grown man, have the nerve to say such things? The gong has been struck, and the victory has been announced. Yet, you despicably resorted to a sneaky attack from behind. Your despicable behavior is disgraceful. A vile person like you is just a heap of trash, and you are nothing but a disgusting clown." With disdain visible in her eyes, Song Wei Zhi's imposing presence enraged Zhao Gui even more.

"This is unfair! I do not accept this. You, Song Zhi Xia, a waste, cannot become so strong in such a short time. You must have used forbidden techniques, and it is you who should be punished, not me."

"Fancy words." With that, Song Wei Zhi's palm struck Zhao Gui, sending him flying over ten meters until he crashed into a pillar at the edge of the training ground. The thick pillar snapped and, along with the sound of its breakage, Zhao Gui's wails echoed.

When Song Wei Zhi looked at him again, Zhao Gui was lying on the ground, coughing up blood, and had no strength left to stand.

"You..." Zhao Gui tried to say something else, but he passed out.

The force of Song Wei Zhi's blow not only inflicted severe external injuries on Zhao Gui, but the force of the wind also shattered the spiritual roots within his body. As a result, Zhao Gui's cultivation path came to a definitive end.

The actions of Song Wei Zhi and the news of Song Zhi Xia and Zhao Gui had already reached the main hall.

"This Song Wei Zhi is becoming more and more outrageous. I know that child Zhao Gui. He is the top talent among the outer disciples and is on the verge of achieving foundation establishment. To think that Song Wei Zhi wrecked his spiritual roots for the sake of a waste like Song Zhi Xia. Song Wei Zhi really regards no one with any consideration." The Third Elder appeared to have had enough of Song Wei Zhi's behavior, and his beard trembled as he spoke.

"Yeah, such a talented seedling. But in the end, it's all Song Zhi Xia's fault. Ever since she arrived, Song Wei Zhi has changed completely. She used to listen to the elders, but now she just does whatever she likes. Ru Hai, you need to address this." The Elder continued, visibly disapproving of Song Wei Zhi, especially since the last time she caused trouble by demanding to annul her marriage.

"Besides, Tian Ming just said that Song Zhi Xia surpassed Zhao Gui and won the battle. This is ridiculous! She must have used some forbidden technique, as how else could she surpass Zhao Gui, who has practiced for several years, in such a short time? This Song Zhi Xia is worthless and, most importantly, she is malicious. Ru Hai, it shows that the decision you and your wife made back then was the right one." The Second Elder also stoked the flames of dissatisfaction.

This time, Song Ru Hai was also angry. Song Wei Zhi had repeatedly embarrassed him and showed blatant disrespect for him, as evidenced by her unauthorized destruction of the disciple's spiritual roots. Moreover, Song Zhi Xia's sudden surge in strength undoubtedly raised significant concerns.

In a solemn tone, he instructed the disciple beside him, "Tian Ming, go fetch your senior sister. Also, bring Song Zhi Xia, and I want to see what justification Song Wei Zhi has for injuring a fellow disciple. Song Zhi Xia, what trickery is she up to?"

As Tian Ming approached Song Wei Zhi, he was intercepted by Wei Zhao, who was meditating in the courtyard. "Halt. Who are you?" Wei Zhao swiftly stood in front of Tian Ming.

"This junior sister seems unfamiliar with the eyes. When did you arrive at the Song family?" Although Tian Ming had not clashed with Wei Zhao, he felt that the other party's strength was far superior and therefore was especially courteous as he spoke.

"I am not your junior sister, nor am I a member of the Song family. Who are you, and what brings you here?" Wei Zhao asked coldly.

Oh, I'm here to find my senior sister, Song Weizhi," Tianming said.

Song Weizhi had already heard the commotion outside, and she knew that Zhao Gui's matter couldn't be so easily dismissed. Those old fellows probably had their eyes on her for a while. Fine, she wanted to see what those people could say.

Song Weizhi walked out of the room and leisurely made her way to the courtyard gate. Tianming saw that it was Song Weizhi who had come out and quickly saluted, "Senior sister, Master invites you and senior sister Song to the main hall. They said they have some questions to ask you."

Song Weizhi considered it a good idea. After all, she couldn't always stand in front of Song Zhixia. Some things had to be faced on her own, especially since her foster parents were not good people.

Just as Song Weizhi was about to use her spiritual power to message Song Zhixia, she was already coming out of the room, "Senior sister, I'll go with you."

Song Weizhi smiled and looked at Song Zhixia, "Alright, then let's go together."

They summoned their spiritual swords and in a few moments, they arrived at the main hall. Song Weizhi held Song Zhixia's hand, casting a side glance at the elderly men, obviously expecting trouble.

"Weizhi, what exactly happened with the outer disciples' competition? As a senior sister, why did you intervene and even sever a fellow disciple's spiritual root? Do you even still regard me, the sect leader, with any respect?" Song Ruhai's forehead bulged with veins.

"If I didn't intervene, you might not have seen a living Song Zhixia. After Zhao Gui lost the match, he attacked from behind and injured someone. As a senior sister, it is my duty to intervene in such a situation, isn't it?" Song Weizhi remained unruffled, looking straight at Song Ruhai.

"But you shouldn't have acted so severely and harmed his spiritual root," Song Ruhai continued, "Also, you say Zhao Gui lost the match? That's nonsense. Song Zhixia has only been with our Song family for a short time. In addition to her spiritual root and spirit beast, she wouldn't just defeat Zhao Gui, she wouldn't even be a match for any other outer disciple, unless she used forbidden techniques."

"Sect Leader, I didn't use forbidden techniques. I was able to perform the technique because Senior Sister used the Purifying Enlightenment Pill to refine my spiritual root, and after this period of cultivation, I have already built a foundation," Song Zhixia, who hadn't spoken until now, said.

Song Weizhi looked at Song Zhixia and found that she was much calmer than she had anticipated, as though the person speaking ill of her was unrelated to her.

Before Song Ruhai could speak, Senior Elder was the first to speak unpleasantly, "Who gave you, an outer disciple, the right to speak? Outrageous."

Song Weizhi sneered, "What's wrong? Can't she defend herself when she's being falsely accused? It's not like we resort to extracting confessions from people like you."

"Song Weizhi, don't think you can act superior just because you have some talent. I think it's time for us, the Song family, to teach you some manners according to our rules," Senior Elder retorted, clearly displeased by Song Weizhi's attitude.

"Oh? How does Senior Elder plan to teach me some manners?" Song Weizhi's lips curled in a cold smile.

"Ruhai! This is our Song family's chief senior disciple, raised by you," Senior Elder continued, his face burning with anger at Song Weizhi's disdainful attitude.

However, Song Ruhai didn't want to push the confrontation too far. He suppressed his anger and said, "Weizhi, Senior Elder has watched you grow up since you were young. You must show respect to Senior Elder. If you're wrong, just admit it. As for Song Zhixia using forbidden techniques, she should be expelled from the Song family."

Song Weizhi completely ignored Song Ruhai, "Zhixia has already said she didn't use forbidden techniques, and she has indeed already built a foundation. If you want to understand the situation at that time, it's simple—just bring those inner disciples who maintain order and the referee, and everything will be clear."

"Hmph, dead men tell no tales. I want to see what other tricks you have," Er Elder finally couldn't contain himself.

In no time, several inner disciples, along with the referee from Song Zhixia's match, arrived.

Song Ruhai said in a deep voice, "You several, explain the situation at that time clearly. Don't fabricate stories, or else I will punish severely."

"Leader, when Zhao Gui lost to Song Zhixia, I had already signaled the victory for Song Zhixia. Afterwards, when Song Zhixia put down her sword and was about to leave the training ground, Zhao Gui suddenly attacked her. Thankfully, Song Weizhi was there, or the consequences would have been unimaginable," said the older supervising disciples who were acting as referees, similar in age to Song Ruhai.

Upon hearing the referee's words, Song Ruhai's temples throbbed even more. He then said, "What about you? Is what he said the truth?"

"It is indeed true. Senior sister Song Zhixia did not injure anyone. It was Zhao Gui who, after losing, couldn't accept it and attacked," one spoke up, and then another agreed.

"Even if Zhao Gui attacked first, Weizhi, you shouldn't have been so heavy-handed with your fellow disciple. Zhao Gui's spiritual root is completely destroyed because of you," Song Ruhai continued.

"I acted too severely? If I hadn't intervened, it would have been Song Zhixia who died. After all, she is also the sect leader's biological daughter. Such cruelty from the sect leader," Song Weizhi sneered.

"You, you shut up," Song Ruhai said, smashing the cup in front of him in anger.

"Why should I shut up? Leaving a person with evil intentions like Zhao Gui will only harm our fellow disciples. Could it be that the sect leader finds his talent valuable and can't bear to let him go?" Song Weizhi raised an eyebrow, full of disdain in her words.

"You, Song Weizhi, do you still want to stay in the Song family!" Song Ruhai was already in a terrible state due to Song Weizhi's attitude.

"What's the matter? Do you want to expel me from the sect? That's fine, I reckon the other families in Lin Hai City would be willing to take me in," Song Weizhi raised her eyebrows and continued, "Zhixia, let's go. There are always vicious dogs around here with the intention to bite us. It's better to go somewhere else."

"Okay, I'll follow senior sister wherever she goes," Song Zhixia looked at Song Weizhi, with no sense of belonging to her foster parents at all. Of course, wherever Song Weizhi went, she would follow.

"Wait, I was just speaking carelessly. I was confused by Zhao Gui's actions. Since it's his fault, let's forget about this matter. However, Song Zhixia's next match will have me and several elders present. It will be clear whether she used forbidden techniques," Song Ruhai, trying to calm the situation, quickly continued. He had almost forgotten that Song Weizhi was a standout among the younger generation in Lin Hai City. If he didn't keep her, there were plenty of other forces that wanted to recruit her. Zhao Gui was just an outer disciple, after all. In the future, there would be more such disciples.

"Okay, I'm willing to let the sect leader and the other elders watch the match," Song Zhixia calmly said. Since she hadn't used forbidden techniques, she wasn't afraid of them watching.

"Alright, tomorrow I'll go with the three elders to watch the match," Song Ruhai said with a frown.

"Let's go, Zhixia. We've said what we needed to. If others want to play deaf and mute, we can't control that," Song Weizhi said without even saying goodbye, summoning her Lishuo Sword and lightly embracing Song Zhixia's waist before flying away on it after a few breaths.

The elders and Song Ruhai who were left in the main hall were almost exploding with anger.

"Just look at Song Weizhi's attitude, as if she were the head of the Song family. It's really infuriating," Senior Elder said, touching his chest.

"Yeah, she thinks too highly of herself. Ruhai, we need to think of a solution," Er Elder chimed in.

"I've already thought of a solution. We'll have to rely on Super Yun," Song Ruhai said, fearing that if he didn't come up with something, he wouldn't be able to calm the three elders beside him. He had to inform them of the plan he had discussed with Song Chaoyun.

"You've all seen Song Weizhi's attitude towards the Song family, especially since she found out she's not my daughter. Now, after severing her engagement with Zhao Xunkun, Super Yun and I thought it would be better to make Song Weizhi my daughter-in-law. She and Super Yun have grown up together, and as long as she marries into our Song family, she will forever be devoted to serving our Song family."

"But, Ruhai, Song Weizhi even severed her engagement with Zhao Xunkun, how can you ensure she will marry Super Yun?" At first, Senior Elder thought Song Ruhai's idea was good, but on second thought, how was it possible for Song Weizhi to marry Super Yun given her current attitude towards the Song family?

Song Ruhai's face darkened as he said, "These days, I've had Super Yun spend more time with her. When we go to the Linlang Secret Realm, I'll make sure Super Yun is always by her side. Women, how many can resist the flattery of an attractive man? I'm sure it won't be long before Song Weizhi is devoted to my son."

"Is that so? Let's see how it goes. If it doesn't work, we need to prepare early," Er Elder also clearly didn't believe that Song Chaoyun had the ability to win over Song Weizhi.

"Super Yun is, after all, a talented young man of the younger generation. You should have some faith in him," Song Ruhai assured. After all, Song Chaoyun had just entered the Illumination Period of cultivation, despite his skill being no match for Song Weizhi's, she was still a woman at the end of the day.

On the other hand, Song Weizhi and the others had returned to their residence. Afraid that Song Zhixia might feel bad after being misunderstood, Song Weizhi comforted her, "It's okay, Zhixia did well. Today's events can only be blamed on Zhao Gui. Don't think about it too much, just prepare well for tomorrow."

"I know. Thank you, senior sister. I will prepare well," said Song Zhixia.

The next morning, when Song Weizhi and Song Zhixia arrived at the training ground, Song Ruhai and the other three elders were already seated on the sidelines. Song Weizhi's opponent was none other than Huang Xiao, who had defeated Xu Wenyuan the previous day. The training ground was crowded with disciples who had come to watch the match. The events of the previous day had already sparked much discussion, and with even the sect leader and three elders being involved, the disciples were even more eager to witness the match. In comparison, there were far fewer people watching matches at other training grounds.

"Ah, I think Huang Xiao is sure to lose this time. Don't be fooled by the fact that he won against me yesterday. I say he definitely isn't a match for Song Zhixia," Xu Wenyuan had come early that day with Liang Qin just to see how exceptional Song Zhixia's skills really were.

"Hmpf, is your brain okay? How can that useless Song Zhixia beat Huang Xiao? Huang Xiao is already in the middle stage of Qi cultivation. I think you men are blinded by that despicable Song Zhixia," said a person named Song Yueling, a distant relative of Song Ruhai. Song Ruhai had brought her back to the Song family for cultivation due to her decent spiritual root and aptitude. She and Huang Xiao had both reached the middle stage of Qi cultivation. She often acted arrogantly in front of other disciples, taking advantage of her distant relation to Song Ruhai.

Song Yueling had recently returned home to visit her family, so she had only heard about Song Zhixia's situation through hearsay. However, this did not hinder her from disliking Song Zhixia. A rural girl dared to claim the reputation of the Song family's daughter and thought she was worthy of it?

"What's it to you? I'm speaking the truth. Everyone saw that Song Weizhi won the match yesterday. How can you insult her?" Xu Wenyuan was also upset. He was just talking to Liang Qin, so what concern did Song Yueling have in this?

"Hmph, no good stuff. Later, be prepared to see Song Zhixia make a fool of herself," Song Yueling sneered.

Many of her followers chimed in: "That's right, I didn't see it yesterday. I want to see if Song Zhixia is truly powerful, or if it's just exaggerated by you male disciples who are blinded by beauty."

"Alright, just wait. I'm afraid you'll be embarrassed later," Xu Wenyuan was also infuriated.

At this time, the referee at the sidelines struck the bronze gong.

"Zhixia, as before, ensure your own safety first. Good luck," Song Weizhi, standing on the sidelines, smiled at Song Zhixia and said.

Song Zhixia nodded at Song Weizhi and smiled. She then turned and went to the training ground as Huang Xiao had already taken position opposite her.

Song Zhixia saluted, and Huang Xiao returned the gesture.

He summoned his spiritual sword and released his spirit beast, a deer. As he manipulated his spiritual power, the surrounding yellow soil around the training ground began to gather towards his sword. Soon, the training ground was filled with yellow sand, and as Huang Xiao's sword fell, the yellow sand along with his sword energy attacked Song Zhixia.

"Idiot, you can't even handle Huang Xiao's move, and you still think a useless person like Song Zhixia can handle it?" Song Yueling couldn't miss any opportunity to ridicule others.

"You just wait. Song Zhixia will definitely survive it," Xu Wenyuan was also indignant. He had seen Song Zhixia's strength with his own eyes yesterday.

Several elders at the stands also started to discuss:

"Hmph, Song Zhixia can handle Huang Xiao's move without forbidden techniques? I want to see how they'll explain that later," Senior Elder snorted.

Song Ruhai was sitting on the sideline almost dozing off. After all, the competition between outer disciples was nothing to write home about. If it weren't to humiliate Song Weizhi, he wouldn't have bothered coming. As he watched, Huang Xiao's sword energy was approaching Song Zhixia, who remained motionless. He sat there and ruminated, "A waste is just a waste. It's lucky that I traded for Song Weizhi back then. Otherwise, I would have been very embarrassed. In the end, this matter is Qin Xian's fault! Who else would have known that Song Weizhi was not my biological daughter?"

In the next moment, the situation in the arena suddenly changed. The discrepancy in realms between Huang Xiao and Song Zhixia was too significant. Song Zhixia condensed her fire-based spiritual power in her left hand and calmly delivered a palm strike. The yellow sand on the training ground was dispersed in an instant. As Song Zhixia's palm strike didn't stop there, it arrived before Huang Xiao. With a swift movement, she waved her sword and several bursts of fiery light emerged from the ground, some rushing towards Huang Xiao's deer spirit beast, and others towards Huang Xiao himself.

The sudden surging flames forced the deer spirit beast back to the edge of the training ground. Huang Xiao was barely able to block Song Zhixia's palm strike, and the flames on the ground intensified, gradually approaching him. Several sword energies headed for Huang Xiao's face, and with an awkward defense, he managed to avoid the swords in front of him. However, he couldn't guard against the sword energy on his side, resulting in a long and deep gash. At this point, Song Zhixia's sword was directed towards Huang Xiao's face.

The match didn't take much time at all. With the sound of the referee striking the bronze gong and the announcement, "Song Zhixia wins," the match came to an end.

"Thank you for the defeat," Song Zhixia gently nodded at Huang Xiao and retracted her longsword.

Huang Xiao saluted Song Zhixia and said, "I acknowledge your victory. Thank you for sparing me. But I will become stronger."

Song Zhixia simply nodded, indicating that she understood. Then she quickly turned to look for Song Weizhi in the stands.

She ran a few steps to where Song Weizhi was and, looking at her with bright eyes, exclaimed, "Senior sister, I won."

"Good, my Zhixia is the best. What reward do you want, Zhixia?" Song Weizhi asked, casually patting Song Zhixia's head.

Song Zhixia blushed a little, her eyes glimmered as she said, "I'll tell senior sister once I pass the outer disciple assessment."

Song Weizhi laughed, "Alright, Zhixia now has her own plans. Well, I'll ask you again once you've passed the assessment."

In contrast to the jubilance of Song Weizhi and Song Zhixia, Song Ruhai and the three elders on the sidelines were so stunned that they couldn't speak.

"Song Zhixia really didn't use forbidden techniques, and she seems to be brimming with spiritual energy. It seems that she has indeed built her foundation. How is this possible?" Senior Elder voiced his doubts.

"Yeah, it's quite clear that she's very skilled in using fire-based arts. It seems she really cleansed her spiritual root," Second Elder nodded and said.

"Does that mean that Song Zhixia actually built her foundation successfully in such a short time? Isn't this a blessing for our Song family? Ruhai, I really need to congratulate you," Third Elder said with a smile.

Song Ruhai was also surprised to learn that what Song Weizhi and the others had said was true. Since Song Zhixia had good talent, she would have value. A faint smile curled on the edge of Song Ruhai's lips.

Author's Remarks:

Song Weizhi: Hi! They are both my nieces, I'll reward Zhixia with anything she wants!

Song Zhixia: What if I want senior sister herself?

Song Weizhi: (shocked.jpg) You're supposed to be my niece, re