Chapter 55: Qian Ran’s True Power

A strong sense of danger flashed across Zhang Lexuan's face.

Without time to think, she pressed her toes in midair, darting away like a goddess from the Moon Palace. Even so, the wind from the Angelic Holy Sword's strike still stung her skin.

"She actually dodged it."

Qian Ran felt a hint of disappointment. But Zhang Lexuan was no ordinary Soul Douluo — enhanced by her hundred-thousand-year soul ring, she was far stronger than average. Against a typical Soul Douluo, his surprise attack might have inflicted serious damage.

Qian Ran's eyes gleamed as he commanded the Angelic Holy Sword to curve back toward her.

"What an uncanny attack. This guy Qian Ran can actually threaten a Soul Douluo."

Zhang Lexuan took a deep breath, startled. When she realized the sword was only ten meters away, she knew that a second's delay would have left her at least lightly injured.

The thought of being wounded by a freshman was unacceptable to her.

For years, she had crushed powerful opponents in the advanced spirit master tournaments, without feeling any sense of threat. Now, that sense of danger was something she hadn't experienced in ages.

What impressed her most was Qian Ran's fine control over his spiritual power.

She could tell that he was controlling the sword purely with his mind.

To be able to wield an object in combat like this was a significant accomplishment.

Zhang Lexuan knew she couldn't replicate it and didn't understand how Qian Ran manipulated his mental energy this way.

"Coming again?"

Just as she took a breath, the Angelic Holy Sword rushed toward her again.

Her expression shifted, and she quickly repositioned herself.

The flying sword and Zhang Lexuan began an aerial chase.

Since the Angelic Holy Sword wasn't human, Zhang Lexuan had no way to disable it. Her attacks left no mark on it.

"This sword isn't ordinary. It's not a soul tool, yet it's so sturdy. Qian Ran always has such bizarre things." Zhang Lexuan was growing frustrated. She'd never encountered anything so strange.

Qian Ran wasn't as simple as she'd thought.

She had clearly underestimated him.

"But it's time to stop. Even though overpowering you might seem unfair, this little game needs to end," she said, smiling confidently at Qian Ran. His skills had impressed her, even sparking a new appreciation for the uses of spiritual power.

But Qian Ran was still destined to lose to her.

Relying on mental strength alone, Qian Ran's physical capabilities couldn't match her. Once she controlled him, the flying sword would cease its attacks.

With that thought, she rushed toward him.

"It's over, little Qian Ran. I admit you're impressive, but the gap between our levels is too vast." She reached for him, but the "Qian Ran" in her grasp disappeared.

Zhang Lexuan froze, utterly bewildered.

"An illusion?"

Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she saw the real Qian Ran standing behind her.

Had he tricked her again?

How did Qian Ran have so many strange techniques?

"Fine. You win." Zhang Lexuan dismissed her martial spirit, landing gracefully on the ground. Her tone was calm, though inwardly, she was far from indifferent. As a Soul Douluo, nearly getting hurt by a mere Grandmaster was one thing, but falling for his illusions was another blow to her pride.

In a real fight, these mistakes could have cost her life against an equal opponent.

Zhang Lexuan wondered if her abilities were slipping; she had little experience dealing with spiritual attacks. If Qian Ran were at her level, she might have been at his mercy.

Given this, she had no desire to continue. Once exposed, his illusions wouldn't fool her again.

If she wanted, she could catch Qian Ran easily.

But to what end? It was hardly an achievement for a Soul Douluo to restrain a Grandmaster.

Her pride as a top spirit master felt dented.

Since entering Shrek Academy, she had swept through talented competitors with ease. This was humiliating.

As for Bei Bei, she decided to let things go.

For now, at least.

If Bei Bei was injured again, she'd deal with it then.

At this moment, she couldn't bear to stay any longer. It would be hard to focus on training for quite some time.

"Thank you, Senior Sister, for going easy on me," Qian Ran said with a smile.

If Zhang Lexuan had truly fought at full strength, he wouldn't have stood a chance.

He'd noticed a weakness.

Despite his strong spiritual power, his physical strength was limited by his current level. If an opponent could land a solid blow, he'd be in trouble.

Especially with area attacks, which he couldn't handle yet.

"Even just now, you could easily beat an average Soul Sage," Zhang Lexuan said with a sigh, her gaze complex.

Qian Ran's talent had thoroughly impressed her.

She had always been proud, celebrated as Shrek Academy's top talent.

Outwardly humble, her inner pride had remained untouched — until now. Qian Ran had shattered that pride.

She realized her so-called talent wasn't as exceptional as she'd thought.

When she was Qian Ran's age, Soul Sages had seemed like lofty figures to her.

That was the difference between them.

"So, does this mean I can keep hitting Bei Bei?" Qian Ran's eyes lit up.

"You wouldn't dare!"

Zhang Lexuan stomped her foot in frustration, unable to do anything to him.

What kind of question was that?

Did beating up Bei Bei make him that happy?

If she used her true strength to teach him a lesson, it would only embarrass her further. Besides, their skirmish had already caught the attention of several academy experts.

At least ten strong spirit masters had witnessed their battle.

With the Sea God Pavilion elders observing, she'd already lost face. Continuing was out of the question.

"Senior Sister, do you like Bei Bei?" Qian Ran couldn't resist asking. In the original story, Zhang Lexuan's feelings for Bei Bei always seemed inexplicable to him.

Zhang Lexuan was ten years older than Bei Bei. By the time he was born, she was already a little girl.

She practically raised him under her watch.

Given that dynamic, could she genuinely have romantic feelings for him?

It felt too forced. Would someone develop romantic feelings for someone they'd raised? Qian Ran found the idea absurd.

Furthermore, Zhang Lexuan had been groomed by Mu En to be a future bride for Bei Bei. Perhaps her sense of duty outweighed any personal feelings.

(End of Chapter)